How to identify a repug plant at the protests (good read for all going)

[Barret]

The very below quotes are key statements made by a (supposedly) would be democratic protestor in another thread.

Fortunately these statements provide some insight in to the psychology that will be used to get protestors to incite violence, or cause other behaviors that will be harmful. As such it's a good idea to review it so you know what to look for.

I think we can be reasonably assured there will be plenty of republican plants at the protest. (considering they have been using them since Vietnam, and the fact that Rove & Co would like/need to milk this for all it is worth) Some of them may have even been calm members of groups for months to gain credibility. If you are going to the protest make sure to educate your self on their tactics. Make sure to educate others as well. Some people are naive and have NO idea when they are being used.

Anyone telling you or others things similar to the below should NOT be trusted. If you hear others going around telling people things like this make sure to identify them as plants, make sure to tell people they are being set up, and make sure not to do what they suggest.

Some of this will be obvious. For example, any one trying to get you to "shut the city down" obviously is a mole.

Some things will NOT be so obvious, however, and will use old psychological tricks. For example, note some of the below statements suggesting that if you engage the police it won't be YOU inciting violence it will be THEM.

This is a typical shift the blame strategy to get you to do something you otherwise wouldn't. Anyone at the protest trying to tell you if you start something it won't be your fault should immediately be considered a plant.

Also note how one of the below statements puts the enemy face on the WRONG people.

If someone comes over to you and says "Hey look at the republicans" (NYC police) "over there overstepping themselves". Remember - most of the NYC police are democrats NOT republicans. If someone tries to start you thinking otherwise and then suggestively suggests something do NOT fall for it. Putting the wrong face on others is again a typical trick.

Trying to get the mood more agitated is another psychological method they use. If you are at some place and EXPECT trouble to occur you probably are going to put your self in a different state of mind. (i.e. you can go from having thoughts of people starting trouble being a distant thought to thoughts of having trouble started being expected, and almost acceptable) If there is someone in a group constantly telling everyone things like "This isn't going to be mild at all" "The way things are is a recipe for an explosion, and they'll get one" etc think about what kind of mood they might be getting the group in to.

And of course anyone who is downright happy "rubbing their hands with glee" kind of thing about protestors getting arrested, being involved with crime, etc should (obviously) be considered a plant. I doubt they would have people amateur enough to give themselves away like that, but you never know.

Also someone might tell you that New Yorkers are furious at the republicans in a context that suggests "so they'll be OK if you do this..." is another mind game they use. Anyone that tells you that it's alright to do something you know is wrong because "It will be ok with new yorkers" should be considered a plant.

Also keep in mind that if they ARE successful in getting something going they will want it to spread and make the situation as out of control as possible. If there is a confrontation between protestors and police plants all around (they will be spread out) will start to use that as reason to get you to agitate the situation. Something along the lines of "Hey did you hear what happened between the cops and protestors way over there? I heard they beat protestors. Let's go show the bastard cops over here a thing or two."

And of course that leads me to the blatant lie strategy. A LOT of people would get pissed if they heard of some horrible thing that happened. A plant could come running over screaming "Hey everyone! Way over there the cops beat 2 pregnant people and a guy in a wheel chair! They also shot a 12 year old dead! Let's go show the cops over here what we think about that." or some such nightmare story that NEVER HAPPENED. If someone tells everyone such a story at the very least confirm it, and even if true don't let it cause the situation to repeat it's self for the pleasure of the plant.

Also remember some of them may take it on themselves to be catalysts, and may, for example, take a police stick to the head if they feel it would start something.

And of course the final (one of the most obvious give a-ways). Anyone who knows or tells you where exactly a "bloody confrontation" will take place ahead of time obviously knows something. They might have particular hot spots where they suspect would be the most ideal points to get a "bloody confrontation" going. So be aware of such places that they likely would want to start such a confrontation. (for example - near a place where a news crew is present, where there is a high concentration of anarchists, in a place where people have been more agitated or have been easier to suggest things to, etc.)

Remember to be on alert and be aware of what those around you are saying and doing. Don't fall for their tricks. If the plants can't control you then they can't accomplish their agenda.

------------------
quotes


"We'll shut the city down"

"in-your-face confrontations" (know what "in-your-face confrontations" lead to?)

"The New York protest won't be mild at all"

"If the Republicans abridge that right and back it up with military force, they will have a fight on their hands, and they will have brought it."

"That's a recipe for an explosion, and they'll get one."

"This thing is already over the top. New Yorkers are furious at the Republicans. You'll find out."

"I am rubbing my hands together with glee. The jails won't hold all of us."

"The huge crowd won't be contained"

"This is where the bloody confrontations will take place, as protesters (or ordinary pedestrians) attempt to evade the police. "

"This is where the Republicans have overstepped themselves, and why they are inciting violence."

[NMDemDist2]

1. kicked and nominated n/t

[Sporadicus]

2. I Hope Everyone Attending Protests at the GOP Convention

reads and heeds these recommendations. I attended a labor rally in DC years ago where the potential for violence was very real. Provocateurs were out in full force, using some of the tactics enumerated here.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Wise words

I remember the Viet Nam protests and how there were agent prevocatuers. Hope all going to protest read this.

[Tosca]

4. Watch out for that guy in the fright wig

imitating Abby Hoffman!!

[alfredo]

8. Tommy the traveller was one of them.

He was credited with starting the violence at the Vietnamese Embassy. He was in Chicago too.

[Warpy]

5. What to do about violence:

Go with people you trust. If you see any violence at all, from a tossed rock to a shove to a smashed window, link arms. Surround the person you saw do it and march him over to the police lines, arms linked around him. Tell the cops what you saw and that you have made a citizens' arrest and turn him over to them. Give your names when asked.

Trust me on this one, chances are none of this will ever make it to the police blotter. You can be sure 99% of the violent little SOBs are GOP and freeper plants.

We didn't discover this stuff until the early 70s, when it was almost too late. Things haven't changed that much. Please take this to heart and use it.

[gristy]

6. Yes, I saw that technique used by A.N.S.W.E.R. at a march/rally in DC

Very, very effective.

[smirkymonkey]

7. Also, they have horns and sharp, pointy teeth.

Seriously though, good post. Thanks for the info - forewarned is forearmed.

[Toots]

9. MLK Jr. went to LBJ and asked for Federal protection during

their march from Selma to Birmingham. LBJ told him at the time that the best thing for the cause was for some horrible things to happen, and if troops were there that may not happen. That is what would make the news and shock America into paying attention. He therefore was not going to send federal troops to assist the marchers. MLK Jr. was unhappy but had to agree with the President. As it turned out Federal troops were sent and lives were saved although many ugly things were seen on nation wide TV and the rest is history.

[markses]

10. Apparently, the Black Panthers were Republicans

Which explains, of course, why the police felt the need to jail and kill so many of them. :eyes:

[Barret]

11. Bump for today

[ret5hd]

12. Another sign of a repug plant...

One that does everything he/she can to make the legitimate protestors of an illegitemate regime distrustful, paranoid of, and even fearful of their fellow protestors. one who seeks to ensure that, rather than cohesion and cameraderie (sp?) there will be fear and paranoia.

"Be afraid of everyone, especially those that are emotionally involved in the protest."

on edit: google viral marketing. if companies use it to gain a few hundred thousand dollars, why wouldn't repugs use it to gain a few hundred billion?

[CaptainClark23]

14. I think you misread....

you charge: "one who seeks to ensure that, rather than cohesion and cameraderie (sp?) there will be fear and paranoia."

Take another look at the post which you responded to. I see a determination not to become paranoid or fearful. I see a determination to promote comaraderie by putting forth the notion that this is our protest, and we can police ourselves from those who might wish to disrupt it and its message.

""Be afraid of everyone, especially those that are emotionally involved in the protest.""

You present this as a quotation - source please?

[ret5hd]

15. i dont think i misread...

and i do agree that we can police ourselves.

as far as the quote, yes i did present it as such when i knew it was not, but it was meant as sarcastic response, my "read" on the intent of the orignal post, and i should have labeled it as such. sorry.

[Barret]

18. I never said to be "afraid" of anyone

Basically I am telling you to use your head and your common sense.

"One that does everything he/she can to make the legitimate protestors of an illegitimate regime distrustful"

Hate to tell you this, but the things I have said you should be looking out for will NOT be coming from legit protestors. If you think someone encouraging others to become violent is a legit protestor then I fear for you if you are going to the protest. You'll be one of the first ones they use.

And, yes, you WILL need a certain amount of paranoia. Sorry, but when you are dealing with the rethugs that's a given. You don't go up against these people expecting them to play nice. If you do they will take full advantage of it. That's the simple reality of the matter these days.

Take a look at LBN. Notice the recent articles indicating they are now bold enough to openly send the feds to intimidate activists? Stealth plants at protests are actually a step DOWN from that. At this point it would be irresponsible NOT to be on the look out for them.

Unfortunately some people just have to learn for themselves I suppose.

[Monte Carlo]

13. ''The jails won't hold all of us''!?

Anyone who says that is not just a plant, but an obvious one. Anyone who knows anything about the U.S. prison system knows that there's always room for one more.

[dorktv]

16. even if they have to put beds in the shower room

[CaptainClark23]

17. beds?!

wow, where'd you get pulled in? sounds nice!