Group action - is it really the best way?

[T Wolf]

There has been a lot of talk about the upcoming protests in NYC and the possible good and bad that might result from them. It makes me wonder whether there might be a better way to fight the enemy that is in control of our goverment.

As a 52-year old who lived through that "golden age" (sarcasm on) of protest back in the day, I seriously question the effectiveness of group actions of any sort, especially large-scale ones that many hope to see in New York.

All of the anti-war protests sure kept us out of Iraq, didn't they? I think it is naive to believe that:

1) there will be anything resembling fair coverage by the media.
2) those coveted "undecideds" will think, "Hey, all those people are against Bush. I guess I will vote for Kerry."
3) those in power, particularly this mob of thugs, give a damn what any protester says.
4) there will not violence.

In addition, too often, in posts about the protests, the word "fun" is used to describe it. We are not playing cards, or even extreme dodgeball, people. This is a war and war is not fun. Until our side realizes it and treats it as such, we will continue to lose.

I am not saying that we should do nothing. I am saying that we need to change our tactics. Like the revolutionaries that fought off British tyranny in the 18th century, we should not stand toe-to-toe with an enemy that has greater firepower. Americans fought from behind the hedges, as should we. To continue the obsolete tactics that they abandoned 250 years ago is just stupid.

Individual action, whatever each of us can do to move the struggle forward, seems to me to be the wiser strategy. There is less exposure to discovery and counter-attack by the repukes.

Those of you who think there will be safety in numbers are forgetting the lessons of Kent State and Jackson State. Nixon and his henchmen delivered a killing blow to that anti-war movement and suffered no negative blowback. Yeah, we got a cool song out of it, but I doubt that is of much consolation to those whose friends and family members were murdered.

So, go to NYC if you want to. Personally, I think it would be much better if no one showed up to protest and we could then say, "See how much money they wasted trying to demonize those opposed to Bush. We are going to show our displeasure in November."

[truthspeaker]

1. no sex threads!

Oh, sorry, misunderstood the thread title.

[bryant69]

2. Well I think there will be coverage

That has been standard Media Operating procedure. The most extreme looking (and therefore most telegenic) protesters will be highlated in order to emphasise the nuttiness of those who don't like President Bush. Should any violence occur that will probably be covered live, and will almost inevitably take the side of the Authorities.

There's a line from an old Diggers (San Francisco) sheet that comes to mind. A Moving Target is harder to hit.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[SoDesuKa]

3. Participation is Important

The antiwar protests didn't stop the war but they kept Bush from claiming that the American people were united behind him. Similarly, the protests in New York won't stop Bush from pursuing his agenda, but they will show the world that resistance is alive and well.

If Bush wins without a struggle he won't stop there. He'll claim a mandate!