I mean really it is just not the done thing, it is far better to intellectually discuss your views at the local coffee house in civilised company.
Real protest is just so demeaning when you can do it in the safety of your own home with a keyboard.
One must also remember to mock thoroughly any of those crazy people on the streets who actually believe that demonstrating does any good. Oh dear, you might even attract the wrong sort of people, heaven forbid.
Just look at those silly teabaggers, they can't even spell and they as so astroturfed it's just not true, who would ever listen to these uneducated people?
I mean its can also be so dangerous; you might even break a nail trying to scratch one of a dear police-persons, get arrested and end up as a column in the local paper. How positively plebeian.
CS gas and water cannons can seriously ruin your hairdo and wrinkle your blouse, hitting the guardians of law and order with your sign can cause you no end of hassle and paperwork, with poor dormitory facilities to follow.
The right things to do:
1] Accept reality.
However,if needed, write a long sternly worded letter to your representative. You must state clearly your concerns, and how you understand that you know its the best they can do in the present circumstances; but could they please try harder in the future.
You will be amazed at the results.
2] Threaten to withhold your $200 campaign contribution
This is extraordinarily effective as your representative will just have to forgo that haircut on the campaign trail. You just know that the cameras will pick up any split ends and after all image is essential to their campaign.
Corporate financing of the elections can never compete with your heartfelt donation of $200. Your voice will most certainly be registered somewhere in the contribution filing documents.
3] Letters to the editor
These are wonderful ways of expressing your dissent, your name will appear at the bottom, remember to sign your own media recognisable name as angry from Cleveland just generates ridicule. Be polite but firm, don't forget to see both points of view as balance is essential otherwise you will be taken for a purist.
4] Write on blogs.
Here you can mock others for suggesting direct action and their petty concerns. You must always point out it is the winning that counts and that any view must be adapted to the prevailing political winds.
It is important to keep all arguments internal to the blog as heaven knows attacking others might get you noticed and incite comments from the other side.
Writing emails expressing your concerns to the diarist who is upsetting the boat is also very effective.
4] The lawn ornament
These are highly visible and statements that show with decorum the names of whom you support, they are often provided free of charge from you local political branch.
Please remember to remove these signs when it is all over as they then just become meaningless clutter.
Summary
If you follow these four rules the campaign is in the bag and you have got exactly what you deserve.
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The wrong thing to do:
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Summary
If only these poor deluded fools had had our access to technology they could have blogged and emailed their concerns and been much more effective.
So much time and energy wasted they could have withheld their campaign contributions and won at the ballot box.
Remember to always accept what is deemed to be politically possible, we are after all a reality based community.
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Some things never change take this as my snark tag:
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I know just how Judith feels
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We are so ready to throw our support from our armchairs to others around the world fighting for liberty and justice; no matter what personal risk they run. Iran, Lebanon, Burma, the now ex communist block, Thailand, China etc etc etc.
Just as quickly we mock those at home willing to do the same. The tea party is easy to mock and I fundamentally disagree with their corporate leaders but they sure have grabbed the spotlight, its long past time to make our voices heard for what we believe in.
Its one of the things I like about France, last time we had a little demonstration with the local farmers over GMO crops, the Mayors office ended up filled with manure. Guess who he listens to now?
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Sigh
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I mean getting together around something is hardly worth the effort, right?
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Dear Mr President
If you ask me to protest to help you move forward:
I am more than ready.
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