This is a Colorado State Open Thread, where we come together to talk, to share our love of Colorado, democracy and various things of interest. This coming Saturday could be a great day, or it could be a disaster of epic proportions. Of course, I’m hoping it’s a great day. I’m hoping Coloradoans of all stripes show up and come out to protest the Tangerine Buffoon in the White House, but there are things to celebrate as well on Saturday. It is Flag Day — Bring your flags — you can bring flags of the United States and display it properly, or upside down if you feel that’s appropriate (signaling an emergency status). You can bring a flag with colorful stripes to signify the pride flag, or any number of flags, and stars. I would not recommend a Confederate battle flag, or a Trump flag, but that’s about the only two that I would not recommend. You can bring signs, posters, T-shirts with slogans, hats, pins, clothing of various styles and colors — pretty much anything you’d like.
I would, however, recommend not bringing anything that will provoke violent reactions. You be you. I would not, however, recommend anything that would resemble a weapon, or anything like the Molotov cocktails that were just used in Boulder to burn people. If you think you might get into a fight with police or ICE or other forces, I would recommend giving them a wide berth. If you can’t or won’t, and tear gas floats your way, I have read that water mixed with a little bit of baby shampoo works even better than milk to dilute the tear gas, but it takes a liter or more of water, so take plenty of water. Take a good mask — not a simple cloth mask. Take good glasses that will protect your eyes. It’s better to keep your eyes free from tear gas than have to clean them from a gas attack afterwards.
I also recommend not to stay out after dark. The sun sets about 8PM. Nothing good happens after dark. That’s when people think they’re hidden in shadows, but police have night vision. They have drones. They have cameras. They have better tools to find you than you have to be hidden. That’s also when vandalism happens and things get set on fire. I believe my fellow Coloradoans are smart enough not to get violent and smash windows or set things on fire. I don’t believe we’re at that stage yet. However, it just takes a small group to get wild, or a paid group of government rioters to start trouble and get others to take part in a riot, or give the government thugs a reason to come marching in and declare martial law.
Be smart, be safe, and be careful out there. Protest as is our 1st Amendment right. Don’t cross over any line, and we’ll be in the right.
Oh, and if you’re worried about anything, if you can, have a photo of your birth certificate on your phone and if you’re from another country, have a copy of your immigration papers with you and a phone number for a lawyer and someone you can call who can know where you are at all times.
There will be websites for protest sites at NoKings.org. The only place there won’t be protests is in Washington D.C., where Trump will be holding his birthday party along with the 250th birthday party for the US Army. He wants to be the dictator King of America, which is a shame because otherwise it might be nice to see a US Army parade. They don’t ever do them, because that’s what dictators do.
Let me know where you might be celebrating No More Kings Day, Flag Day, the Army’s Birthday, Saturday or anything else. Otherwise, the floor is yours...
