Classes Train GOP Convention Protesters
By SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writer
FROM:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040615/ap_on_el_pr/gop_convention_protests&cid=694&ncid=1963&sid=96378798NEW YORK - Passing up road trips, beach vacations and barbecues, thousands of anti-Bush demonstrators are heading to summer school to learn how to stage successful sit-ins and what to do if pepper spray burns their eyes. Welcome to Convention Protesting 101.
Before the GOP convention begins Aug. 30, veteran activists will train protesters in street tactics, legal issues, public relations and first aid. Their aim: creating a force of demonstrators to carry out safe and organized protests.
"When you're protesting in New York City," said John Sellers, the director of a California-based group that trains activists, "you're definitely in the big leagues."
As city officials weigh which protest groups will get permits for official events, activists are quietly learning how to block doorways or street intersections and when to use passive body language — such as sitting down — to disarm police officers trying to make an arrest.
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