i almost got arrested

As much as I hate to admit it... I was feeling quite antagonistic last night as well as direly sleep deprived (and bummed because I didn't get to make it to the march in Austin), and reading over what I wrote, I believe I could re-phrase some things in a clearer context now. I admire kj's passion and I know what that first protest feels like. But, I don't advocate violent action. Restraint is essential because what the other side wants is for you to lose your shit and go hit someone. That's usually the bottom line with the counter protesters, they are there to stir it up. That's what they do. The lady who said bombs not books just said it to piss somebody off, that's all. Had anyone hit her, mission accomplished. So, apologies for splitting the ranks here because I was a little out of it. Needless to say though, it seems that more and more are coming to realize that they have to stand up and do something, which is a good thing.

Peace.

 

I only skimmed the thread, so I apologize if these points were already covered.

The Non-Violent protests of Gandhi during the 20's and 30's were a factor of the British decision to grant India its independance in 1947.
The Civil Rights Marches of the 60's did result in a change in direction with regard of equal accesss to housing and equal treatment before the law, as administered by the states and local juridictions.
The Anti War protest had an impact how the Vietman war was conducted not just with the U.S. actions but also within the North Vietnamese.
Currently, the prostests in Beruit certainly did influence the Syrian government's troop deployment in Lebenon. For a while the Prime Minister (pro Syrian) resigned, only to be reinstated days later. This situation is still to be sorted out. It still seems Syria is not in control but on the defensive.

Protest Marches is another avenue to adding to the marketplace of political ideas.

 

i agree with duck on some points...as others have said...Ghandi and the civivl right movements...

but how in heck was the French and american REVOUTIONS protests?...no, the Tea Party was a protest...killing people and loping off heads is not protest...its basically a civil war...

 

I forgot to list maybe the more important protest in Beijing China, spring 1989.

After Russian Premier Gorbechov (sp?) visited, a thawing of individual self expression was tested. "Democracy Wall" was allowed to be erected. This was an outlet of oridinary people's concerns on public matters. From this grew the Tien Amin Squrare protests. Tien Amin Square, which can hold more than (if I remember correctly) 100,000 people, was filled to capacity protesters. I don't know if this figure is accurrate, but from person experience I can tell you it is huge.
About midnight June 6th, 1989, the Chinese government rolled thier tanks in, killing (depending on who is to be believed) a couple of hundred to several thousands of protesters.
From that time, the Chinese government has allowed some of the items desired by the protesters to be included in their laws, getting rid of corrupt officials - economic improvements, etc. Auto companies have built assembly plants, auto sales is a couple of times over that of the American Market, Shopping Malls, changes in Banking laws.
Its no wonder they have recently become a major importer of Oil and other raw materials.

 

oh no the big thrill here was being out there surrounded by plenty of people who came out for the same reason as i did. almost being arrested was not the highlight of the day and right after that i calmed down. and its not like i wouldve actually touched the guy anyways because the police were between the protestors and counter-protestors. i wasnt there thinking "hey, maybe ill climb over the fence and kick his ass." while i was trying to carry on a conversation with this guy i got more and more into it and i wasnt thinking about going over. i didnt even realize i was. it wasnt until later when i actually thought about it. anyways im not going to sit here and defend myself for getting caught up in a short moment.

 

Oh, ok. I guess because you say so, it must be true lol. Sorry, but that's not accurate. There's a good documentary about the 1960s called "Berkeley in the 60s". Check it out. www.google.com www.amazon.com

 

Hell Yea Marcus Garvey Park(that man rocked). Fuck this whole war and fuck BUSH, somebody really needs to take him out! This is all over oil and nothing else. The man is a complete idiot which only proves my point that a majority of the population is complete idiots. The man can not even read a speech that was written for him! I dont know about you, but I want the person running the country to be alot smatter than me.

I am proud that you marched, I need to get more envolved!

 

Lou, until you know what it is you're talking about...shut the fuck up.