Oops.I was going to comment further on my news reporting opinions but too far for thread drift.

Don't know what the protest was about. Don't really care. As a Canadian it's probably none of my business....But I gotta ask.

A counter protester? What the hell is that? Someone protesting the fact that people are protesting?

I think it's more like people coming out to march/support for the opposing cause. For example, if there is a pro-life march, then a pro-choice march in the same proximity would be a counter-protest.

Is it so tough to be "equipped to demonstrate"? Most demonstrations happen in urban areas. Near the National Mall, you can easily get your survival needs taken care of at the nearest restaurant or hotel. The only thing I'd worry about is what to do if violence should break out. What if you get pepper-sprayed, for example?

Stay away from politics, guys and gals.