Attention, RNC protesters: Hold off on the graffiti

Hey, all you folks in town to protest the Republican National Convention: Hold off on the graffiti.

Also, don’t steal from local businesses. And by all means, before you do something that affects someone else, ask for permission.

The RNC Welcoming Committee, a high-profile group of self-described anarchists who have repeatedly declared their intention to shut down the convention entirely, has published a handy four-page broadsheet aimed at guiding the thousands of protesters expected to converge on the Twin Cities next week at the same time as – though not in conjunction with – the Republicans.

“OK, here’s the plan,” the guide says. “It’s really quite simple: On September 1 don’t let them get to the convention.

“How do we do that? Well, my friend, that part is up to you. The most important part of the strategy is to do something.

“The politicians coming to the RNC would have you believe that the decisions about our lives and world are a spectator sport, something to be watched from afar and occasionally to be influenced by marking a piece of paper to choose the next decision maker. We say that our lives are our own, and by stopping their spectacle we will show that we have the power to take matters into our own hands.”

Inside, the group outlines the “swarm, seize, stay” plan, which it describes as its “mantra” for Monday, the convention’s first day:

“Move into downtown St. Paul via swarms of various sizes, from multiple directions, and with diverse tactical intentions. Seize space throughboth hard (lockboxes, etc.) and soft (congestion, etc.), fixed and mobile, blockading methods. Stay engaged with the situation in downtown St. Paul as long as necessary. Regroup. Reinforce.”

The guide includes a calendar of not only the protesters’ plans, but also times during which delegates will arrive at and depart the Xcel Energy Center each day of the convention. It gives information about support groups and “spokescouncils” – meetings of representatives from the various protest groups at the “Convergence Center,” located at 627 Smith Ave. S. in St. Paul.

And it offers tips on the proper decorum for protesters.

“Respect the neighbors,” it says. “Please do not steal from or tag local businesses, residences and gardens near the convergence space.

“Keep front clear. Do not gather in large noisy crowds near the building. There are parks nearby for gathering, smoking, etc.”

And this one:

“Ask for positive reinforcement before taking actions that affect others, like sexual interactions, taking pictures. Consent is the presence of ‘yes,’ not the absence of ‘no.’”

The broadsheet’s entire back page is filled with information about logistics and support groups, and also lists a meal schedule for the duration of the convention. It advises protesters to check in at the Convergence Center for updates, and adds that a group called Seeds of Peace will be providing “healthy meals as needed to folks doing jail support and to people as they are released from jail.”

And one of the (presumably) most important items: basic legal information, boxed and highlighted on the front page, and attributed to www.coldsnaplegal.org.

“You never have to talk to cops, no matter what they tell you,” it advises. “In fact, it’s best not to. Say, ‘I am going to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.’ If a cop stops and tries to ask you questions, ask: ‘Am I being detained?’ If not, you are free to go. We recommend you do so! If they try to search you, say ‘I do not consent to a search.’ Repeat as needed.

“Stay safe! Practice security culture, and only work with people you trust!”