Hey Everyone (anyone?),
So I'm not sure how many people out there are reading these (probably none judging by the fact that there have been 0 comments, and that's ok), but in the off chance anyone is actually tuning in week to week to see any updates that happen, you may have noticed a startled silence in this space. Honestly all that means is that things have been busy... I find myself a little overwhelmed as of late... pinging between frantic spikes and lethargic lulls with very little time criss crossing in between... I could go into detail, but it all amounts to not much more than complaining.. all I can say is that I feel like my life is turned upside down hourly. I will post more soon, but I just can't really deal right now...
Thanks for understanding.
Cheers,
Chris
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Coffee Crash (Idea for a Punk Tune)
30 Second song idea
220 BPM
::Punk Guitars::
I'M GONNA TAKE OVER THE WORLD!
ONE COFFEE CUP AT A TIME!
GONNA LET MY FREAK FLAG UNFURL!
ON A MAST OVER 300 FEET HIGH!
I KNOW IT MAY NEVER BE
BUT YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST OF ME
COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE!
::SPEEDY RIFF::
HAVE IT WITH SUGAR AND CREME
OR DRINK IT COMPLETELY BLACK
MAIN LINE IT AND SEE WHAT I MEAN
AND LET IT FUEL YOUR ATTACK
PAY YOUR DUES AND MAKE YOUR PLANS
YOUR DESTINY IS IN YOUR HANDS!
COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE!!
crash...
::low drooping cacophony of notes::
220 BPM
::Punk Guitars::
I'M GONNA TAKE OVER THE WORLD!
ONE COFFEE CUP AT A TIME!
GONNA LET MY FREAK FLAG UNFURL!
ON A MAST OVER 300 FEET HIGH!
I KNOW IT MAY NEVER BE
BUT YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST OF ME
COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE!
::SPEEDY RIFF::
HAVE IT WITH SUGAR AND CREME
OR DRINK IT COMPLETELY BLACK
MAIN LINE IT AND SEE WHAT I MEAN
AND LET IT FUEL YOUR ATTACK
PAY YOUR DUES AND MAKE YOUR PLANS
YOUR DESTINY IS IN YOUR HANDS!
COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE!!
crash...
::low drooping cacophony of notes::
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Nesting Tendencies... For men
Entry #6... this is becoming less of a daily occurrence than I'd like it to be... Maybe that was inevitable, but I'm going to try and step things up to be more up to date.
So, lately I've been consumed with this desire to start something new... But not new entirely... This blog is part of it, but not the end all be all of it. I used to think it was just a creative itch, but there's more to It than that.
So, lately I've been consumed with this desire to start something new... But not new entirely... This blog is part of it, but not the end all be all of it. I used to think it was just a creative itch, but there's more to It than that.
For example, it's no secret (or is it?) that in a band there are lots of compromises to be made. Sometimes this leads to not getting your way when it comes to song choice, your songs being developed, in part, you trade control to get things done. That doesn't mean I'm not grateful for the help and input of my band mates, to the contrary, I appreciate their input all the more, because I couldn't get as far as I have without them. But... I still occasionally I find myself wanting more.
And maybe that isn't wise. Maybe I should focus on what I have going already...making a project that's less and less mine as time goes on as good as it can be... And to that end, I'm not going to be doing any less with The Pandemics. I just know I want to make something that goes deeper... Whether that's writing a book or a comic book... Fleshing out this blog... or starting a record label, something The Pandemics need going forward since a former member is now out of the picture... I wish I could keep working with him on player 2... It's a solid name.. But that's his thing... And I wouldn't want to insert myself into someone else's project...
Then there are other times where I want to become a part of something bigger than myself like the Eric garner protests...
So I guess what I'm trying to say is that i don't know what I want. And maybe this is just me going into my "30s nesting mode". Maybe I'm mentally getting to the mode I need to be in to become a parent... Which is also a BIG item on the to do list... That could be a blog entry on it's own... So we shall see...
Till next time internet.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Protester Safety - Safely Standing for What You Believe in
Hey Everyone,
A little late out of the gate, but welcome to entry #5. Sorry for the delay, but things have been a bit hectic lately, and this post was important and I didn't want to rush it...
Before I start, I should point out that I am not a doctor, a lawyer or any kind of expert on protester safety. So by no means is anything I have to say the end all be all on this subject, nor am I responsible for anything anyone chooses to do with this information. In the immortal words of Homer Jay Simpson: "One, Two, Don't Sue!".
However, before you write me off I should point out that this advice doesn't all come from me. It comes from various resources online like the Boston Area Liberation Medic (BALM) Squad and Black Cross Collective websites among others. It also features advice directly from friends of mine such as Jaime Taylor (a librarian in the people's library at Zuccotti Park) and Sasha Sagan (a medic during the Occupy Boston and March for Climate Change movements) in New York and Boston respectively. Neither of them claim to be the end all be all experts either, but they have plenty of great advice all the same. In other words, this information comes from people who have been there and have first hand reliable information on the subject at hand.
Honestly the biggest reason I'm writing this is because I know many people who have strong feelings about the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases, but feel hesitant to speak out and show up to protests because of the violence they see in the media from both an aggressive police force and a small number of agitators who go out looking for a fight to vent their frustration and attack the police, society, anyone and anything... it's a hopeless outlook, and there is a lot to be upset about, but it doesn't excuse violence. There are also people who go out to stir up trouble in order to discredit a movement as nothing more than violent rioters, etc., but that's another story, for another blog entry.
And these are legitimate things to be fearful of to some degree... Violence does happen sometimes, even though the vast majority of protesters are peaceful and law abiding. Protesters can also face violence at the hands of police. The police are generally given an extreme amount of leeway when it comes to excuses to commit violence to enforce order... Even when there's video evidence, rarely are cops ever punished beyond a slap on the wrist for their brutality. Not to mention that in addition to police brutality you can also be subject to being arrested and detained for hours if not day and all the bullshit that comes along with that (a criminal record, having to hire a lawyer, etc)... needless to say it's a drag, and it can be downright intimidating. That said, the threat of these actions actually play into the goals of the ruling elite by enforcing the status quo. By denying people their rights, they keep things from changing for the better.
That said, with some careful planning a lot of these risks can be limited, and you may be a lot more comfortable as a result in the event that something bad happens. That said, nothing is a replacement for common sense. Knowing when to leave a protest when things turn violent, or when to comply with a police order (even if you're within your rights) is as important as having a remedy for pepper spray or carrying essential medication. The overall point of this advice is to make sure you stay safe and comfortable while exercising your rights. You can't help your cause if you are arrested or incapacitated. So with that in mind, read on for a few tips on how to prepare or deal with some of the conditions you may encounter while exercising your constitutional rights.
Dress for the Occasion:
Wear. Comfortable. Shoes. - Chances are you will likely be spending quite a bit of time on your feet. You should also consider the fact that you may be marching, or may need to run or walk in order to avoid a dangerous situation. This means sneakers or boots as opposed to high heels or sandals.
Check the forecast - Be sure to check the weather when planning what to wear. Things like rain gear, sun screen and snow gear should be packed/worn as required.
Dress in layers (and not just for cold weather) - Dressing in layers that cover your skin can protect you from the wind and the sun, but it can also protect your skin from pepper spray and gasses deployed from crowd control. More layers can also provide valuable padding that can lessen the effects of rubber bullets of batons. Lessen means lessen. Rubber bullets and batons will still hurt, but they may allow you enough protection to move/leave a protest area in the event that things get violent.
Bonus tip from bostoncoop.net: Try not to have a fleece as your outerlayer, as it soaks up chemical agents.
Consider wearing head protection - A bicycle helmet can go a long way to protect against projectiles being thrown by other protesters or rubber bullets and gas canisters being fired by police. Additionally consider wearing a hat to protect against the sun and or chemical agents.
Eye protection - Consider packing swim goggles or shatter proof eye protection, with a rubber seal if possible (foam seals can trap chemicals against your skin). These can help keep your eyes safe from pepper spray, tear gas or other chemical agents.
If you wear contacts, you should bring an extra pair, solution, a case and your glasses as well. Should you be subjected to pepper spray, you will want to be able to take out your contacts, and still be able to see.
Please note, if you expect that you're likely to encounter riot control agents (RCAs) like pepper spray and/or tear gas, that it may be a good idea to skip the contacts entirely, and just bring your glasses.
Heavy Duty Gloves: We don't often see them in New York, but tear gas cannisters are often HOT and will burn you should you try to handle them/throw them away bare handed. Wear gloves or leave these alone and vacate the area.
Pack a spare set of clothes in a plastic bag - In the event that you are exposed to chemical agents or pepper spray, having a spare set of clothing you can change into is essential. Bringing an extra plastic bag for soiled clothing is probably a good idea as well.
Wear a zippered back pack on your back (and one on your front) - In addition to being an easy to carry mobile place to keep your supplies for the day, a zippered backpack is the ideal place to keep your ID and other pieces of personal information that you may need throughout the day. Avoid keeping your ID and cash in your pockets, as large crowds of people (even at protests) make ideal places for pickpockets to operate. Chances are the cop keeping the peace at the protest isn't going to help you find the person who took your wallet.
In addition to keeping your ID and clothing in your backpack, a hardcover book or two would be a good idea as well, to give yourself a little extra protection from rubber bullets.
Having the 2nd backpack on your front can also help give you slightly more protection from any projectiles or violence coming from in front of you. It also can be a place to store items you need quick access to (like your ID if you need to present it to an officer).
What else to bring:
Medicine - Arguably the most important thing to bring with you. Make sure to bring any medication you'll need to take while you're out protesting with you, and then make sure to bring a little more. If you get kept out longer than you anticipated you'll want to have that extra medication there. All prescription medications should be brought in their original containers, which have your name and dosing information on them.
Blackcrosscollective.org also recommends carrying a doctors note in the event you are placed under arrest and need to prove to the police that you have necessary medication you need to take. Not a bad thing to ask for at your next checkup/physical. According to them it should have the following information on it:
" your name, diagnosis, that you must have access at all times to your medication, a list of all meds that you require, a statement that you must be allowed to keep meds on your person so that they can be properly administered, and that no substitutions are acceptable. Since your name will be on the document, you may want to hide it on your body as a sort of insurance policy - perhaps you won't need it and then could eat it and participate in jail solidarity tactics, but perhaps you'll be worn out already at the time of arrest and will want to cite out in order to take care of yourself."
You will also want to make sure you have any emergency medications you might need like a rescue inhaler, epi pen or insulin (if you have diabetes) on you as well in the event of an emergency.
Note , if you have EVER used a rescue inhaler, you should make sure to have one with you. Everything about protesting is asthma inducing. One of the only instances that RCAs are fatal is when they trigger an asthma attack.
Having some other OTC (over the counter) medications with you as well like pain killers (advil, aleeve, tylenol, etc) as well as some OTC allergy meds can go a long way in a pinch.
Food & plenty of Water - Protesting means that you'll be out on your feet for long periods of time, with little opportunity to grab a bite to eat. Plan ahead and eat before arriving at your final destination, but also pack snacks that store well without refrigeration and also don't take up a ton of space. Think granola bars, trail mix, etc. Foods that can provide a nice caloric boost are a big plus.
The other item, that many sources cited as being absolutely crucial is bottled water (preferably with a plastic squirt top). Staying hydrated is crucial to staying comfortable and active. If you're exerting yourself, you are going to sweat and become dehydrated. Additionally, in a public space your access to sources of water may be extremely limited. It may be crucially important for helping to flush your eyes in the event of having been exposed to pepper spray or some other chemical agent. It also can be used to wash out any cuts or scrapes sustained while protesting.
Rubber bands - For garments that don't have elastic at the wrists and ankles, a rubber band can be used to cinch closed clothing at these points to prevent chemicals from getting in
Don't forget the toiletries! - Simple things like tissues and toilet paper can come in handy in a million different ways. Other items like suntan lotion, vaseline can provide protection from the sun and chaffing respectively. To quote the folks over at The Matador point out that getting pepper sprayed sucks. Getting pepper sprayed when sunburnt REALLY sucks.
Note!: Oil based products like moisturizers, sun tan lotion and vaseline can trap oil against the skin
Baby wipes can also be used to wash off chemicals, should you be exposed to pepper spray or tear gas.
Ladies, if you need to, consider using maxi pads instead of tampons. Tampons carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome if left in too long, which could be a problem if you're trapped in a public place or being held under arrest.
Basic First Aid Kit - A basic first aid kit should include simple things like bandaids, some kind of antiseptic, medical tape, plastic gloves, gauze, an ace bandage. Other items such as cool or hot compresses are also good to have. There are single use chemical varieties out there. A friend of mine has also sworn by a metal flask filled with ice for years.
A bandana soaked in water or vinegar (sealed in a plastic bag) is also a good idea and can be used as a breathing aid in the absence of a gas mask in the event pepper spray or tear gas are deployed.
These Cards - These cards are a good idea to keep on your person at all times, especially during protests that may bring you in contact with law enforcement.
http://toasterdog.com/files/KnowYourRightsCards_TheLaw.pdf
These are not the end all of your rights, but it can't hurt.
Pen & Paper - you may need to write down some important information (officer badge #s, names of groups at the protest, etc).
What NOT to bring:
The general rule of thumb here is not to bring anything you wouldn't mind being trampled on/lost forever. In the event things get dicey, you could have anything on your person lost/stolen/confiscated/just plain thrown away if it is separated from you over the course of the day. Here are some other obvious (and not so obvious) things to leave home.
Weapons of any kind - This is a no brainer. You're there to protest. You should not need a weapon. If you are stopped and searched by police this is just the kind of excuse they need to arrest you.
Your Wallet - As covered above, you should keep your ID, some small cash for food, transportation and other emergencies in a zippered up pocket (possibly in a plastic bag to keep it together) inside a backpack. It's also eliminates the possibility of other important cards (credit cards, debit cards, etc) from getting lost/stolen.
Your Cellphone - In addition to the possibility of theft, a cell phone out of your possession is insecure and could possibly be probed for personal information by law enforcement. Unless you are using your phone for a specific purposed related to protesting, consider leaving it home. Bringing a prepaid calling card and a list of phone numbers instead is a much more secure option.
Jewelery & Oil Based Cosmetics - The general rule of thumb here is that anything that might be at risk of being ripped away from/out of your skin accidentally (or purposefully) is a bad idea. Don't wear it.
Same goes for oil based cosmetics. These products can trap chemicals against your skin and make washing them off more difficult. Consider going au naturale' or using only water based cosmetics when going to protest.
What to Know Before You Go:
Much like anything else, the 7 P's apply. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. Doing a little planning before you leave the house can save you from a world of hurt should things take a turn for the worse later on.
Have a protest plan - Know exactly where, when and with whom you are going. Use the buddy system, and use it smartly. Make sure the person(s) you are buddying up with have the same protest goals (eg. someone who can't get arrested as an undocumented immigrant vs. someone who plans to be on the front line would be a bad match) , and have a place to meet up with you buddy near by outside of the protest zone should you become separated. Also having a plan about when you are showing up and when you want to leave is a good idea.
Once you have these plans make sure to share them with someone you plan on meeting up with later. These plans should also include instructions on what to do (for work, taking care of pets, etc) should you be delayed or incarcerated.
Set up legal support - There may very well be legal support at the demonstration, but it won't be anything like you can set up on your own. You can find more information regarding this topic at www.nlg.org
Have an Exit Strategy - Plan on how you will leave a protest zone before you leave home. As you move about throughout the day keep this plan in mind, wherever you go. Plan a secondary exit strategy as well, should those roads be closed off by police actions or violent confrontations.
Know when to hold em, know when to fold em - Given people's strong feelings at protests, things can get violent quickly. At the end of the day, you are there to make sure your voice is heard. It doesn't do you or your cause any good if you're incapacitated by violence or arrested in a pointless confrontation. Should things take a turn for the worst, your best course of action is leaving the scene as soon as it's safe to do so, and meeting up at an agreed upon meeting place outside the demonstration area.
The last thing you want to do is give into antagonism by the police or other protesters. Assault on a police officer is a serious offense (usually a felony), and resisting arrest can be reason in and of itself to justify police use of force/aggression. Your overall goal should be to make your voice heard in a peaceful manner.
Should you be exposed to RCAs:
So, you've been doused and exposed with RCAs... what now? Knowing the following can help keep you from getting overwhelmed and reduce your overall suffering.
Effects of RCAs are (for the most part) Temporary - They do feel awful, but the most irritating effects of RCAs will last no longer than 20 - 30 minutes. If no help is available/you're detained, know that in a relatively short amount of time the pain will subside. Every police weapon or action is about inducing fear and intimidation. Once you remember that its a lot easier to be brave.
Seek out a Medic immediately - Chances are that there will be medics at an organized protest. You can generally recognize these people because they'll be emblazoned with a red duct tape cross. Medics should be equipped with LAW (Liquid Antacid & Water mixture) that they can flush your eyes/face with to relieve the effects of RCAs.
Please note that only LAW mixture and time will relieve the symptoms from being exposed to RCA. Don't assume you can treat this by yourself, and don't try other remedies. Bottom line: If it ain't Black Cross Collective approved, don't do it!
After the protests shower with cold water and lots of soap. Avoid using warm water as it can restart the chemical reaction and open your pores allowing more of the chemicals to seep into your skin.
After the protests you'll want to wrap your contaminated clothes in a plastic bag and either discard them or wash them several times with strong environmentally UNfriendly detergent. Do not dryclean and if possible, do not clean these clothes at a laundromat.
In The Event you're being arrested:
This next section comes directly from Sasha Sagan. There have been a few minor edits for layout made.
Handcuffs - If they put you in cuffs, either make fists or spread your fingers as far as you can. That'll keep them from tightening them as much as they otherwise could.
Check your circulation ASAP!!! - If you're in cuffs, you and a buddy or two can touch each other's fingertips to check for CSM: circulation (does the color return to the nail bed after a pinch?), sensation (which finger am I touching?) and movement (do you have your usual range of movement in your fingers?). Cuffs that are too tight can pinch nerves, which puts you at risk for short/medium/long-term damage.
If someone's cuffs are too tight, or if someone has another need in jail, chant about that shit. "MIC CHECK! (mic check) OUR CUFFS (our cuffs) ARE TOO TIGHT (are too tight)!" When an officer comes to check on the ruckus, politely but firmly inform them that you (or person X, with their consent) is experiencing a loss of [CSM], which can cause permanent nerve damage if not treated. Are they authorized to remove these cuffs, or will they get their superior? Just keep chanting and politely demanding until you get one who's friendly. This is a great time for white allies to put themselves out there and be annoying; they're less likely to get beaten for it than people of color.)
Following the arrest/protest action - If you leave a police encounter with any physical health complaints, go to a medical professional to have them documented (photographs, descriptions, etc.).
Not all injuries are physical - If you leave a tense situation not feeling especially emotionally healthy, the evidence-based thing to do is find some way to make yourself a narrative about it. Draw a picture, phone a friend, whatever floats your boat... if possible, do it before sleeping. Don't let anyone pressure you into coping differently than you choose, because that makes things worse. (Now isn't the time to start drinking/drugging, but it isn't the time to stop either.)
I think that covers everything, but in the event I missed anything, PLEASE let me know in the comments and I'll add it to the post!
Thanks! And keep safe out there everybody!
Thank you again to Jaime Taylor of Occupy Wall Street and Sasha Sagan of the Boston Occupy Medics, the Black Cross Collective, the Matador Network, the good folks over at Life Hacker and the BALM Squad for all their information. You can find a full list of my sources below. They have a wide variety of information not in this guide! Check them out below!
Cheers,
Chris
Sources:
Advice from Jaime Taylor - active member/librarian of the people's library
Advice from Sasha Sagan - a medic in boston, part of the BALM Squad.
Life Hacker article: http://lifehacker.com/5859590/how-to-protest-safely-and-legally
BALM Stay Healthy Guide: http://www.bostoncoop.net/~balm/stay_healthy.pdf
BALM Squad Website: http://www.bostoncoop.net/~balm/
Black Cross Collective website: http://www.blackcrosscollective.org/
National Lawyers Guild Website: www.nlg.org
The Matador Network: http://matadornetwork.com/goods/essential-packing-list-for-protesters/
A little late out of the gate, but welcome to entry #5. Sorry for the delay, but things have been a bit hectic lately, and this post was important and I didn't want to rush it...
Before I start, I should point out that I am not a doctor, a lawyer or any kind of expert on protester safety. So by no means is anything I have to say the end all be all on this subject, nor am I responsible for anything anyone chooses to do with this information. In the immortal words of Homer Jay Simpson: "One, Two, Don't Sue!".
However, before you write me off I should point out that this advice doesn't all come from me. It comes from various resources online like the Boston Area Liberation Medic (BALM) Squad and Black Cross Collective websites among others. It also features advice directly from friends of mine such as Jaime Taylor (a librarian in the people's library at Zuccotti Park) and Sasha Sagan (a medic during the Occupy Boston and March for Climate Change movements) in New York and Boston respectively. Neither of them claim to be the end all be all experts either, but they have plenty of great advice all the same. In other words, this information comes from people who have been there and have first hand reliable information on the subject at hand.
Honestly the biggest reason I'm writing this is because I know many people who have strong feelings about the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases, but feel hesitant to speak out and show up to protests because of the violence they see in the media from both an aggressive police force and a small number of agitators who go out looking for a fight to vent their frustration and attack the police, society, anyone and anything... it's a hopeless outlook, and there is a lot to be upset about, but it doesn't excuse violence. There are also people who go out to stir up trouble in order to discredit a movement as nothing more than violent rioters, etc., but that's another story, for another blog entry.
And these are legitimate things to be fearful of to some degree... Violence does happen sometimes, even though the vast majority of protesters are peaceful and law abiding. Protesters can also face violence at the hands of police. The police are generally given an extreme amount of leeway when it comes to excuses to commit violence to enforce order... Even when there's video evidence, rarely are cops ever punished beyond a slap on the wrist for their brutality. Not to mention that in addition to police brutality you can also be subject to being arrested and detained for hours if not day and all the bullshit that comes along with that (a criminal record, having to hire a lawyer, etc)... needless to say it's a drag, and it can be downright intimidating. That said, the threat of these actions actually play into the goals of the ruling elite by enforcing the status quo. By denying people their rights, they keep things from changing for the better.
That said, with some careful planning a lot of these risks can be limited, and you may be a lot more comfortable as a result in the event that something bad happens. That said, nothing is a replacement for common sense. Knowing when to leave a protest when things turn violent, or when to comply with a police order (even if you're within your rights) is as important as having a remedy for pepper spray or carrying essential medication. The overall point of this advice is to make sure you stay safe and comfortable while exercising your rights. You can't help your cause if you are arrested or incapacitated. So with that in mind, read on for a few tips on how to prepare or deal with some of the conditions you may encounter while exercising your constitutional rights.
Dress for the Occasion:
Wear. Comfortable. Shoes. - Chances are you will likely be spending quite a bit of time on your feet. You should also consider the fact that you may be marching, or may need to run or walk in order to avoid a dangerous situation. This means sneakers or boots as opposed to high heels or sandals.
Check the forecast - Be sure to check the weather when planning what to wear. Things like rain gear, sun screen and snow gear should be packed/worn as required.
Dress in layers (and not just for cold weather) - Dressing in layers that cover your skin can protect you from the wind and the sun, but it can also protect your skin from pepper spray and gasses deployed from crowd control. More layers can also provide valuable padding that can lessen the effects of rubber bullets of batons. Lessen means lessen. Rubber bullets and batons will still hurt, but they may allow you enough protection to move/leave a protest area in the event that things get violent.
Bonus tip from bostoncoop.net: Try not to have a fleece as your outerlayer, as it soaks up chemical agents.
Consider wearing head protection - A bicycle helmet can go a long way to protect against projectiles being thrown by other protesters or rubber bullets and gas canisters being fired by police. Additionally consider wearing a hat to protect against the sun and or chemical agents.
Eye protection - Consider packing swim goggles or shatter proof eye protection, with a rubber seal if possible (foam seals can trap chemicals against your skin). These can help keep your eyes safe from pepper spray, tear gas or other chemical agents.
If you wear contacts, you should bring an extra pair, solution, a case and your glasses as well. Should you be subjected to pepper spray, you will want to be able to take out your contacts, and still be able to see.
Please note, if you expect that you're likely to encounter riot control agents (RCAs) like pepper spray and/or tear gas, that it may be a good idea to skip the contacts entirely, and just bring your glasses.
Heavy Duty Gloves: We don't often see them in New York, but tear gas cannisters are often HOT and will burn you should you try to handle them/throw them away bare handed. Wear gloves or leave these alone and vacate the area.
Pack a spare set of clothes in a plastic bag - In the event that you are exposed to chemical agents or pepper spray, having a spare set of clothing you can change into is essential. Bringing an extra plastic bag for soiled clothing is probably a good idea as well.
Wear a zippered back pack on your back (and one on your front) - In addition to being an easy to carry mobile place to keep your supplies for the day, a zippered backpack is the ideal place to keep your ID and other pieces of personal information that you may need throughout the day. Avoid keeping your ID and cash in your pockets, as large crowds of people (even at protests) make ideal places for pickpockets to operate. Chances are the cop keeping the peace at the protest isn't going to help you find the person who took your wallet.
In addition to keeping your ID and clothing in your backpack, a hardcover book or two would be a good idea as well, to give yourself a little extra protection from rubber bullets.
Having the 2nd backpack on your front can also help give you slightly more protection from any projectiles or violence coming from in front of you. It also can be a place to store items you need quick access to (like your ID if you need to present it to an officer).
What else to bring:
Medicine - Arguably the most important thing to bring with you. Make sure to bring any medication you'll need to take while you're out protesting with you, and then make sure to bring a little more. If you get kept out longer than you anticipated you'll want to have that extra medication there. All prescription medications should be brought in their original containers, which have your name and dosing information on them.
Blackcrosscollective.org also recommends carrying a doctors note in the event you are placed under arrest and need to prove to the police that you have necessary medication you need to take. Not a bad thing to ask for at your next checkup/physical. According to them it should have the following information on it:
" your name, diagnosis, that you must have access at all times to your medication, a list of all meds that you require, a statement that you must be allowed to keep meds on your person so that they can be properly administered, and that no substitutions are acceptable. Since your name will be on the document, you may want to hide it on your body as a sort of insurance policy - perhaps you won't need it and then could eat it and participate in jail solidarity tactics, but perhaps you'll be worn out already at the time of arrest and will want to cite out in order to take care of yourself."
You will also want to make sure you have any emergency medications you might need like a rescue inhaler, epi pen or insulin (if you have diabetes) on you as well in the event of an emergency.
Note , if you have EVER used a rescue inhaler, you should make sure to have one with you. Everything about protesting is asthma inducing. One of the only instances that RCAs are fatal is when they trigger an asthma attack.
Having some other OTC (over the counter) medications with you as well like pain killers (advil, aleeve, tylenol, etc) as well as some OTC allergy meds can go a long way in a pinch.
Food & plenty of Water - Protesting means that you'll be out on your feet for long periods of time, with little opportunity to grab a bite to eat. Plan ahead and eat before arriving at your final destination, but also pack snacks that store well without refrigeration and also don't take up a ton of space. Think granola bars, trail mix, etc. Foods that can provide a nice caloric boost are a big plus.
The other item, that many sources cited as being absolutely crucial is bottled water (preferably with a plastic squirt top). Staying hydrated is crucial to staying comfortable and active. If you're exerting yourself, you are going to sweat and become dehydrated. Additionally, in a public space your access to sources of water may be extremely limited. It may be crucially important for helping to flush your eyes in the event of having been exposed to pepper spray or some other chemical agent. It also can be used to wash out any cuts or scrapes sustained while protesting.
Rubber bands - For garments that don't have elastic at the wrists and ankles, a rubber band can be used to cinch closed clothing at these points to prevent chemicals from getting in
Don't forget the toiletries! - Simple things like tissues and toilet paper can come in handy in a million different ways. Other items like suntan lotion, vaseline can provide protection from the sun and chaffing respectively. To quote the folks over at The Matador point out that getting pepper sprayed sucks. Getting pepper sprayed when sunburnt REALLY sucks.
Note!: Oil based products like moisturizers, sun tan lotion and vaseline can trap oil against the skin
Baby wipes can also be used to wash off chemicals, should you be exposed to pepper spray or tear gas.
Ladies, if you need to, consider using maxi pads instead of tampons. Tampons carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome if left in too long, which could be a problem if you're trapped in a public place or being held under arrest.
Basic First Aid Kit - A basic first aid kit should include simple things like bandaids, some kind of antiseptic, medical tape, plastic gloves, gauze, an ace bandage. Other items such as cool or hot compresses are also good to have. There are single use chemical varieties out there. A friend of mine has also sworn by a metal flask filled with ice for years.
A bandana soaked in water or vinegar (sealed in a plastic bag) is also a good idea and can be used as a breathing aid in the absence of a gas mask in the event pepper spray or tear gas are deployed.
These Cards - These cards are a good idea to keep on your person at all times, especially during protests that may bring you in contact with law enforcement.
http://toasterdog.com/files/KnowYourRightsCards_TheLaw.pdf
These are not the end all of your rights, but it can't hurt.
Pen & Paper - you may need to write down some important information (officer badge #s, names of groups at the protest, etc).
What NOT to bring:
The general rule of thumb here is not to bring anything you wouldn't mind being trampled on/lost forever. In the event things get dicey, you could have anything on your person lost/stolen/confiscated/just plain thrown away if it is separated from you over the course of the day. Here are some other obvious (and not so obvious) things to leave home.
Weapons of any kind - This is a no brainer. You're there to protest. You should not need a weapon. If you are stopped and searched by police this is just the kind of excuse they need to arrest you.
Your Wallet - As covered above, you should keep your ID, some small cash for food, transportation and other emergencies in a zippered up pocket (possibly in a plastic bag to keep it together) inside a backpack. It's also eliminates the possibility of other important cards (credit cards, debit cards, etc) from getting lost/stolen.
Your Cellphone - In addition to the possibility of theft, a cell phone out of your possession is insecure and could possibly be probed for personal information by law enforcement. Unless you are using your phone for a specific purposed related to protesting, consider leaving it home. Bringing a prepaid calling card and a list of phone numbers instead is a much more secure option.
Jewelery & Oil Based Cosmetics - The general rule of thumb here is that anything that might be at risk of being ripped away from/out of your skin accidentally (or purposefully) is a bad idea. Don't wear it.
Same goes for oil based cosmetics. These products can trap chemicals against your skin and make washing them off more difficult. Consider going au naturale' or using only water based cosmetics when going to protest.
What to Know Before You Go:
Much like anything else, the 7 P's apply. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. Doing a little planning before you leave the house can save you from a world of hurt should things take a turn for the worse later on.
Have a protest plan - Know exactly where, when and with whom you are going. Use the buddy system, and use it smartly. Make sure the person(s) you are buddying up with have the same protest goals (eg. someone who can't get arrested as an undocumented immigrant vs. someone who plans to be on the front line would be a bad match) , and have a place to meet up with you buddy near by outside of the protest zone should you become separated. Also having a plan about when you are showing up and when you want to leave is a good idea.
Once you have these plans make sure to share them with someone you plan on meeting up with later. These plans should also include instructions on what to do (for work, taking care of pets, etc) should you be delayed or incarcerated.
Set up legal support - There may very well be legal support at the demonstration, but it won't be anything like you can set up on your own. You can find more information regarding this topic at www.nlg.org
Have an Exit Strategy - Plan on how you will leave a protest zone before you leave home. As you move about throughout the day keep this plan in mind, wherever you go. Plan a secondary exit strategy as well, should those roads be closed off by police actions or violent confrontations.
Know when to hold em, know when to fold em - Given people's strong feelings at protests, things can get violent quickly. At the end of the day, you are there to make sure your voice is heard. It doesn't do you or your cause any good if you're incapacitated by violence or arrested in a pointless confrontation. Should things take a turn for the worst, your best course of action is leaving the scene as soon as it's safe to do so, and meeting up at an agreed upon meeting place outside the demonstration area.
The last thing you want to do is give into antagonism by the police or other protesters. Assault on a police officer is a serious offense (usually a felony), and resisting arrest can be reason in and of itself to justify police use of force/aggression. Your overall goal should be to make your voice heard in a peaceful manner.
Should you be exposed to RCAs:
So, you've been doused and exposed with RCAs... what now? Knowing the following can help keep you from getting overwhelmed and reduce your overall suffering.
Effects of RCAs are (for the most part) Temporary - They do feel awful, but the most irritating effects of RCAs will last no longer than 20 - 30 minutes. If no help is available/you're detained, know that in a relatively short amount of time the pain will subside. Every police weapon or action is about inducing fear and intimidation. Once you remember that its a lot easier to be brave.
Seek out a Medic immediately - Chances are that there will be medics at an organized protest. You can generally recognize these people because they'll be emblazoned with a red duct tape cross. Medics should be equipped with LAW (Liquid Antacid & Water mixture) that they can flush your eyes/face with to relieve the effects of RCAs.
Please note that only LAW mixture and time will relieve the symptoms from being exposed to RCA. Don't assume you can treat this by yourself, and don't try other remedies. Bottom line: If it ain't Black Cross Collective approved, don't do it!
After the protests shower with cold water and lots of soap. Avoid using warm water as it can restart the chemical reaction and open your pores allowing more of the chemicals to seep into your skin.
After the protests you'll want to wrap your contaminated clothes in a plastic bag and either discard them or wash them several times with strong environmentally UNfriendly detergent. Do not dryclean and if possible, do not clean these clothes at a laundromat.
In The Event you're being arrested:
This next section comes directly from Sasha Sagan. There have been a few minor edits for layout made.
Handcuffs - If they put you in cuffs, either make fists or spread your fingers as far as you can. That'll keep them from tightening them as much as they otherwise could.
Check your circulation ASAP!!! - If you're in cuffs, you and a buddy or two can touch each other's fingertips to check for CSM: circulation (does the color return to the nail bed after a pinch?), sensation (which finger am I touching?) and movement (do you have your usual range of movement in your fingers?). Cuffs that are too tight can pinch nerves, which puts you at risk for short/medium/long-term damage.
If someone's cuffs are too tight, or if someone has another need in jail, chant about that shit. "MIC CHECK! (mic check) OUR CUFFS (our cuffs) ARE TOO TIGHT (are too tight)!" When an officer comes to check on the ruckus, politely but firmly inform them that you (or person X, with their consent) is experiencing a loss of [CSM], which can cause permanent nerve damage if not treated. Are they authorized to remove these cuffs, or will they get their superior? Just keep chanting and politely demanding until you get one who's friendly. This is a great time for white allies to put themselves out there and be annoying; they're less likely to get beaten for it than people of color.)
Following the arrest/protest action - If you leave a police encounter with any physical health complaints, go to a medical professional to have them documented (photographs, descriptions, etc.).
Not all injuries are physical - If you leave a tense situation not feeling especially emotionally healthy, the evidence-based thing to do is find some way to make yourself a narrative about it. Draw a picture, phone a friend, whatever floats your boat... if possible, do it before sleeping. Don't let anyone pressure you into coping differently than you choose, because that makes things worse. (Now isn't the time to start drinking/drugging, but it isn't the time to stop either.)
I think that covers everything, but in the event I missed anything, PLEASE let me know in the comments and I'll add it to the post!
Thanks! And keep safe out there everybody!
Thank you again to Jaime Taylor of Occupy Wall Street and Sasha Sagan of the Boston Occupy Medics, the Black Cross Collective, the Matador Network, the good folks over at Life Hacker and the BALM Squad for all their information. You can find a full list of my sources below. They have a wide variety of information not in this guide! Check them out below!
Cheers,
Chris
Sources:
Advice from Jaime Taylor - active member/librarian of the people's library
Advice from Sasha Sagan - a medic in boston, part of the BALM Squad.
Life Hacker article: http://lifehacker.com/5859590/how-to-protest-safely-and-legally
BALM Stay Healthy Guide: http://www.bostoncoop.net/~balm/stay_healthy.pdf
BALM Squad Website: http://www.bostoncoop.net/~balm/
Black Cross Collective website: http://www.blackcrosscollective.org/
National Lawyers Guild Website: www.nlg.org
The Matador Network: http://matadornetwork.com/goods/essential-packing-list-for-protesters/
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Tone Deaf
Day 3...
With the Eric Garner verdict coming down yesterday, the expected commentary started showing up on social media. It really is shocking how people don't see how their posts condemning Garner come across as offensive/racist/insensitive... basically exposing them for the racist douche bags they are. This post is going to take some time to put together in order to do it justice.... John stewart said it perfectly today: "If comedy is tragedy plus time, I just don't have enough fucking time... but really, I'd prefer to have less tragedy". Amen.
In any event, for tomorrow I'm going to be looking to put together a list of advice for anyone going to peacefully protest. I've talked to a few friends from the OWS protests, one of them being a medic, so it should be a pretty good list.
Until then, sweet dreams internet.
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Honesty Vs. Trust
Welcome to Day 2!
AKA "See! I told you it wouldn't be just a one time thing!"
Today's post is about something I find myself pondering quite a bit lately... which is the relationship between trust and honesty.
The inspiration for this post comes from a phone call I got this morning in regards to a car accident I was involved in last week. It was a minor accident, I slid on some ice/sleet going approximately 10 miles an hour and crashed into another car. Minor damage to both vehicles, no airbags deployed, and for her part, at the time the person I hit was pretty understanding about the whole thing. The first thing I did was make sure no one was hurt before doing anything else. She was so understanding that she even offered to settle the whole thing for cash to spare me a bump in insurance premiums. Unfortunately (or fortunately in hindsight), I've been in this person's shoes and know that there can be unseen damage beneath plastic bumpers and knew that I wouldn't have the cash on hand to pay for both vehicles, so I exchanged information and went through insurance. I called it in, got the claims process under way admitted fault and set the process in motion so we could both move on with oru lives. Having resolved the situation like two mature adults she drove off, and I waited for a series of tow trucks because my car wouldn't start.
Everything was moving along until I got a call this morning from my insurance company saying that the other driver was claiming she was hurt. My first reaction was anger... After all, I'd done everything right... I'd called in the accident, offered to wait for the police to show up to file a report, submitted the claim to the insurance company, and I'd gotten out of my car onto a busy highway to make sure the other driver was ok, which she was. She was up and walking around, taking pictures of the damage to her car and my car, she answered "no" when i asked her if she was hurt. Though she was reasonably stressed out, she seemed in perfectly good health.
Later this morning though, I reconsidered my initial reaction. I tried my best to put myself in her shoes. Sometimes when you get into an accident, much like the damage to the vehicles, damage isn't apparent at first. Though I can claim to be many things, a doctor isn't one of them. How would I feel if symptoms arose a couple of days later linked to the accident that left my neck or back in excruciating pain? I'd feel pretty lousy if the person who caused the accident suddenly balked at covering my medical bills. Just another reason I'm glad I went through insurance... Taking that into account, I can see that maybe my anger was a bit rash at the time.
Before I go any farther, I should point out that just because I sympathize with the person, doesn't mean that I agree with them. I testified to the insurance company what I observed. I'm not a doctor, but at the time of the accident she did not appear to be injured. It was a very low speed collision. No airbags deployed. I also pointed out that I did not know every detail of what she did over her holiday that may have been responsible for said injury either... Not that I didn't trust her, but how could I possibly know what caused her injuries?
But I kept coming back around to that initial response... my initial flash of anger... Why was my first response to feel like I was getting ripped off? Having been involved in a few minor accidents in the past and having friends/family who have done the same, I've seen myself and others face plenty of less than honest behavior on the side of victims... "victims" whose damage was paid for in cash pocketing said cash rather than repairing the damage to their vehicles... demanding more money than the damage was worth and using it to fix damage not caused by that incident... outright lying to insurance companies to avoid taking responsibility for accidents they caused... In the course of dealing with a car accident there are a million ways for someone trying to do the right thing to be fucked over... And there comes a point where all the guilt in the world won't keep you from at least contemplating doing something selfish...
I know this sounds like common sense, but it shows just how much hinges on trust and our understanding of basic human nature in our every day lives. Lets take a simple example...When you buy your morning cup of coffee, you trust that all the ingredients in and including your cup were handled in a safe if not pristine manner. This is actually a much larger leap of faith than the average person might take than if they scrutinized it.
For simplicity's sake we'll work our way backwards. First stop: The Coffee Shop.
You trust that the barista/deli clerk has cleaned their coffee urns properly, has made a fresh pot of coffee and has maintained a certain standard of cleanliness and safety (washing hands, clean counters, clean cups, acceptable drinking temperature, unspoiled creamer, etc) when you decide to order a cup of coffee. You may even have to ignore several 'red flags' along the way. Employees not wearing latex gloves, that sticky stuff on the counter, that the blender used to make your double caramel macchi-whatever was actually clean after a quick rinse after making the previous customer's drink, dirt and smudges on the display case glass and floor, etc. You also have to trust that the person preparing your cup of coffee isn't bitter about the fact that they're stuck working as a barista, something no one really sets out to do as their life's ambition**. This isn't a slam on the hardworking baristas, but rather a simple statement of the fact that much like other jobs working in fast food that their job doesn't necessarily pay a living wage. There have also been reports of employers such as Starbucks, engaging in union busting activities, when their workers have tried to unionize in the past (citation at the end), but what I'm getting at is that you have to trust that the employees want to do a good job and aren't bitter or resentful towards their employers and taking out that (well justified) anger against the customers... basically the you have to trust that workers at their core are responsible, clean, happy to work and not assholes.
But lets go further back than that to the materials. You have to trust that the cups, if made from recycled materials, were made in a clean and sterile way. You have to trust that the coffee beans made their journey from farm to beverage in that same clean and sterile condition. You also have to assume that the beans are grown in an clean an acceptable manner in a country that may not have as stringent regulations regarding food safety as the USA does.
The point is that just to drink a cup of coffee you are trusting hundreds if not thousands of people to do the right thing. To choose to do things properly and safely as opposed to cutting corners out of laziness or greed. From the farm workers to the federal regulators to corporate america, we expect all of these parties to do the right thing, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary. It requires us to ignore all the deaths/illnesses from contaminated bacteria, to assume that people don't get fed up/aggravated with unreasonable demands from management, and to assume that regulators are doing their job.
And the same can be said of pretty much anything else in our daily lives. Driving a car or taking a train, going to the bank, etc. We are all required to trust one another to an extent in order to avoid living in some sort of mad max dystopia. It requires that we all believe that people are, for the most part, good-natured, kind, and honest. Whether because that is how people are, or because the consequences for not being that way can be harsh and unforgiving.
My point is that we need trust in our lives to make them in any way enjoyable. When confronted with a breach of that trust it's natural to recoil, but before you hand down an iron clad judgement try and put yourself in the other person's shoes...
There's much more to say, but that will have to wait for another day.
Till next time.
Cheers,
Chris
* = And who wouldn't be stressed out after you got rear ended right before the holidays?
** = No disrespect to the hardworking baristas out there that bring joy and sunshine into our lives. I'm just referring to the fact that no one says they want to be a barista when they grow up in kindergarten.
Starbucks Union Busting Article.. one of many.
New post later today & short aside about the Eric Garner cop indictment decision
I wrote up a full post the be posted tonight at 9pm tonight. It was written before the Eric Garner indictment verdict came down. So it has nothing to do with that.. I'll touch on that and the Michael Brown cases tomorrow.
That said, my thoughts can be boiled down this:
Justice is a myth trotted out time and time again to settle the masses. The rest is just kabuki theater to help us memorize the refrain.
My heart sinks for Eric Garner's family,
Stay safe tonight New York.
That said, my thoughts can be boiled down this:
Justice is a myth trotted out time and time again to settle the masses. The rest is just kabuki theater to help us memorize the refrain.
My heart sinks for Eric Garner's family,
Stay safe tonight New York.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
In the beginning there was nothing...
Hello!
Somehow despite the ample availability of pornography, pirated cartoons and nigh endless supply of cat videos available on the internet you have found your way here, to this little corner of the the internet. I'm not sure how and I don't know why*, but since your here pull up a chair and have a cup of joe while I get to the particulars.
As with anything there is a beginning, a middle and eventually an end. And that is where we are. The beginning. What the middle and end will be, I can't say... I hope that the end wont be an unanswered, unwritten, long forgotten archive on a server somewhere in a data warehouse over at Google, but that's always a possibility... but so is getting hit by a bus every time you walk outside, but we still do that on a daily basis... for what it is worth, please know that trailing off into nothingness isn't my intent, and I'll try to keep up with this as best I can, with at least something every day. Will I miss a day here and there? Probably. But it should be easy enough to keep up with this. What do they say? 21 days in a row and it becomes habit... so here's hoping..
So where was I? Oh yes, 'The Beginning'.
The best way to do this is to I guess outline what this is with the 5Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why). So here goes:
Who: Me. The guy in the not so flattering photo at the top of this post. Chris Malone, age 31, married, living in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with 2 cats and a dog. I work in Long Island City as a ceiling and drywall estimator by day, a musician/bandleader/promoter/manager/booking agent/writer/artist/and now blogger by night.
What: Well, pretty much everything. Musical and other artistic projects I'm working on. My thoughts on the news, life, my health, science fiction, cartoons, life's meaning, etc. I can't promise it will always be enthralling, but it will be 100% honest, uncensored (as much as Google's term of service will allow) and the truth, no matter how unflattering that may be.
Where: Where ever I am. I live in Brooklyn, but work in Queens. I also venture out to Long Island once a week for band practice. I also travel a bit, so I'll try to keep up as I go. I do have a smart phone so it should be easy enough to create content as I go.
When: The best way to establish a habit is to make it a part of your routine... unfortunately my routine changes so often that it can be a challenge to schedule anything... my wife's work schedule somewhat dictates my life in this regard... so the time of day may vary quite a bit, but I do want to make this a DAILY blog... sometimes it may not be an entry that's much more than a tweet's worth of information, but I'll do my best to be consistent about it until I find something that works.
Why: I'm starting this because lately I've been in a bit of a creative rut... Overwhelmed by daily life to the point where I'm not creating anything and it's been driving me up a wall. I also have a bit of a problem with consistency... In the interest of full disclosure, I have ADHD, which leaves me scattered, and also makes my memory a bit suspect at the best of times. I also have other health issues and take quite a few meds to control them...
This is just a few of the meds/vitamins I take on a daily basis... yeah, it's a lot...
I know that it can seem counter productive to add yet another thing to an already pretty extensive list of things that vie for my attention in my free time, but I'm hoping that the challenge of keeping up with this will help remind me to keep on my game with doing other things regularly as well.
The deeper 'why' of this experiment is that I find myself looking for a creative outlet. I write music, but when I'm busy/can't find time/space to do that I get backed up... I've wanted to write a book/a comic book for some time now, but when the time comes I seize up and eventually put it off, only further backing myself up even more... So this may take the approach of being a stream of consciousness... but I'm not sure yet... it's too early to say. We shall see I guess...
The deeper 'why' of this experiment is that I find myself looking for a creative outlet. I write music, but when I'm busy/can't find time/space to do that I get backed up... I've wanted to write a book/a comic book for some time now, but when the time comes I seize up and eventually put it off, only further backing myself up even more... So this may take the approach of being a stream of consciousness... but I'm not sure yet... it's too early to say. We shall see I guess...
So that's it in a nut shell. I've got quite a bit of house work to attend to when I get home, so I may not get to another entry tonight. But that's a good first step I think. Hope to see you in the comments :)
Cheers,
Chris
* = perhaps it's better that way ::shudder::**
** = Terry Pratchett is my favorite author. Occasionally he throws in these little footnotes that make for better flow/amusing commentary. If you see them, hop down to the bottom. I'm not sure of the characters he uses for his books, but a number of asterisks is the best way I know how to implement it for now.
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