For the 'art of protest' it would be hard to beat the political street theater enacted by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War - the 'Winter Soldiers' - in 1971 in Washington, when, as a symbol of their anger at the continuation of the war under Nixon, and with a young John Kerry as their spokesman, hundreds of veterans denounced the war one by one and hurled medals over the barricade surrounding the Capitol. There was a documentary made about this movement, which had for its poster a memorable image of one particularly angry looking veteran about to pitch his medal.
4
What a total crock! After the Democrats incessant whining, about whether Trump followers would accept the results of the elections if he lost, it turns out we should have worried more about the Democrats accepting the results of the elections. It looks like the Democrat whiners are prepared for 4 years of not accepting the will of the American people.
8
NYT readers: your arguments against DJT are misdirected. Shout at the GOP. I think he will pleasantly surprise progressives with his leadership. His Party of elephants will be calling for his head.
6
Three Mile Island was a galvanizing event- along with the almost simultaneous release of the film The China Syndrome, about a near nuke plant melt down- resulting in a huge march on DC in May, 1979. I was one of those marchers, in college at the time, and am proud to say that it was our resistance which lead to the adoption of more stringent safety regulations which effectively shut down the nuclear industry, due to higher costs. As for Seabrook, your story is only half true, because Public Service Company of NH eventually went bankrupt because of Seabrook's ballooning costs (a story I broke in NH when I was a print journalist!), and only one of two reactors were built.
9
The protests lately seem to be organized and patterned after what we saw with Occupy Wall Street, which had the failings of not being able to clearly transmit to the observing public what their objectives were specifically.
The current protesting that "you don't like whomever was elected" accomplishes nothing unless protests ignite could actually unite a populace that is ready for an overthrow of the existing government. Not very realistic. The OWS movement had many of its leaders (yes, it had leaders) who didn't hesitate to say they believed a massive strike could be effected which would spread nationwide, shutting down business and the complete functioning of government. They thought that if everyone got out on the streets and camped out in public places that the leaders of the movement would be able to put into place a new method of government based on thousands of local public forums where everything was decided unanimously (like they tried in Zuccotti park.
They called a national strike day and, as you might guess, it was a flop (really signaling the end of OWS). It was fun for workers to look out the windows of their Manhattan offices and see the feeble turnout of the "national" strike. They watched for while and went back to work.
This latest effort, on many fronts with some of the same players as Occupy Wall Street, has about the same promise; long marches, repetitious slogans, disrupting traffic, causing trouble for the police. Then nothing.
The current protesting that "you don't like whomever was elected" accomplishes nothing unless protests ignite could actually unite a populace that is ready for an overthrow of the existing government. Not very realistic. The OWS movement had many of its leaders (yes, it had leaders) who didn't hesitate to say they believed a massive strike could be effected which would spread nationwide, shutting down business and the complete functioning of government. They thought that if everyone got out on the streets and camped out in public places that the leaders of the movement would be able to put into place a new method of government based on thousands of local public forums where everything was decided unanimously (like they tried in Zuccotti park.
They called a national strike day and, as you might guess, it was a flop (really signaling the end of OWS). It was fun for workers to look out the windows of their Manhattan offices and see the feeble turnout of the "national" strike. They watched for while and went back to work.
This latest effort, on many fronts with some of the same players as Occupy Wall Street, has about the same promise; long marches, repetitious slogans, disrupting traffic, causing trouble for the police. Then nothing.
8
NY Times, you should practice what you preach.
Your paper played its role in ripping apart or refusing to cover whistle blowers in the government. Why? Now you want masses to rise up after you jumped in on the bully dogpile and helped in the silencing of critics of wrong doing?
The tragic irony of this administration's legacy - it has the worst record on jailing or penalizing whistle blowers. The extended irony - many of the cases began during the Bush Cheney administration. It can take years for judicial complaints to make their way, if they dont get thrown out on some desperate and flmsy technicality.
Now you want people to take stands? You should exemplify what you are trying to stoke, after embarassingly tepid coverage by your paper of whistle blowing in the past two administrations?
Put your readers' money where your mouth -- or your own. Nah, that would require courage
Sincerely, a State Department Whistle Blower
Your paper played its role in ripping apart or refusing to cover whistle blowers in the government. Why? Now you want masses to rise up after you jumped in on the bully dogpile and helped in the silencing of critics of wrong doing?
The tragic irony of this administration's legacy - it has the worst record on jailing or penalizing whistle blowers. The extended irony - many of the cases began during the Bush Cheney administration. It can take years for judicial complaints to make their way, if they dont get thrown out on some desperate and flmsy technicality.
Now you want people to take stands? You should exemplify what you are trying to stoke, after embarassingly tepid coverage by your paper of whistle blowing in the past two administrations?
Put your readers' money where your mouth -- or your own. Nah, that would require courage
Sincerely, a State Department Whistle Blower
9
"The current relevance of this (Polish protest) to America...will escape no one."
Actually, it will escape a lot of people, particularly those young people which Rosenberg hopes would be most militant in the face of a Trump victory. The simple fact is that most millennials are so self absorbed and passively cocooned in their own little social media circles that they've lost both the ability to think for themselves AND actually step outside and DO SOMETHING.
Actually, it will escape a lot of people, particularly those young people which Rosenberg hopes would be most militant in the face of a Trump victory. The simple fact is that most millennials are so self absorbed and passively cocooned in their own little social media circles that they've lost both the ability to think for themselves AND actually step outside and DO SOMETHING.
8
All of these ideas have merit. However, the people in power can learn from these experiences too. One of the things I think the authorities are learning is that the most effective response can be to let the protests happen with the lightest possible law enforcement response, express official support for people's right to express themselves, even praise the protesters for being nonviolent -- and then do absolutely nothing. Just wait them out. It's a big part of how the Occupy movement was defanged. It's been the response of some cities, including here in Philly, to protests after police killings of unarmed civilians. Someone is paying attention and noticing that whether you mace and arrest protesters or just let them do their thing, the activity dies out, or at least dials back to a low simmer, in about the same amount of time. People have jobs. If they miss work to occupy a building or march daily, they can get fired. If they lose their jobs, the bill collectors and the evictions come next. The most effective anti-protest strategies might be led by landlords and HR directors, not the police.
I don't say this for the purpose of celebrating that. I say this as a possible explanation for the American tendency to muddle through, and therefore perhaps to avoid the worst effects of extremism on either end of the spectrum but also to have difficulty shaking fully free of structural, baked-in problems like racism and income inequality.
I don't say this for the purpose of celebrating that. I say this as a possible explanation for the American tendency to muddle through, and therefore perhaps to avoid the worst effects of extremism on either end of the spectrum but also to have difficulty shaking fully free of structural, baked-in problems like racism and income inequality.
4
The operative word in successful demonstrations is PEACEFUL. Once that word is removed from the description it is no longer a demonstration, it is a riot that MUST be put down by force. All people in society must know that there is a line that must never be crossed during demonstrations.
All those supposed "racists" who didn't like the direction President Obama was taking the country didn't riot. It seems there is much more than just hypocrisy, intolerance and exclusiveness on the left!
All those supposed "racists" who didn't like the direction President Obama was taking the country didn't riot. It seems there is much more than just hypocrisy, intolerance and exclusiveness on the left!
7
Bernie Sanders and his strong group of followers are a perfect all ready formed group to mount meaningful protests. Go Bernie. As the new administration moves to execute the inappropriate proposals, the BERNS will demonstrate (peacefully) calling attention to the media and congress that there is a large and popular opposition.
6
Just what we need, a blueprint for unproductive layabouts to riot.The pampered class of indoctrinated fools majoring in how not to grow up have nothing in common with civil rights activists advocating for a just cause fifty years ago except the changing meaning of protest. It used to have a noble ring of self-sacrifice in service. Nowadays it smacks of self-indulgent twits that missed the civics requirement because it wasn't relevant in an era of wanton stupidity and video games. If there is a chance of fascism arising in the US it will grow in this fertile soil nurtured by Ms. Rosenberg and her comrades at the NYT, an ill informed rabble of poseurs, primed for action. One hopes they will consume their corruptors first.
10
The flaw here, if I might say, is that it is precisely the protests of the last several years and the present that have contributed to a general sense that things are “out of control,” a climate in which a strong leader is desired. It’s also worth pointing out that there is no longer a shared morality that protesters can depend on to sway the undecided; it’s one interest group versus another. These are not those days.
4
Ms. Rosenberg,
Thank you so much! This is such a wonderful reminder of our rights and how they should be exercised.
Before reading this, I have been thinking that one of the most powerful ways to counter the KKK march planned for somewhere in NC for December 3 is for people who are opposed to the KKK also participate, but participate in most unexpected manner that we've ever done in the past. It would be a use of humor and is discussed in your article: people need to show up in the same type of garb--the hood and the robe--but in different colors-- pink purple, green, polka dots, stripes, yellow, red, black, etc., and have music and dance right behind the KKK. No violence, no words, just different color robes (other than white, of course). This will be a march or resistance that can cast them in the light they deserve--as buffoons. I hope my idea is taken up and people begin to show up at these rallies in this manner to counter their attempts at being intimidating.
Thank you so much! This is such a wonderful reminder of our rights and how they should be exercised.
Before reading this, I have been thinking that one of the most powerful ways to counter the KKK march planned for somewhere in NC for December 3 is for people who are opposed to the KKK also participate, but participate in most unexpected manner that we've ever done in the past. It would be a use of humor and is discussed in your article: people need to show up in the same type of garb--the hood and the robe--but in different colors-- pink purple, green, polka dots, stripes, yellow, red, black, etc., and have music and dance right behind the KKK. No violence, no words, just different color robes (other than white, of course). This will be a march or resistance that can cast them in the light they deserve--as buffoons. I hope my idea is taken up and people begin to show up at these rallies in this manner to counter their attempts at being intimidating.
7
Thanks for your creative idea. I like it. It's constructive, it's challenging and above all purposely peaceful... oh and forgot to add colorful!
2
How many people here read the article. I recommend reasing Gene Sharp's own works. They will prove useful in the near future
1
Tremendous article. The Moderate Right and the Left cannot stop fighting against the Fascists.
3
Name one fascist dictator that was taken down without war.
Or gave up power peacefully.
Name one.
Or gave up power peacefully.
Name one.
3
I wonder if the four police officers killed, deliberately murdered, over the weekend is a result of the promotion by the NYTimes to hate and attack. I wonder if civil discourse is completely lost - seems that way. It also seems we are to be swung back to a time that never existed - beyond racism. A time that no one that disagrees with progressives has the right to speak. Hope not.
11
I have been begging to every organization, to everybody that listens, please organize a MASSIVE protest against the tremendous injustice committed to First Americans in North Dakota.
This article confirms what in my heart I knew it was true. My thanks to the author. I am not wasting my time to protest the new elected president until I see how he is governing. For now, my main concern is to stop the aggression against peaceful protecters at Standing Rock.
This article confirms what in my heart I knew it was true. My thanks to the author. I am not wasting my time to protest the new elected president until I see how he is governing. For now, my main concern is to stop the aggression against peaceful protecters at Standing Rock.
5
Resist all Republican'ts and the 1%ers no matter who they are or where they are. Take it back from the unAmerican unpatriotic masochistic sadistic bigot racist fascist Republican'ts. If they can be removed from the Electoral College prior to January 2017, we get our Democracy and country back from these ill gotten gains! A good person President Obama as well as most Democrats and another good person President Hillary Clinton did and would have saved this country from the bigot racist fascist Republican'ts but the ignorant arrogant deplorables once again voted against their own pocketbooks. Thanks stupid Americans!
You know what? This isn't very helpful.
1
The protest was the election. The despised minority in this nation spoke truth to power, to coin a phrase. Please enjoy burning your own house down, we deplorables live elsewhere.
10
In a strange move that bodes ill for the paper’s future coverage, The New York Times’ public editor devoted her review of the paper’s election work almost entirely to detailing ways in which she thought the paper hadn’t been understanding enough of Donald Trump’s supporters. Supporters who knew exactly where this xenophobic, homophobic, bigot lay because they cozied up next to him. It's called fascism. There is no sugarcoating it anymore. And my long standing subscription is ended as of today. Liberty lovers please follow.
5
If protest is important, why are you not covering the Dakota pipeline demonstrations, especially the horrific treatment of the protestors, and the serious injury to a young women protestor?
18
Christine, I'm sure you know the answer to that, but thank you for pointing out the Times' hypocrisy. I wonder if the Times wants us to stay confined to the designated "free speech zones" when engaging in urban protest?
3
The right to peacefully protest is important but seriously has nothing to do with the nodapl crowd in ND. Those out of state agitators are setting fires, throwing Molotov cocktails at LE officers and killing local livestock. They're nothing but ecoterrorists paid to get media coverage....
2
At least all those Democrats who sicced dogs or firehoses on civil rights protesters are out of power. The Democrats' KKK is usually out of business
or only attracts the weirdest of the weird.
At least brave attorneys like Jeff Sessions got the public schools desegregated even if Mr. Obama took steps to keep poor black and Latino children OUT of the elite schools like his daughters attended.
Nowadays, liberal protesters burn, loot, destroy, and otherwise prove to their political opponents that the votes for Trump were exactly the correct choice.
The ironic part?
That many of the progressive rioters didn't bother to vote!
or only attracts the weirdest of the weird.
At least brave attorneys like Jeff Sessions got the public schools desegregated even if Mr. Obama took steps to keep poor black and Latino children OUT of the elite schools like his daughters attended.
Nowadays, liberal protesters burn, loot, destroy, and otherwise prove to their political opponents that the votes for Trump were exactly the correct choice.
The ironic part?
That many of the progressive rioters didn't bother to vote!
11
Re: "moral authority" as a protest resource
Where is the moral authority in protesting the legally uncontested result of a constitutionally compliant election? There are myriad subjective justifications for taking to the streets, if that is your idea of civic engagement, but losing an election is not one of them.
Where is the moral authority in protesting the legally uncontested result of a constitutionally compliant election? There are myriad subjective justifications for taking to the streets, if that is your idea of civic engagement, but losing an election is not one of them.
7
I am part of a group of pro-life people who recently stood in front of Planned Parenthood in Manhattan and quietly stood there in silent prayer to present awareness of their performing abortions. This took place throughout the country in all 50 states and also in other nations. You could call this a form of silent protest on our part. The pro-abortion folks were the ones who were noisy and screamed in our faces. We did make a difference and many women changed their minds and had their babies. We are planning another one in March.
5
This might be a chance for the Baby Boom generation to redeem ourselves. We promised to change the word but ended up becoming increasingly self-involved. Now we are faced with an existential threat to all the progress we've made in civil rights for blacks, women and LGBT. What we can offer is our experience protesting against racism and the Vietnam War. When Ron Kovic of VVAW led the demonstrations against Nixon at the 1972 Republican convention, I was proud to be among the crowd. I'm gearing up for a lot more confrontations, in partnership with younger generations. Remember, we are the majority; we can and must prevail.
4
Currently protesters are protesting Trump's election, which he won according to the rules (i.e. the Constitution), or for things he said months or years ago. So, in essence, the protesters are protesting half of the American voting public. They are easily dismissed as whiny sore losers, protesting the democratic process.
May I suggest delaying the protests until Trump has actually done something worth protesting, i.e. some legislation or executive action. When that time comes, if protests of his actions have been preceded by months of whiny sore loser protests, the new protests will be just as easily dismissed by association. cf. The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Protesting has little effect when repeated incessantly. It becomes part of the background noise, a hobby for liberals with too much time on their hands.
May I suggest delaying the protests until Trump has actually done something worth protesting, i.e. some legislation or executive action. When that time comes, if protests of his actions have been preceded by months of whiny sore loser protests, the new protests will be just as easily dismissed by association. cf. The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Protesting has little effect when repeated incessantly. It becomes part of the background noise, a hobby for liberals with too much time on their hands.
8
"...If the purpose is to allow despondent or angry people to vent and show solidarity, then the anti-Trump protests going on in major cities already do that..."
How'd those violent anti-Trump protests before the election work out?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/us/protesters-throw-rocks-at-police-ho...
"...Protesters outside a rally for Donald J. Trump in Albuquerque threw rocks at police horses and lighted fires on Tuesday night, according to the police and postings on social media..."
How'd those violent anti-Trump protests before the election work out?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/us/protesters-throw-rocks-at-police-ho...
"...Protesters outside a rally for Donald J. Trump in Albuquerque threw rocks at police horses and lighted fires on Tuesday night, according to the police and postings on social media..."
6
Trump's policies are one thing to demonstrate against, but his using his political position for personal gain should be countered with our words but also our wallets. Boycotts are difficult. Instead, try reserving a hotel room and then cancelling just before incurring a penalty. Then repeat. Or buy an Ivanka blouse, take it home, leave it in the bag, then return it a week later. And repeat.
Of course Trump makes millions with licensing, but chipping away at his and his family's direct profits devalues the brand, and hence the value of the license. Imagine the power of 7500 people reserving one Feb. 2017 night each in the new Washington DC hotel. And cancelling days beforehand. It only takes a little coordination. It is now that we cannot stop being "stronger together."
#breakthebrand
Of course Trump makes millions with licensing, but chipping away at his and his family's direct profits devalues the brand, and hence the value of the license. Imagine the power of 7500 people reserving one Feb. 2017 night each in the new Washington DC hotel. And cancelling days beforehand. It only takes a little coordination. It is now that we cannot stop being "stronger together."
#breakthebrand
14
Susan S - "...but his using his political position for personal gain should be countered with our words but also our wallets."
Do you know any national politicians, Republican or Democrat who didn't increase their wealth enormously while in office or immediately after? You lost the last election by pointing fingers at Republicans for doing exactly the same things as Democrats were doing. Never underestimate the intelligence of the American electorate they certainly recognize hypocrisy and self righteousness and don't respond kindly to either.
Do you know any national politicians, Republican or Democrat who didn't increase their wealth enormously while in office or immediately after? You lost the last election by pointing fingers at Republicans for doing exactly the same things as Democrats were doing. Never underestimate the intelligence of the American electorate they certainly recognize hypocrisy and self righteousness and don't respond kindly to either.
3
Neither Mr. Obama or Mr. Trump are suspected of using his political position for personal gain. Others in the news apparently have, but not these two.
President Carter did it right - used his name rec AND his own labor to promote the construction of free houses for poor American families.
President Carter did it right - used his name rec AND his own labor to promote the construction of free houses for poor American families.
2
I'm sorry, but the election of a President that many did not want should not result in immediate protests across the country. Should not result in attacks on ANYONE for the way they voted.
I believe that protests can change opinion. Can garner sympathy for a cause. That is what happened in the 60s. However, the protests I'm reading about are anything but civil and anything but within reason. You cannot protest about something that isn't happening - the claims of racism are being stoked by the media, the claims of gay rights being lost is pure and utter nonsense. Isn't it time to step back and become civil human beings that can engage in discourse?!
It is not okay to block highways, block places of work, burn, loot, scream - no matter who you are and what you support. Trump is president, and we need to use the existing paths we have to stop him IF he steps out of line. Many did not like Obama's choices for appointments, some didn't like that Sharpton became a consultant to the white house, or the free trade act, or the Iran deal, or the DOJ activities, or the immigration lack of enforcement and call to south america to bring in children. I can say the same thing about Bush and the Iraq war. But, they didn't take to the streets, leave their schools, and attack each other or citizens going about their daily lives.
The protests going on right now are about one thing - get rid of Trump before he's even inaugurated or does anything. Where is Obama?
I believe that protests can change opinion. Can garner sympathy for a cause. That is what happened in the 60s. However, the protests I'm reading about are anything but civil and anything but within reason. You cannot protest about something that isn't happening - the claims of racism are being stoked by the media, the claims of gay rights being lost is pure and utter nonsense. Isn't it time to step back and become civil human beings that can engage in discourse?!
It is not okay to block highways, block places of work, burn, loot, scream - no matter who you are and what you support. Trump is president, and we need to use the existing paths we have to stop him IF he steps out of line. Many did not like Obama's choices for appointments, some didn't like that Sharpton became a consultant to the white house, or the free trade act, or the Iran deal, or the DOJ activities, or the immigration lack of enforcement and call to south america to bring in children. I can say the same thing about Bush and the Iraq war. But, they didn't take to the streets, leave their schools, and attack each other or citizens going about their daily lives.
The protests going on right now are about one thing - get rid of Trump before he's even inaugurated or does anything. Where is Obama?
10
I am ready to demonstrate in opposition to the white supremacist government currently being assembled in New York City. However, I know of no national movement organizing and mobilizing to do the same. Until that organization and mobilization occurs, justice and Constitutional democracy remain in grave danger.
5
"the white supremacist government"? sounds like something you read or heard in the media. Any proof?
2
Nuclear Power DID change following the Three Mile Island activism. There were big changes in safety systems of plants that were being built, and the operation of all nuclear power plants ever since. Nuclear power is far safer on account of it.
7
Dear Mary, GREAT point. Well said.
Violence and obstruction of streets and burning and looting - these are the very activities that brought Trump to the presidency. In my lifetime I've never seen such disruption over media-created hysteria. Not ever. Shame on the NYTimes and their 'journalists' for taking such lop-sided reporting. And worse, for attacking a man elected President that has not done anything yet, and is not even president.
Obama won two terms, the votes were not so different - many voted against him, just like many voted against Hillary or Trump. But there were no protests and those that voted for him celebrated. No one stopped that celebration. While Rev. Wright was a racist - Obama's reverend - no one cried racism. No one, not even the media, attacked his associations with Communism, questioned lack of grades or any reports on Columbia or Harvard. Yes, some questioned the 'birth certificate' but there was no violence or protests. No one protested, burned, looted, blocked highways, or left schools. Is it possible that those that did not want Obama are more civil than those that did not want Trump? Appears so. Shame on the comments here - this is not about peaceful protests for a cause or an injustice.
You cannot protest something that has not happened (destruction of the environment or attacks by the president elect against gays). You, NYTimes, continue to tear this country apart. Not Obama, not Trump, and not Congress - you!
Obama won two terms, the votes were not so different - many voted against him, just like many voted against Hillary or Trump. But there were no protests and those that voted for him celebrated. No one stopped that celebration. While Rev. Wright was a racist - Obama's reverend - no one cried racism. No one, not even the media, attacked his associations with Communism, questioned lack of grades or any reports on Columbia or Harvard. Yes, some questioned the 'birth certificate' but there was no violence or protests. No one protested, burned, looted, blocked highways, or left schools. Is it possible that those that did not want Obama are more civil than those that did not want Trump? Appears so. Shame on the comments here - this is not about peaceful protests for a cause or an injustice.
You cannot protest something that has not happened (destruction of the environment or attacks by the president elect against gays). You, NYTimes, continue to tear this country apart. Not Obama, not Trump, and not Congress - you!
15
Did you not see or hear Mr. Trump vilifying entire groups of people, calling Mexicans rapists, a Mexican judge incapable of handling the Trump U case just settled, blacks as poverty-stricken, tweet an anti-Semitic symbol and more? The media cannot tear the country apart and certainly not with an article that speaks only to nonviolent opposition. It is being torn down by people who refuse to accept the fact that the face of our country is changing. We can't bring back jobs in coal or much manufacturing. We need to go forward to clean energy and new kinds of jobs. As long as people insist on living in the past, progressives will have to protest peacefully to bring us into the future.
3
But it is alright to build walls between races, religion, sexuality, nature and exclude those who don't look and think like YOU. This is, sorry to say, a Worldwide Phenomena - and only people can chance the tide (sorry my spelling, i'm Danish)
It does sound like you have been recieving information that is not quite accurate. Though it is true that grade transcripts are protected information I just did a google search and see a Breitbart New article that is ripe with innuendo but shows absolutely nothing of any substance regarding Obama's grades. It makes a lot of accusations against Joe Biden and then appears to imply that (whether these accusations are true or not) somehow because Biden allegedly make untrue claims years ago then therefore Obama had bad grades. The grades in question are from two of the most prestigous universities in America and this is a sterling example of how people can be attacked by scurrilous sources who will go right for the admirable accomplishments of their target and distort them into demonic acts. Obama graduated with a law degree from Columbia and was subsequently hired by several law firms (not likely for someone with bad grades, even if you make up a story that he was tokenized). I just found an article from the Washington Post (10/5/2008) stating "Martha Minow, a law professor at Harvard, told her father, Newton Minow, a high-ranking partner at Sidley, that Barack was possibly the most gifted student that she had ever taught." Please, Mary (if that's really your name), if you want your opinions to be respected and based upon accurate information, look a little bit more critically at stories you read even when, or more so when they favor of your foregone opinions.
2
I was part of a small group that protested the Iraq War every Friday for two years. Last week I participated in a Sierra Club rally for Standing Rock. I agree with Ms. Rosenberg's advice and would like to add......it's FUN! Participants of all ages, creative signs, enthusiasm, solidarity, meeting new people, all while raising awareness for what you believe in. Treat everyone with respect, including the police, stay out of the roadway, don't get in arguments with opposition and make sure you have leadership that is wise, calm and stable. The public appreciates humor. Artistry and creativity, too. Don't forget a "HONK FOR -----" sign, as honks and waves really boost the esprit de corps. I'm surprised more people don't get out there. Why sit at home depressed? It's a free country......use your freedom to assemble, your passion and creativity. You are needed!
58
News media, including the NY Times, could really help, by focusing, not on the occasional episodes of protester overreach or violence, but on the content of nonviolent protests, especially mass marches. Ask the organizers, ask random members of the group, what are the issues you're protesting? what are you advocating? Let the headline be "Obey the First Amendment, protesters say" rather than sensationalist pictures of occasional individuals who do not represent the vast majority of nonviolent protesters.
22
Well, you could vote to express your discontent. Oh, wait.....
5
Protest is a right. However, one should keep public safety in mind. Blocking major highways and principal streets during rush hour does not encourage support from those trying to make it to work in a factory, office, etc. Use some common sense, please.
7
There is a missing item:
Be inclusive. Do not exclude people because of their race/background/religion etc. Claims to moral validity will be undermined by liberal racism aginst perceived opponents.
Be inclusive. Do not exclude people because of their race/background/religion etc. Claims to moral validity will be undermined by liberal racism aginst perceived opponents.
6
Yes- as Trini says- "why is the story of the authority's reaction to the protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline not a front page news story of the NYTimes today?
10
Public protest has been associated in the US with outsider, lower class, weak power status. So lately it's mostly fast food workers marching for fight for 15, or Black Lives Matter against policing abuse of minorities. Now it's Indians against the pipeline.
When is the middle and working class across the nation, of all races, going to assert itself and get out there and march for the cameras? How far down in economic and political power must they go before they do something?
I am going to read Rosenberg’s "Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World.” It’s sure apt now. The question is –who are our peers? Are we all in this together now?
When is the middle and working class across the nation, of all races, going to assert itself and get out there and march for the cameras? How far down in economic and political power must they go before they do something?
I am going to read Rosenberg’s "Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World.” It’s sure apt now. The question is –who are our peers? Are we all in this together now?
2
Just in case you missed it, the middle and working class were out on November 8 and won the Presidency for the Republicans. Look at a map of the U.S. That shows each county in their respective parties color. Hillary got smoked. Who knows how bad she would have been beat in the popular vote had placed like California actually followed the law and keep illegal aliens from voting. Americans, except those sitting in their ivory towers on the East and West coasts, are tired of liberal leadership shoving their morals Dow its throat. Now the left will know how the right felt for the last 8 years every time Trump picks up a pen. It darn sure doesn't feel good but I don't remember the right whining in the street or running for safe spaces. What in the heck would these millennials do if the U.S. was actually attacked by a foreign entity that despises our freedoms and rights? There are not too many "safe spaces" around that are bulletproof or that would stop a terrorist that wants to literally chop their head off. Grow up and use the system to get your opinions known. The more idiotic your protests and lectures by the stars, the farther right you will push Trump. You say, and I agree, that he is a bully, and that is what a bully does. Take him down a notch or two with kindness and false praise and he will compromise all day.
3
Seems the Clinton supporters and the NYT can't get over that they lost. I didn't vote for him but for the sake of this country, please give the man a chance. He may just turn out to be a very good president. I mean, really must I point out that except for Wall Street, corporate CEOs, Military industrial corporations, etc. are we any better off after 8 years of Pres. Obama? No. Korea has more nuclear ability; we are engaged in more wars; health care costs have sky-rocketed; more divide between minorities, etc. Seriously, please stop this madness.
7
Yes we are better off. Please stop the exaggerated claims. Health care costs have not skyrocketed. They have gone up for a very small group. What divide of minorities? The wars were falsely started under a Republican administration
3
Pres. Obama continued the 2 Bush wars and added Libya, Syria, Yemen and ramp up of the Cold War with Russia. He is also droning jihidist enemies with civilians being "collateral damage."
Healthcare costs have gone up for the middle class in a huge amount including co-pays and deductibles.
Healthcare costs have gone up for the middle class in a huge amount including co-pays and deductibles.
1
It so happens that "very small group" comprises most who actually have to pay for their policies...
1
Do not forget that conservatives have the same rights to protest as do liberals. But of course, if conservatives protest liberal policies they are called racists, xenophobes or worse.
So I guess protest is limited to liberal causes.
So I guess protest is limited to liberal causes.
12
Mr Waddell, the beauty of American Democracy is that all of us are guaranteed a right to free speech. So, you may make an argument contrary to mine and that is your right. But, you do not have the right to stop me from making my case as I view it. I am hoping very sincerely that when "the Donald" does occupy the Oval that he will come to understand exactly what was sacrificed to create this Union. We have made great strides forward to perfect this Union. I do not want to consider that he does not understand the awesome responsibility that he has undertaken. That, this is not a reality show but a republic that is and will be a beacon for all people. The founders who signed the declaration wanted to create a society for all people to express their respective ideas.
2
We cannot make America "Great Again" by making it white again. What we can do is nip this racist, bigoted, attitude in the bud, before it takes over the country. The current campaign has given it much credibility and momentum. The silent majority must become vocal and not let this hatred of "others" tear this country apart as has happened in other countries both in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. We are not immune to this. The Electoral College has not voted yet. Each member should consider what type of country he/she wants to live in: freedom from fear and a calm, relatively peaceful life or distrust of neighbors and breakdown in the social fabric that makes our democracy work.
7
Trump supporters know the real art of the protest...
...they vote.
...they vote.
11
As do HRC supporters - all 1.7 million more of us.
2
A useful framework for such activities is the theory of stages of moral development by Kohlberg. I recall articles back in the 70s explaining demonstrations in the 60s and 70s using the theory. In general people tend to have a hard time understanding the ethical reasoning promoted by those at a higher stage of development, but in some cases a conflict of ethical stages can increase learning. A danger for protesters is that people easily recognize those at lower levels, so it only takes a few ‘thugs’ in a crowd or movement to portray it in a negative manner. As an example that is why ‘Black lives matter’ hasn’t had the desired traction, as some of the martyrs presented have been people with repeated arrests, engaging in crimes, and fighting with police officers, including trying to take their guns away. The negatives are well remembered as their motives tend to be understood, while any other message tends to be forgotten as it may not have been appreciated in the first place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg's_stages_of_moral_development
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg's_stages_of_moral_development
4
Just be non-violent.
Obey the Police.
You will earn their respect and the public's.
Then they will listen more carefully to your positions.
Obey the Police.
You will earn their respect and the public's.
Then they will listen more carefully to your positions.
5
What a ridiculous naïve inhumane piece of nonsense. Nice for academia and the country club. No humility nor empathy for real people and their suffering.
The America Revolution and the America Civil War were very artful successful protest movements.
Abrahams' Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith based heirs were all pretty artful in their protests in their quest for land and power.
With the exception of Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. peaceful active non-violent protest has rarely been tried with any success.
Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and killed 27.5 million. Imperial Japan invaded China and killed 30 million. On the eve of the Civil War 4 million Africans were enslaved in a nation of 30 million. Nearly a million Rwandan Tutsi were killed in a 100 days.
" We shall overcome" is not real nor relevant. They were all overcome by their deaths.
The America Revolution and the America Civil War were very artful successful protest movements.
Abrahams' Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith based heirs were all pretty artful in their protests in their quest for land and power.
With the exception of Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. peaceful active non-violent protest has rarely been tried with any success.
Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and killed 27.5 million. Imperial Japan invaded China and killed 30 million. On the eve of the Civil War 4 million Africans were enslaved in a nation of 30 million. Nearly a million Rwandan Tutsi were killed in a 100 days.
" We shall overcome" is not real nor relevant. They were all overcome by their deaths.
4
Apologies if others have already alerted readers to Malcolm Gladwell's fuller narrative of Bill Hudson's black and white photo accompanying this article ("David and Goliath", Chapter Six, pgs 165-66, 191-93). "Hudson's photograph is not at all what the world though it was. It was a little bit of Brer Rabbit trickery" (pg 192).
The US news media including the NYTimes could help by giving more coverage to protests.
Why are we relying on cell phone and independent journalists to learn about the brutal treatment of indigenous people protecting their cemeteries in North Dakota? Why aren't national news outlets filming and photographing the military assault on protesters trying to protect the Missouri river from tar oil? Why the silence on a pipeline that sends the tar oil overseas and leaves the United States with nothing but risk from spills and fires?
Why are we relying on cell phone and independent journalists to learn about the brutal treatment of indigenous people protecting their cemeteries in North Dakota? Why aren't national news outlets filming and photographing the military assault on protesters trying to protect the Missouri river from tar oil? Why the silence on a pipeline that sends the tar oil overseas and leaves the United States with nothing but risk from spills and fires?
4
These protesters have actually lost in court. They are destroying private property, trespassing and impeding traffic. They are not peaceful protesters and are lucky more have not been jailed.
2
the left really is full of loons. How about you get a job if you don't have one, contribute money to those politicians you like, work on the 2018 campaign and gear up for 2020. Protest is fine under certain conditions, but this reads like a primer for boomers or would-be boomers to relive the glory days of the 60s.
6
"Given Donald J. Trump’s approval of advisers from the white nationalist far right" - LIE.
So despicable with no basis nor citation ... Bannon? When has he been racist? No one is calling for less legal immigration or less legal immigration of minorities. The only fascists in the USA are those cooperating in the criminal immigration scheme, those commanding it despite the will of the people with "pen and phone" and those running "sanctuary cities" where the only laws that apply are those that keep them in power.
And as usual with Democrats ... its the poor and minorities who suffer the most from their corruption.
So despicable with no basis nor citation ... Bannon? When has he been racist? No one is calling for less legal immigration or less legal immigration of minorities. The only fascists in the USA are those cooperating in the criminal immigration scheme, those commanding it despite the will of the people with "pen and phone" and those running "sanctuary cities" where the only laws that apply are those that keep them in power.
And as usual with Democrats ... its the poor and minorities who suffer the most from their corruption.
3
Unfortunately, the Democratic Party is no longer a national party. It appears to be bi-coastal and no longer inclusive -- despite what the NYT and the majority of its readership might think. And it will remain that way, diminished and marginalized, for so long as it allows the far Left to set its policies... That should be the lesson learned from Mr. Trump's election. So if the Leftist punditry and their deciples want to assign blame for their loss, the mirror would provide an answer...
1
Why should these protesters get a job? They already have one. Protesting pays $15.00 an hour. It is funny while I didn't agree with Obama at all I was not protesting. I just turned the TV off and selectively read papers online. Our mistake was not to go to the streets and do the same thing they are doing now. The reason was since he is black you would have been called a racist right away. Slick move Democrats. Tried it again with a woman only this time it didn't work.
6
I'm hopeful that the young people of our country will continue to fight for their values, principles and moral values. Protest is the corner stone of change which they can exercise peacefully and hold oppressive regimes accountable. I for my part will be doing just that.
1
David Frum, who I do not normally agree with on much, had a very interesting point to make about protesting on the excellent pubic radio political radio show Left, Right, and Center two weeks ago.
Basically, he indicated that it's how you protest that determines how much positive attention and empathy you might get. In particular, he criticized those who disparage America during their protests, who burn the flag, who jeer at the police officers they see. Frum says that anti-Trump protesters should own the symbols of America, and not let the right wing monopolize them. Leftists should proudly display the flag at marches. They should loudly proclaim that this is THEIR country, that THEY are the patriots, and they are too proud of it to let Trumpistas appropriate all the trapping of patriotism. They should greet the police along their routes with good will and smiles, and never, NEVER engage in property damage, which tuns off people's minds faster than anything else.
Frum didn't suggest a complete return to the sixties, with protesters placing flowers in the barrels of rifles. Still, this is food for thought. Non-violent, serious yet upbeat protests were the tactic of Gandhi, and of Martin Luther King Jr. And they were a lot more successful at engaging hearts and minds than smashing windshields and looting storefronts.
Basically, he indicated that it's how you protest that determines how much positive attention and empathy you might get. In particular, he criticized those who disparage America during their protests, who burn the flag, who jeer at the police officers they see. Frum says that anti-Trump protesters should own the symbols of America, and not let the right wing monopolize them. Leftists should proudly display the flag at marches. They should loudly proclaim that this is THEIR country, that THEY are the patriots, and they are too proud of it to let Trumpistas appropriate all the trapping of patriotism. They should greet the police along their routes with good will and smiles, and never, NEVER engage in property damage, which tuns off people's minds faster than anything else.
Frum didn't suggest a complete return to the sixties, with protesters placing flowers in the barrels of rifles. Still, this is food for thought. Non-violent, serious yet upbeat protests were the tactic of Gandhi, and of Martin Luther King Jr. And they were a lot more successful at engaging hearts and minds than smashing windshields and looting storefronts.
7
I think something many typical (the non-protesting and learning more towards not rocking the boat) Americans don't understand is that there is no way to protest without angering people. Take reactions to BLM and Colin Kaepernick, BLM is widely chided for their more "in your face" and vocal protests and have been criticized for not being more "peaceful". In Mr. Colin's case he merely took the knee and people sent death threats and burned his jerseys. People forget that MLK was much more radical than our collective memory acknowledges and he was not well liked by anglos and had harsh words for whites who sat back regarding racism. I highly suggest everyone do a little reflection and check out PBS documentaries on such subjects.
5
Yesterday evening, BLM protestors -- mostly white by the way -- lined up inside the Whole Foods in Time Warner at Columbus Circle -- near the cash registers -- and started yelling their chant. Everyone was shocked and worried because it was not immediately clear what was happening.
What fools, what selfish jerks. I doubt that half this scruffy self-important lot even voted two weeks ago.
I hope in my heart of hearts that in some miracle NYC gets a more centrist Mayor next year who brings back stop-question-frisk and stops kowtowing to this PC, condescending and fundamentally wrong-headed view of the world.
What fools, what selfish jerks. I doubt that half this scruffy self-important lot even voted two weeks ago.
I hope in my heart of hearts that in some miracle NYC gets a more centrist Mayor next year who brings back stop-question-frisk and stops kowtowing to this PC, condescending and fundamentally wrong-headed view of the world.
7
Yes we have to prove that we can's succumb to humiliation and beatings and then people will feel sorry for us. How about the writer be the first to set himself on fire.
Well you certainly have learned a lot from old England. Ghandi once said that the English will always play by the rules, unless they are loosing, whereupon they reserve the right to change them. The Civil War went so well for the Democrats that they think they ought to have another. From Day 1 you understood nothing about the Trump phenomenon. On day 2, Hillary was a 98% cert right up till after the polls closed. Then the editor in chief and the publisher found, via reader feedback, that their coverage was skewered to Hillary. They obviously don't read the paper. On this side of the pond I don't know anyone who takes an interest in the US as giving Hillary a cat in hells chance. From distance comes clarity. So now would be the era for rebalancing the politics. And the next day we start with instructions on how protest, which thankfully didn't include purchase of a Barret snipers rifle.
I'll make a prediction, Ivanka will be the first female president starting January 2025 succeeding Trumps second term. And the liberal elite will still not know why or how it came about.
I'll make a prediction, Ivanka will be the first female president starting January 2025 succeeding Trumps second term. And the liberal elite will still not know why or how it came about.
2
Before everyone takes to the streets and the barricades (on social media anyway), lets focus on what could be the last most important election of the year, the senate election in Louisiana. If the Democrats can win this, they'll be at 49 seats and it would much harder for Republicans to win confirmation for their extremist nominees in January. Dems have a 35% chance of winning according to polls, but Trump's chances were much lower that that and he won anyway. Below is a link on why Democrats should care about this senate seat.
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-11-16/democrats-can-t-write...
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-11-16/democrats-can-t-write...
2
Protest can be powerful. But the civil-rights protests found support in Lyndon Johnson, and had extraordinary leadership in Dr. King. There is a lot more involved in successful protest than suggested here.
2
Protesting is writing letters to politicians, the editor, and speaking one's mind.
Blocking traffic, looting and burning cars is rioting and is not acceptable.
Blocking traffic, looting and burning cars is rioting and is not acceptable.
7
This is the time is for organizers, not activists. As the Industrial Areas Foundation folks once put it, "not hot anger, but cold anger." (And a lot less identity politics.)
2
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." Theodore Roosevelt
68
The art of the protest and its futility right now is happening to the Native Americans at the Dakota pipeline right now. The way they are being treated is an attempt to get us all used to the way things are going to be if we protest. Be very afraid!
1
I agree that protest is powerful, but the establishment has learned from experience how to counteract protest. One effective weapon is characterizing protestors as violent and lawless.
It's hard to maintain discipline on a spontaneous group. Some may physically attack counter-protestors. Others may indulge in damage to property.
When the protests are carefully organized, it's possible to characterize them as being sponsored by some enemy, think George Soros.
There are also opportunities to undermine the credibility of the protests by pointing out that the organization even exists. That viral rumor about the buses in Austin shows how effective this tactic can be. And this is the era of fake news, so attacks don't even have to be based on truth.
I'm in favor of protests because they build a sense of community and solidarity. The problem will be finding a central organizing principle to galvanize large numbers of people and specific goals. "Not my president" will not do it.
It's hard to maintain discipline on a spontaneous group. Some may physically attack counter-protestors. Others may indulge in damage to property.
When the protests are carefully organized, it's possible to characterize them as being sponsored by some enemy, think George Soros.
There are also opportunities to undermine the credibility of the protests by pointing out that the organization even exists. That viral rumor about the buses in Austin shows how effective this tactic can be. And this is the era of fake news, so attacks don't even have to be based on truth.
I'm in favor of protests because they build a sense of community and solidarity. The problem will be finding a central organizing principle to galvanize large numbers of people and specific goals. "Not my president" will not do it.
Use the Trump family's economic interests as another way to protest. Stop financing them, don't buy products produced in Trump family businesses. Moving from Trump properties would be difficult, not buying into them would not. He has appointed people from business and finance into his circle of advisors don't continue to support those companies with your dollars. The majority of Americans did not vote for Trump, use your economic power to put a stop to his policies and those who support him.
2
Think protest doesn't work? I guess you weren't there for Civil Rights, Vietnam and Watergate.
2
So far, the television and news media have been kept in the dark about lot's of things by the President-elect. What makes anyone believe that this will not only continue in the future, but expand to the suppression of any dissent on social media?
Let me think, who does that successfully? I mean, other than Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, ..., ..., ...? Poland has a lot learn, apparently.
Let me think, who does that successfully? I mean, other than Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, ..., ..., ...? Poland has a lot learn, apparently.
4
One rule not mentioned by Ms. Rosenberg - wait until there is actually something to protest about. At this point, no one knows what a Trump administration will actually do, yet the streets are full of protesters against what they think he will do.
4
We can even go back to early America to find actions that indirectly changed the course of history. Namely the Whiskey Rebellion, the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Protest is what makes change. As the article pointed out it may not yield instant results, but the cumulative affects of individual actions do snowball into public policy change. These actions/protests can turn ugly as we saw in the case of Ferguson. This summer two protests led to the killing of several police officers who were there to protect the protesters. Activists must not allow protests to be taken over by local hooligans who have no interest other than looting or disrupting public order. As we saw in the Black Lives Matter protests, many of the participants were resented by the local communities as outside infultraters. As the article stressed, effective dissemination of the message is key. Agitators must make their appeals morally relevant to a cross section of the population. At no point should protests be allowed to turn into wanton destruction and physical assaults. That is just what the opposition wants and that is how protests lose their momentum.
1
As a Trump voter I would like to make the following observation that his Newspaper has fallen into the deep end of the insanity pool.
People have the right to protest, and work to vote in somebody new in the next election. Right now we just had an election, and Donald Trump will become the next president.
It is not at all clear that the left accepts this fact. They have to, since it is in the U.S. constitution. It is a fine line between legitimate protest and making attempts to forcefully undermine the U.S. Constitution. The NYTIMES should keep in mind that inciting a protest might turn into inciting a mob that will find itself in conflict with the Constitution. In the worse case the mob becomes the enemy that all those who take an oath of office promise to defend the constitution against. It goes like this: "...that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic..."
People have the right to protest, and work to vote in somebody new in the next election. Right now we just had an election, and Donald Trump will become the next president.
It is not at all clear that the left accepts this fact. They have to, since it is in the U.S. constitution. It is a fine line between legitimate protest and making attempts to forcefully undermine the U.S. Constitution. The NYTIMES should keep in mind that inciting a protest might turn into inciting a mob that will find itself in conflict with the Constitution. In the worse case the mob becomes the enemy that all those who take an oath of office promise to defend the constitution against. It goes like this: "...that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic..."
6
Want to see a model of what's to come for the Ubited States under dictator trump and his republican minions? Look at what happened in Wisconsin under scooter and his republican minions. They steamrollered over Democrats and Democracy...
1
A peaceful protest doesn't block an interstate highway, blocking ambulances, etc. A peaceful protest doesn't prevent non-participants from going to work, or trapping in cars for hours. Those are certainly acts of violence in a world where the mere expression of a verbal difference of opinion is considered 'hate speech'.
6
I join with others who are commenting about the lack of NYT and other media coverage of the protest in North Dakota over pipeline intrusion into sacred tribal lands. When the Bundy group with guns took over Federal land in Oregon, coverage was immediate and frequent from all media. This has not been the case in North Dakota. Water cannons paid for by taxpayers used by local sheriffs to defend private property against non-violent, unarmed protesters should be an image on the front pages of every paper and in every news cast. The images should resonate as much as the fire hoses aimed at Civil Rights marchers in the 1960's. No one used water cannons in Oregon; why are these weapons allowed to be used by local law enforcement in ND?
The issues in North Dakota are complex and yes, it is cold there so coverage requires suffering (as does protesting). What violence by local law enforcement, state national guard or private security contractors is allowed to be used against sovereign tribal members protecting heritage sites? What should the role of the DOJ be? What role should President Obama have in resolving the issues brought by the protesters? Do private landowners have to pay for the services of law enforcement when protests go on for months without landowners participating in good faith negotiations?
Why aren't there articles in the NYT asking these questions and all the other questions the protests in North Dakota should bring up?
The issues in North Dakota are complex and yes, it is cold there so coverage requires suffering (as does protesting). What violence by local law enforcement, state national guard or private security contractors is allowed to be used against sovereign tribal members protecting heritage sites? What should the role of the DOJ be? What role should President Obama have in resolving the issues brought by the protesters? Do private landowners have to pay for the services of law enforcement when protests go on for months without landowners participating in good faith negotiations?
Why aren't there articles in the NYT asking these questions and all the other questions the protests in North Dakota should bring up?
7
This is a great collection of important lessons. I don't, however, see a parallel. The closest would be Act Up. In that case, I suspect, the final draft will show that reality barged in on the Reagan view. Viruses really don't just target "those" people. Also, scientists made progress pretty quickly, and that made some difference too.
I see no similarity to the Civil Rights era. Everybody except half the southerners knew Jim Crowe was horrible. Many southern cities integrated peacefully and there was very limited support for Bull Conner outside the fringe.
Here we have a set of eroding American values that many Americans simply don't appreciate. I fear that we are on the path of failed Mid East states. The values that held our country together are simply not shared by a huge number of Americans. Trump will surely make things worse: wealth will concentrate, the environment and our shared future will degrade, and the infrastructure projects will turn out to be a scam. It's not clear that dramatically exasperating the conditions that caused the rise of the deplorables will cause these uneducated, uncritical folks to change their ways.
We need a new country. The right has destroyed this one.
I see no similarity to the Civil Rights era. Everybody except half the southerners knew Jim Crowe was horrible. Many southern cities integrated peacefully and there was very limited support for Bull Conner outside the fringe.
Here we have a set of eroding American values that many Americans simply don't appreciate. I fear that we are on the path of failed Mid East states. The values that held our country together are simply not shared by a huge number of Americans. Trump will surely make things worse: wealth will concentrate, the environment and our shared future will degrade, and the infrastructure projects will turn out to be a scam. It's not clear that dramatically exasperating the conditions that caused the rise of the deplorables will cause these uneducated, uncritical folks to change their ways.
We need a new country. The right has destroyed this one.
3
"The values that held our country together are simply not shared by a huge number of Americans."
And what "values" would those be? Surely you're not referring to the traditional values espoused by the majority of Americans which were ripped asunder and trashed by the Leftist fringe during the past seven and a half years... You folks still don't understand, do you? People grew sick of being told they were racists, that they were stupid, that they were sexists, and all of the other names the Left could conjure up. They grew tired of identity politics. They had the fill of the Leftist lock-step nonsense. No wonder losing is so painful to you. You are simply unable to hear voices other than your own. The echoes must be reassuring...
And what "values" would those be? Surely you're not referring to the traditional values espoused by the majority of Americans which were ripped asunder and trashed by the Leftist fringe during the past seven and a half years... You folks still don't understand, do you? People grew sick of being told they were racists, that they were stupid, that they were sexists, and all of the other names the Left could conjure up. They grew tired of identity politics. They had the fill of the Leftist lock-step nonsense. No wonder losing is so painful to you. You are simply unable to hear voices other than your own. The echoes must be reassuring...
I think what sets this apart from the examples Ms. Rosenberg gives is the timing and nature of the protests.
At the time of the protests, no appointments had yet been made, and no policies had been put in place. From what I heard from my classmates, the justification for the protests was "my candidate lost and racism or whatever." Mr. Trump will be president. That is not up for dispute and is not worth expending energy over. The question is only how he will govern. That is something we will find out when it comes. Right now, I'm not hearing anything concrete to point to other than incoherent speculation of what may or may not happen.
At the time of the protests, no appointments had yet been made, and no policies had been put in place. From what I heard from my classmates, the justification for the protests was "my candidate lost and racism or whatever." Mr. Trump will be president. That is not up for dispute and is not worth expending energy over. The question is only how he will govern. That is something we will find out when it comes. Right now, I'm not hearing anything concrete to point to other than incoherent speculation of what may or may not happen.
6
Newsflash: The progressives, and the swath of gullible teenage and 20-something year old youth who follow them in ignorance, aren't reading the NYT to learn how to protest. No, this brand of the left looks-up to Marxism, Socialism, Communism, and Anarchy. And thanks to our higher educational system, that thrives because of the very political system it seems to despise, the impressionable youth of America view these political philosophies favorably. Oblivious to the amount of death, poverty, and despair these political philosophies bring to bear, they learned that violence is the quickest way to subdue your opponent and empower the collective; so long as that collective agrees with the aggressor. These progressives and their ilk are the anti-Trump protestors who physically chase down and assault Trump supporters, set fires, vandalize homes, and destroy property.
Combine that faction of left with the social justice faction of the left, and you'll find an even more delusional view of our country that is a fraction of a percentage yet manages to influence our media. These are the people who want to argue over pronouns, gender identity, intersectionality, etc.
In conclusion, these protests are only relevant because they are violent. They aren't relevant to the cause of liberty. These people have created an enemy that is an emotion, and that emotion is being fed by ideas that have no foundation in reality. No one is taking away the rights of American CITIZENS. Period.
Combine that faction of left with the social justice faction of the left, and you'll find an even more delusional view of our country that is a fraction of a percentage yet manages to influence our media. These are the people who want to argue over pronouns, gender identity, intersectionality, etc.
In conclusion, these protests are only relevant because they are violent. They aren't relevant to the cause of liberty. These people have created an enemy that is an emotion, and that emotion is being fed by ideas that have no foundation in reality. No one is taking away the rights of American CITIZENS. Period.
2
If you are so upset that you need to go to a cry-in, or make and wave signs declaring the half of the country that won the election racist or other clever names, go for it. It is a free country.
Destroying property, rioting, beating people up, is boorish behavior.
As most reasonable Americans look askance at the childish behavior, we wonder how the hissy fits might make working together easier.
Destroying property, rioting, beating people up, is boorish behavior.
As most reasonable Americans look askance at the childish behavior, we wonder how the hissy fits might make working together easier.
5
Urko, let me trll you sbout pine bertles in colorado. Because of a small amount of climate change, pine beetles no longer die in winter. The kill millions of acres of pine trees. They are standing tindrr.
Like you ssy, it pays to have some facts.
Like you ssy, it pays to have some facts.
1
I know I'm a broken record when it comes to Bernie, but the NYT was dismissing him as being impractical when he said we could use these strategies to advance his agenda in Congress. So deeply deeply disappointed in journalism.
4
Thank you New Times Times - America will need your insight into history in the coming days.
Thank you Tina for this reminder of our people power. We are feeling despondent, but despondency is what the new "alt-right" power structure wants. Come together, join together, do not be isolated. We need more articles like yours that call for strategy and action to fight what may be to come and to organize for a better future in 2 years and 4 years. The writers out there are doing no service to our Country by saying "this is the end." C'mon people, Come together!
1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Sharp
"Waging Nonviolent Struggle" and many other books.
The problem is his well intentioned methods have been adopted by the neo-fascists--which is how Trump got elected.
Fight fire with nonviolent fire--before it gets really ugly--and after as well.
"Waging Nonviolent Struggle" and many other books.
The problem is his well intentioned methods have been adopted by the neo-fascists--which is how Trump got elected.
Fight fire with nonviolent fire--before it gets really ugly--and after as well.
I am a member of Move on dot org. I was arrested, here in Las Vegas, during the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) demonstrations. The police helped us organize the sit down on the Las Vegas Strip. Our OWS leaders coordinated with the police as to how many of us would be arrested (so they knew what size patty wagon to have standing by). We coordinated with the press so they could set up cameras. At 10 o’clock, the police stopped traffic so none of us would be injured. We sat; the cameras rolled; we were arrested and cuffed; we were transported three blocks to a prearranged parking lot; given jaywalking tickets and released. We stood around and chatted with the police – they supported our movement. Later the judged reduced the cost of our tickets. We all made the 6 o'clock news, nation wide.
7
As a student of the Vietnam era I find this article to be the best explanation of why non violent protest is so vital to this democracy. Tina Rosenberg has captured the essence of the purpose of protest. Very well done.
1
Thank you for this. How do I sign up to be on a quick mobilization list?
2
Let it begin. This country has been complacent and lazy for decades. That's why we are in the rotten state we are in today. Millions are still not voting. Change has mainly come to this country through violent protests. It worked for civil rights movement and ending the Vietnam War. Playing Pokemon and Candy Crush will not suffice.
3
If you are expecting violent protest from the snowflakes who need counseling because a Halloween costume hurt their feelings while they were coloring in a safe space, you can pretty much forget about it. Just hope no one attacks the U.S. and we have to institute a draft. The deplorable S will be the only ones available to fight for the snowflakes
1
So why is the story of the authorities reaction to the protest of the Dakota Access pipeline not a front page news story of the NYTimes today?
18
Looks like Trump applied a number of these principles to the campaign.
1
Unbelievable - An article about protesting during the Trump presidency, accompanied by a 50 year old photo of a police dog attacking a protester in the segregated south. Very subtle message received. No surprise that the author is a former NYT editorial page writer. The New York Times under the current leadership is completely incapable of objectivity.
4
The lesson here is, the Poles were wrong to give in. It is unlikely those protestors could keep up their action for more than a few months, and even if they could, they do not have the power to effect it should the state move in to disband them. Whether or not you think abortion is important is a different matter.
Instead of caving in to any sort of complaint, Trump and the next American leadership should consider whether or not a group should be marginalized. Is the complaint of mostly young, inexperienced college girls really worthy of dignity? Is the outlandish notion that the Trump administration is even remotely close to real fascism really worthy of discussion?
The author is operating on an outdated and assumed set of morals. But America does not live in the days of segregation, and overlapping interests as well as ascending nationalism requires a more nuanced approach than the Pavlovian reaction to fall back on liberal democratic values.
Instead of caving in to any sort of complaint, Trump and the next American leadership should consider whether or not a group should be marginalized. Is the complaint of mostly young, inexperienced college girls really worthy of dignity? Is the outlandish notion that the Trump administration is even remotely close to real fascism really worthy of discussion?
The author is operating on an outdated and assumed set of morals. But America does not live in the days of segregation, and overlapping interests as well as ascending nationalism requires a more nuanced approach than the Pavlovian reaction to fall back on liberal democratic values.
2
"Trump and the next American leadership should consider whether or not a group should be marginalized. Is the complaint of mostly young, inexperienced college girls really worthy of dignity?"
Reading this makes me sick. The fact that statements like these have started to make their way into mainstream "rational discussions" is why this article is important and why a Trump presidency is deserving of protest.
Reading this makes me sick. The fact that statements like these have started to make their way into mainstream "rational discussions" is why this article is important and why a Trump presidency is deserving of protest.
Debbie, calling Trump supporters racist, xenophobic, sexist, uneducated, white nationalists, etc., truly offends me and it disgusts me that is all you hear and read today. The left has grown to be more intolerant of the views and morals than the right ever was. The election is decided by the Electoral College and Trump won. Obviously all his supporters were as described.
2
The Wall Street protesters and today's protesters are now just annoyances and no one is paying attention to them. NY goes on as usual with business owners losing money. Tourism will be down. Cab drivers are complaining. These selfish, spoiled people (many of whom do not vote) having nothing better to do with their time. They should put their effort towards humanity where their mouth is.
5
American politicians failed to see or respond to the increasing number of Americans struggling to survive off the decreasing number of scraps that fall off the capitalist table.
Trump will implement policies to improve the prevention of the quantity of scraps that fall off the table and call it an improvement. The GOP-controlled House and Senate will enact severe cuts in benefits levels for social programs funded by citizen contributions.
The politicians who have paid lip-service to the U.S. Constitution except when it served their purposes will continue to ignore its spirit and intent for selfish political expediency.
The intelligentsia, having seen enough already, evacuates...
Trump will implement policies to improve the prevention of the quantity of scraps that fall off the table and call it an improvement. The GOP-controlled House and Senate will enact severe cuts in benefits levels for social programs funded by citizen contributions.
The politicians who have paid lip-service to the U.S. Constitution except when it served their purposes will continue to ignore its spirit and intent for selfish political expediency.
The intelligentsia, having seen enough already, evacuates...
The successful resistance movements cited here all had clearly defined singular goals that impassioned the protesters in personal ways. With a Trump Administration resistance will be divided among:
- Respect for Women - a non partisan response to the Groper in Chief
- Abortion Rights - a highly partisan response
- Respect for Minorities - a cross cultural response to White Nationalism
- Muslim Rights - a focused response to discriminatory policies
- Climate Change - a partisan movement that shouldn't be partisan that takes a back seat to other more personal issues.
- Environmental Protection other than Climate - see Climate Change above.
Many of the same people care about all of the above. But some things cross party lines and others do not. Depending on what is being protested and how the protests are conducted, Republicans may join Democrats and Trump can be truly stymied.
- Respect for Women - a non partisan response to the Groper in Chief
- Abortion Rights - a highly partisan response
- Respect for Minorities - a cross cultural response to White Nationalism
- Muslim Rights - a focused response to discriminatory policies
- Climate Change - a partisan movement that shouldn't be partisan that takes a back seat to other more personal issues.
- Environmental Protection other than Climate - see Climate Change above.
Many of the same people care about all of the above. But some things cross party lines and others do not. Depending on what is being protested and how the protests are conducted, Republicans may join Democrats and Trump can be truly stymied.
8
To the barricades. Or, how to overthrow the Trump presidency. For whom? Hillary Clinton? Nah. Elizabeth Warren. That will work. In the Democrats’ game of identity politics Senator Warren will have the support of women, progressives and Native-Americans. She is Native-American, isn’t she?
Donald Trump was supposed to meet on Tuesday, November 22, at 620 Eighth Avenue, with the New York Times publisher, editors, others at the Times. He cancelled the meeting. If he read Ms. Rosenberg’s Op-Ed, who could blame him.
Donald Trump was supposed to meet on Tuesday, November 22, at 620 Eighth Avenue, with the New York Times publisher, editors, others at the Times. He cancelled the meeting. If he read Ms. Rosenberg’s Op-Ed, who could blame him.
3
"He cancelled the meeting. If he read Ms. Rosenberg’s Op-Ed, who could blame him. "
Me! The guy's a punk. A bully.
Me! The guy's a punk. A bully.
1
Thank you for this positive reminder of how to fight bigotry
4
Where is the coverage when it's needed? Why didn't the NY Times and other mainstream media publicize the lawsuits Trump is facing or has had in the past? Why didn't they write more about his refusal to release his taxes? Why wasn't more attention given to his outrageous tweets and off the cuff remarks? Why was Trump given as much leeway by the media while Clinton was held to a much higher standard? And why didn't anyone in the media write articles or opinion pieces before the primaries or the November election about the complete lack of substantive debate on important issues? Hint: not Clinton's email or the Clinton Foundation.
Where is the media on pointing out how ALEC influences legislation? Why have so many of our newspapers and newscasts become ad ridden to the point where we have to search for the news between the commercials? Why aren't there more public service documentaries on network television? In other words, why are Americans "protected" from real discussions about the environment, the state of health care in America, an analysis of what each presidential candidate offers? In America news has become part of the entertainment business. It's more important to make money from ads than it is to have coverage. We can't protest what we don't know about.
Where is the media on pointing out how ALEC influences legislation? Why have so many of our newspapers and newscasts become ad ridden to the point where we have to search for the news between the commercials? Why aren't there more public service documentaries on network television? In other words, why are Americans "protected" from real discussions about the environment, the state of health care in America, an analysis of what each presidential candidate offers? In America news has become part of the entertainment business. It's more important to make money from ads than it is to have coverage. We can't protest what we don't know about.
80
If you stop watching fox news and begin reading the NY Times, you'll see all of your above topics have been addressed, almost on a daily basis.
1
Native Americans--remember them?--are being soaked with water in freezing temperatures as they protest the Dakota Access pipline.
They've been attacked with rubber bullets and tear gas. Concussion grenades.
17 have been taken to the hospital.
As you think about pie recipes--think about them. Support them.
They've been attacked with rubber bullets and tear gas. Concussion grenades.
17 have been taken to the hospital.
As you think about pie recipes--think about them. Support them.
205
Completely outdated and useless. They serve no purpose and affect no change.
Try this instead:
Educating yourself and getting back to work. You have much too much time on your hands if you have time to go out and protest against something you cannot change.
Try this instead:
Educating yourself and getting back to work. You have much too much time on your hands if you have time to go out and protest against something you cannot change.
13
Many examples of gloriously successful mass protests are given here. Some are quite recent, just unknown to most of us because the media doesn't report much that happens outside the U.S. Take a look at The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker who documents many great changes achieved without war. This is education, too. That which cannot be changed sounds like oppression.
3
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I heard these kinds of comments 50 years ago, directed at college students who were educating themselves and were working. Education and employment are not mutually exclusive with protest. Instead of uninformed personal attack, try to stay focused on the ideas that drive the actions. You may disagree, but being able to have and express different ideas is just one of the many things that makes America great.
3
People can and do both; I work very very hard on elections and in my job and I protest too; its not one or the other. Be tolerant of each other.
3
Yes. Resist. Anyway and every way you can. Our new empty headed, addled brained President must be shown that we will not tolerate bigotry and hate. And public protest is one of the tools we will have to use to make that point.
We are going into dangerous and dark times. Principal of purpose will be key in facing down these people. We will have to take back the government at all levels in the next couple of years and it will be a hard fought battle. Get ready. Resist.
We are going into dangerous and dark times. Principal of purpose will be key in facing down these people. We will have to take back the government at all levels in the next couple of years and it will be a hard fought battle. Get ready. Resist.
128
Republican economic policy ideas are all bad based on an imaginary world only existing in their imaginations. Like Kansas, the entire US will be experiencing this first hand in the next few years. The worst effects will be felt by Trump voters while Trump's fellow one precenters will get ever richer. If Trump's big tax cuts are enacted, his super rich friends will use the extra money to buy US treasuries to cover the deficit caused by the tax cuts. Maybe those super rich will buy up all the newspapers that they don't like as has already happened the Washington Post and WSJ.
33
While I like the opinion about the Art of Protest, readers should understand the photo of the young man and the dog. The officer, Dick Middleton, was not a racist. And the boy, Walter Gadsden, was not a protester. He is not leaning into the dog to say "take me, I am here". In fact, his knee is up to kick the dog [and he did]. The picture does not exactly represent the truth and yet sparked national controversy leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most important pieces of legislation in the history of the United States. On the other hand, perhaps that is the point of the opinion. Use any tool available for delivering messages to the larger population.
7
Little experiment, Michael:
I release an attack dog on you and let's see if you do not automatically move to protect yourself.
Raising a knee perhaps?
Those poor innocent police walking their attack dogs as these horrible people, also known as citizens, brazenly protest police brutality.
We'll see lots more of this.
I release an attack dog on you and let's see if you do not automatically move to protect yourself.
Raising a knee perhaps?
Those poor innocent police walking their attack dogs as these horrible people, also known as citizens, brazenly protest police brutality.
We'll see lots more of this.
Please march with us on Jan 21st in DC.
http://www.care2.com/causes/a-huge-womens-march-on-washington-is-taking-...
No time for complacency.
Sadly, for many of us who saw this tsunami from day one it is a complete catastrophe we expected. We watched him in the 70's be a totally ugly frat boy. He is only worse it seems now......maybe just because it's all out there now.
If only All media not had their own agenda! ($)
------------
The coup has been completed. And it is horrifying. Yet, perhaps this is the only way for us to wake up and grow up. Where and who are the responsible grown-ups who want
freedom and equality for all? Has every person in politics completely sold out on all sides? Are we this rotten at the core? Where is the bottom of our addictions? Will this be it?
-------------------
Please NYT stop equivocating!!
Please we must call this retrograde take over by the white supremacist American Nazis for exactly what it is! Please return to your history books and read how another horror took power in Germany. Please as an older Jewish woman I beg you. It is agonizing to relive atrocities from the past that obliterated millions of my ancestors.
A good movie to watch is "Selma" which shows the organizing principles and strategies used by MLK.
------------
Adrift without a rudder and now the pirates want what little there is.
http://www.care2.com/causes/a-huge-womens-march-on-washington-is-taking-...
No time for complacency.
Sadly, for many of us who saw this tsunami from day one it is a complete catastrophe we expected. We watched him in the 70's be a totally ugly frat boy. He is only worse it seems now......maybe just because it's all out there now.
If only All media not had their own agenda! ($)
------------
The coup has been completed. And it is horrifying. Yet, perhaps this is the only way for us to wake up and grow up. Where and who are the responsible grown-ups who want
freedom and equality for all? Has every person in politics completely sold out on all sides? Are we this rotten at the core? Where is the bottom of our addictions? Will this be it?
-------------------
Please NYT stop equivocating!!
Please we must call this retrograde take over by the white supremacist American Nazis for exactly what it is! Please return to your history books and read how another horror took power in Germany. Please as an older Jewish woman I beg you. It is agonizing to relive atrocities from the past that obliterated millions of my ancestors.
A good movie to watch is "Selma" which shows the organizing principles and strategies used by MLK.
------------
Adrift without a rudder and now the pirates want what little there is.
25
when did white become a pejorative? your march is a joke..........get organized for the next election in four years.....this election is over, the American people have spoken
2
Here's another thing to do- Stop "unfriending" people on Facbook. My personal goal is to friend (the verb) more people on the internet and in the street. The more we polarize the more resistance to change.
9
This almost reads like a template for the mostly worthless and phony "progressive" "protests" of the past couple of decades in America:
1) Avoid articulating or committing to any significant tangible goal (thus preserving flexibility for sales pitches to the dutiful troops who can feel good about "standing up" or "clicking" on-line, while accomplishing nothing).
2) Avoid ever thinking out a strategy for how to proceed step by step to any such tangible goal.
3) Remain blissfully ignorant about political reform actually happens or could happen.
4) Shout, chant, act up, and show off, but never educate or learn.
1) Avoid articulating or committing to any significant tangible goal (thus preserving flexibility for sales pitches to the dutiful troops who can feel good about "standing up" or "clicking" on-line, while accomplishing nothing).
2) Avoid ever thinking out a strategy for how to proceed step by step to any such tangible goal.
3) Remain blissfully ignorant about political reform actually happens or could happen.
4) Shout, chant, act up, and show off, but never educate or learn.
14
That's pretty much the opposite of what the article said. Did you even read it?
4
Thanks for sharing this extensive history with us. Much of it I have lived through, on occasion oblivious to the extent of its effectiveness.
I have never been an activist-- but this year joined a Massachusetts political group and plan to join a Boston Women's March as part of a much larger event in DC on January 21.
I do so because of my grave concern for the direction Trump taking his administration.
I do so because so far, he is making cabinet appointments that reflect the most demagogic elements of his campaign while back pedaling on his few useful promises including his stated goal of serving ALL the people.
The election of Donald Trump has galvanized me like no other in American history. I know I'm not alone and appreciate this article's evidence that yes, I can make a difference.
I have never been an activist-- but this year joined a Massachusetts political group and plan to join a Boston Women's March as part of a much larger event in DC on January 21.
I do so because of my grave concern for the direction Trump taking his administration.
I do so because so far, he is making cabinet appointments that reflect the most demagogic elements of his campaign while back pedaling on his few useful promises including his stated goal of serving ALL the people.
The election of Donald Trump has galvanized me like no other in American history. I know I'm not alone and appreciate this article's evidence that yes, I can make a difference.
99
Christine:
I see this as the most divisive election since Abraham Lincoln. But we have elected a Jefferson Davis, not a Lincoln, and I, sadly, see the future as a bloody and bitter one.
Troubled times have come.
I see this as the most divisive election since Abraham Lincoln. But we have elected a Jefferson Davis, not a Lincoln, and I, sadly, see the future as a bloody and bitter one.
Troubled times have come.
1
By nature, protest is a reactive mechanism. That is not to say civil disobedience is not a sublime method bringing out the best of humanity in us; however, had people weighed consequences enough in an election, there would not have been the need for protest. From OWS to BLM, some protests have played into the hands of the alt-right agitators, resulting in weakening the hands of the Obama Administration, leading to Mrs Clinton's loss when people groped for change blindly. Every action has consequences. Don't be reactive. Be forward looking. The alt-right crowd have planned for years if not decades to poison the well and their opponents only consider a protest? Without a longer term goal? Pity
5
Protests are often reactive and yes, they are inevitably misinterpreted as validating the supporters of the status quo. Protests are never a sole means of affecting change. By necessity they must be accompanied by action in the courts, by lobbying the legislatures, and by using grassroots efforts to frame the intellectual -- the public policy -- case for change. As the writer points out, and as Dr. King notes in his eloquent April 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail, protesters often face denunciation for their tactics, and that for many obscures the underlying reasons for the protest in the first place. Knowing that, protesters accept the need to articulate -- in every conceivable way -- the moral rightness of the cause. As Americans we now face a dilemma. Trump made pledges to this supporters -- pledges that are abhorrent to humanists the world over. There are compelling calls to wait and see. Maybe he won't keep some promises. I am beginning to believe that a reactive strategy is not sufficient this time. Waiting may mean too late. This may be one time that proactive and preventive creative tension in the streets will make people think and agree and build a groundswell of action to stop any and every step, however minimal, he takes to do what he said he'd do. Protesting deportation and Muslim registries cannot wait. The victims will have every right to ask, "where were you while this was being planned -- even talked about?" No waiting now.
2
Another protest that changed history was the "Capitol Crawl" where dozens of people with disabilities crawled up the Capitol steps in March of 1990 to protest Congress's inaction on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Congress got the message and the bill passed later that summer.
25
But, today in Standing Rock, North Dakota, peaceful praying demonstrators, are being attacked local and state militarized police, soaked by water cannons at sub-freezing temperatures, blasted and seriously wounded by sound grenades, and shot in the head by lethal rubber bullets, seriously wounding over 200, sending more than 20 to emergency hospital care, and causing an elder to suffer cardiac arrest. The videos are like the war scenes I experienced in Viet Nam. And it is war - war against American citizens in America. And where is the so-called "liberal media"? Strangely absent from the scene. This is worse than Birmingham 1953 - and Trump isn't even president yet. Despite President Obama's promise eight years ago it seems that: "No. We can't."
116
The example referred to by Ms. Rosenberg in Poland was sparked by unduly repressive government actions. The outrage at the images out of Birmingham had a similar origin. There is one action, if ordered by Trump, that would produce the largest protests and acts of Civil Disobedience since the Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests of the 1960's. The repeal of the DACA provisions, would not only galvanize the 3/4 million mostly young Latinos, directly affected, but untold numbers of other Americans who would be morally outraged by the act of punishing bright,young, students or military veterans, for circumstances over which they had no control. There is huge anxiety among the DACA individuals. Donald Trump could end that apprehension and score a stunning political coup by behaving like a statesman, and announcing he won't end DACA. A majority of Americans favor DACA. If he bows to Republican extremists and ends DACA, he will reap a political whirlwind of protests and Civil Disobedience that will forever scar his presidency.
18
This tutorial on resistance and peaceful demonstration is exactly what needs to be done against Trump's far right undemocratic administration. There is no time for waiting for improvement from Trump's new appointments. The organized movement against Trump's white supremicist takeover of American government must begin now.
Complacency in the face of Trump and Bannon's plan to dismantle America's democratic traditions will only delay the inevitable. Now is the time for the press, the ztimes, and the democratic party to begin organized resistance against Trump's administration.
Obama should take the lead and begin by boycotting the inaugural ceremony and instead give an alternate speech announcing his plan for leading the charge against Trump's attack on American democracy!
Complacency in the face of Trump and Bannon's plan to dismantle America's democratic traditions will only delay the inevitable. Now is the time for the press, the ztimes, and the democratic party to begin organized resistance against Trump's administration.
Obama should take the lead and begin by boycotting the inaugural ceremony and instead give an alternate speech announcing his plan for leading the charge against Trump's attack on American democracy!
35
Organize, plan, protest, absolutely. Civil disobedience if and when necessary, absolutely. However I must strongly disagree with your last suggestion. As Ms. Rosenberg points out, the power of civil protest lies in taking the moral high ground. The peaceful transfer of power is bedrock to the survival of our republic. It was Trump and his supporters who threatened that transfer if they lost, and we were outraged.
I imagine that the organizers of the Million Woman March recognized this principal and so chose the day after the inauguration. Good for them.
President Obama will, and should, participate in the trappings of that transfer. The time for his speeches and his advocacy is immediately afterwards.
I imagine that the organizers of the Million Woman March recognized this principal and so chose the day after the inauguration. Good for them.
President Obama will, and should, participate in the trappings of that transfer. The time for his speeches and his advocacy is immediately afterwards.
12
David Smith....well said...you have outlined the alternative to my suggestion and we will see what happens at the inauguration....indications are there will be hundreds or thousands of confederate flags which is code for white supremacy and every effort to humuliate Obama as he leaves the scene....my wish is to shield the Obama family and children from this public humiliation..I see no value in subjecting President Obama to this final ugly bullying at his departure....better that he leave office signaling a wakening of the country with a Battle Cry for Democracy!
1
This piece makes many interesting points but ignores the most important point. Protests directed against specific actions, policies and conditions can be effective. Protests against one elected official are not likely to succeed.
18
Actually, it makes that very point: "If the purpose is to allow despondent or angry people to vent and show solidarity, then the anti-Trump protests going on in major cities already do that. But they will not reverse the election results, or alter what President-elect Trump seeks to do.Protests can change policies, however — and often have."
2
Let's start with ...
"Show us your taxes "
Enquiring minds would love to know if Putin or his peaps haven't financed our fearless leaders projects.
"Show us your taxes "
Enquiring minds would love to know if Putin or his peaps haven't financed our fearless leaders projects.
40
Yeah, let's all rant on Facebook while stuffing our faces. That's why nothing's going to happen. The only way you'll get people out in the streets in this country is by cutting off their cable and internet and then, that's what they'd be protesting, not any Trumpian transgressions
11
Yes, you are being cynical. However, you have an excellent point of view that we should be aware of. Let us hope we protest more than some (often mindless) technological comforts.
2
As the Bible states, the unjust steward (I.e.:all of us), was praised for his energy and desperate action, thanks be to God he wasn't on Facebook.
You're probably right. Look at the past 8 years you didn't see conservatives out protesting all the wars Obama started or his allowing the law to be broken by letting illegals in. Wonder what could get them to protest? A thriving economy. Being able to really buy affordable health care? So many things.
2
Let's lobby the electors to do the right thing ...while there's still time...
Dec 20
Dec 20
3
And what? Vote for the biggest FOIA violator in USA history, worse than Nixon?
Who kow-towed to Russian billionaires, for guys named "Sid Vicious?"
You must be joking.
Who kow-towed to Russian billionaires, for guys named "Sid Vicious?"
You must be joking.
4
My hope is that President Obama will help organize us. We need focus and unity. Perhaps his Organizing for Action/America can be that umbrella group, possibly with the addition of "we the people" since most of us did not vote for Trump and find his views and policy prescriptions abhorrent.
12
But do we still have a press willing to cover future protests?
For that matter , do we have enough citizen eyeballs watching or reading it?
For that matter , do we have enough citizen eyeballs watching or reading it?
9
Silly question, the press reports everything, and social media is everywhere. Why do you think law enforcement is equipping officers with cameras? - to protect themselves against hearsay.
These protests need leaders who will get in front of the cameras and they need organization.
They need to be on air at the same time every night, just like those neo Nazi Trump rallies that propelled him to that $3 billion in free media.
You need to get your 15 minutes on CNN every night. Every day a new issue.
Trump gave you a blueprint. Don't feel bad appropriating it to depose him.
They need to be on air at the same time every night, just like those neo Nazi Trump rallies that propelled him to that $3 billion in free media.
You need to get your 15 minutes on CNN every night. Every day a new issue.
Trump gave you a blueprint. Don't feel bad appropriating it to depose him.
19
The power of protest well organized sustained protest is undeniable. The historical examples given by the article, however, are for the most part, single issue movements - civil rights, abortion, AIDS, nuclear plants. Today's opposition to Trump is characterized by a checkerboard of issues ranging from climate change to appointments to the Supreme Court. Already readers' comments are singling out issues for protest. What this movement needs is a coalition and that will be difficult. Right now the broad based opposition to Trump is united by opposition to the man himself and the distant hope that the election results can be reversed. They won’t be. This resistance movement calls for a broad based opposition movement that is willing to tackle issues systematically one at a time but is unified by strong leadership and exceptional organization under one cohesive platform. Angry mobs taking to the street yelling Dump Trump is a start, but it’s far from enough.
6
We have to hold our media accountable this time to be vigilant and not try to duck as it happened in 2003. It was an outright shame on our so called democracy, when millions were marching against the war and it could only be seen on foreign news, a total blackout occured in this country. The lesson is, if protests are invisible, they might as well not be happening. The end was that we got thrown, - and I still hold Friedman for his war drumming accountable-, into an absurd, aggressive war, which is now, 16 years later, still reigning down on us in the form of refugees. Iraq was a progressive state in regard to religion, young women wore no veils, going to university. The first line of protest is to report it and put pressure on this administration from all angles. Start with the University fraud settlement, where 25 mill. were spend just to keep his taxes out of puplic sight. One can only fanthom what they contain if their "burial" is worth that much. Let the protests commence against this lying, deceiving, self pocket lining, white supremacist gang....
18
I wish I could be optimistic about the prospect for mass demonstrations to affect the more Draconian measures likely to be implemented by DT, but I fear his ability to manipulate the views of his supporters by distorting reality will undermine the potential effectiveness of the protests.
Take Medicare, for example. It's now becoming clear that DT intends to affect sweeping changes to the program as we know it, following along the lines laid out by Paul Ryan, who wants to change Medicare to a voucher program. DT's wide support among baby boomers is impressive, but will these supporters protest when DT makes his move to scuttle the program, or will they succumb to falsities concerning the program's alleged fiscal unsoundness? Will they support DT's measures if they are told sacrifices are needed now for the sake of their children and grandchildren's future?
I wonder. And I worry.
Take Medicare, for example. It's now becoming clear that DT intends to affect sweeping changes to the program as we know it, following along the lines laid out by Paul Ryan, who wants to change Medicare to a voucher program. DT's wide support among baby boomers is impressive, but will these supporters protest when DT makes his move to scuttle the program, or will they succumb to falsities concerning the program's alleged fiscal unsoundness? Will they support DT's measures if they are told sacrifices are needed now for the sake of their children and grandchildren's future?
I wonder. And I worry.
15
Two quick messages:
To: Chuck Schumer: Impeach him already
To the ACLU: Can we start a class action suit for malfeasance now before he's officially in office?
To: Chuck Schumer: Impeach him already
To the ACLU: Can we start a class action suit for malfeasance now before he's officially in office?
7
OMG...we will be stuck with Pence. Dems may have some luck with holding on to some issues (Trump doesn't even like the Repubs in Congress) but Pence is truly evil. Look at what he believes, (conversion therapy for gays, no abortion even in the case of rape, on & on).Pence agrees with Ryan and McConnell and would gut or get rid of ACA, voting rights, climate change agreements, everything that Obama tried to accomplish with his presidency. Let the Republicans go down in flames.
We will take over in 2018 and the presidency in 2020.
We will take over in 2018 and the presidency in 2020.
3
Isn't there ANYTHING we can stick Pence with? When Nixon reigned, VP Spiro Agnew also bit the dust pleading "Nolo Contendere" to tax evasion, as I recall.
One can tell that Ms. Rosenberg has spent a lot of time planning.
Excellent advice for those seeking to demonstrate.
One might ask the potential demonstrators, though, if they are willing to go to jail and perhaps pay a serious price for their principles. Demonstrations that provoke and are confrontational often land the demonstrators in jail, or worse. Things sometimes get out of control. Are the demonstrators willing to pay the price (e.g. a criminal record does not just go away).
What Ms. Rosenberg describes is not a game. It may be protected by law, if it remains peaceful. But in all that planning that Ms. Rosenberg suggests, it pays to be realistic.
Excellent advice for those seeking to demonstrate.
One might ask the potential demonstrators, though, if they are willing to go to jail and perhaps pay a serious price for their principles. Demonstrations that provoke and are confrontational often land the demonstrators in jail, or worse. Things sometimes get out of control. Are the demonstrators willing to pay the price (e.g. a criminal record does not just go away).
What Ms. Rosenberg describes is not a game. It may be protected by law, if it remains peaceful. But in all that planning that Ms. Rosenberg suggests, it pays to be realistic.
4
You seem to assume we are not willing to go to jail.
To increase effectiveness, not just go to jail, but refuse bail and stay there.
The jails in the U.S. are over crowded.
Flood the system.
The jails in the U.S. are over crowded.
Flood the system.
1
Absolutely. A fund to pay for fines is needed in addition to bravery. If the cause is good, you too can have your arrest record presented to you years later as happened to John Lewis the other day.
Thank you Ms. Rosenberg you give me some hope. I do think this Attention Deficit president elect will give rise to many protests if he attempts to enact even half of what he proposed during the election. Our response must be organized in opposition to his many half thought out and reckless ideas. I have one clear suggestion: the newly empowered racists in government are more like Bull Connor than Ronald Reagan in that they are not given to benign neglect due to deteriorating mental faculties. Instead, they are people given to violence. We need to use Ghandi's approach with them by making them act in a vile and violent manner, which, by the way, is their preference for settling differences with people they don't like. Bull Connor willingly showed the ugly face of racism by sending attack dogs on children. I have a hunch that this impulsive narcissist we now have as our president elect will be more than willing to repeat Connor's failures.
2
IMO, the route to take against this gang of fascists-elect is to "follow the money". He won't disclose his financial dealings/connections but it's all out there waiting to be discovered. His love of money, of power will be his downfall and the sooner the better. Everybody needs to become an investigative journalist, make contacts in the many countries he does business, etc. Learn from Russians in exile about how Putin engineered his left of the Country's wealth/resources. Trump is a fraud and a scammer and he thinks he can use America for his personal gain. Again, follow the money.
21
A timely contribution if in need of some serious editing on the word count.
Of the recommendations (plan, provoke, think national and act local, use humor, pull out the pillars and exploit events) the first three are long to mid-term. The second three are immediately usable.
Using humor is so effective in this setting (see SNL) because The Turnip is so thin-skinned he can't help lashing out at every imagined slight. Three AM tweets are good...lots of them...they wash out the PR efforts of his "professional handlers" who try to use tools like You Tube video.
Pulling out the pillars involves focusing parents and grandparents on the effects of socially divisive and long-term safety net erosion on their children and grandchildren. Trump's plans are not going to benefit children and grandchildren in the long run. They will just accelerate the concentration of wealth.
Exploiting events is again a target rich environment today. Every time The Turnip opens his mouth he expresses not just a contemporary opinion but an attack on the consensus that has allowed this government to last for so long. The Enlightenment Nation is here because we have respected the legitimacy of loyal opposition; our worst catastrophe was when that broke down. The fact he has the MSM in thrall means his every utterance (as well as real events like Dakota Access and Aleppo and ice sheet melting) is an event worth exploiting.
Let's get serious, let's get busy.
Of the recommendations (plan, provoke, think national and act local, use humor, pull out the pillars and exploit events) the first three are long to mid-term. The second three are immediately usable.
Using humor is so effective in this setting (see SNL) because The Turnip is so thin-skinned he can't help lashing out at every imagined slight. Three AM tweets are good...lots of them...they wash out the PR efforts of his "professional handlers" who try to use tools like You Tube video.
Pulling out the pillars involves focusing parents and grandparents on the effects of socially divisive and long-term safety net erosion on their children and grandchildren. Trump's plans are not going to benefit children and grandchildren in the long run. They will just accelerate the concentration of wealth.
Exploiting events is again a target rich environment today. Every time The Turnip opens his mouth he expresses not just a contemporary opinion but an attack on the consensus that has allowed this government to last for so long. The Enlightenment Nation is here because we have respected the legitimacy of loyal opposition; our worst catastrophe was when that broke down. The fact he has the MSM in thrall means his every utterance (as well as real events like Dakota Access and Aleppo and ice sheet melting) is an event worth exploiting.
Let's get serious, let's get busy.
4
Unfortunately, Trump's supporters didn't care what came out of his mouth. They will be the first to get hurt with the stupid decisions he will make. Republicans deserve to go down in flames with all the lies and voter suppression during this election.
OK, fine ideas. Do you also support the current protest in North Dakota, or are you only calling for anti-Trump activism? After all, Trump hasn't actually done anything yet.
The Dakota Access Pipeline threatens drinking water and crop fields over several states and peaceful protesters have been met with a violent response by the state. Obama, as usual, is nowhere to be seen on this issue.
The Dakota Access Pipeline threatens drinking water and crop fields over several states and peaceful protesters have been met with a violent response by the state. Obama, as usual, is nowhere to be seen on this issue.
8
Mr. Obama is very conflicted man when it comes to enviornmental protection policy; protecting one place and then willing to sacrifice another. i.e. supported shutdown of Keystone yet at the very same time wanted to drill in the Atlantic. Huh?!
Is it really all about the money.......what a sad commentary on humanity in the 21C.
Is it really all about the money.......what a sad commentary on humanity in the 21C.
1
"Although people condemn your tactics, they can still support your issue...."
Yes, they will.
And that is why people turned out in formerly blue states, waited till they got into the voting booth where shame and blame from the Left could not reach them, and voted Trump.
So go ahead and prepare for protests, pretending that a movement which disinvites campus speakers with whom they disagree because it may "cause discomfort" to hear opposing views, is equal to the Civil Rights protests of the 1960s.
People are tired now of the Left's hypocrisy.
Maybe, if the Left learns not only how to protest, but How To Listen to opposing views without ridiculing and labeling people with every "ism," and calling them "deplorable," they may yet be back in power.
The Left is not "act up," it has no moral "high ground" on immigration, health care, the obliteration of Allepo, the Iranian nuclear deal which basically safeguards Barack's legacy but little else, or millions of white workers being out of work due to US energy policies and global dislocation. 21 year-old techies make more than middle-aged white workers whose factories are no more, and the Left has no answers except "shut up" and recharge my battery operated Prius to reduce my carbon footprint.
The Left will someday have to stop protesting, and actually dialogue again with Trump voters, and yes, even compromise on issues, instead of censoring debate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLG9g7BcjKs&feature=youtu.be&spf...
Yes, they will.
And that is why people turned out in formerly blue states, waited till they got into the voting booth where shame and blame from the Left could not reach them, and voted Trump.
So go ahead and prepare for protests, pretending that a movement which disinvites campus speakers with whom they disagree because it may "cause discomfort" to hear opposing views, is equal to the Civil Rights protests of the 1960s.
People are tired now of the Left's hypocrisy.
Maybe, if the Left learns not only how to protest, but How To Listen to opposing views without ridiculing and labeling people with every "ism," and calling them "deplorable," they may yet be back in power.
The Left is not "act up," it has no moral "high ground" on immigration, health care, the obliteration of Allepo, the Iranian nuclear deal which basically safeguards Barack's legacy but little else, or millions of white workers being out of work due to US energy policies and global dislocation. 21 year-old techies make more than middle-aged white workers whose factories are no more, and the Left has no answers except "shut up" and recharge my battery operated Prius to reduce my carbon footprint.
The Left will someday have to stop protesting, and actually dialogue again with Trump voters, and yes, even compromise on issues, instead of censoring debate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLG9g7BcjKs&feature=youtu.be&spf...
12
Protests today seem to bring in a minor, but a very violent set, who only want to wreak havoc.
Peaceful protests seem to be impossible these days.
Methinks doth protest too much.
9
Mayor Hales of Portland organized a March for Hope, (today) in a protected, safe place, and not in the streets in a park along the waterfront. It is a rally for all ages, and I think it's genius because it will bring support for all of those who come.
The unfortunate violence and property destruction that erupted
in Portland was caused mostly by the anarchists who are a very small but potent group. The smart protesters disengaged and worked with police. These young people need protesting 101! The other spectacular act of violence was caused by a criminal gang member with several weapons. He stopped while driving over the bridge and shot an innocent, non-violent protester several times. The gang member was not a protester.
Many of the protesters helped w/the clean-up of businesses that were damaged. They started a "go fund me" account and raised thousands of dollars to pay for damages.
These young protesters grew up under Obama. They, like, us are in shock--just remember they don't have the perspective we do. I'm not excusing them, just giving an analysis.
The unfortunate violence and property destruction that erupted
in Portland was caused mostly by the anarchists who are a very small but potent group. The smart protesters disengaged and worked with police. These young people need protesting 101! The other spectacular act of violence was caused by a criminal gang member with several weapons. He stopped while driving over the bridge and shot an innocent, non-violent protester several times. The gang member was not a protester.
Many of the protesters helped w/the clean-up of businesses that were damaged. They started a "go fund me" account and raised thousands of dollars to pay for damages.
These young protesters grew up under Obama. They, like, us are in shock--just remember they don't have the perspective we do. I'm not excusing them, just giving an analysis.
4
The "well behaved" protestors blocked streets, mass transit, and freeways. When asked by a reporter why they did this a protestor replied (approximate quote) "You are covering this protest now with wall to wall news coverage. When we were holding a quiet vigil you weren't listening." How do we strike the right balance?
1
Three Mile Island was never a danger -- to anyone, except the company stockholders. A post event analysis revealed that, if one had been standing at its perimeter during its most intense emission, one would have received less radiation than one receives normally each year. In case you are not aware: There are two facilities there, TMI-1 and TMI-2. TMI-2 failed -- but TMI-1 continues to operate, just fine. Detroit was not protested because -- except financially -- it was a non-event.
But emotional reaction to Three Mile Island set back nuclear power development by decades. Wind power? It doesn't always blow. Solar? The sun sets. Nuclear should be a booming energy source. France generates over 95% of its electric energy by nuclear reactors. And they dispose of the waste products safely, in France, with no deserts or isolated wasteland. If the French can do it, certainly we can.
Have you ever had an MRI? Its full scientific name is NMRI -- nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. No, radiation is not involved. But the word "nuclear" terrified the populace -- indoctrinated as they are by the rabid press eager to sell papers -- and had to be dropped.
Uninformed protests are worse than useless, They can do real harm.
But emotional reaction to Three Mile Island set back nuclear power development by decades. Wind power? It doesn't always blow. Solar? The sun sets. Nuclear should be a booming energy source. France generates over 95% of its electric energy by nuclear reactors. And they dispose of the waste products safely, in France, with no deserts or isolated wasteland. If the French can do it, certainly we can.
Have you ever had an MRI? Its full scientific name is NMRI -- nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. No, radiation is not involved. But the word "nuclear" terrified the populace -- indoctrinated as they are by the rabid press eager to sell papers -- and had to be dropped.
Uninformed protests are worse than useless, They can do real harm.
6
You are misinformed about sustainable or renewable energy.
Do a little research. Amory Lovins of The Rocky Mountain Institute wrote a book called "Reinventing Fire" It lays out scientifically the ways towns, cities and transportation can be built with new technologies that work in systems that support each other. Bill Gates has it on his reading list. It's brilliant--think you would like it.
And look up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Eastern Washington. It is the largest nuclear clean-up site in U.S. that few people know about. It developed the first plutonium reactors for the first nuclear bombs, in secret like Los Alamos. It's still leaking into the Columbia River, and has faulty containment. Hanford Reservation is the size of Los Angeles (city proper).
Lotsa clean-up, all over the country. And now Myron is head of the EPA?
Time to protest.
Do a little research. Amory Lovins of The Rocky Mountain Institute wrote a book called "Reinventing Fire" It lays out scientifically the ways towns, cities and transportation can be built with new technologies that work in systems that support each other. Bill Gates has it on his reading list. It's brilliant--think you would like it.
And look up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Eastern Washington. It is the largest nuclear clean-up site in U.S. that few people know about. It developed the first plutonium reactors for the first nuclear bombs, in secret like Los Alamos. It's still leaking into the Columbia River, and has faulty containment. Hanford Reservation is the size of Los Angeles (city proper).
Lotsa clean-up, all over the country. And now Myron is head of the EPA?
Time to protest.
5
An organized one day "walkout" by the 61.5M No-Trump voters would send a clear message.
2
"An organized one day "walkout" by the 61.5M No-Trump voters would send a clear message."
But what message? If you can't control the message those being protested will and you'll just feed their rhetoric. Destruction of property will undo any protest and the Left's actions seem to lead to that any more.
With all the riots I've seen since the 1960s the only people harmed are those who live in the areas of the riots and the rest become steeled even more against the movements.
But what message? If you can't control the message those being protested will and you'll just feed their rhetoric. Destruction of property will undo any protest and the Left's actions seem to lead to that any more.
With all the riots I've seen since the 1960s the only people harmed are those who live in the areas of the riots and the rest become steeled even more against the movements.
2
Great and well written piece.
I am ready to fight with civil disobedience for the next 4 years - for my kids. Too much is at stake to allow Trump to mow down our way of life and social fabric.
Trump is the most dangerous menace to our democracy in over 200 years. I fully expect Trump to violently try to squelch any dissent to our new "king."
Expect many brave Americans to stand up to his inevitable tyranny.
I am ready to fight with civil disobedience for the next 4 years - for my kids. Too much is at stake to allow Trump to mow down our way of life and social fabric.
Trump is the most dangerous menace to our democracy in over 200 years. I fully expect Trump to violently try to squelch any dissent to our new "king."
Expect many brave Americans to stand up to his inevitable tyranny.
9
"Expect many brave Americans to stand up to his inevitable tyranny."
And the rest will just sit at home watching?
And the rest will just sit at home watching?
Thanks for that wonderful ray of hope Tina. We need it so badly.
3
and the role of the destruction of property?
4
An excuse for the apathetic to stay home and do nothing.
1
and an opportunity to inflict pain on capital
It is probably too hopeful to think that the Democratic members of Congress will take Mitch McConnell's advice on governance and make resisting everything Mr. Trump does their number one job - that might be a form of protest that would reinforce the street protests that Millennials should be planning now.
6
What is important is to keep opposition to the Trump regime in their faces, front and center, everyday and on every conceivable issue, at every level.
Protests, as discussed by Ms. Rosenberg, are one time-tested way to do so, and in this information age on the ground protests are only one of many ways of doing it. Being continually confronted with opposition eventually takes a toll on morale, and with a petty, thin-skinned egomaniac like Trump, it will show sooner rather than later.
My only quibble with Ms. Rosenberg's analysis is the part about making the opponent show its ugly face. It is worth a try, but it will take a lot to top the ugliness shown by Trump and his followers during the recent campaign, and he still got elected.
Protests, as discussed by Ms. Rosenberg, are one time-tested way to do so, and in this information age on the ground protests are only one of many ways of doing it. Being continually confronted with opposition eventually takes a toll on morale, and with a petty, thin-skinned egomaniac like Trump, it will show sooner rather than later.
My only quibble with Ms. Rosenberg's analysis is the part about making the opponent show its ugly face. It is worth a try, but it will take a lot to top the ugliness shown by Trump and his followers during the recent campaign, and he still got elected.
1
You ain't seen nothin' yet. Trump and his Republican allies will reveal themselves to be vicious in the face of
Opposition. According to this piece,'that is ideal.
Opposition. According to this piece,'that is ideal.
2
Given the vast number of businesses Trump and his family own throughout the U.S. -- the majority of which depend on consumer patronage -- Americans will possess unprecedented power against them when his policies as president run counter to the common good. Boycotts of the Trumps' goods and services, as well as mass onsite demonstrations, will serve as immensely effective protest tools.
Whenever Trump makes a fool of himself or goats of us, flood his administration -- and congressional allies -- with emails and good ol' fashioned letters of disapproval. And let's not forget the power of Tweeting. Trump has given us more than an earful of disdainful Tweets. It's past time for us to dish that disdain right back.
Meanwhile, cartoonists are already having a field day with Trump. (O how I wish I could draw!)
Whenever Trump makes a fool of himself or goats of us, flood his administration -- and congressional allies -- with emails and good ol' fashioned letters of disapproval. And let's not forget the power of Tweeting. Trump has given us more than an earful of disdainful Tweets. It's past time for us to dish that disdain right back.
Meanwhile, cartoonists are already having a field day with Trump. (O how I wish I could draw!)
9
Thanks to the New York Times and Tina Rosenberg for this column. As many of us all over the country know we must resist this unqualified, unstable bully but don't quite know how, this column will be invaluable.
Keep them coming.
Keep them coming.
8
This is so dumb and the reason that liberals are in the pathetic state they're in across governorships and states houses across the country where actual laws are made . So much easier to take to the streets and the barricades (on social media) than to participate in the actual mechanics of democracies. The most important activities for the immediate future are the following. (1) Fight for Senate seat in Louisiana scheduled for December 10, just 20 days away. The Democrats have a less than 30% chance of winning, but that is a helluva lot more than Donald Trump had of winning the presidency and he WON anyway. So why can't democrats stage an upset in Louisiana? Mostly because politicking is so much work and you actually have to show up to vote and as we just saw in the last election, in crucial states, liberals could not be bothered. Winning that Louisiana seat makes it much more difficult for Trump to get his far-right nominees confirmed by the senate and that is how you stop him. Marching in the streets is just a feel-good measure that does very little good while the Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act. Get out and fight hard for every elective office out there in every state and we will change this country for the better. But us liberals just don't get that.
10
Thank-you Ms. Rosenberg for your insightful commentary.
I am reminded that the movements for safe and legal contraception and abortion followed many of the scenarios you describe.
Unfortunately our struggle continues.
I am reminded that the movements for safe and legal contraception and abortion followed many of the scenarios you describe.
Unfortunately our struggle continues.
3
A few observations. Ms. Rosenberg says at the beginning of the article the Republican Party will soon control the presidency, Congress, most governorships and state legislatures; in all probability, there will be a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. This is true. A few paragraphs later she says President-elect Trump has no popular mandate. Sorry that statement is delusional. Over 61 million people voted for Trump....he has a mandate. But more importantly if you control the Presidency, Congress, the state legislatures, the Governships and the Supreme Court then you essentially control everything ....what else do you need?? You have a de-facto mandate. The inconvenient truth is the people have spoken...and spoken decisively at the local , state , and national level for a sharp turn to the right. Ms. Rosenberg's suggestions will never work in the current climate.
4
Thing is, the civil rights movement actions & protests you mention, the children marching in defiance of Bull Connors' water cannons, were premised on shaming the federal government into acting. But when the federal government has no shame?
3
Nobody is laughing at Standing Rock...
2
Maybe you do feel that way, and for all our sakes I hope you're wrong, but you seem to be talking as if Stalin or some other fascist dictator won. It might be better to at least wait and see what he does. Bull Connor's dogs?
Really?
The argument about the mandate/popular vote is specious. He won by the rules. He won, Get over it. If the rules were different, if the popular vote counted, he may have very campaigned more in Cal or NY, states he knew he would lose electorally. Out of a hundred million or so voters, Clinton had 1 or 2 percent more. About half the voters wanted Trump, the NYT refuses to accept that idea.
You were wrong. The democrats were wrong. Just like Rove was when he said on Fox Obama was going to lose. It's ok.
Really?
The argument about the mandate/popular vote is specious. He won by the rules. He won, Get over it. If the rules were different, if the popular vote counted, he may have very campaigned more in Cal or NY, states he knew he would lose electorally. Out of a hundred million or so voters, Clinton had 1 or 2 percent more. About half the voters wanted Trump, the NYT refuses to accept that idea.
You were wrong. The democrats were wrong. Just like Rove was when he said on Fox Obama was going to lose. It's ok.
7
"Get over it."
No.
No.
1
That's why we need the press to report on every move that DJT makes.
They did that, and it didn't cost him the election. Maybe selective inattention would be better (like not covering his Hamilton tantrum as a news story)
So, guess elections don't matter if a Democrat loses.
6
The idea that protest has always worked in America is nonsense. For a brief, shining moment, with Democratic presidents Kennedy and especially LBJ in power, the King-led, utterly non-violent Civil Rights Protests brought huge, wonderful change to America. But the anti-war and anti-America demonstrations of the late Sixties were a total disaster. As Allen Ginsburg rightly noted in his later years, the protests lengthened the war, rather than ending it. And they were the greatest gift to Nixon, Reagan, and the whole conservative movement imaginable. Nixon won a close race with Humphrey in '68, but by '72 protests and demonstrations had so infuriated the Silent Majority (the one that won again recently) that the poster child of left-wing American politics, McGovern, suffered the worst annihilation in the history of presidential races. The same thing is happening again now. The more disorder we see in the streets, the more Hamilton cast members lecture us from the stage, the more Trump's popularity with he Silent Majority that crushed Hillary in the swing states will grow, and the more powerless the blacks, feminists, and gays will be. Face the fact that the Dems committed suicide locally and nationally by choosing Hillary over Bernie, accept the left's powerlessness except to regroup for 2020 (the Dems are so much more vulnerable in the Senate in '18 that they are almost guaranteed to be even weaker in Congress after that election than they are now).
9
You are absolutely right that protest has not always worked ... look at the labor protests, strikes, the IWW, or the ugly history in coal country: the Pinkertons vs the Molly McGuires.
Making protest work isn't easy. Just being upset doesn't make it happen -- it takes a discipline and cohesion that are hard to achieve.
It's worth looking at protest movements that were utterly futile -- top of the pile was "Occupy Wallstreet."
Always worth remembering "Join the Folk Song Army:" a sarcastic ditty about peace protests in the Viet Nam war. In the end we got out of Viet Nam -- interesting question of to what degree the protests mediated that.
Making protest work isn't easy. Just being upset doesn't make it happen -- it takes a discipline and cohesion that are hard to achieve.
It's worth looking at protest movements that were utterly futile -- top of the pile was "Occupy Wallstreet."
Always worth remembering "Join the Folk Song Army:" a sarcastic ditty about peace protests in the Viet Nam war. In the end we got out of Viet Nam -- interesting question of to what degree the protests mediated that.
1
I disagree that Occupy Wall Street was "futile." OWS was a shot across the bow that succeeded in raising national public awareness, with likely more protests to come. You didn't really expect one protest was going to take down the entire corporatocracy, did you?
1
Here's the issue to protest: in the past week, the Arctic Ice Cap lost an amount of ice the size of half of Europe. The Antarctic is losing ice too. What does that mean? Ice reflects heat back into space; the Arctic Sea Cap is essentially the globe's air conditioner. We have also seen 25 consecutive months of temperature records broken. Methane eruptions are occurring under the Arctic Ocean, in Siberia, off the West Coast, and in the oceans near New Zealand and Australia; one of the methane eruptions left a hole in which you could put Manhattan. Methane is 20 times (est.) as powerful as carbon dioxide in terms of being a harmful gas and is implicated in the last great extinction millions of years ago. Meanwhile, wildfires burn across the South, millions of acres of forest are now dead in CA, and only .03 percent of population of the blue whales, the world's largest creatures, still exist. It's a climate emergency. Scientists have warned us for decades. And our president (electoral college) elect thinks climate change is a Chinese hoax and promises to decimate the pitiful progress we have made on climate change. The press has been abysmal at covering this, especially the ice melt in the Arctic in the past 7 days alone. We should all be in the streets.
215
Tina, why don't you write a series on civil disobedience?
Thank-you Leigh! for bringing up "climate change" & the top notch info you shared. It is THE most important issue, and fortunately David Lionhardt NYT Editor feels the same way. Need some consistent press though!
The U.S. Dept of Defense (DOD) published a report last year, "National Security Implications of Climate Related Risks and A
Changing Climate". On Front Page of NYT. The report outlines the potentially fatal conditions for most of the world. Mass migration, energy and water/food scarcity, destabilization of governments, threats to grids, servers, nuclear projects, heat stroke and other diseases, etc.
If the the Dept of Defense is sending out strong signals to our government, if most of the general public & many of our largest corporations & businesses, (Starbucks! Bill Gates!) want the Paris Agreement (google for details) then perhaps large protests will keep attention on it. It is overwhelming & people are in denial or despair.
Ironically, this grim prospect could provide people with a ton of jobs!
We HAVE the sustainable materials, techniques & practices to build infrastructure (recycled steel/metal), to make energy, sustainable food, water, products for living. Some diesel, oil & gas necessary, too.
We need to create small & large jobs by ourselves NOW not wait for them to drop in our laps. No money? Do it w/a group. We need to use & produce sustainable goods.
Keep writing! Keep Protesting! Keep Safe!
Thank-you Leigh! for bringing up "climate change" & the top notch info you shared. It is THE most important issue, and fortunately David Lionhardt NYT Editor feels the same way. Need some consistent press though!
The U.S. Dept of Defense (DOD) published a report last year, "National Security Implications of Climate Related Risks and A
Changing Climate". On Front Page of NYT. The report outlines the potentially fatal conditions for most of the world. Mass migration, energy and water/food scarcity, destabilization of governments, threats to grids, servers, nuclear projects, heat stroke and other diseases, etc.
If the the Dept of Defense is sending out strong signals to our government, if most of the general public & many of our largest corporations & businesses, (Starbucks! Bill Gates!) want the Paris Agreement (google for details) then perhaps large protests will keep attention on it. It is overwhelming & people are in denial or despair.
Ironically, this grim prospect could provide people with a ton of jobs!
We HAVE the sustainable materials, techniques & practices to build infrastructure (recycled steel/metal), to make energy, sustainable food, water, products for living. Some diesel, oil & gas necessary, too.
We need to create small & large jobs by ourselves NOW not wait for them to drop in our laps. No money? Do it w/a group. We need to use & produce sustainable goods.
Keep writing! Keep Protesting! Keep Safe!
3
Over twenty years methane is 80 times worse than CO2
Over one year it's 110 times worse.
It dissipates in about 50 years , hence the amortization schedules.
Over one year it's 110 times worse.
It dissipates in about 50 years , hence the amortization schedules.
2
" .. Meanwhile, wildfires burn across the South, millions of acres of forest are now dead in CA ..
.. because the U.S. Forest Service, for decades, fought fires, instead of having controlled burns, to reduce debris.
Helps to have the knowledge and experiences of others. Rather than be a stenographer of the Democrats.
.. because the U.S. Forest Service, for decades, fought fires, instead of having controlled burns, to reduce debris.
Helps to have the knowledge and experiences of others. Rather than be a stenographer of the Democrats.
1
A necessary article in the face of a growing fascism.
People cannot sit back and hope for the best when things are spiraling out of control.
I also think of how Putin has a high approval rating only because people are terrified of him.
People cannot sit back and hope for the best when things are spiraling out of control.
I also think of how Putin has a high approval rating only because people are terrified of him.
108
What is spiraling out of control? He hasn't done anything.
7
I didn't say things are "spiraling out of control" this minute, but past behavior and the people he's selecting are sure indicators of things to come.
1
To the Left it seems that things are "spiraling out of control" whenever people with a different world view are allowed to speak...
2
Thank you for this refreshing breath of fresh air. We are strong, and stronger together, than we might imagine ourselves to be.
"Look at the facts of the world. You see a continual and progressive triumph of the right. I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. But from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.
Things refuse to be mismanaged long. Jefferson trembled when he thought of slavery and remembered that God is just. Ere long all America will tremble."
-Theodore Parker 1853
"Look at the facts of the world. You see a continual and progressive triumph of the right. I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. But from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.
Things refuse to be mismanaged long. Jefferson trembled when he thought of slavery and remembered that God is just. Ere long all America will tremble."
-Theodore Parker 1853
3
Thanks for a blueprint to resist a presidency which appointment by appointment promises to be the most intolerant and divisive in American history. Where is the art in this deal?
13
Amen! Sign me up. And I hope we can organize NOW. History is full of catastrophes that could have been prevented if steps had been taken soon enough. There were plenty of chances to stop the Nazis, for example, or to limit the harm they did, but nothing was done in time. Of course, that’s 20-20 hindsight, but you still have to wonder what would have happened if Chamberlain had stood up to Hitler at Munich, for example.
Think I’m being too extreme by invoking the example of the Nazis? Check out the news stories about the National Policy Institute, a white supremacist group, at their convention in Washington, DC, this past weekend. They’re delighted that Trump was elected, by the way. I’m sure you can find the pictures of them on the Web giving the Nazi salute at a local restaurant.
Think I’m being too extreme by invoking the example of the Nazis? Check out the news stories about the National Policy Institute, a white supremacist group, at their convention in Washington, DC, this past weekend. They’re delighted that Trump was elected, by the way. I’m sure you can find the pictures of them on the Web giving the Nazi salute at a local restaurant.
71
If you think for a moment that Trump won't hesitate for a moment to use violence against protests, think again. If he feels strong enough he'll use the police and National Guard directly. If he doesn't, well, we already know he has Richard Spencer and his sieg heiling minions to gladly provoke a street riot.
Hasn't anyone figured out why Trump hasn't denounced the KKK and the Nazis? I postulate that he sees them as his "nuclear deterrent", an armed-and-ready army of brown shirts just waiting for an excuse to attack.
Combined with his cult of personality and demanding that all good little Republicans come and kiss the King's Ring, either on 5th Avenue or in Bedminster, and it should be obvious this guy has NO INTENTION of obeying the Constitution in his quest for limitless power.
And, sorry, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio: Your coal mining jobs are never coming back. Coal is dying and Trump was lying.
Hasn't anyone figured out why Trump hasn't denounced the KKK and the Nazis? I postulate that he sees them as his "nuclear deterrent", an armed-and-ready army of brown shirts just waiting for an excuse to attack.
Combined with his cult of personality and demanding that all good little Republicans come and kiss the King's Ring, either on 5th Avenue or in Bedminster, and it should be obvious this guy has NO INTENTION of obeying the Constitution in his quest for limitless power.
And, sorry, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio: Your coal mining jobs are never coming back. Coal is dying and Trump was lying.
154
Ultimately the question is will the National Guard shoot unarmed protesters?
And as for Richard Spencer and his minions, or even the NRA/Bundy types, when things get ugly they'll be gone fast.
And as for Richard Spencer and his minions, or even the NRA/Bundy types, when things get ugly they'll be gone fast.
1
The National Guard has already shot innocent protesters, at Kent State.. and one only need to look at the violence of water cannons and runner bullets and tear gas being used against the Water Protectors bytes Standing Rock reservation to see how much violence the State is willing to use against peaceful protesters.
8
That's 100% wrong. Trump's done more to stop urban rioting than Obama has -- he said on TV, in clear language -- "stop it."
http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/13/politics/donald-trump-60-minutes-first-int...
What did Obama do? Provide a video link.
When there is rioting -- Charlotte, Baltimore, Ferguson -- the rioters immediately lose their case. Period.
Destroying the property of others (e.g., newspaper sale-boxes) is wrong. It is a crime.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/13/politics/donald-trump-60-minutes-first-int...
What did Obama do? Provide a video link.
When there is rioting -- Charlotte, Baltimore, Ferguson -- the rioters immediately lose their case. Period.
Destroying the property of others (e.g., newspaper sale-boxes) is wrong. It is a crime.
3
Yes, a shout out to all of the Millennials, Gen Xers and other angry or sad or non-voting protestors who are protesting god knows what.
Strategize, organize and mobilize.
Join with the unions, reach out to the many many rich and famous liberals in Hollywood, on Broadway, and everywhere.
Use social media for a purpose rather than just being antisocial and blocking traffic just for the heck of it.
Start petitions on Change.org.
Get to the mini-Trumps through their rich liberal NYC socialite friends - those friends that can apply some pressure to help moderate Daddy Trump.
This article contains a playbook and history contains many lessons to learn about how to do it and what works best.
Stop whining.
Stop crying.
Stop wasting oxygen.
Choose a cause and fight for it.
Just do something other than being angry or complaining.
Strategize, organize and mobilize.
Join with the unions, reach out to the many many rich and famous liberals in Hollywood, on Broadway, and everywhere.
Use social media for a purpose rather than just being antisocial and blocking traffic just for the heck of it.
Start petitions on Change.org.
Get to the mini-Trumps through their rich liberal NYC socialite friends - those friends that can apply some pressure to help moderate Daddy Trump.
This article contains a playbook and history contains many lessons to learn about how to do it and what works best.
Stop whining.
Stop crying.
Stop wasting oxygen.
Choose a cause and fight for it.
Just do something other than being angry or complaining.
56
Maybe, they should have voted.
1
Perhaps a more appropriate title would be "The Art of Persuasion".
Trump persuaded just enough voters wth his bravado tactics of divide, degrade, deny and lie. We must unite, uplift, reaffirm and speak truth to power.
Trump too will pass. And we will be stronger for it all...
Trump persuaded just enough voters wth his bravado tactics of divide, degrade, deny and lie. We must unite, uplift, reaffirm and speak truth to power.
Trump too will pass. And we will be stronger for it all...
6
" .. President-elect Trump has no popular mandate (Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by a margin larger than John F. Kennedy in 1960, Richard M. Nixon in 1968, or Al Gore in 2000)."
She "won" the big cities only. The rest of us did not want her vicious anti-FOIA attacks and kow-towing to Russian billionaires. She conceded. She lost.
As for the "protesting" -- we'd be happy if they just did honest work and labor, like cleaning up their neighborhoods. Rather than a mere 46,000,000 on food stamps and violent rioting.
She "won" the big cities only. The rest of us did not want her vicious anti-FOIA attacks and kow-towing to Russian billionaires. She conceded. She lost.
As for the "protesting" -- we'd be happy if they just did honest work and labor, like cleaning up their neighborhoods. Rather than a mere 46,000,000 on food stamps and violent rioting.
3
Surely, in "kow-towing to Russian billionaires" you have it completely wrong. Trump has it all for that one, Putin being the biggest Russian billionaire of them all.
And then as to FOIA ... seen Trump's taxes yet? Wait until somebody serves a FOIA on the Trump administration ... then we'll talk.
And then as to FOIA ... seen Trump's taxes yet? Wait until somebody serves a FOIA on the Trump administration ... then we'll talk.
11
Odd. Anyone I worked with, who tried to have a "private PC server" at home, would have been fired, on the spot, no severance.
Even Nixon did not do that. And he was one click from impeachment, before he resigned. That's what she should have done -- resigned.
As for his tax return -- hey, isn't that the IRS's job? Where the heck is their OIG on this? The IRS, most likely, has at least two full-time employees on his company -- where are they, now?
Even Nixon did not do that. And he was one click from impeachment, before he resigned. That's what she should have done -- resigned.
As for his tax return -- hey, isn't that the IRS's job? Where the heck is their OIG on this? The IRS, most likely, has at least two full-time employees on his company -- where are they, now?
3
Terrific advice, historically based. Thank you, Tina Rosenberg. See you on The Mall.
23
Ms. Rosenberg doesn't do malls.
2
I have two problems with Trump, and they are separate:
* I cannot accept Trump as my representative: his sexual assaults, use of bankruptcy to enrich himself while beggaring those who trusted him, his defrauding 6000 poor and desperate people with "Trump University, his vulgarity, his racism, and his astounding ignorance and narcissism. I am a 65 year-old white man -- i refuse to be identified with Trump. It is appalling that the world see him as the leader of America.
* then there is the policies that he and the Republicans may (or may not!) enact. At the moment we do not really know what those will be; we just fear them. Trump lies so relentlessly, the majority of things he says are lies -- nobody should take him at his word, about anything.
Among the problems we have is that the Republicans and Trump, holding the majorities across the house and senate, will try to structure all negotiation in secret, and then move it fast to prevent protest and organized opposition. For anything they can move by reconciliation -- the Democrats will be able to do nothing as long as the Republicans hold party discipline.
It is probable that protests cannot be started until after the Republicans have done something that hurts a lot of people. The most likely things that the Republicans will do savage the ostensible Trump voters: cutting health care, cutting medicare, potentially cutting Social Security, cutting pension and retirement benefits through 401k, etc.
* I cannot accept Trump as my representative: his sexual assaults, use of bankruptcy to enrich himself while beggaring those who trusted him, his defrauding 6000 poor and desperate people with "Trump University, his vulgarity, his racism, and his astounding ignorance and narcissism. I am a 65 year-old white man -- i refuse to be identified with Trump. It is appalling that the world see him as the leader of America.
* then there is the policies that he and the Republicans may (or may not!) enact. At the moment we do not really know what those will be; we just fear them. Trump lies so relentlessly, the majority of things he says are lies -- nobody should take him at his word, about anything.
Among the problems we have is that the Republicans and Trump, holding the majorities across the house and senate, will try to structure all negotiation in secret, and then move it fast to prevent protest and organized opposition. For anything they can move by reconciliation -- the Democrats will be able to do nothing as long as the Republicans hold party discipline.
It is probable that protests cannot be started until after the Republicans have done something that hurts a lot of people. The most likely things that the Republicans will do savage the ostensible Trump voters: cutting health care, cutting medicare, potentially cutting Social Security, cutting pension and retirement benefits through 401k, etc.
65
Great, and will they learn from this by voting in people who want to help them? NO! Because it is civil war, not rational!
3
OK, I hear the call, Ms. Rosenberg. I say we all get together and protest for single payer health care in this country that will benefit all Americans.
32
Last year, on June 17, Dylan Roof, a self proclaimed white supremacist, murdered 9 members of a church in Charleston, South Carolina.
A few days later, our good and gracious president sang “Amazing Grace” to honor the slain and uplift the mourners.
On June 27, Republican Governor Nikki Haley ordered the removal of the confederate flag from the SC Statehouse. Roof was a frequent visitor to “alt-right” websites and proudly displayed the confederate flag.
On November 20, 2016 the New York Times reported that the “Alt-right” was celebrating the election of Donald Trump and that the confederate flag has been appearing in support of his presidency.
It is amazing that grace has left the White House. It is beyond comprehension that Dylan Roof slouches toward Bethlehem.
Resistance to Trump, the “alt-right” and their supporters in the GOP must be massive, creative, sustained, and ultimately successful. It’s our turn and we must not fail.
A few days later, our good and gracious president sang “Amazing Grace” to honor the slain and uplift the mourners.
On June 27, Republican Governor Nikki Haley ordered the removal of the confederate flag from the SC Statehouse. Roof was a frequent visitor to “alt-right” websites and proudly displayed the confederate flag.
On November 20, 2016 the New York Times reported that the “Alt-right” was celebrating the election of Donald Trump and that the confederate flag has been appearing in support of his presidency.
It is amazing that grace has left the White House. It is beyond comprehension that Dylan Roof slouches toward Bethlehem.
Resistance to Trump, the “alt-right” and their supporters in the GOP must be massive, creative, sustained, and ultimately successful. It’s our turn and we must not fail.
225
Resistance to HRC/Sanders, the “alt-left” and their bankrupting supporters in the Democrats, must be massive, creative, sustained, and ultimately successful. It’s our turn and we must not fail.
1
Please, refer to the "alt-right" by their rightful name: neo-nazis. That is what they are. Do not let them re-brand themselves.
2
This kind of "resistance to Trump", repeated all over the country for months, helped put him in the White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/us/politics/donald-trump-protest.html
"...The taunting at Thursday night’s rally turned violent, with some of Mr. Trump’s backers beaten and “Make America Great Again” hats set on fire..."
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/us/politics/donald-trump-protest.html
"...The taunting at Thursday night’s rally turned violent, with some of Mr. Trump’s backers beaten and “Make America Great Again” hats set on fire..."
2
Where is coverage in the mainstream media of atrocities being committed against the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, latest being spraying protestors with a water cannon in subfreezing temperatures and firing rubber coated steel bullets at protesters' heads? These courageous souls putting their lives on the line to protect millions of people's water are being ignored by the mainstream press. Why does the NY Times not have a reporter and film crew on the ground at this epicenter of environmental struggle?
347
How do you know that? Are you there?
Of course not, you're not there. You have no idea, what is REALLY happening.
What's the difference between the Mafia and those "protesters?"
The "mob" lets their lawyers do all the hard work, in courts of law.
As if the USA doesn't have enough unemployed law school grads .. and J-school grads, for that matter ..
Of course not, you're not there. You have no idea, what is REALLY happening.
What's the difference between the Mafia and those "protesters?"
The "mob" lets their lawyers do all the hard work, in courts of law.
As if the USA doesn't have enough unemployed law school grads .. and J-school grads, for that matter ..
4
Because the press you read was biased Fake News. The water cannons were fire hoses putting out fires the Indians had started. The protest is simply a routine Indian complaint propaganda and doesn’t address the fact there are numerous river crossing that have never failed.
2
And why did the government support the pipe line? Why didn't Obama come out months ago and try to understand both sides and the solution - don't go through Indian property? And, why are the protesters allowed to trash private property? With no sense of rule, neither side has a stand.
2
Marquis de Condorcet (1795): "Real power lies not with the oppressors but the oppressed," meaning, in the words of Yanis Varoufakis (in "And the Weak Suffer What They Must?"): "Only when the weak have decent reasons to defend the system that reproduces their subservience does the empire of the powerful stand a chance to survive."
42
"To become rich is glorious" -- Deng Xiaoping, Chinese revolutionary, chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, in 1989.
1
What? Breitbart and Daily Stormer didn't report it so you don't believe it? Even the NY Post, Murdoch's far-right rag, is reporting the same story:
http://nypost.com/2016/11/21/cops-douse-pipeline-protesters-in-subfreezi...
http://nypost.com/2016/11/21/cops-douse-pipeline-protesters-in-subfreezi...
2
Publically legitimizing peaceful protest is fine, if pyrrhic in this case. Given the closeness of the election, if 100 protesters show up to pillory Trump, 98-99 will show up to defend him and pillory the protesters opposite.
Beyond that, peaceful protest can devolve into violence without a lot of emotion added to the act.
Wouldn't it make more sense to expend all that energy in one-half of the country trying to find common ground with the other?
Beyond that, peaceful protest can devolve into violence without a lot of emotion added to the act.
Wouldn't it make more sense to expend all that energy in one-half of the country trying to find common ground with the other?
16
Richard -- you are assuming the Trump voters stick with him. If Trump just brings massive tax cuts for the rich, no improvements for anybody else, and increasing authoritarism and militarism (particularly if Trump gets us into a bloody war with Iran ) ... things will go very ugly very fast.
30
It's my view that what we need to do and the approach we need to take will depend on what Mr. Trump himself does and what his representatives do when he takes office. If we can find common ground, good. But if what I'm reading in the Times and the W. Post are any indication, there will be a good number of things to come for which there may be no possible common ground. This President-elect is like no other in my lifetime...and I'm 73 years old.
88
The election wasn't close. Nearly 2M disenfranchised voters would tilt the scales firmly in Hillary's favor (were the cockamamie Electoral College overturned). We SHOULD all get along. But we should also stand fast to our morals and societal expectations.
62
But the numbers and ubiquitous nature of social media, even the ease of logging a complaint on forums like this tend to sap the energy from the average citizen to go out into the elements and risk being cold, hungry, without a place to pee, or should things go bad getting hurt or even arrested. Its easier to do this here, or forward various Hashtags. Or worse pass along faux-news to hinder protest, or enrage anti-protestors to go cause harm.
Another factor rarely considered; there was a lot of anonymity in the good old pre-social media, cameras in every pocket and on every street corner days. You could go protest,and not be seen on a direct feed or end up, unintentionally, in the background of some Millennial's taking selfies. (Because its more about being seen at the scene, then the actual cause these days.)
If something does go wrong around you, you could be on camera, and end up being called on by some zealous detectives.