Reply #315: Time and Place (a further explanation of sorts) [View All]

[AZBlue]

I just wrote a very long response to this but my computer froze, so I'm going to short-hand it now. This further clarifies what I meant previously - it's for you and the others on this board that understand the need for intelligent conversation. If you're into name calling, give it up - I'm not responding to those kinds of attacks anymore.

So here it is:

I thank God for those who have gone before us and did what they had to do to settle this country, create an independent nation, fight for civil rights, earn the women's vote and more. The list is long and I admire and respect them - and yes, they broke laws and "practiced civil disobedience" and that was important and vital to the fight. Without their bravery and heroism we might live in a very different country today.

Civil disobedience in and of itself isn't wrong. But, the goal here is to further the anti-war movement and gather support and strength. I don't believe that this will have that effect. We live in a conservative society - by that I'm not referring to politics. The prevailing thought right now is to be good and follow the rules (just look at the Gen Y'ers). That combined with the fact that we are a "news in 60 seconds society" makes it important that we look at the big picture at all times. Getting arrested will energize those who already support the anti-war movement but will turn a lot of people who may be undecided or unsure of the movement against it. How is that furthering the cause? We have to educate those who don't know what we who are on this board have taken the time to find out - that this war is wrong and we were lied to. A sound bite about someone being arrested at the WH is going to have just the opposite effect.

It's the same issue liberals face in elections and political battles on the Hill - the Republicans own the media and the government and until we learn to beat them at their own game we will only give them fuel for their fire. It's absolutely horrible that this is the way it is, but until we accept the reality of it we can't change it. They own the game but they don't play it that well and are beaten by it when we try (as evidenced by Katrina) - their own arrogance makes them extremely vulnerable. Once we use their own game against them, we can get out of Iraq, support the poor, boost our education system and whatever else we want. But, we need to be smart about how we go about it.


Like I said, this is the shorter version - it leaves out some details, but you get the idea. I'm sure some of you will disagree with things I've said (or everything I've said) and that's fine - you're entitled to you own opinion. Just remember I'm entitled to mine too though - I've been very saddened by the nasty and juvenile responses some have posted. I really thought that we were allowed free speech in this country. What happened to debate and discussion??

Anyway, I have got to get back to work - I'm sure my boss would die if he knew how much time I spent on DU so far today. Have a great day everyone!