5/30/2002: Earth First tactics

[Joe]

I think they just use something simple like 4" PVC, with a bar inside to grab. A better design would be to have a way you could jam your hand into some kind of constriction so you don't have to rely on muscle strength to hold on, but you could let go if you wished.

These devices are effective. There is no way to make the person let go without harming them. You can't get inside the tubes to pry their fingers loose. The reality of TV coverage makes is such that no police agency will go so far as to break the nonviolent protesters arm or beat them unconcious, though they will use other nonlethal means until the cows come home.

The demonstrators train for this, learning from every protest what works and what does not.

If I were the one that had to move that guy, I'd get a couple dollies or some such device, and cart the drums away together. The guy would come along free of charge.