OK, so I've been too busy playing Mario Kart to see much of the Dem Convention. Has there been a lot of protesters at this one? Just curious cause I know there are a lot planning on the Rep Convention. I don't really get the protesting, I personally think it's a waste of time. But if it makes you feel better, it's your choice.

If you're perfectly happy with everything then protesting is a waste of time. Otherwise, how do you get your message heard?

Way more in Denver than will be in St. Paul.

If I put money down, more news media members are going to see the long end of a night stick, verses protestors.

You might get heard on the news, paid attention too? Well I don't see that it affects much of anything. Other than I think you are looney to sit there and get locked up like your little crayon sign matters. Your voice comes into play at the voting booth. Other than that, if you want changes made, go the right way and get a group, go see representatives and go through your channels. I haven't seen much good come from chainging yourselves to doors, or chanting that Bush sucks. You can get more done if you sit down and talk like adults rather than throughing a tantrum like a two year old.

There are a lot of folks not like yourself who are unwilling to simply fall into line. I personally admire someone who is willing to go to jail for what the believe. To me, it shows true conviction.

I never said I would fall in line and I do stand up for what I believe. Tell me though, what exactly does going to jail for what you believe get you?

Sandmann - I think we finally agree on something. And Kidd it does show true conviction. But it doesn't accomplish anything. Your message doesn't get heard when the people that hold power don't listen.

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of being free to protest the gov't, the pres, or anything else you might want. I am glad this isn't China.

But,....
You can stand on a street corner all day holding a sign near the RNC saying "Bring the Troops Home" and you can get 100000 of your friends standing there with similar signs. When the pres drives by in his limo, I don't think he is gonna say, "Darn, I hadn't thought of that idea before and there seems to be a lot of people with that idea, maybe I should look into that option."

At best you can get arrested, make bail, and think you accomplished something.

It got me broke, I use to believe in driving after drinking, but that was and is a big no no.....

This country was founded on civil disobedience.

I'm not advocating protesting to a point where you leave no option other than getting locked up, but we are here talking about it, so it obviously does have an impact and your message will be heard on the nightly news cast.

Yep, and people with a level head watching the news will just shake there heads and say "What a bunch of idiots!!"

Well, I'm glad you and all the other level headed people weren't around in 1775 or we'd still be paying taxes to the Queen.

Big difference, they weren't doing it to mug for the camera. And I don't think they were just sitting around with signs saying "The Queen must go"

I heard today that one of the first protest will be a combined "critical mass" demonstration this Friday in Minneapolis.

Others sound interesting with blockading Minneapolis City Hall to divert resources from Saint Paul.

I wonder.....were those paid professional protesters bussed in from other States as well ??

Hey Uncle Bill, this guy needs your help. Seems he's pulling numbers out of thin air.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ub...eck#Post1504866