(Update from funding bill -- please read pinned post. This event will still happen, although we'll now be protesting as a criticism of the shutdown/brinkmanship tactics going on in congress.)
FRIDAY OCT 18 AT 12 NOON, we are going to troll Congress by getting as many furloughed Federal employees, or anyone else who wants to help, to stand in front of the Capitol and blow our vuvuzelas until they pass a budget, or until we get bored and feel like we've made our point. Aim to show up a few minutes BEFORE NOON if possible! We want everyone there so that all at once, our deafening buzz will fill their halls!
We will be having our demonstration in the northwest corner of the area marked Area 10 on this map, which is the part of Area 10 closest to the capitol building itself. Note that on this map, North is to the left rather than the usual "up", because... well this is Congress, that's what you've come to expect isn't it? If you're getting there by Metro, the Capitol Building is a very short walk from Union Station. If you arrive before noon, we will be gathering on the corner of First St and Independence Ave, which is basically the southeast corner of Area 10.
(click to see map)
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/special_events/map.pdf
If you live in the DC metro area and want to buy a vuvuzela, they are sold at Party City, which has multiple locations in the area. You can also buy vuvuzelas on Amazon (for the true monotonic wind connoisseur, the ones on Amazon are a little higher quality) but I'd do this asap to make sure it arrives in time. If you are unable to find a vuvuzela or if the furlough is stretching your budget too thin, we'll have extras on site. Come and blow with us!
Also please consider making a sign encouraging an end to the shutdown, putting our gov't employees back to work, or something related to that. It would be good if many or most of us had some sort of sign so that it isn't *just* the most spectacular musical event in congressional history. I will bring a few extras with me as well. Nobody will be able to hear anything, but until we reach a critical mass of over 9000 vuvuzelas, people will still be able to see.
If you live far away or cannot make it, you can still sponsor a Freedom Blower via PayPal for just $8. Sponsor two Freedom Blowers for just $15! Send donations to my PayPal account: thesignet | gmail ! com . We will make a bulk order through Amazon Prime this Sunday night, and if donations come in after that we'll make subsequent orders or go find horns in the city if there isn't time to ship. All donations will be used to purchase the maximum number of vuvuzelas possible, so that we can hand them out to ANYONE who wants to help us teach Congress a little lesson about how annoying the American people can be if you cross us.
Invite your friends!
