MAPS:
Good overall map of DC/Northern Virginia area:
http://www.nps.gov/vive/ppmaps/namamap1.pdf (408k PDF file)
Capitol Hill area map showing key locations by address and map coordinate:
http://www.capitolhillmap.com/CHMap2002.htm
TRAINS
Amtrak, MTA/MARC, Metrorail and Virginia Rail Express serve to Union Station. Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The red line stop "Union Station" is located inside the building. The Union Station website [http://www.unionstationdc.com/intro_fm.html] offers directions.
CABS
To hail a cab, stand near the curb and hold up your arm. Remember when getting out of a taxi; always get out on the curb site. Calling the company to dispatch a cab to you will cost an extra $1.50 or so.
Taxi service is zoned in D.C. (you pay one fare in a certain area). The cost of a taxi is the same traveling inside one zone, but if you leave one zone and go to another zone, the price increases. The price also increases if you leave D.C. and go into Virginia. Zone maps and fares are displayed in the passenger area of every taxi. When in doubt, ask about the fare when you get in the cab.
Although rates are subject to change, you can expect the fares WITHIN the District of Columbia to be:
HOW TO USE METROBUS AND METRORAIL (SUBWAY)
METROBUS
You can call Metro Information at 202-637-7000 between 6:00 am and 11:30 p.m., seven days a week. Metro information can tell you how to use the bus and subway to travel between any two points in the metropolitan area.
A red and white flag on top of a white pole designate bus stops. Bus fare is $1.10 during rush and non-rush hours. Transfers are free for 2 hours.
INTERNET METRO TRIP PLANNER:
http://rideguide.wmata.com/
METRORAIL (SUBWAY)
Constitution Gardens, next to the Vietnam Memorial, is within walking distance of Foggy Bottom GWU Metrorail Station at 23rd St NW & Eye St NW. Exiting the station, walk south on 23rd St to Constitution Ave (lettered streets count down, C Street is just before Constitution), turn left and go about two blocks.
Marine Barracks is within easy walking distance (four blocks south) of the Metro's Eastern Market Station (blue/orange lines) at Pennsylvania and 8th Street, SE. Come up the escalator, and walk forward across the plaza to 8th St., SE. Take a right on 8th Street, and go 4 blocks south.
The website for Metro is: http://www.wmata.com or http://www.metroopensdoors.com.
Known as the "Metro," Greater DC's subway system is clean, safe, efficient and fairly inexpensive. The Metro can take you to most areas of the city at a cost of $1.10 to $1.60. The subway also extends to many suburban areas.. Subway stops are marked on the street by tall black poles with the letter "M" imprinted on the sides. There are also colored stripes on the pole, which indicate what lines are located at the stop (red, orange, blue, green or yellow). Transfer points on the system are indicated by "bulls-eye" symbols (larger circles) on the maps. Metrorail begins service at 5:30 a.m. and ends service at 12 midnight (2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Trains run every few minutes during rush hour, and are somewhat slower during non-rush hour (about 12-15 minutes). Transfers are free within Metrorail, 25 cents for a transfer to Metrobus.
Metro stations are marked by large brown columns. The colored strips indicate the lines served by the station.
You need a farecard, or one day pass to ride Metrorail. Farecards and one day passes can be purchased at the stations.
EACH PERSON MUST HAVE THEIR OWN FARECARD.
Feed the card to the turnstile, depending on the model of turnstile, it either comes back out the same slot or a slot on the top. When removed, it opens the “gate”. You feed the card to the turnstiles entering and exiting.
Your fare is calculated and deducted upon exiting the Metro. Unused money on your fare card can be “cashed in” at the same machine used to purchase fare cards.
Follow the signs to your platform. Flashing lights at the platform's edge let you know a train is coming.
The train's destination is displayed over the train's front and side windows. The line color is displayed on the front and back of the trains.
WE FORM UP AT 9 AM AT CONSTITUTION GARDENS NEXT TO THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL, BUT HERE ARE DIRECTIONS TO EIGHT AND I FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO GO DIRECTLY THERE.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO MARINE BARRACKS:
From I-95 North:
DIRECTIONS TO CONSTITUTION GARDENS/VIETNAM MEMORIAL
FROM I-95 NORTH OF WASHINGTON:
WATER & FOOD
Plan for needing plenty of water regardless of temperature. Either bring it or buy it on site. Recommend you eat a banana or two for potassium to avoid cramps while walking.
CONSTITUTION GARDENS/VIETNAM MEMORIAL: The side streets off Constitution Ave have plenty of food trucks and carts. There is also a snack bar between the Korean War Memorial and Independence Ave.
ROUTE OF MARCH: Along the route to 8th and I Streets, before we pass the Capitol, there will be food trucks, especially next to the museums on Independence Ave.
MARINE BARRACKS: Those going directly to 8th and I Streets will find a variety of restaurants and shops conveniently located along the way to the "Oldest Post of the Corps" mostly on Penn Ave and on I Street.
A map from the Barracks Row Business Alliance web site http://www.barracksrow.org/map.html shows numerous restaurants along I Street from G Street down to the Marine Barracks and beyond.
STRONGLY SUGGEST NO CONSUMPTION OF “ADULT BEVERAGES” UNTIL AFTER COMPLETION OF DUTIES..
For those wishing to compile after action reports or renew friendships over food and drink, here are the FAST FOODS and RESTAURANTS along I Street (Name followed by house number, i.e., 417 = 417 I St SE)
PARKING
CARDINAL RULES: Be sure to check the signs (usually more than one) in and around where you park. If marked M-F (Monday–Friday) with no restrictions on Sat or no mention of Sat, then it is all day parking with no feeding the meter.
If the sign says “NO PARKING ENTRANCE” without time or date restrictions, do not park there at any time. Some of these spots (office buildings) are available weekends, while some spots (hotels, apartments) are not.
Bring quarters in case you need to use a metered spot. Plan on about $1 an hour.
When planning where to park, consider how you will get between Constitution Gardens/Vietnam Memorial, the Marine Barracks and back to your car.
Be sure to WRITE DOWN where you have parked (i.e., E Street between 14th and 13th) because most of DC looks alike.
Not a big risk, but minimize your exposure, LEAVE NOTHING VISIBLE IN THE CAR TO AVOID GETTING BROKEN INTO. Nothing means nothing, not even an empty shopping bag.
AVOID OPENING THE TRUNK WHEN PARKING. Putting all of your gear into the trunk when you park so it’s not visible in the car might be observed. They’ll just break in and use the driver’s inside release. If possible, stop just outside DC and put anything in the trunk you need to take to the protest into the car. That way when you park, you don’t have to go into the trunk.
LOCK YOUR CAR.
Carpools are encouraged to drive directly to the rally site to drop off their passengers and then proceed to parking. Drop off, park, note location and lock your car. Decide where and when you’ll meet in case you get separated. Trade cell phone numbers.
CONSITUTION GARDENS/VIETNAM MEMORIAL PARKING: Parking is available along Constitution, the streets off north side of Constitution (mostly towards the Washington Monument side), The Ellipse (north side of Constitution between 15th and 17th Streets), at the Lincoln Memorial (limited time) and on Ohio Drive which is between Independence Av and the Potomac River.
MARINE BARRACKS PARKING: Only residential parking is available. Early arrivals should not park on the 8th St parade route as police are likely to tow vehicles because it is a narrow street.
In case you have looked at the official Marine Barracks web site ( http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/newmbw/default.asp) and were thinking of using the shuttle to parking at Southeast Federal Center at 3rd & "M" Streets, S.E., please note that it only runs when there is an official event at the barracks. IT IS NOT AVAILABLE.
PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM CONSTITUTION GARDENS TO MARINE BARRACKS
It is approximately a 3.5 mile walk from the assembly point to the Marine Barracks. For those who may be unable to walk that far, cabs can be flagged down on Constitution Av.
From Constitution Gardens to Marine Barracks at 8th and I Southeast, I show it as a “two zone” ride, which means a $6.90 fare not including the cabbie’s tip (15% suggested). Additional passengers are $1.50 each. Four people with tip would be $13.25.
BE SURE TO CONFIRM YOUR FARE BEFORE YOU GET INTO THE CAB.
Cab zone map is available at: TBD
Back of Cab Zone Map with Rules is available at: TBD
From those that want to walk PART of the way from Constitution Gardens to the Marine Barracks, approximately 1.2 miles into the walk there is the SMITHSONIAN Metro Station at 12th ST and Independence Av SW. The actual train ride to the EASTERN MARKET Metro Station near the Marine Barracks is 8 minutes. Trains run frequently.
Going to the Marine Barracks, you want the ORANGE trains marked “NEW CARROLLTON”. Coming back, "ADDISON".
WEATHER/CLOTHING
Weather forecast for Washington click here for http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=20500
The link above is a very good site. The Friday night before, it will breakdown the Saturday forecast into detailed morning, afternoon and evening sections. Do not decide to pass on the protest, if a few days before, bad weather is predicted.
If predicted cold/wet, wear layers, extra socks, and consider a Dollar Store poncho. Have comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet all day. Travel light, but if you do bring a back pack or bag, do NOT leave it unattended. If you put it down, put it in front of you.
As DC is a major tourist area , recommend you take that same precautions about your money/wallet that you would if you were sightseeing.
SOME OF THE RULES FOR PROTESTING
RESPECT: First rule is treat all law enforcement officers with respect and obey any and all commands. Just as Veterans protected America’s freedoms, they do now. Freedom of speech does not mean you can do anything, any where and and at any time. They will work to protect everyone’s right to freedom of speech, ours and theirs, and that is how it should be.
You must not impede pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk at any time, so keep a hole clear for tourists and locals. You can not block traffic or disrupt traffic by hanging your signs/banners out into the street.
If you bring a bullhorn, use it responsibly.
There no intent to stop or disrupt the anyone’s right to protest, though the Socialists do not have reciprocal views towards a pro-American protest. We are there to observe their parade and offer our opinion on their actions.
Do not use/bring anything for your signs/banners that could be construed as a possible weapon. A good rule is to use a stick for your sign that has less than three feet as a handle, and don’t use a 2x4. A good stiff yardstick from WalMart or something from the moldings section at Home Depot is sufficient and cheaper. Test it for flex first.
SECURITY: For people who profess to be concerned with love and peace, the left has a long standing love affair with violence. When the left holds a major rally, DC Government has to go around picking paper boxes, trash cans and mail boxes off the street in the areas of their rally.
To attract the yuppies, soccer moms, middle class, average college students and senior citizens who don’t share that love of “revolutionary violence” to their events, the anti-American, anti-Semitic SOCIALISTS running this anti-war march have decided to temporarily set aside their past violent tactics.
Given that and the overwhelming police presence, there should be no problems if you follow a few rules below.
It is not unusual for left wing protesters to get out of control and act aggressively. It’s typically a person screaming in your face from two inches away that may turn into to an outright physical assault. The key precaution is don’t get close when arguing.
It can happen quickly with very little warning. The main rule is be aware of what is happening and LET LAW ENFORCEMENT HANDLE IT. Other than self-defense from a SERIOUS threat, you can NOT take matters into your own hands.
It is not a timid act to step back and call for a police officer. If fact, that is exactly how they have advised us to handle it. Buddies should look out for each other because the person directly involved in a heated debate will not notice that an argument has escalated too much. That’s when your buddy should get you to step back and/or get a police officer to separate sides.
Something to keep in mind is that it can be similar to a sporting event where the referee only sees the second punch. There’s nothing to be gained by chancing an arrest that will keep you jailed in DC (perhaps with SOCIALISTS) till arraigned on Monday when you can step back and let law enforcement do their job, especially when your can press charges for assault against your attacker.
So far, our record over four years is clean, no arrests. On the left, even the Million Moms are violent. They had FIVE of their people arrested that day. Break the law and you will be arrested.
More than likely, police will be between positioned between the anti-war, left wing, SOCIALIST led marchers and the Vets. That the backs of the police will be towards you is a message and an obligation. As they believe that you will not cause a problem, do not betray that trust.
If you do get into heated argument with an anti-war and the police step in, follow the police officer’s directions, move back and SHUT UP. The anti-war people will definitely keep yapping and if you keep up your side of the argument, it makes the officer’s job much more difficult, so SHUT UP and give a cop a break.
It’s not a bad idea to look around every once and a while because you tend to get engrossed with the protest in front of you. If you see anything suspicious, walk over and mention it to a police officer.
You may have some encounters with the anti-war marchers. Being missionaries for the socialists, they think nothing of DEMANDING your time so they can lecture you at your rally, something they’d never tolerate at their rally.
You don’t have to talk to them and you can tell them have no right to demand your time. When you don’t give them the time they demand, they usually claim you’re against “free speech” and move along.
If you find one that will exchange ideas (ie, not locked in the transit mode) and talks instead of screams, then it may be worthwhile having a conversation, otherwise pass on the opportunity.
COMMIE LAWYERS IN NEON GREEN HATS: Easily recognized by their neon green ballcaps, these are the “legal observers” organized by the DC Chapter of the National Lawyer’s Guild. Last one I saw was accompanied by a skinhead wearing a brown shirt, how fascist is that?
Their observed purpose is to use our laws to protect the socialists and to use our laws to disenfranchise Americans. You don’t have to answer any of their questions.
MEDIA ENCOUNTERS: You may be interviewed by the media. Spend sometime now thinking of what short, concise point you’d like to see on the air or in print. The chance of being interviewed and getting past the editors is low, but a good short prepared response has a better chance.
If being interviewed by TV, you can pause to collect your thoughts. You can stop at points, it doesn’t have to be a continuous stream to get aired. They have video editors to cut out dead spots. Look at the camera if being interviewed.
The heart of the left wing influence on reporting are the EDITORS, not necessarily the reporters. So unless the reporter is overtly pro-Socialist, give them the benefit of the doubt. The film crews are neither reporters or editors and are absolutely OK. Their job is to get lots of good film for the reporters and editors. If not being interviewed, looking at the camera lessens the chance you and your message will get on the air. Act as if it was not there.
You can and should ask anyone in the media who they work for and to see their press credentials. Just because someone has a badge or badges around their neck doesn’t make them a journalist. You’ll also want to check and see what coverage you received and if it was accurate.
There are any number of left wing “media projects” whose objectives range from simply documenting their rallies to Gestapo like information gathering and intimidation. YOU DON’T HAVE TO GIVE YOUR FULL NAME, YOUR FIRST NAME OR ANY INFORMATION TO SOMEONE JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A CAMERA. If you are asked for an interview or chatted up by a guy who looks like Fred Berry who played “Rerun” in “What’s Happening” pass on it.
If you come across college reporters or journalism students with credentials, it pays to treat them seriously and to give a earnest and polite interview.
RED LIGHTS/JAY WALKING: In DC, the law is NO JAY WALKING and NO CROSSING AGAINST THE RED AT LIGHTS. It is enforced.
For your own safety, the safety of others, and to cooperate with the police, please observe those laws. A large column of people can aggravate DC’s already bad situation at traffic intersections. Out of town drivers, through a combination of confusion over DC traffic and a tendency to sightsee, have a reputation for plowing into people, so stay on the curb while waiting. Also look around for traffic even when crossing on the green.
Plus we want to set a good example. When 10,000 “Million Moms” descended on DC to demand gun laws they foolishly expected criminals to follow, the entire Million Mom herd ignored the law about NO CROSSING AGAINST THE RED.
APPLY THE “CLINTON 2 for 1 PROMISE” TO THE “SARANDON SALUTE”: Commonly called “the bird” or “middle finger”, the Sarandon Salute honors Susan Sarandon for getting the mommies, their kiddies and grannies at the Million Mom March (100,000 max showed up) to turn towards the flag over the Capitol building, raise a middle finger and leading them in a chant of “We are pissed off.” (NOTE TO SELF: Avoid Sarandon’s movies in future)
So how does one implement the “CLINTON 2 for 1 PROMISE” in response?
Remember how Co-President Hillary promised elect one, get two back in 1992?
When they display the ONE finger Susan Sarandon Salute, you return the courtesy with the TWO finger “Peace Sign”.
In the past, their reaction has been to become so upset that they drop the sign in their other hand so they can give you the finger with both hands. The end result is that several blocks down they ask, “Where’s my sign?”
The Freeper or Marine with the biggest pile of anti-war signs in the street in front of them at the end of the day wins a case of beer.
THINGS TO BRING:
Disposable cameras are $5-$7 at WalMart and are a good way to record history. Flags are a good backdrop for your sign and their anti-American hate. Cell phones for your safety and communicating with your group if separated.
CLEAN UP:
Please do not absent mindedly litter. Hang onto small trash and cigarette butts till you pass a trash can (plenty in DC). Remember to bring a trash bag if you have something planned that will generate trash, things like hanging out food, drink, or other items.