We don't have protests, we have parades.

[KyndCulture]

Something said to me by a friend on another board today.

He was making the point that we have permits, are restricted to certain streets, we carry signs and that's more of a parade than a protest. There are few and far between acts of peaceful civil disobedience.

I was just wondering what you guys thought of this. Are we having useless parades? Is there a better way?

[politicaholic]

1. I personally have been wondering that for a while now...

I swear if I didn't have a job I'd go down to the federal building right now and handcuff myself to the front door.

[janx]

2. Tell that to the SWAT teams...

:rofl:

[KyndCulture]

3. throwing lettuce at the motorcade was more of a protest.

than what we've had lately.

[GymGeekAus]

4. What's the alternative?

I agree, Kynd. Our protest culture is shackled by ridiculous laws. It does turn any gathering by like-minded individuals who desire to express their opinions into something of a parade.

But these parades do have value. Just like GLBT parades.

I don't know what all the rules are, personally. I recognize the value of the government knowing when and where these events occur, since there is often a need to protect and police such events. Also, it gives the government an opportunity to know where to hear dissent, which would be valuable if the government paid any attention. Establishing "free-speech" zones is a dangerous precedent, in that it creates this idea that we're not entitled to speak truth to power in other places.

I think we are being tasked with a seriously complicated problem as modern progressives: How to get the attention of the media and the government without making demands upon local police forces. The blogosphere is a good option, except that it's so easy to ignore. Petitions don't attract the attention of the media, and we're pretty sure that they just land in the trashcan anyway. Boycotts don't do anything unless people are aware of them, and again we lack a friendly media.

I'm not a professional protester or organizer, I'm just a guy with a political opinion who sometimes joins in. I don't think I'm gonna solve this.

By the way, HOWDY!!!

[KyndCulture]

6. I agree.. and hey stranger!

I'm not sure what the alternative is, and I know they are important. I'm just brainstorming what could be done.

I think marching without a permit is a start toward civil disobedience.

[SteppingRazor]

5. I think "parades" do just as much good, if not more...

than peaceful civil disobedience. I've been in protest marches -- or parades, if you prefer -- and I've also been hauled off to jail. Both actions get about the same amount of media coverage. But only one of them leaves you standing on the street corner to continue protesting.

Now, if civil disobedience got more media coverage, or could result in serious, meaningful change not achieved by protest marches, I might see your point. But as it is... :shrug:

[KyndCulture]

7. I agree with you Razor.

I didn't say this initially. It just made me think a bit.

The media sucks no matter what we do. There is no coverage. I don't know what the solution is.