Re: Protesting outside a political event

[pat_k]

I'm not a fan of protesting outside candidate appearances -- any candidate, even Trump. But, as I believe should be the case with anyone who believes in the principles of free speech, I unequivocally defend everyone's right to participate in a lawful protest. And that is what occurred outside East LA College on Friday.

When Bush came to Westfield, NJ, I was out there protesting, along with Citizen Action, Congressman Frank Pallone, and many other prominent groups and individuals.

Here's a post on DU about it, with 80 replies, 100% applauding. (Sorry, pics are no longer in OP, but scroll down. Some pics in Reply #55)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3218291

So, when Sanders tells Rachael:

In terms of people showing up and protesting outside. They wanna do that, that is absolutely appropriate. Why not. That's what freedom of speech is about. That's what freedom of descent is about. People standing outside by the hundreds, by the thousands, saying we disagree. I think that's exactly appropriate.

would you really have him say anything else? Would you really have him denounce protesting outside a political event?

[Silver_Witch]

2. Of course not.

This post is excellent and points to our right to freedom of speech - ALL speech - ALL the time! No one would have posted that protesting outside Bush was wrong or that the protesters against Trump are wrong.

Speech is a our right and ohhh so wonderful. Stand for Free Speech -

[silvershadow]

3. You aren't a big fan of the 1st amendment? nt

[pat_k]

4. I don't think it's an effective strategy to confront Trump or Clinton...

supporters at campaign events.

I absolutely support a protesters' right to do it. I just don't think it's particularly effective -- and in fact is more likely to be counterproductive.

My personal feelings about it as a strategy are, of course, irrelevant.

[silvershadow]

5. Even when our very democracy is threatened? Just asking, not indicating one way or

the other my own feelings.

[pat_k]

6. I'd prefer a strategy more likely to gain votes.

I think the conduct of some of the protesters has done more to inspire negative feelings about Bernie's campaign than positive feelings.

Just my opinion.

I would recommend strongly against confronting the other candidate's supporters in any way. That gets negative press. I'd prefer a show of opposition to the candidate -- like the march that took place -- that garners attention without giving an opening to the "negative spin."

[silvershadow]

7. Not sure we are even on the same page. I think I will just drop it with you, no offense.