Forum Post: Millions of Peaceful Protesters more Effective than Thousands of Violent?
Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 5, 2011, 4:58 p.m. EST by thewallstreetprotest
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Will a few violent, immature, and impatient protesters ruin the ‘Occupy’ movement? Millions of peaceful protesters possess much more potential to influence United States policy than do a few hundred or a few thousand who advocate violence.
“The violent” – as a group – are a splinter of the Wall Street protests. This being said (and known by most protesters), it is amusing that some pundits and mayors believe a few bad-eggs will spoil the bunch (‘Occupy’ protesters around the globe are similarly scoffing at the analysts who predict an end to the protests, when and if occupiers in Zuccotti park are evicted). These mayors and policy makers know a mere eviction will only lead to more protests, in other locations.
While breaking a window or two won’t lead the American public to discredit the movement overnight…there needs to be a long-term vision established, which at the very least prohibits violence. The answer is in numbers – the masses – not extremism.
The mainstream media does NOT want the Wall Street protests covered, and given the opportunity, will portray the protests and protesters in the most negative light possible. Tell us what you think. Below the poll question, we’ve added a customized YouTube assortment of ‘Occupy violence’ for your viewing pleasure. (Warning: Time Suck). And if you haven’t voted on the polls we’re sending to Congress, do that when you get a chance.
Millions of peaceful protesters wouldn't have to be protesters any longer, peaceful or otherwise. They would have enough social weight and diversity of skills, talents and interests to begin to reorganized society democratically from below.