MyDD :: Massive Street Protests in 2007?

Massive Street Protests in 2007?

by Vox Populi, Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 08:27:14 PM EST

From Dan Conley on Political Insider:

http://politicalinsider.com/2006/12/2007 _prediction.html

Let me be the first Political Insider contributor to offer a prediction for what will be the most important political event of 2007: the return of the Vietnam-era street protest.

Having seen that non-existent public support and a Democratic Party takeover of Congress is not enough to keep President Bush from escalating the Iraq War, war opponents will take to the streets in the largest anti-war protests since the early 70s. By spring, expect a massive, million + participant march in Washington to coincide with the fourth anniversary of "Mission Accomplished." Every Democratic candidate for President ... and at least one Republican ... will speak at the rally.

Conley brings up an interesting prospect. Do you agree that 2007 will be a year of massive, people-powered street protests against the escalation in Iraq? Is that something our country has the stomach for? Will there be a V-For-Vendetta ending to the sordid Bush administration?

I think it's a bold claim that in the end won't pan out. I don't think the American people have the will anymore to take to the streets in the millions for a purpose. The capacity is there, but I think the people of today are much more comfortable behind their keyboards than on a picket line or marching against political wrongs.

I think it's an interesting hope though, and would like to see that kind of civic involvement. Especially my generation (born in 1982 here), which hasn't known the meaning of protest.

Tags: Iraq War, Mission Accomplished, Democrats, protests (all tags)

Permalink :: 6 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (3.00 / 1)

1982 here too. I was very involved with the pre-Iraq war protests, and while I agree that there will be no massive 2007 marches, I think its a great thing. People have different opinions about the effectiveness of the Vietnam era movement, but I think we can general agree that marching anywhere isn't going to bring the troops home. Protests are wonderful in the way a pep rally is wonderful, but I think our generations method of social change will be much more complex and...effective? =)
I think we are lucky because the internet etc. will give us a chance to make the real big changes....our parents will be proud =)

by Rob Laurent on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 09:03:44 PM EST

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (none / 0)

I'll hope against hope for the return of protest marches. Just imagine the talking heads on TV having their heads explode trying to talk about the marches, if they do happen. Protesting behind a keyboard doesn't present nearly the same visual as would a protest march on the street, especially if one were to draw thousands or depending on the city, hundreds of thousands.

John McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion

by Calvin Jones and the 13th Apostle on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 09:12:36 PM EST

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (none / 0)

> Just imagine the talking heads on TV having their heads explode trying to talk about the marches

And I look forward to that day when FINALLY the network news will do us the serivce and put an embeded journalist within the demonstrators and at convey with a greater degree of accuracy what demonstrators are all about: intelligent people with a good sense of what's going on in the world.

by Brattlerouser on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 10:43:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (none / 0)

Been there. Done that. Bought the tee-shirt.

Things are a little different right now. Massive protests in large urban areas? So called "Middle America" doesn't care much for or pay attention to what "crazy people" do in New York, San Francisco, or Chicago. What'll really get them thinking is "Joe Average" standing alone with a sign on a street corner in their neighborhood.

dubya and the gang invade Iran? There'll be massive street protests everywhere. Institute a draft? There'll be massive street protests everywhere. American involvement in Iraq trickling down to a whimper? Nothing.

543,895 votes

by Michael Bersin on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 09:56:59 PM EST

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (none / 0)

Unfortunately, if Charlie Rangel and some other Dems get their way, the street protests will be directed at the draft and the Dems who are pushing for it just as much as at the President who uses it.

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 10:24:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Massive Street Protests in 2007? (none / 0)

And I too worry about protests like 1968, where the disruptions in Chicago all but certainly cost Humphrey the White House.

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 10:25:32 PM EST

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