With the hourly-increasing concerns that the Occupant may plan to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller over the holidays, I have taken a couple of steps to prepare. First, I registered with MoveOn's campaign to take to the streets should that happen. Then, I thought about having to spend many days in that effort, and decided I needed to do more. And yes, this is partly how I manage my full-scale dread, anxiety and terror. It's been decades since I did this (not much Occupy where I lived then) and I know many people who haven't ever participated in street actions. Preparing in advance makes it more likely that I will be able to respond to the firing of Mueller. It also increases the likelihood that my novice friends will come too.
I put together a backpack that I can just grab and go, trying to anticipate what I might need. I hope you can help me by suggesting other items, and together we will be better prepared to resist.
- Hand and toe warmers. It is winter in the Pacific Northwest and it will be cold.
- Small umbrella. See above. My coat will be enough for me but an umbrella can shelter an injured person, or cover someone with no coat.
- Extra fleece pullover. Never hurts to add another layer.
- Gauze bandages, rolled gauze, tape. First Aid trained and somebody might need help.
- Latex gloves, 4 pair. See above.
- Hand-cranked radio that also charges my phone
- Phone charger cord
- Bus schedule and bus pass. I don't want to pay for days of parking, fear being towed, or worry about my car in general. There's good bus service where we will convene.
- Small RFID wallet. I have a tiny crossbody bag that will hold my wallet and my asthma inhaler.
- Aleve and other meds I might need for up to 3 days.
- Space blanket or two. Either for me or for someone who gets injured.
- Bandanna, to protect nose and mouth.
- Bottled water. Enough for a full day for me.
- Kleenex. Can double as toilet paper when necessary.
- Trash bag.
- Snacks. Non-perishable items that include protein.
- ID and money. If you feel confident carrying cash but no plastic, you can also carry a photo of your ID. I prefer not to carry anything that will be hard to replace or dangerous in someone else's hands.
- Flashlight. Pack the best portable one you can find.
Okay, It's your turn. What will you bring? What should I add to my backpack? And how can we encourage novices and fence-sitters to prepare so we can just drag them out with us, when it's time?
Oh, and please let me clarify: I most earnestly hope that the Occupant does NOT fire Mueller. It would be just like declaring war, in the sense that as soon as either begins, you cannot predict the outcome. That chaos terrifies me and I hope not ever to see it. Still, the likelihood of this chaos grows each day.