In light of the recent pop trend to run out and get arrested or incite unruly mobs into disrupting legislative business, I thought I would post a funny and somewhat serious blog about the greats and not-so-greats of American protests. Here is an example of a great: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk"]YouTube - Martin Luther King "I have a dream"[/ame] I don't think anyone would argue that this example is a great. Note the orderly use of good speech and the proper use of a public area. Here is a pop example protest that I consider not-so-great: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=568lF6C--og"]YouTube - Cops arrest journalists in Wisconsin[/ame] Note the wild noise, lack of organization, and disruption of legal, official legislative business (the hearings on cuts to Wisconsin's social programs). If we compare the above two protests, while both may have a good message, the one with delivery will stick in history. One was greater than 90% of all presidential messages. The other will be a footnote on the history of Wisconsin in a wikipedia article. Let's compare two more... How about this somewhat well known expression to the Senate: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bew_9GeuGA4"]YouTube - JJ Johnson speaks to Senate about militia (1 of 3)[/ame] Well organized, good points, and generally heard. There a few more parts to this discussion that every Monkey should watch. The importance here is that valid points and thoughts are being put across and guess what... people are listening. This is what American democracy is all about. Here is a no-so-great example of expression: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5nJIx8CA8I"]YouTube - Video of Adam Kokesh dance flash mob at Jefferson Memorial, June 4, 2011[/ame] I understand the feelings about the Supreme Court decision that led to this protest. I think most* of us here agree in terms of ideology. Understanding Adam Kokesh's disdain for authority, though, lends towards a simple cry for attention. The group is generally disruptive, unorganized and not what the average Mom wants to see while taking little Johnny to this Nation's Capitol. This will be completely forgotten about in approximately 6 months. The downside to the drive-by media is quick in, quick out. Strive for message instead of fame and the results are longer enduring. My point here is that there are *better* ways to express one's self. People will see and interpret the delivery. That delivery can and will sway opinion on whether or not the masses will agree or disagree. The deilvery tells a lot about whether its a greater goal or a selfish goal that the speaker is trying to achieve. IMHO Kokesh is striving for attention like he has been since he was in the USMC. The Wisconsin mob is simply trying to evoke mob rule on the legislature- a form of coercion. They can make an address on the floor and should. They should, in a civil-democratic way appeal to the greater people. Storming the legislative building and disrupting the discussions because you don't like who is talking is NOT an American ideal.
