Its not a picnic

This is an email that I wrote on Jan 27th to a few friends that I knew had the intention to go to the protests on Jan 28th. It was written after my experience with being arrested on Jan 26th.

Guys
Alsalamo Alikoum

P.S. IF YOU ARE FORWARDING THIS EMAIL REMOVE ALL TO EMAILS AND FORWARD IT WITHOUT ALL THE NAMES OF PEOPLE ON IT TO YOUR LIST

The intent here is not to makes you stay at home, but an effort and reminder to make sure you are aware of a few things that I think might be useful.

Let me start by saying that the turn of events as they are unfolding, it is not a picnic. Remember two things before you venture out

There is lies, damn lies and statistics, and if you think you are always not going to THE STATISTIC then please think again

• If you think that you usually get treated ok, and get along in many situations and that this is going to apply all the time all the case, think again
• If you plan to venture out none the less, let me share with you some ideas and things to take care of.

WALK WALK WALK

• NEVER NEVER NEVER walk alone
• Avoid as much as possible that you are only a pair, best to be more than 2 (preferable an even number) and walk in pairs. Makes sure to pick the pairs that make sense, and that might fit several criteria in the following list.
• Make sure to agree on meeting points, and if things get chaotic make sure to go to the safest of these points ASAP so that everyone is accounted for.
• If something happens, NEVER NEVER NEVER ALL go to help, let one maybe a little more if it seems that it might sort it out totally , not just help, again go if you can sort it out totally only. Others need to stay back, they are the life line of those who get entangled in a situation. Elgarry in this case is "kol elgad3anah", make sure you keep aware of the updates with those who got entangled.
• DON"T TALK, just walk. Forget about talking sense just follow orders when things are still under control and don't think you can make an argument that is meaningful. Bare in mind these people are on high alert, ready to take anyone just like vultures and Mad dogs, and they will CREATE any situation to take it out.
• The more sunlight there is the safer it is to walk, the more the time gets later be wary of your safety.
• Remember the "law of large numbers", the larger the crowd you are joining the safer "statistically" you are.
• Remember, "curiosity killed the cat", so lets keep that to reports on facebook and Twitter. Don't just go to be an eye witness unless you have a plan.
• Be as discrete as possible, if you are going on a walk with a few make it look normal. Forget the big cameras and the things that give you away.

Your Phone:

• Forget the fancy touch screen phone, if it doesn't have a screen that would be better. Definitely avoid something that is ultra bright and expensive. Make sure the numbers are reachable on it quickly, and that all is handy. If you are addicted to data on your phone have a few people hold data ready phones but most have cheap cheap phones as described. Would be good if you have a spare battery and that you have numbers across different carriers.
• Always remember phone numbers of people by heart, and not on your phone's memory, use the memory cells for these numbers they might need to be handy. The following are numbers you need to know

1. Numbers of people walking with you they are your first and best life line, they are there, give them information, especially those who have access to good potential resources.
2. Numbers of people YOU KNOW CAN HELP. The closer they are to the place and more senior the more quick and effective. Make sure you know how to reach them and that they are ones that can actually help. If you can test the fact that they can help that would be better.
3. Numbers of common friends who can report news about someone who might have himself in a situation, if you already know the right person to call in the family that would also work. Make sure to make sense on who to talk to (Don't go calling his sick dad, or his aging mom, be wise) and try to be as focused as possible. Don't go on calling a zillion people and then having to handle the flooding of useless Baby sitting.

Attire:

• Dress code, make sure to dress appropriately, In addition to the common things (jeans, sneakers, no valuable stuff) things you want to consider

1. Make sure everything is tight, no open jackets or loss items. The less you have the better.
2. If in the evening, the more padding you have the better, and I am not here talking about keeping warm
3. If you will get hot, and starting early consider getting a light bag to carry the extra cloths, don't keep them on. Also make sure the bag can be parted from you by choice easily.

• Avoid having valuable stuff, keep your wallet back in the car or at home in a safe place. Hang on to the ID cards and some cash in different bill sizes. If you have health coverage cards, keep the information handy.
• Makes sure the most valuable of your possessions are in you front pockets (If you really need the wallet that is where it goes). Distribute you cash in many pockets.
• Wear briefs not boxers, yes I said that in an email to you guys. Its you safest pocket if you need it for any reason. Make sure things wouldn't fall down.
• Wear long socks, you can use them for limited items.
• If you can wear some head cover, it might be worth it at times.
• If you wear glasses and can live without them, forget them and keep them safe. If you can't or can only manage daytime and not night, loose them as much as possible.

Misc:

• Keep water handy as much as possible. If it will make you look odd, then make sure you get your filling whenever possible.
• If you are on medications, keep your regular stuff with you in groups in one of your pockets. Better still if you can't function without them stay back.
• If you are unfit, or not in top shape, save yourself for another day.
• Tear gas, you need to be prepared. They are the usual scarf over the nose and mouth and the more sophisticated Pepsi 2L bottle gas mask. Vinger on the filter of the air passageways is said to be a good solution. Keep some in a small bottle with your supplies

If it turns sour:

Ok, well things are not all good and dandy, it might happen even to you. Here are some things I think are useful

• Resist, to a limit. If it isn't happening then make sure to save energy for later. YOU WILL NEED IT. Make sure you are not seen as a sissy, but don't think you are Hercules, it turns them on and intimidates them more
• If you can get out of there, do it.
• Don't talk too much or make an argument, you will only get it worse, it will waste energy and effort on your end.
• If you are big and strong, put that to help your partners who aren't as lucky, make sure to be their shield and their support
• Be wise, if you are out numbered forget about Bruce Li, that is only in the movies. But remember, they are not their for a cause, but for an immediate reaction, and they will come in numbers and not alone.
• MAKE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT CALL FIRST, get the info out then work on other things. Remember you first life line is the party of people with you that are still out there.
• If you are in with other people you don't know, don't assume you can be totally open with them. You don't know which side they are on and they are from the Egyptian community which spans a lot of different types of people.
• Stay as calm as you can to think straight, easier said then done but make sure to put your best effort at it.
• Those trying to help, avoid chitchat with the guy in trouble, and call only when absolutely necessary. Manage on your own and make wise judgements.

If you are still reading, change doesn't come with no cost, and it might be something that affect you although you might think that going through an incident yourself is a grave thing, it is not something that would make the news or accounted for from the history books. Don't worry it is noted where it really means something.

Yours
“It always seems impossible until its done.” Nelson Mandela

P.S. IF YOU ARE FORWARDING THIS EMAIL REMOVE ALL TO EMAILS AND FORWARD IT WITHOUT ALL THE NAMES OF PEOPLE ON IT TO YOUR LIST