Letters from the Frontline: Sid White on the Georgian Protests
Bette member Sid White offers words of inspiration from the country of Georgia on the eve of the first strike
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“I am in awe of the protester's commitment, fortitude, stamina and shear desire to re-set their Democratic future. They have been gassed, showered with chemicals, beaten, arrested and still each night they come. They are my heroes for sure.”—Sid White for Bette Dangerous, Tbilisi, Georgia
Author’s Note: Bette member Sid White offers his reflections on the Georgian protests.
Letters from the Frontline: Sid White on the Georgian Protests
Heidi,
Each and every evening, now 45 days without pause, I watch the Georgian protests mostly from my fourth floor window on Rustaveli Avenue, in Tbilisi. Sometimes, not often, I gingerly walk amongst them.
I am located on Freedom Square where, following the USSR demise, Saint George took Lenin's place on the central pedestal. Now it's where the Security Police Water Cannons mustered to march in formation into the protesters gathered a block away in front of Parliament. That was for the first bloody week when men in black trained in Belarus roamed the side streets looking for victims to brutally beat upon. Now, there are 60+ political prisoners, 500+ arrested, and so many injuries. The protests are peaceful, but remain forceful. The arrests are still frequent, but most caught on video for all to see on social media. Public awarenes is keen.
I am in awe of the protester's commitment, fortitude, stamina and shear desire to re-set their Democratic future. They have been gassed, showered with chemicals, beaten, arrested and still each night they come. They are my heroes for sure.
Tomorrow will be the first strike. It's called for 3pm and three hours when workers are to stop and move to the street. Owners and Managers taking any action to prevent the strike or dismiss employees will find themselves called out on social media... that is the plan. Here is the best outline/playbook of Georgian protest happenings:
I am of the Woodstock generation and well remember my protest days. The Georgians are far more intense than we ever managed and I am certain they will prevail to save their young Democracy.
With the steal of our USA Democracy in full play, we should take note...
Sincerely,
Sid White
In that IG link that Sid included on How Do Georgians Protest, it includes the following:
Self-Defense
Rallies
Solidarity Petitions
Visual Protest
Cultural Traditions as Forms of Resistance
Unity Chain
Georgian “Supra’ Spanning Over 500M
Strike
Americans have much to learn from our Georgian friends. Sid will be joining us for our for Happy Hour!
Details here:
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