Street Protests- the end of an era
A billion dollars in security costs for a few days of meetings. Why? Mostly, to protect and allow a "right to protest". In the end, it will be respect given to those who will show none.
The time is well over-due for responsible, respectful individuals to reconsider the place of street protests in our democracy, and their participation in these events. The question is whether this "right to protest" is an acceptable violation of other's right to freedom of passage on public roads and sidewalks, and in public spaces.
Would it be acceptable if a single individual blocked traffic for an indefinite amount of time- for whatever reason or cause? The answer is no. The authority of the state would intervene immediately, and the freedom of passage would be restored. Yet, we seem to unquestioningly and unanimously accept this disgraceful and disrespectful behavior from any group or mob, even applauding individuals exercising their "right to protest".
It is the accumulated failure and apathy of our governments in permitting this civil disorder which has allowed the mutation of an increasingly virulent breed of barbarian- nihilists, anarchists, and unionists who's true and deeper motivations are nothing more than the violent and mindless destruction of civilisation.
It is time for all decent, mature citizens to recognise that a "right to protest" can never be justified if it violates the basic civil order and peace of our society. It is wrong if one feels justified in violating the liberty of others to achieve one's ends.
There are a thousand ways to contribute constructively to the unfolding of the issues of our times. Standing in a mob for a few hours, shouting simplistic slogans, and physically denying the personal and commercial flow and freedom of society are more the actions of spoiled children than mature adults. Protests are moreover a symptom of a people who have lost an understanding of their own capacity to patiently and productively create change in their lives. It is time to put behind us this false idea that we are nothing more than cynical bystanders on the sidelines of our lives, capable of nothing more than impotently shaking our fists at politicians on TV.
If you want to make a difference, avoid the absurd delusion that standing in a street "sending a message" is somehow "participating". Get involved.
It is time for all reasonable, responsible people to leave behind these crude remnants of 60's tribalism called street protests. Once good and decent individuals no longer participate, then there will remain only the goons and thugs, and the authorities can act immediately and effectively.
Our governments have abdicated their basic responsibility for too long- this being to uphold the basic respect, order, and civility of our society. There can never be a "right", or a cause, or an excuse which justifies one individual violating the person, property, or passage of another.
Let us begin to rebuild our society on the foundations of courtesy and respect for one another.
The time is well over-due for responsible, respectful individuals to reconsider the place of street protests in our democracy, and their participation in these events. The question is whether this "right to protest" is an acceptable violation of other's right to freedom of passage on public roads and sidewalks, and in public spaces.
Would it be acceptable if a single individual blocked traffic for an indefinite amount of time- for whatever reason or cause? The answer is no. The authority of the state would intervene immediately, and the freedom of passage would be restored. Yet, we seem to unquestioningly and unanimously accept this disgraceful and disrespectful behavior from any group or mob, even applauding individuals exercising their "right to protest".
It is the accumulated failure and apathy of our governments in permitting this civil disorder which has allowed the mutation of an increasingly virulent breed of barbarian- nihilists, anarchists, and unionists who's true and deeper motivations are nothing more than the violent and mindless destruction of civilisation.
It is time for all decent, mature citizens to recognise that a "right to protest" can never be justified if it violates the basic civil order and peace of our society. It is wrong if one feels justified in violating the liberty of others to achieve one's ends.
There are a thousand ways to contribute constructively to the unfolding of the issues of our times. Standing in a mob for a few hours, shouting simplistic slogans, and physically denying the personal and commercial flow and freedom of society are more the actions of spoiled children than mature adults. Protests are moreover a symptom of a people who have lost an understanding of their own capacity to patiently and productively create change in their lives. It is time to put behind us this false idea that we are nothing more than cynical bystanders on the sidelines of our lives, capable of nothing more than impotently shaking our fists at politicians on TV.
If you want to make a difference, avoid the absurd delusion that standing in a street "sending a message" is somehow "participating". Get involved.
It is time for all reasonable, responsible people to leave behind these crude remnants of 60's tribalism called street protests. Once good and decent individuals no longer participate, then there will remain only the goons and thugs, and the authorities can act immediately and effectively.
Our governments have abdicated their basic responsibility for too long- this being to uphold the basic respect, order, and civility of our society. There can never be a "right", or a cause, or an excuse which justifies one individual violating the person, property, or passage of another.
Let us begin to rebuild our society on the foundations of courtesy and respect for one another.
Iain, you echo my thoughts. A billion for security can only be spent if we place a living wall of police officers and soldiers, shoulder to should to thwart stone-throwing thugs.
ReplyDeletecheers, gs