I'm working with a group that's doing an oral history project about activism, and what inspires people to become activists. We've mostly been talking to people who traveled to Swing States for the last election, but yesterday one of my colleagues went to the kickoff of the
Cindy Doesn't Speak for Me tour, brought to you by the somewhat frightening and suspiciously named
Move America Forward. At the rally, he interviewed folks who had felt compelled to come out and show their support for this anti-Cindy movement (in San Francisco, no less!). It was fascinating, to say the least. But, more often than not, he was at a loss for words as to what to ask these people.
Now, he and another colleague are traveling to Crawford to talk to both the Camp Casey folks and their detractors. But we don't know what to ask them! That's where we need your help.
Now, keep in mind that our goal here is to get at why people feel compelled to be there. We're not aiming to bait them or get into a debate about Iraq. So, while the questions, "If you care so much about supporting the troops, why don't you enlist?" or "How do you ask someone to be the last man to die for a mistake?" or even "WTF are you thinking?!?" may be at the forefront of our minds, they aren't what we're looking for in this case.
Some of our current questions include:
What inspired you to come to Crawford?
What is your connection to this issue?
Is there a right way to protest a government you disagree with?
Can you imagine a situation in which you would protest a war the US was fighting?
How well does the media represent your views?
So, you get the picture. Any brilliant ideas for us? What would you ask these people? And, while I'm at it, what would you ask the folks who are standing with Cindy?