March Against Monsanto: Non-Violent Protest

As we prepare ourselves to "March Against Monsanto" on Saturday, May 25, we are being given explicit -unfortunately necessary- information about the atmosphere that should be present. The organizers in my city have communicated so well, that I went to sleep last night thinking about a militant policeman threatening me to act right. That in itself was violent.

I got to thinking about other events around the country that might not have communicated this point well enough. It happens all the time; it only takes one asshole not getting the memo, and boom, a riot is born. You might be thinking, "No, there is no way some anarchist is going to disrupt our peaceful day in the square! "  I hope not, but to ensure this doesn't happen, I used my insomnia to come up with some suggestions for a peaceful day. Hopefully I can cover anything the organizers left out.

1. Leave your Guy Fawkes mask in your backpack/fanny pack.

Sure these masks are cool -if you're into hiding- but they reek of mischief.  I understand the security that a mask brings, but it's May, not October. Having this mask with you is ok, but only if the event goes sour.

2. Know why you are there.

Monsanto is poisoning you, your kids, your pets, and your property. Their fingers are in nearly everything we consume, and most of your government representation is on board because they pay them exponentially more than we ever could. Unless you have billions in expendable income, your presence, along with others' will be far more effective than trying to be a super-star muckraker.

3. Leave your politics at home.

This situation requires us to think and act as one. It should be a day for the left and the right to remember that the political spectrum is round. Eventually, we all meet somewhere on our way around the circle. Monsanto's products effect Communists the same as Progressives; we are all one color and one kind to them. The health of humanity is not a political matter; politicians are the reason we are doing this.

4. Leave Che in your bookcase.

Sure, we might have to turn to violence one day in America, but that day is not here. There is a thread of hope that exists, and the prospect of bloodshed before all options are exhausted is ignorant. I refuse to create an environment of violence for my four daughters to deal with, as do millions of other dads. Leave your slingshots and blow guns at home, and use your knowledge of active revolution to avoid it on Saturday.

5. Drink plenty of water.

Beer and shroom tea have their place at certain events, but an informational protest is not the best venue. So many of us have problems moderating our consumption of these substances that it is better not to take the chance. Getting shit-faced at Mardi Gras and music festivals is cool, but this is neither. Some people are going to bring their princesses with them, so we should only consume things that we know won't make us stupid. If the term "drunk redneck" offends you, don't do it. Dehydration is also a consideration.

6. Learn something

The organizers in my city have worked tirelessly to make this event a great place to learn. I am going as much for the information as I am the protest. We should all know more about what they are feeding us. I am confident that this event will spark more like it, as unity in mass numbers is our only hope. Not all of us have the ability to be full-time activists, but we all have time to listen and learn about the world we live in. If we stop, they win and our choices disappear completely. If we conduct ourselves as if we are in a classroom, they will have that many less reasons to justify their actions. I hope all 370 events go perfectly, and the message gets through. Think of Saturday as a ring of Monsanto's doorbell. When they open the door, we will be standing there by the millions, demanding the truth. If all participants can keep their emotions together, we may take back the ground they have stolen from us.

I hope everyone has fun. Stay safe so the right message gets across. Plant a vegetable garden!

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