Reply #4: I have this to say...

[seventhson]

My 14 year old daughter is going with her Mom and Aunt. They protested in NYC last year and again in DC. Things were fine.

Make sure you have a meeting place well outside the protest area in the event of a riot or separation. Have a primary CLOSE location for meetup AND a secondary spot.

Make sure your son is well equipped with water and at the very least a big headscarf in the event of tear gas pr mace and stay on the edges of crowds in the event of provocateurs starting trouble so you can get quickly out of harm's way. Srat out of tight spaces if possible.

Also because of the new sound weapons I recommend cotton to protect your eardrums.

Good sneakers for running (no sandles or flip flops)

and a change of clothes in the event of rain/water cannons, etc.

In Philly at the bicentennial protest I SAW planes seeding the clouds which caused a HUGE storm and broke up the rally. It was hot and exciting but very wet.

Finally have a small first aid kit with bandages , smelling salts and disinfectant in the event of injuries.

I think you will be fine. Stay AWAY from troublemakers who may well be Bush agents who act like protesters starting trouble to incirew police action.

NYC cops are very cool, but do NOT want problems. They are on our side, these heroes of 9-11 - and are mostly democrats. But they do NOT want any trouble and will respond harshly to troublemakers which can cause stampedes etc. so stay alert.

Finally, a camera is always a good idea (cheap disposables, to document things)