by Rick Spisak

Stay calm, find a commonality of interest and perspective. Never raise your voice and respond to temper with calm. We should be compassionate and understanding that a broad range of opinions are welcome and necessary.

We above all must understand, that as we require such freedoms, it is incumbent that we support the rights of our fellow citizens to dissent as well. If we fail to welcome other such "contrarian" opinions then we fall to the miserable  hypocrisy of other sunshine patriots, who will grant you every right, as long as you do not choose to exercise it.

Remember Dr. King, Nelson Mandela, Vasclav Havel, and Mohandes Ghandi's response to anger and provocation.
 

Suggestions by S.M. - Professional Stage Manager:

If you control the microphone you can control what is heard.
If they decide to yell without the microphone then you can play some music
or any other pre recorded speech, chant,etc.

A team of security personnel could help the offensive person off the stage.

You could use the same technique as the horse track.
When a horse dies they cover what's going on with a large tarp.

Maybe a large banner could be used. Just have a couple of people
to stand by with a banner ready to walk out.
You could even make it look like it was all done for a comical effect,
like a vaudeville sketch.

I think off duty police as security personnel would be an option.
With them there, there would be less trouble from agitators
and other police who show up.
Most police departments have special duty cops that are more mellow.
This would also eliminate some liability problems.
This is the sue me city, as you know.

When I worked for the WCW, before the show we would all look into the crowd
and look for offensive signs. They would be confiscated.

Maybe we could swap their sign with one of ours.
Laser pointers where also a problem. We just took there batteries.

I think if there is a way to diffuse any problem with humor that would work best.

If it get serious it can escalate into a massive problem quick.
You as well as I have seen a crowd get ugly.

People are sheep. If one does it the rest will try to follow.

So you have to send them on your chosen path not the agitator's.

This would work well with one agitator.

If it's a group of individuals, I think it would be a good policy
to retreat quickly and without confrontation.
Don't give anyone the reason to escalate the issue.

Have the leaders of our group lead our people away to a set place.

There we can regroup and decide our next move.
This is a proven guerrilla tactic. We could have a secondary demonstration
site already to go and just move there. Confrontation will only
make us look bad and then the labeling and finger pointing, will start.

These are just some thoughts.
We have to be smarter and better prepared.
Remember also that the police and the state like to photograph events
for future needs. They do this alot these days.
Face recognition and dirty little files.
 

For the majority of the "family" and business associates, here's the way I approach it, I assure them that the values of "fair-play" and honesty that I learned at home, is what guides my values..

I remind them that an honest disagreement candidly discussed is far better than hidden seething anger.

When they say, that no matter what,  you have to support the president. I explain that while I honor and appreciate the noble vision that is America, it is precisely the freedom of the citizens to contribute to the governance that I exercise, when I petition, write letters to the editor and gather with others to educate myself and my fellow citizens on issues of the day, that I become an active citizen.

Active participation in the voting franchise, is a far better gauge of citizenship, than the mindless drone, who eats whatever propaganda that is emitted. With friends like Ken Lay, and Enron, running the Whitehorse and the nations energy policy, I must educate myself  to the issues of the day, by being an active participant in the process of governance; by voting, writing my congress person and organizing citizens so that we are all more informed.

This works, for anyone who listens.; For those, who say, sit down, shut up -  the president knows what's best, my short answer is, he works for us, the citizens and he needs our guidance.