Anti-fracking protests at next week's natural gas conference, civil disobedience possible
Marcellus Shale conference organizers send instructions on how to deal with troublemaking environmentalists, and provide smart tips for the oil and gas barons venturing off their landed estates into the big city, including how to walk on sidewalks and use cellular telephones.
Anti-fracking protests at next week’s natural gas conference, civil disobedience possible

The protesters are coming! And so is an industry conference! Reading Terminal Market is going to be busy!
Iris Marie Bloom, a protest organizer with the group Protecting Our Waters, says they are expecting a big turnout next week to oppose drilling in the Marcellus Shale--and, she suspects, potential (unsanctioned) acts of civil disobedience. And they have some public support: a recent poll found that while slightly more Pennsylvanians support natural gas drilling than oppose it, most want the industry taxed and oppose fracking in state forests.
Fear not: members of the natural gas industry are ready for action. Today, they sent participants an email outlining security precautions for Shale Gas Insight™.
First, there are instructions on how to deal with troublemaking environmentalists involved in the September 7 Shale Gas Outrage protest:
• It is best not to engage in dialogue with protestors.
• If you are presenting and a conference attendee interrupts your comments, a session monitor will approach the individual and ask for the disruption to cease. If he/she does not comply, security will be summoned. It is best for presenters to step back from the microphone during the disruption and security response.
• If a person close to you becomes disruptive during a presentation, do not personally intervene. If security is not in the immediate vicinity they will be close by -- find a security member and request their assistance.
• Cooperate with all direction and requests made by conference security personnel and/or the Philadelphia Police Department.
• The police will be monitoring all protest activity.
They also provide smart tips for the rural oil and gas barons who are venturing off their landed estates into the big city, including how to walk on sidewalks and use cellular telephones:
• Remember to remove badges when leaving the convention area.
• Walk "smart" by researching the best way to get to your desired destination.
• Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times. When using a phone, stay focused on your surroundings.
• Pickpockets usually work in groups. Keep your handbag secure at all times and avoid placing it on the ground. Put a rubber band around your wallet and keep it in your front pants pocket.
Pickpockets--now that’s a quaint idea. Philadelphia criminals tend to be somewhat more direct when they decide to separate you from your property. That’s probably why the “Public Transit” section of the security briefing conspicuously fails to mention the subway. Better not go down there: it’s probably where all the pickpockets and protesters hang out.
"That’s probably why the “Public Transit” section of the security briefing conspicuously fails to mention the subway. Better not go down there: it’s probably where all the pickpockets and protesters hang out."
Not only that, but why would a fracker demean him/herself by riding public transportation? They're all about fossil fuels, groundwater pollution, and $2 bottled water. Rev up the Hummer--that'll clear off those tree huggers! Rancho
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