Synopses & Reviews
Non-violent civil disobedience is an American tradition, an essential element of a working democracy. From the Bill of
Rights and Henry David Thoreau's classic 1849 essay On the Duty of Civil Disobedience to contemporary direct action tactics utilized by the Ruckus Society and other non-violent groups, this handbook outlines a brief history of social
protest. Helpful resources and handy information for people interested in continuing this important process for political change are included, as well as tips on everything from getting arrested to
manipulating the media.
Synopsis
Non-violent civil disobedience is an American tradition, an essential element of a working democracy. From the Bill of Rights to contemporary direct action tactics utilized by the Ruckus Society, this handbook outlines a brief history of social protest. Helpful resources and handy information are included, as well as tips on everything from getting arrested to manipulating the media.
Synopsis
From Thoreau's classic essay "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" (reprinted in its entirety) to contemporary direct-action tactics used by the Ruckus Society and other nonviolent groups, this handbook outlines a brief history of social protest and provides information and resources for individuals interested in continuing the tradition. Advice on everything from being arrested to defending women's health clinics is included.
Synopsis
This handbook outlines a brief history of social protest. Helpful resources and handy information are included,
About the Author
James Tracy is a long-time organizer active in anti-poverty work. He is coordinator of Right to a Roof, a part of San Francisco's Coalition on Homelessness. Tracy often performs with the spoken word troupe Molotov Mouths. He lives in Berkeley, California.
Table of Contents
Why Dissent Still Matters 7
Bill of Rights 9
The Boston Tea Party 11
On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau 12
Women are People, Too: The Suffragettes 30
The Folks Who Brought You the Weekend: The Labor Movement 30
I Have A Dream: The Civil Rights Movement 32
Peace Now: The Anti--Vietnam War Movement 35
From Activist to Officer: One Cop's Story 36
Defending A Woman's Right To Choose 39
The Art of Social Justice 41
Housing Takeovers 44
The Whole World Was Watching: Seattle 99 45
Governmental Surveillance and Disruption: COINTELPRO and Beyond 46
Summary of H.R. 3162, the USA PATRIOT Act 50
Direct Action and Civil Disobedience 68
Planning 69
Affinity Groups 70
To Get A Permit? 71
Appoint Police Monitors and Police Liaisons 72
Jail Support 73
You Have The Right To Remain Silent Use It! 74
HIV and Other Medical Considerations 75
Voluntary and Informed Risk 75
The Race Question 75
Legal Issues 76
Warning or Command 77
Arrest 77
Processing and Booking 78
First Date In Court 79
The Trial 79
Verdict and Sentencing 79
Federal Government/Property 80
Raising a Ruckus 82
Checklist for Effective Direct Action Media 84
Poem for an Activist Who Doubts Herself 90
Resources 92