When Did "Peaceful Protest" Become A Synonym For "No Arrests Made"?

[DistressedAmerican]

I think this was one of the greatest losses following the various movements of the 1960's. Back them lots and lots of "Peaceful Protesters" were arrested. That was the brilliance of those practicing civil disobedience and direct action just a few decades ago.

Today even many liberals act like a protest related arrest is some mark of shame or evidence of wrongdoing. Those of us that have been in the streets steadily have seen with our own eyes that this just isn't true. Many of those being arrested are just being made examples of to frighten the rest of us into dispersing.

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Check out his video for one such case from a couple of weeks ago:
http://www.seedsofdoubt.com/distressedamerican/pastfeatures.htm
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We need to change OUR OWN MINDS about what constitutes a successful protest. Many seem to feel that if everyone showed up and no one was arrested that it was a success.

We must begin to measure success by our impact. How many times have you read posts celebrating the supporters that turned out to such and such a rally and in the same breath cursing the MSM for ignoring it.

500 arrests make news. The arrests on film of 500 peaceful protesters sitting and refusing to comply with orders to disperse is a news event.

We can win the public with concerted, well though out, non-violent actions. The public must see that it is not just bottle throwers and cop shovers getting arrested out there.

If one member of your protest group is arrested, sit peacefully and refuse to leave until taken away. Encourage everyone to remain calm and focused. Do not resist when arrested. Do not let them see you sweat. Remember the cameras are probably rolling. Act like you would if you expected to see your least flattering moment in TV and do not give them an in.

Beforehand, see any of the many good websites on civil disobedience and direct action for tips, tactics and advice. Here's one good source:
http://www.activism.net/peace/nvcdh/

There are more tips at my website:

http://www.seedsofdoubt.com/distressedamerican/main.htm
and
http://www.seedsofdoubt.com/distressedamerican/pastfeatures.htm
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Don't wait for the next election, there just isn't time to sit and hope:

[chlamor]

1. Protests in America

have become feel good affairs with the pretense that we have exercised our freedom of speech-"dissent is allowed unlike those Arab dictatorships"-coopted WELCOME TO THE EVENT WE HAVE A PERMIT shindigs.

I attend every one and help organize several. It feels hollow at this point. It's time for something completely different.

Like your posts-Keep the spirit alive.

[DistressedAmerican]

2. Have you had many arrests at these events or were they "peaceful" events?

We definitely need to keep up the work that is being done. I'd just like to see it stepped up to the next level. We have to stop being curiosities in fenced in areas to be viewed from a safe distance and make the bold gestures that call real attention to our issues.

Go to the rally. Just be sure to stay until they carry you off (peacefully)! Make sure you have some backup on the outside! Bring video cameras and watch the watchers. Watch each other's backs. Do not let them haul off your comrades without joining them. Like Martin Luther King said, "A jail is just a building."

Our fear of the police is their greatest weapon against us.

Don't let them go alone! One for all and all for one:

[chlamor]

4. Mixed Bag

When the invasion began (15 year war that we call invasion) many got arrested. The last several have been fairly domesticated. I think many are in trauma and suffering from psychological inertia.

I'm wondering how bad does it have to get. This Admin makes Nixon's gang look like puppies.

I'm hoppin' mad and more deeply I feel we could be shredding the very fabric of life on earth. We cannot let them boil us.

Fuel use=15 million gals/day in Iraq. Blowing holes in Iraqi children and the ozone.
March Madness indeed in Schiavo Nation

[DistressedAmerican]

3. Self Kicking.

:kick:

Pardon the indulgence. But, I really think this is some important stuff!

A Little Something For Your Troubles:

[DistressedAmerican]

5. kick up

[DistressedAmerican]

6. Additional Sites With Good Info Before You Hit The Streets.

ACT UP New York -
http://www.actupny.org/documents/CDdocuments/CDindex.html

Demonstrating and Civil Disobedience: A Legal Guide for Activists -
http://www.animal-law.org/library/pamphlet.htm

Direct Action To Stop The War -
http://www.actagainstwar.org/

Nonviolence.org -
http://www.nonviolence.org/issues/

RNC Not Welcome -
http://www.nonviolence.org/issues/

There are many, many others!

EVENT EXTENDED:

[DistressedAmerican]

7. No Love For This Topic, No Disdain? Help me out here!

Tell me somethin'! I'm Beggin' Here!