No Violence at No Kings Day?

"Saturday's No Kings! demonstrations are tomorrow and I will be at the San Francisco march, screaming my head off. As Barbara Ehrenreich said, it feels good to get together with other people and yell! So c'mon, everybody, show up, and do the same-if the spirit so moves you. Jump up and down if you're hopping mad. Link arms and kick. If you don't want to scream your head off, maybe you want to dance your ass off."

"But as important as what you do is what you won't do. Please, as the kindergarten teachers say, keep your hands to yourself. No violence! No shoving of officers, andno assaulting counter-protesters! No pushing, no pulling them off their bikes or the curb. No spitting, no kicking, no throwing your sign, nor need I mention, your sandwich. The slightest touch by a person or a hurled object can be assault under the law. Control yourself!"

"And their aim makes sense. More millions of people will show up for this and future demonstrations if they don't fear getting hurt or being pulled into a melee of any kind. Most of us don't want to be associated with impetuous rule breakers who wreck the vibe and draw attention to themselves. These marches should be safe, for example, for people with wheels... as in wheelchairs or in baby buggies. So no, dear comrades, it's not OK to wait till"

Participants are encouraged to show up to demonstrations, scream, dance, link arms, and enjoy signs, costumes, and people-watching. Organizers emphasize nonviolence as both a moral and strategic commitment and request that attendees refrain from any violent or aggressive acts. Specific prohibitions include no shoving officers, no assaulting counter-protesters, no pushing, pulling people off bikes or curbs, spitting, kicking, or throwing objects. Even a slight touch or hurled object can be legally considered assault. Nonviolent behavior increases turnout and safety, protects vulnerable attendees such as those using wheelchairs or strollers, and preserves the intended atmosphere of the marches.

Read at The Nation