One of the more bizarre things about the 487s is that they aren’t a secretive group. They actually advertise their tactics and locations for everyone to see. When the law enforcement folks aren’t prepared, don’t always assume it’s because they were surprised.
Break the rules, creatively.
Here in Austin, Texas, activists love to hold rallies at the state capitol building.
It’s a magnificent edifice of pink granite and the symbolic center of our state, so I can understand the impulse. Yet the grounds are so massive that all but the biggest crowds become visually lost among the monuments, and for about 18 months out of every 24 the building is empty (“a big pink tourist trap”).
I’m tired of attending protests outside an empty building. The bigger issue is that strongly worded speeches alone won’t solve the immense problems we face. Neither will petitions or angry letters.
This doesn’t mean we throw out all the old methods. Instead, if we really want to disrupt this ongoing, dangerous political coup, we need to find new tools and more creative ways to use them.
Can you shut down an intersection and hold your speak-out there? A bull-horn or even the people’s microphone can substitute for a proper sound system. You’ll probably have to shorten your speeches, but they might inspire listeners more. Read more here.