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sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:02 PM Apr 2013

Shut the country down for one hour

Designated date and time, everyone stops there autos and block traffic on every road in the country. A shot over the bow if you will. A protest that the next time will be 2 hours. What would zero fuel sales for one hour do. How do you let the true enemies of America know we have had all we are going to take. Could the whole country stay home and not spend a dime for even one day?? At least it's an idea.

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Shut the country down for one hour (Original Post) sorefeet Apr 2013 OP
Shut the country down for one hour Flashmann Apr 2013 #1
I think an hour is doable and quite effective. avaistheone1 Apr 2013 #2
I know, it was a thought sorefeet Apr 2013 #3
+100000 woo me with science Apr 2013 #7
Civil Disobedience actions, for all. MDarleneI Apr 2013 #4
Can't block all roads. R. Daneel Olivaw Apr 2013 #5
Exactly...think more deeply about such proposals. nt aristocles Apr 2013 #6
Emergencies that require access can easily be dealt with. Occupiers already have somewhat Zorra Apr 2013 #61
... SammyWinstonJack Apr 2013 #73
Why would we deny an emergency vehichle? sorefeet Apr 2013 #8
OK so there's pipi_k Apr 2013 #19
Blocking emergency vehicles is what Ilsa Apr 2013 #34
Yep, that and pipi_k Apr 2013 #68
And what, specifically, would the protest be about? aristocles Apr 2013 #9
Oh I don't know sorefeet Apr 2013 #10
So, kiva Apr 2013 #11
don't really think you understand the whole protest thing. Flashmann Apr 2013 #13
? kiva Apr 2013 #42
My intention was Flashmann Apr 2013 #54
Got it, kiva Apr 2013 #56
Hey man I was suggesting ideas, what your sorefeet Apr 2013 #14
Here's the basic idea: pick something specific to protest about, and aim your protest at it muriel_volestrangler Apr 2013 #78
Like most such proposals, getting enough people MineralMan Apr 2013 #12
The most effective protest doesn't take 60 minutes aristocles Apr 2013 #15
I've been voting for 40 years sorefeet Apr 2013 #16
Really? aristocles Apr 2013 #17
Yes. 99Forever Apr 2013 #26
Yes. Really. truebluegreen Apr 2013 #76
The only ones pipi_k Apr 2013 #20
Good idea. AnotherMcIntosh Apr 2013 #18
Only problem with this idea is if truedelphi Apr 2013 #21
As an idea, it's a reasonable one. SheilaT Apr 2013 #22
Naysayers abound here on DU. Scuba Apr 2013 #23
And where is Occupy now? nt aristocles Apr 2013 #25
I'll tell you where Occupy isn't. 99Forever Apr 2013 #27
Still here, still making a difference ... Scuba Apr 2013 #28
It's a very reasonable and doable form of... 99Forever Apr 2013 #24
And how many is "enough"? aristocles Apr 2013 #32
I don't follow naysayers down rabbitholes. 99Forever Apr 2013 #43
+1000 Katashi_itto Apr 2013 #48
This message was self-deleted by its author limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #29
du rec nt limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #30
What if I need an ambulance? itsrobert Apr 2013 #31
What if you do? Cleita Apr 2013 #36
I'm for it and we have talked about similar type protests in the past Cleita Apr 2013 #33
I'd start small, like just a few neighborhoods with a large activist-like population octothorpe Apr 2013 #39
I always thought what would be cool, would be to block the roads to the Cleita Apr 2013 #41
One thing that pops to mind that might be an issue is that there is a high likelihood of it octothorpe Apr 2013 #46
Actually, that is okay because protests are supposed to be disruptive and Cleita Apr 2013 #49
Yeah, so many people don't have any idea what a real protest is supposed to do...... socialist_n_TN Apr 2013 #57
Well said thank you sorefeet Apr 2013 #81
The intended recipients are the entire country muriel_volestrangler Apr 2013 #79
I like it Cleita sorefeet Apr 2013 #51
Thats all I'm asking for INPUT thank you sorefeet Apr 2013 #50
Alot of people seem worried about blocking emergency traffic. limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #35
I think most people have enough common sense to move their vehicles to the right of the road Cleita Apr 2013 #37
One would think so. limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #40
Not if you get out before they have time to get to you. n/t Cleita Apr 2013 #44
Maaaan, can't I just change my facebook profile pic or something? octothorpe Apr 2013 #38
Point to any historical event in the US that engaged enough people to have this kind of impact brooklynite Apr 2013 #45
First time for everything brooklynite sorefeet Apr 2013 #53
Call me "old fashioned", but I'm spending my time working in the political system... brooklynite Apr 2013 #60
If you know about the corruption sorefeet Apr 2013 #62
Let's review that TOS, shall we? brooklynite Apr 2013 #64
Make it coincide with the next stock market tripke witching hour for maximum effect? on point Apr 2013 #47
How will 'the true enemies of America' know we're doing this against them? elleng Apr 2013 #52
Because we will tell them sorefeet Apr 2013 #55
Because "voting them out of office in 2014" won't do shit....... socialist_n_TN Apr 2013 #58
Sign me up. nt Zorra Apr 2013 #59
So, been watching old movies again I take it? Leslie Valley Apr 2013 #63
Something similar happened at Attica in 1971, Brigid Apr 2013 #65
Exactly Brigid let them know sorefeet Apr 2013 #67
I rec'd for the spirit of the idea but SmileyRose Apr 2013 #66
Nah. I gotta work that day. And so does everyone I know. Throd Apr 2013 #69
Sounds vague, divisive and irritating... Pointy_n_sharp Apr 2013 #70
It's not a bad idea but rrneck Apr 2013 #71
what time zone? snooper2 Apr 2013 #72
Mountain zone start with the sorefeet Apr 2013 #74
wouldn't GMT be a smarter choice.. snooper2 Apr 2013 #75
Klaatu barada nikto wundermaus Apr 2013 #77
We have massive traffic jams in my city every day NoPasaran Apr 2013 #80

Flashmann

(2,140 posts)
1. Shut the country down for one hour
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:25 PM
Apr 2013

Think of the logistics.The coordination and synchronization that would require.How many people would need to be on the same page.

Now think of WHO it is that would be relied on to pull it off.

Not a snowballs chance.

 

avaistheone1

(14,626 posts)
2. I think an hour is doable and quite effective.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:30 PM
Apr 2013

Time enough to show people we are committed, but not so long that you don't piss off your allies.

I don't necessarily agree with blocking the roads. Open roads are needed for emergencies.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
3. I know, it was a thought
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:35 PM
Apr 2013

at least it's an idea, everyone bitches and whines but no ideas or solidarity. Wait 2 years and vote, that's bullshit. WHERE IS OUR THINK TANK. These fuckers spend billions of our tax dollars trying to figure out how to fuck us out of our future.

MDarleneI

(3 posts)
4. Civil Disobedience actions, for all.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:36 PM
Apr 2013

I think we could get the same effect by obeying the speed limit, esp. on the freeways.

 

R. Daneel Olivaw

(12,606 posts)
5. Can't block all roads.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:40 PM
Apr 2013

If my blocking the road kept an emergency vehicle from getting help to somebody that needed it and they were to die I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
61. Emergencies that require access can easily be dealt with. Occupiers already have somewhat
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 08:16 PM
Apr 2013

of an operational blueprint in place for dealing with various situations. We understand the importance of communication, teamwork and groupthink, and it is our goal that no one is harmed by what we do.

Many cities had almost daily Occupy activist training seminars so folks would know how to respond to different circumstances.

Occupy is still here, all of us, and we are waiting for enough people to wake up in order for us to reach critical mass.

We weren't just drumming and smoking dope in GA's, like the MSM tried to get everyone to believe.

This is my main local Occupy group:

http://occupyphx.org/

As you can see, we are still active. It is simply not the right time to take to the streets, we need you and others like you to decide to become active before we can engage in the types of non-violent direct actions that are necessary and effective to force change.

It takes courage and commitment, make no mistake, the cops are brutal.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
8. Why would we deny an emergency vehichle?
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:47 PM
Apr 2013

come on people lets just keep being scared of trying anything. Emergency would have a coordinated priority but not Joe Blow.

pipi_k

(21,020 posts)
19. OK so there's
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:46 PM
Apr 2013

a massive traffic jam on busy city streets.

All of them.

How do you get hundreds...thousands...of vehicles to allow an emergency vehicle through if nobody can go anywhere?

What, do they all just levitate themselves up about ten feet so the ambulance or fire trucks can drive under them?

sigh...

pipi_k

(21,020 posts)
68. Yep, that and
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 09:41 PM
Apr 2013

the fact that the only ones likely to be impacted are the "little people" themselves.

People who can't afford to take time off from their jobs, never mind be late because a bunch of shitheads decided it would be cool to block traffic for an hour or however long...

Some clues for them:

Don't hurt the people you're trying to "help". Don't piss off the people you're trying to "help".

If people are really serious, let them march on D.C. and storm the Capitol building or something.

Or maybe they can occupy a bunch of large cities around the country and...oh, wait...

They've tried that.

I wonder how Occupy Wall Street is doing these days, and how many wonderful changes they've managed to bring about.

Almost two years into it, and it looks like nothing has changed much.

Yet we have some here who think a one hour protest (unlikely to attract more than a few hundred thousands) is going to have an effect.

oy....


sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
10. Oh I don't know
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:57 PM
Apr 2013

maybe SS or insider trading or citizens united or the state of the lying congress. Their are only about a million things that are destroying the country. Private prisons bank reform take your pick.

kiva

(4,373 posts)
11. So,
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:01 PM
Apr 2013

you come up with a [not too brilliant] strategy to protest against something you haven't decided on yet...I don't really think you understand the whole protest thing.

Flashmann

(2,140 posts)
13. don't really think you understand the whole protest thing.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:07 PM
Apr 2013

Not to mention that the populace that couldn't pull off "Hands Across America" for 60 seconds,4 decades ago,can seriously be asked to do this for 60 MINUTES?

Hilarious!!!

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
14. Hey man I was suggesting ideas, what your
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:08 PM
Apr 2013

ideas. Frog in the frying pan??? That is what we are already doing.

muriel_volestrangler

(101,154 posts)
78. Here's the basic idea: pick something specific to protest about, and aim your protest at it
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 05:46 AM
Apr 2013

Your 'block the streets' protest stops people and goods moving. OK, so are you pissed at the whole populace, since they're the target? The effect is to stop certain things happening for an hour. So many people will be inconvenienced, and have to plan around it, or catch up after. What do you expect them to do afterwards, to avoid your threat of 2 hours? If you haven't told them, it's no use expecting them to guess.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
12. Like most such proposals, getting enough people
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:04 PM
Apr 2013

to participate and be noticed will be just about impossible. The problem is that those who participate won't even be seen, because they're not doing anything. Think of Superbowl Sunday. If you're out on the road during the game, there's plenty of traffic, and that's a very popular event.

Aside from that insurmountable problem, it's a great idea.

 

aristocles

(594 posts)
15. The most effective protest doesn't take 60 minutes
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:12 PM
Apr 2013

It's called the BALLOT...local, state, and federal.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
16. I've been voting for 40 years
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:19 PM
Apr 2013

it isn't working. The minute they are elected they forget all about you. It works for them they make the rules, why would they change a thing without being threatened.

 

truebluegreen

(9,033 posts)
76. Yes. Really.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 11:12 PM
Apr 2013

Once the election is over they don't have to pay any attention to us.

I think the idea of NASCAR-style patches showing who our congresscritters really represent is a good first step. Just so everyone knows where he stands.

pipi_k

(21,020 posts)
20. The only ones
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:51 PM
Apr 2013

likely to be hurt by this are regular people.

Not the ones it's intended to hurt.

It's about as effective as trying to hurt someone else by going on a hunger strike.

"Yeah, bigod!!! I'll show you guys! I'll keep banging myself in the head with this hammer until you feel it!!!"

And even if nothing bad happened, once it's over, things go right back to the way they were before.

truedelphi

(32,324 posts)
21. Only problem with this idea is if
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 02:58 PM
Apr 2013

Someone or their child needs to get to a hospital for emergency surgery.

So the more successful this blocking of traffic was, the more likely some innocent person will die as they cannot get through to the ER.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
22. As an idea, it's a reasonable one.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:03 PM
Apr 2013

But as reality, it's not possible.

There are a surprising number of people who for various reasons cannot stay home for a day. Police officers, fire fighters, and hospital employees are the first who come to mind. Then there are those who will be fired if they take the day off. Oh, yeah, teachers are another group who can't really take a day off.

And as others have already pointed out, getting any noticeable percentage of the population to even be aware of this possible protest is iffy at best. And if you could get one percent to participate, you'd be amazing. But one percent won't shut down anything.

A serious march on DC is a much better idea. Maybe a bunch of marches in a bunch of cities, rather like the anti-war protests a decade ago, or something that takes a page from the Occupy movement.

But thinking you can shut the country down for an hour?

And zero fuel sales for an hour will make no difference to anything. Every so often someone posts some silliness about boycotting some one of the gasoline brands for a day, but (go visit snopes.com for the details here) even if it could be organized, it would make absolutely no differenct to big oil's bottom line.

The best thing is to call and write elected officials. Vote. Run for office yourself.

 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
23. Naysayers abound here on DU.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:12 PM
Apr 2013

A one-hour general strike could make a huge point and help build the wave that Wisconsin, Occupy and others have started.

Screw the nay-sayers.

 

aristocles

(594 posts)
25. And where is Occupy now? nt
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:19 PM
Apr 2013

I was a Vietnam-era protester when I was an undergraduate. What we didn't appreciate then, and today's protesters don't, is that most Americans don't care about the issues.

The population of the US is over 300,000,000. My guess is that fewer than 5% care at all about the issues.

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
24. It's a very reasonable and doable form of...
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:18 PM
Apr 2013

... civil disobedience. Sure, not all can or will participate. That doesn't actually matter, if enough of us do.

Response to sorefeet (Original post)

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
36. What if you do?
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:40 PM
Apr 2013

It's only an hour. I have seen ambulances stuck for more than an hour in rush hour traffic even with all sirens blastings. People do what they can to clear a path through the traffic, but it still takes time to move it all along. I think most of us would make exceptions for emergency vehicles and get out of the way.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
33. I'm for it and we have talked about similar type protests in the past
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:37 PM
Apr 2013

but it never really happens. Who is going to step up to the plate to organize something meaningful?

octothorpe

(962 posts)
39. I'd start small, like just a few neighborhoods with a large activist-like population
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:45 PM
Apr 2013

. Then try a city. Then move from there... Kinda figure out what works and what doesn't. See if it's feasible. See if it has the desired effects. If it shows results on a small scale, then people would be more willing to go along with it on a larger scale.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
41. I always thought what would be cool, would be to block the roads to the
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:49 PM
Apr 2013

main airports in Washington, D. C. about at the times that our elected representatives and senators were leaving town for holidays. Then surround their cars that are waiting with masked silent protesters with signs. This time it should be senior citizens with signs about the cuts to SS and Medicare. Then they should disappear just as fast once they made their point getting out before the police arrive. Point made and no one hopefully hurt by the authorities.

octothorpe

(962 posts)
46. One thing that pops to mind that might be an issue is that there is a high likelihood of it
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:59 PM
Apr 2013

also negatively affecting those who are not the intended recipients. If I miss my flight because a protest like that blocked my path as a byproduct, even if I agree with the cause, I'm probably going to be upset with the organizers. Not saying it couldn't be done, but it's something that would have to be taken into account and the risks of alienating some be taken into account.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
49. Actually, that is okay because protests are supposed to be disruptive and
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:04 PM
Apr 2013

annoy people who are ordinarily not engaged. It points them in the direction of a problem. They will of course complain about the protesters to the authorities which will annoy them. Then people will start inquiring as to what those hippies are pissed off about. It usually works out to shinning a bright light on injustices and other problems and sometimes there is a fix offered. We did it with civil rights and war protests. They were messy, obstructionist and annoying, but in the end produced results.

socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
57. Yeah, so many people don't have any idea what a real protest is supposed to do......
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 07:56 PM
Apr 2013

It's SUPPOSED to impact people's lives. Even if it's a negative impact, at least that negative impact points out the problem. What if it makes me late to a meeting/appointment/date/night out???? So fucking what? That's about as much of a "me, me, me" attitude as you can get. It ain't about you and your petty bullshit. It's about ALL of us.

muriel_volestrangler

(101,154 posts)
79. The intended recipients are the entire country
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 05:52 AM
Apr 2013

"block traffic on every road in the country". The OP is clear. The idea is to affect everyone who wants to move. Of course, you have to tell everyone about it first, to make it happen, so everyone will try to plan so that it doesn't affect them. But presumably that's the idea - cause enough hassle and jams before and after as well, to make the inconvenience bigger.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
50. Thats all I'm asking for INPUT thank you
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:12 PM
Apr 2013

very much octothorp. Like I said I'm 60 and I been waiting for a long time, I don't have another 60 to play these games, when we the people of America know the truth and how to fix it but nothing is being done. All of Americas woes could be solved tomorrow, but not without hurting the feelings of the rich, elite and corporates. And that is all it would hurt is their feelings.

limpyhobbler

(8,244 posts)
35. Alot of people seem worried about blocking emergency traffic.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:38 PM
Apr 2013

Instead of blocking traffic what if we all just skip work and hang out down town.

Then ambulances can still get through.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
37. I think most people have enough common sense to move their vehicles to the right of the road
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:41 PM
Apr 2013

to let emergency vehicles pass.

limpyhobbler

(8,244 posts)
40. One would think so.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:46 PM
Apr 2013

Actually I guess the emergency vehicles will be the one's coming to arrest us when we do this.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
53. First time for everything brooklynite
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:24 PM
Apr 2013

Wouldn't you like to be part of a historical movement that dismantled the corruption in America.
It won't happen if no one tries SOMETHING.

brooklynite

(93,873 posts)
60. Call me "old fashioned", but I'm spending my time working in the political system...
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 08:09 PM
Apr 2013

...and since I've met the President, most of the Democratic Senators and fair number of House Members, I don't subscribe to the "they're all in on the conspiracy" theory.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
62. If you know about the corruption
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 08:50 PM
Apr 2013

and ethics issues and you blatantly ignore it, then yes you are a part of the conspiracy.

brooklynite

(93,873 posts)
64. Let's review that TOS, shall we?
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 08:57 PM
Apr 2013
Democratic Underground is an online community for politically liberal people who understand the importance of working within the system to elect more Democrats and fewer Republicans to all levels of political office.


If you believe that they're all corrupt and "part of the conspiracy", then you presumably don't want to get them re-elected, right?

elleng

(130,156 posts)
52. How will 'the true enemies of America' know we're doing this against them?
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:17 PM
Apr 2013

And do we really expect they'll change their behavior?

How about removing them from public positions, like voting them out of office in 2014???!!!!

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
55. Because we will tell them
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:00 PM
Apr 2013

We will shame them and tell them we are doing it because too many people die and live in poverty because of their greed. Fine if you can vote out all of them AND their aides, right down to the last bad apple. They can't have the best healthcare that we subsidize and then blame us for wanting the same thing. They have to quit playing us for stupid and getting away with it.

socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
58. Because "voting them out of office in 2014" won't do shit.......
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 08:00 PM
Apr 2013

to affect "the true enemies of America". The TRUE enemies will just buy the NEW politicians. You act like the politicians are the actual bosses in this country.

Brigid

(17,621 posts)
65. Something similar happened at Attica in 1971,
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 09:06 PM
Apr 2013

On August 22, as tensions were rising in the prison, the inmates staged a "breakfast strike," in which they all participated. Its purpose was to prove that they could organize. Less than two weeks later, the infamous riot broke out.

sorefeet

(1,241 posts)
67. Exactly Brigid let them know
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 09:25 PM
Apr 2013

they are outnumbered an we are organized. A bunch of us took an oath to protect America from foreign AND DOMESTIC enemies. And right now our enemies are right here we elected them based on their lies. They have pulled the wool over our eyes long enough and it's time to fix it.

rrneck

(17,671 posts)
71. It's not a bad idea but
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 10:13 PM
Apr 2013

if we could organize that we could just vote in politicians that would make it unnecessary.

wundermaus

(1,673 posts)
77. Klaatu barada nikto
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 11:45 PM
Apr 2013

Tried it for a half an hour (starting at 12 Noon) back in 1951 and they shot the messenger. - Gort

Why not try shutting down the planet for the whole day starting at June 21 2013 05:04 GMT (Summer Solstice for 2013)?
I recommend everyone stay home to reduce the chances of being shot by the authorities.
Because people who don't know what's going on will be running around like ants. - Wundermaus

NoPasaran

(17,291 posts)
80. We have massive traffic jams in my city every day
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 09:36 AM
Apr 2013

Not sure what we're protesting but solidarity forever, brother!

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