Self-absorption 101 I know this
Self-absorption 101
I know this has been done, but I'm sorry, I've just gotta get it off my chest. Let's kick it off with this quote:
When you get to the point that the war actually begins, that's a point when many... feel they have to take the strongest action they can personally take,"
And what might these actions be? Let's recap--first, the absurd:
- In Portsmouth, N.H., protesters plan to make noise by banging pots and pans
- Many groups plan to carry out die-ins, where activists lie on the ground to symbolize war victims and to block passers-by
- Some students at Swarthmore College, in Pennsylvania, plan to lower campus flags to half-staff
- In SC, they want to plaster a federal building with duct tape and plastic sheeting
- And the ubiquitous naked thing--again, I respond with, the HELL?
Next, the mildly annoying:
- In Seattle, envelopes with white powder and anti-war messages were left at six locations Monday, including a post office that was evacuated.
- Eight anti-war opponents were arrested Monday in Traverse City, Mich., when they tried to block an Army Reserve convoy headed to a training area. One handcuffed himself to a truck and the other seven locked arms in front of the vehicle, police said.
- Four others were were arrested in Lansing, N.Y., on Monday on charges of trespassing at a military recruiting station. During the protest, about 20 people splattered what they said was their own blood onto recruiting station walls and windows and an American flag.
And finally, reckless endangerment of the lives of ordinary folks:
- San Francisco anti-war groups have laid out similar plans on a larger scale for the outbreak of war, including blocking traffic and an effort to shut down the Pacific Stock Exchange and some high-profile commercial buildings.
- "The bare bones of the plan is to basically shut down the financial district of San Francisco. The way we see it is that we basically unplug the system that creates war," said Patrick Reinsborough, an organizer.
Sooo, blocking traffic that could result in the deaths of people who are forced to wait for police or medical assistance because of your arty "traffic jam for war" is just dissent, eh? Oh, you didn't THINK about that, did you? Or perhaps you just don't give a shit. I'm thinking you're leaning toward the latter.
And let's not forget the calls for actual attacks on military installations.
When it's pointed out that perhaps there are more constructive ways to protest, here's the response:
"What else are we supposed to do? Sit and say nothing ... and be silent? That's not very American."
Umm, no. But you could adhere to the "civil" part of civil disobediance, you know, the part where no one gets hurt as a result of your actions? I mean, I thought that was what being "for peace" was all about. Guess I was misled. It's obviously just all about you not getting your way and throwing a tantrum. Don't make me come over there and give you a time out.
Posted by Big Arm Woman at March 18, 2003 08:04 AM