Operation BART protesters are planning to stage an act of civil disobedience to protest the killing of a homeless man who was shot by BART police officers in 2009 - they're also also protesting BART's decision to censor cell phone use in 4 Bay Area train stations last Thursday in an effort to prevent protesters from organizing a protest via calls, SMS and social media.
Operation BART organizers are planning to stage their next protest on Monday at 5 p.m. and they're directing protesters to flood one BART train station platform (to be announced shortly before 5 p.m.) to prevent BART riders from entering or leaving the train platform - protest organizers will be trying to shut down a train station and send a message to BART officials that their voice will be heard.
I applaud the actions of the Operation BART organizers, but I believe they're choosing the wrong tactic.
Organizers should direct protesters to block the entrances leading into a BART station that will be picked shortly before the 5 p.m protest. Protesters should form human walls around the entrance of all BART stations to prevent BART riders from entering or exiting the station. Protesters should be seated with arms clasped to prevent police from easily dispersing them.
This tactic would prevent BART officials from censoring protesters' cell phone messages. BART officials won't be able to block cell phone signals outside the BART station. Protesters will still be able to coordinate activities after the protest has commenced.
Secondly, protest organizers will be able direct protesters to entrances that aren't being blocked. Organizers would also be able to direct protesters to entrances with a heavy police presence. If police start making arrests, organizers can call on protesters to fill in gaps in the lines where protesters are being arrested.
Thirdly, this tactic will give protesters the opportunity to protest for free. The current plan calls on protesters to purchase a BART fare to protest on the train platform - protesters won't need to pay if they protest in front of station entrances.
Also, BART officials are right, flooding a train platform with protesters is dangerous for protesters and BART riders that are trying to enter or leave a BART station. You can easily imagine a situation where someone is accidentally pushed onto a track because the platform is too crowded with protesters and riders.
This tactic would also cause the least amount of disruption to BART riders that use the station that's blocked. After the protest site is announced and the protest begins, protesters, media and other BART riders will be able to inform riders to avoid the station where the protest is being staged.
Please let me know if you disagree with me. Protest organizers should email me if they want to take this conversation offline. ChrisOlsonDC at gmail dot com
