Code Pink's Protest Today: Helped or Hurt?

[Sparkly]

Do you think Code Pink's protest today helped to persuade more people (voters and politicians both) to an anti-war position, or hurt efforts to persuade more people to an anti-war position?

[bdamomma]

1. since when is keeping your mouth shut patriot?

kick for code pink.

[Sparkly]

2. To be fair, the binary question is not between protesting as they did or keeping one's mouth shut.

[Dave From Canada]

8. Sorry, but all they accomplished was to illustrate how old and crazy they are. They would have made

a much better impression and a more effective response by simply standing silently, holding up large signs with the number of Americans killed to date, as well as the number of killed Iraqi's. Not throwing tantrums like young children.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

11. The innocent dead cannot yell and scream in protest but probably would appreciate any protest. nt

[Sparkly]

13. "Any protest" -- surely not one that's counterproductive and harmful to the cause.

And that's the question here. So far, most people who answered do believe the protest today was helpful in persuading more people to an anti-war position. But should we make the assumption that every protest is helpful to a cause? (Hm, maybe I should have polled that question!)

[Sarah Ibarruri]

14. Honestly? I don't think protests are done to be liked or disliked, however, what did you not like

I don't think it has anything to do with fashion, but perhaps you feel that etiquette should be part of protests. The protest was to protest war, and war does not take etiquette into account. So I ask, is there some kind of protest you prefer, and, if so, why?

[Sparkly]

16. I'm not saying anything about "like/dislike" -- only thinking of effect.

It has nothing to do with "fashion" or "etiquette" necessarily, except as they may or may not impact effect. (I think we can all agree that a protest that moves people toward the results we all want is the best kind.)

[Sarah Ibarruri]

22. That's why I'm asking. What do you think was not "pleasing" (my word) about these protests?

And why on earth must protests be "pleasing?" And to whom must they be "pleasing?"

[oldgrowth]

17. Where are the young people doing what your saying?????

Can you say Xbox!!!!!!!

[Breeze54]

19. Dissent IS patriotic!!

Right on, Alyce! :thumbsup:

[shaniqua6392]

3. Thank you Code Pink!!

I was with them in spirit. They did a good thing. They do it because they love and care about our troops being maimed and killed so that George Bush and his buddies can make money off Iraqi oil.

[xchrom]

4. keep up the good work code pink!

[jobycom]

5. I don't think that's the right question. Keeping the protest in front of people

may not sway hearts and minds, but it at least lets the general public know that there is a protest, that not everyone is happy and trusting. That might turn some people off, but it will also raise questions in other people, and some of those people may answer those questions, perhaps over time, in ways that we need them answered.

Most of all, it just demonstrates that there is a problem. Most people won't learn that from watching the "news."

So to me the question isn't whether they changed any minds, but how I can thank them for what they did.

[Sparkly]

6. Again, the question isn't this particular protest vs. no protests.

You mention "keeping the protest in front of people," but there isn't just one protest -- many are possible. The poll question is limited to this one particular protest today. (And of course it's fine to believe that this and all protests are helpful.)

[EFerrari]

7. My CP sistahs definitely help keep pushing the issue.

I'm so grateful to them. What they do is hard and they do it beautifully.

[Generic Brad]

9. They did an admirable job

They did America proud!

[soothsayer]

10. listen, the real power in this country has nothing to do with our quaint notions

of politics. We're not a sovereign nation anymore, and haven't been for years. Washington is little more than theater, so code pink can neither help nor hurt. Decisions are made not by you and me, nor by our reps for you and me, but by shadowy, moneyed powers who have all the info and call all the shots. So don't take the whole hearing thing too seriously; it'll only break your heart.

[poverlay]

12. Unavoidably sad, but all too true...nt

[bobbolink]

15. Sadly, you have it nailed.

[bryant69]

18. don't take politics in general seriously - just give up

what an inspiring message. Sounds like exactly the sort of thing Karl Rove would like to see us believe.

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

[Sparkly]

20. In that case, why are we even engaged in politics at all?

Why are we Democrats? Why are we on DU? Why do we support candidates with time and money, etc.?

[Anita Garcia]

21. protests work!

Please prove me wrong if you disagree.
I know, it's proving a negative.
And that's my point.

[Netbeavis]

23. Although I respect their determination and dedication

The execution of the protest looked a little shaky.

I hope the message did not get lost in the shuffle.