We are in the middle of the annual theatre Fringe Festival. Wednesday evening into Thursday morning (just after midnight) an organic protest in downtown (Fremont Street) turned ugly, disrupted a performance, and ended with people exiting the performance venue and getting roughed up and arrested. Tear gas, flash-bangs, etc, etc. One actor, who also owns a business in the area, was nabbed keys in hand while he was trying to enter his own store. Yes, he's a US citizen. Thank goodness folks acted quickly on his behalf and he was located. Though as of last evening, he still hadn't been released.
The excuse the police used? It was an "unlawful" demonstration. Why? Because, as people were trying to maneuver, some spilled onto the roadway. It's only legal to protest on sidewalks. So, of course, the police had to break it up, right? By herding people into walls while ordering them to leave and stopping them from going anywhere. One friend of mine was heading home on her bike and was ordered to stop. What? "Get out. Leave." When she did, they threw tear gas at her.
Happy Friday the 13th, indeed.
Reports have surfaced that the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, Jan 6'ers, etc., will be infiltrating the No Kings protests to create chaos and incite violence. Thus giving the corrupt administration its excuse to declare Insurrection and institute Martial Law.
If you are planning to attend a protest, keep your wits about you. Follow the guidelines set out by the organizers. Do not be sucked into participating in any violence.
I want to see you back here for the Monday Giggles.
