How to counter Republican thuggery

While reading Mike Stark's excellent diary about his interaction with G. Felix Allen, in the comment section daulton suggested a list that any of us aggrieved by Republican intimidation could have sent to that candidate's office.  From that commment, I thought it would be helpful to flesh out some tools that we can use as a counter-offensive.

Follow me after the break.

While reading Mike Stark's excellent diary about his interaction with G. Felix Allen, in the comment section daulton suggested a list that any of us aggrieved by Republican intimidation could have sent to that candidate's office.  From that commment, I thought it would be helpful to flesh out some tools that we can use as a counter-offensive.

Follow me after the break.

When I read that Mike Stark had been harassed by G. Felix's staff, something inside me snapped. I've had enough of the thuggery of the Republicans and I will now commit myself to finding every legal manner to hold anyone accountable that I believe is attempting to infringe on my rights; especially my right to ask any candidate specific questions.  Even if I don't vote for that candidate, if he/she wins the election they are now my elected representative and as their constituent, I have a right to ask questions and demand answers.

So, when Mike Stark asked very appropriate and topical questions regarding Allen's on record hanging of a noose in his law office or admiration of the confederate flag, he was treated to harassment and intimidation.  The final straw for me was one of the staffer's recording of Mike's license plate number.  Ostensibly, this is to infer to Mike that he will be tracked down through DMV records.  From there, the inference (I suppose) is that he can expect visits from the local counstablary or an increase in moving violations.  Possibly, he is to expect some sort of felony to be conjured up in order to facilitate his arrest.

With that said, what can you do in the same situation?  First, I would recommend you carry a digital camera with you any time you go to an event like that.  Photographic evidence is always good.  Just ask S.R. Sidarth, you may end up recording some comedy gold (or at least political seppuku!)

Next comes the list from daulton that has me fired up.  If you find yourself in Mike's situation where your license plate information is being written down, consider this list of items that a candidate's office shoud have an answer demanded.  Certainly the best manner would be to hire an attorney to write a letter demanding the following:

   
• How do they intend to use that information?

   
• Was it meant as simple intimidation, or do they actually plan to do a background check or other investigation?

   
• If they do plan to do a background check, exactly which public offices, officials, and resources will be involved in this action?

   
• Is this standard procedure for their campaign?  "Ask a question, get your license number recorded?"

   
• Will there be an announcement to the media that anyone asking the Senator a question will be subject to a background check?

   
• Does this apply to reporters or only the public at large?

   
• In light of similar actions at Bush events, is this a concerted effort of the Republican party, or the Republican controlled government?

   
• Can I now expect to be illegally wiretapped, and does this explain why the Republican controlled government refuses to discuss or allow to be investigated the legality of the warrantless wiretapping program?

I would also copy that letter to every newsreporter and newspaper in the region.  It's time to take back our country from the thugs that make up the modern Republican Party.

They like to proclaim that they are the "Law and Order" party - let's hold them to it.