Snake marches

[blake 3:17]

Hi all,

I've been thinking about tactics and the often false dichotomy between direct action and mass action. One of the more interesting tactics I've seen is the Snake March -- a street demonstration with no clear geographical destination with the power to disrupt and surprise the powers that be. This is different from the over scripted demonstrations/parades that some on the Left seem to love.

The one I atteneded several years ago had some interesting results and effects. While police repression was quite cruel and later found to be illegal in some instances, the march had some powerful effects on hurting Capital. While many coroporate HQs were not in fact marched to, their security efforts were a huge hindrance to business. Business conventions were also cancelled because organizers were afraid of what MIGHT happen.

How important is unpredictability? What happens when demos are decentralized? What responsibility dooragnizers of actions have to the people that turn out to them?

[Political_Chucky]

Unpredictablily is an important factor if your trying to have a surprise element. Just look at any other "activist event" in which its announced a month ahead and it turns out to be some kind of "peaceful" gathering. Peace is great, nothing wrong with it, but when getting a point out, I don't think marching down a closed street with cops down each side of the street is going to make a big effect on people. There needs to be a large group giving information on the event, but with out getting the permit and all that other crap so that we don't have problem of being confined to a certain part of the city.

[An archist]

So how exactly does this snake march thing work?
The problem with large manifestations is that there's usually a chopper flying overhead, so the cops can coordinate perfectly well and stop you quite easily.

[RNK]

I imagine it's completely random. Maybe with a designated leader in front?

If cops use helicopters, the march could split into two.

[blake 3:17]

So how exactly does this snake march thing work?

The basic premise is to gather at one or more spots and not have an announced route or particular destination. Problems with traffic, costs of policing and private security, and confusion for the powers that be are exacerbated.

This doesn't mean that the demands or goals of the march aren't planned or discussed. The level of consciousness actually needs to be higher because of the unpredictability of the action.

[Red October]

unpredictability can also make the cops more agitated and aggressive. when they lose control of the situation and dont know whats going on, they sometimes decide to shut the whole thing down if they can.