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Protests ~ Manifestations
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Duane Short Belleville, IL USA August 12, 2006 |
Protesting is often not just an option, it is a must. Having one's facts right and ready really annoy's the powers that be and there is no such thing as "simply annoying the powers that be." Nothing happens until the powers that be are annoyed. Status quo is the typical destiny of comfortable powers that be. Experience has shown me and all seasoned protestors if polite, intelligent appeals to powers that be are ignored one has no choice but to raise the volume... TO WHATEVER LEVEL IS REQUIRED to elicit meaningful dialogue. Not until one is acknowledged can one's ideas be granted fair consideration. At this point, progress can be made.
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Jurgen Teuwen, Bay of Islands,
NS July 15, 2003 |
Protest? Yes. Marches, demonstrations do have their place, but are often counter productive in as much as they tend to annoy and alienate the unconvinced. The most effective (and genuine) form of protest I can think of is to vote with one's wallet. Simply refuse to buy any product or service you deem undesirable. In this manner you get to cast a very effective vote on a daily basis and you can be sure that industry - and politics - are paying very close attention to what is, or is not, being pushed past the check-outs.
Mahatma Ghandi showed us how to protest effectively: |
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Lizzy UK Oct. 29, 2002 |
I do think that they work, they get opinions across and it is a way for everyday people to communicate with the government.
Although I do think that protests should be brought to small areas as well as people in villages and small towns do not really hear with the events or connect with them. In relation to feminism which I myself would take an active part in, I think people need to realize that it is the smaller areas that hold the most produce towards others and need the most change. I do of course realize that it is hard to achieve everything, and that people are doing what they can. |
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Robynn Moody Youth for Environmental Action, Bridgewater, NS Nov. 21, 2001 |
I, too, feel that protest has an important role in social change; however, as
stated before, protesting against fossil fuels without a clearly layed out viable alternative
of what you are also protesting for, is not an effective strategy. Protest is not only important in large numbers in big cities, but local solidarity actions
in smaller towns (like Wolfville or Bridgewater) are critical to 'put a face' on the movement
or action. Instead of letting the mainstream media usurp the power to create the image they
want to of the movement-this forces people to realize that their neighbor, too, not just a
stereotype that the media has created, is seriously concerned about the issues at hand.
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Terry Mulcahy Albuquerque, New Mexico Feb. 28, 2001 |
Well, as someone who spent too much time in protests from 1968 to 1980, I'd say that
protests are sometimes useful. I don't think a protest against fossil fuels would be useful. A
protest FOR other fuel and/or power sources would be more useful, as a protest is essentially an
educational function. People see a protest on the news, maybe 10 seconds of it, and don't come
away from that very changed. I think working with your union, neighborhood association, or local
political parties is a more useful activity, but takes a long-term commitment. Resolutions can be passed, motions made; City and State governments can be contacted by such groups, and told about alternatives. I think education, coupled with organizing activity of any kind is key to meaningful change. |
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Terry Mulcahy Sydney, NS Jan. 5, 2001 |
My guess is that the majority may not get the point. Most retails consumers are anxious about the upward price increases of fossil fuels and the effects
this may have on their budgets and their jobs. Many are dependent on fossil fuels for home heat and basic transportation needs. Cities are set-up so that a car is a necessity to go to work, buy food and supplies at reasonable prices (access to shopping malls, residential areas, and work areas.) Few dwellings, as compared to the whole, maximize even the most modest amount of renewable heat sources (i.e. solar) It is the irony of our "wired" times that we can commune electronically, but most are dependent on a fossil fuel powered vehicle (powered at the gas pump or from an electric hook-up via a coal fired electric generation plant for gas-electric hybrid car). There may be great value in promoting alternatives. For example, devise a plan to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% of a Maritime city over a ten year period. Select the environmentally worst city (fossil fuel consumption and pollution output) in the Maritimes and suggest ways to make it an environmentally friendly city over the same ten year period. |
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Susanna Fuller Nova Scotia, Jan. 5, 2001 |
In response to your questions on protesting, I thought back to my own experiences. Protesting has to be seen from two
sides - from those that are involved and from those that are spectators (voluntary or otherwise). If people feel strongly
enough about an issue that they can take to the streets, hold signs and shout slogans - then the issue is one of importance on
a social and emotional level. The act of protesting at the very least, gives people the sense that they can do something. Public protests are media- magnets and this is often the way that issues are brought into the public eye and can then be debated through public discourse. The idea that protests are "annoying" comes from people who have never been so upset by something that they really want to do something about it. I am not all that comfortable protesting, but I have done it on occasions when it appears to be the only outlet in attempting to achieve justice. While I believe that it is important to work from within to change what ever it is we see as unjust, without public awareness and support for an issue, things rarely change. Protesting is a valuable performance in freedom of speech and expression. Protests often make people feel uncomfortable - and those protesting are often labeled as some "ist", be it feminist, environmentalist, socialist, communist, etc. This then brings the protest away from the issue and into societal critique. Protests should be used wisely and strategically and not simply for media attention. Protests can be fun and educational and in this western society of too much television, and reality-escaping electronic media, protests can help us realize the true issues that affect human society and can also help bring people together in a highly conscious way. There will always be those who think that protesting is a rude form of public outcry that is anarchist and refusing to participate in the institutional mode of reform. But without protests, there would be no revolutions. |
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Steve Hart Nova Scotia Jan 5, 2001 |
Of course protests work. They also don't work. It depends on the organizers, the issues, the articulation of the issues, whether there is a goal that is clear, the social conditions, timing, and many other issues. They also annoy people but that is often the intent or an unavoidable consequence of a necessary action. Who is annoyed? Why? What kind of education is going on in the process? The Vietnam War protests were small, "annoying", fringe, and fragmented in the beginning. The anti-nuclear bomb movement went through a similar process. Both of these grew into mass and popular movements which allowed for a multitude of voices and actions and became forces that the world and individual governments had to reckon with. It is not the protests as such that should be questioned but the form, the goals, and the leadership. Social change has not happened without protest. Are they appropriate for the level of consciousness of those witnessing them? Do they educate and move others to act? If there is no growth, there must be a questioning of what has been done, as well as the ideas that are being discussed and the way they are being communicated. |
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John Pearce, Transport 2000 Atlantic. Dartmouth, NS Jan 5, 2001 |
I believe that "protests" should take the form of letters to the media, well-informed opinion articles in media and environmental publications, and meetings with elected and appointed officials at all levels of government. These protests will be most likely to make a credible impact on the "silent majority". |
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David Wimberly Jan 5, 2001 |
I strongly believe that protesting is useful and effects change. I have experienced this repeatedly. But it certainly is not easy. |
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The PEI Pie Brigade Jan 5, 2001 |
Those who commit the crime get the cream! That's why Fronk Loy got smeared in the Hague! The pie is the limit! |
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Leighton Steele Mount Saint Vincent University 23 dec, 2000 |
Les manifs sensibilisent les politiciens et le grand public à des questions dont souvent ils comprennent mal l'envergure. Quand la cause est bonne, il faut se manifester! Protests raise awareness both among politicians and the public concerning poorly understood issues. When it is the right cause, it never hurts to protest! |
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Benoit Renaud, Halifax, NS Dec. 22, 2000
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I think demonstrations can work very well at certain conditions. Their political statements must be clear and understandable for most people. They should be big enough to make clear that many people agree with the message. They should be rooted in a growing and organized movement and have a long term perspective. Otherwise, governments and other authorities can just take a day off and wait for the protest to dissolve itself. In other words, a demo by itself can't do much, but a protest movement without demonstrations or other visible displays of strength in numbers is just lobbying and is likely to be ineffective and recuperated by the authorities it lobbies. They have the money and the powerful institutions. We have our numbers and our ability to reason and to organize. These basic strategic notions have been right for centuries and are still right. I could give tons of examples of that. Lets just mentions the global protest against the WTO culminating in the demonstrations in Seattle a year ago. We won. There is no millennium round and the WTO officials are still trying to figure out what hit them. |
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Ramona Ryan Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Dec. 22, 2000 |
Protests are necessary for raising consciousness. Annoying people is bound to happen. People don't feel comfortable with change, but if
change is necessary, then uncomfortable situations have to evolve. I think one thing for protesters to keep in mind is that they are operating on their beliefs and that all beliefs, even those of opposing systems, are honourable. It's imperative for people to act on their beliefs, otherwise they are hypocrites. However, this applies to all, and should be kept in mind when protests occur. We, as protesters, are there to change systems we do not believe in. We are not there to demean and judge others. I believe, if we speak from our observations as opposed to our judgments, we would have more change, and it would be more gentle. |
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Larry Hughes, PhD Dalhousie University Halifax, NS Dec. 22, 2000 |
Where are these "massive global protests about our reliance on fossil fuels"? If you want to see examples of massive protests, look at France and Britain during the summer when the price of fuel went up [and up]. In France it was the fishing industry then the farmers that brought the country to a halt. Soon after, the trucking lobby in the UK put pressure on the government to cut fuel taxes. In both cases, the green lobby was silent [see articles in The Guardian in late August]. Yes, there were protests at The Hague, but these were minor compared to the exposure the fuel price protests received in the media. |
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Chan N. No. 19, 2000 |
"To protest or not" depends on how you define the term "Protest". Does your protest mean taking to the streets in thousands (possibly millions), picketing outside the oil companies, or disrupting business of the oil companies & government oil agencies? If these are the protests you are talking about, I quit and shall no further part in it. What we need is the silent, committed but effective protests such as: giving up your car-use public transportation bicycle or even walk! Refrain from overusing of heating & electricity. Switch to cleaner technologies. If only people are committed enough, then the demand for oil will plunge the oily *&^% to hell! We need not protest like outlaws. Refrain from using oil/gasoline is the best form of protest. |
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Alex Scott Environment & Technology Journalist Litlington, Cambridgeshire. U.K. Nov 16, 2000 |
Two forms of protesting: 1. Get out there and wave your flag in a protest--great way of communicating via media (ie: TV - that people think there is a real problem.) Without the demo everyone can think the same and no one including governments consider it as worth dealing with. Today more than ever protesting is so important. 2. Consumer protest --silent but deadly. Every company works on its bottom line. If a company eg. Certain gas companies are ethically at the bottom of the barrel - avoiding buying their products will hurt the CEO and his team and make them do something about it. Particularly with a letter to him to indicate your actions & why. |
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Greta Doucet N.B. Nov 16, 2000 |
I don't come from privilege. I'm a small village Acadian whose father was a fisherman. I believe in peaceful ways of changing things, if at all
possible. I think I understand your frustration, and I could be wrong about strategies. But nevertheless, if we want a world of quality we have to create in quality. We can make a difference!!!! |
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Karen Flaherty Nov. 16, 200 |
If politicians don't feel public is interested they won't do much of anything unless it's in their own self-interest. Here in US, it's
supposed to be the government OF the People, BY the People and FOR the People. If the People don't stand up and speak out, and in the streets
is about the only way the media will cover and amplify the voice of people. It does change things, and if you think otherwise, you are being duped. The powers that be only hope people will be quiet and obedient or so cynical that they don't think one person can make a difference, when it is about the only thing that ever has. |
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John Jacobs Nov. 15, 2000 |
Protesting is an essential part of pushing for social and economic change. For many (e.g. people with low incomes) it is the only
means of influencing the world around them. Protesting is for many empowering. I hate to think where we would be now, if people
had not protested in the past.
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Uma Bharati, Gujarat, India Nov. 15, 2000 |
Protests, if informed by issues touching one's livelihoods, should have a space in civil society. Fossil fuel based economy, the main pillar of today's economy, will affect the future of humanity, and in that sense it is very important to raise questions about it, and suggest alternatives. |
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Veena Gokhale Nov. 15, 2000 |
I think protests get media attention. They also helps group feel and show some
solidarity. Are empowering in that way. Disadvantages: bad and negative media coverage which may also
bias some people against the cause (and in fact does!) I think protests are still important on the whole but they must be coupled with public education and outreach - important to get the messages out more personally and via media that distort less (alternate media, workshops, fairs, websites, etc.) |
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Neil Beckingham Perth WA Nov. 15, 2000 |
I think it is important that people are protesting as it seems to be pushing
governments to take a harder look at their energy policies. The Australian
public is often a little apathetic on many issues including energy use (and
abuse) and hence the efforts into renewable over here is moving slowly.
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Peter Espeut, Jamaica, West Indies Nov. 15, 2000 |
I think protests annoy people in the vicinity of the protests, but I also think they influence policymakers (viz. Seattle) which make them
important. |
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Win Hayes Nov. 15, 2000 |
I don't think protests annoy many -- developing alternatives which are economically viable will be more successful at affecting change |
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Robert Wilson Nov. 15, 2000 |
You should all embrace poverty. |
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Beth McLaughlin Nov. 15, 2000 |
I think protests are one way among many to make our voices heard. |
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Alan Sloan Nov. 15, 2000 |
In the UK there are protests about the high tax on fuel (!), two months ago a few hundred (mostly truckers and farmers) protestors brought delivery of
petrol and diesel to retail garages to a standstill, support was high. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has delivered a budget with minor concessions, a
freeze on most fuel duty with a promise of reductions on low sulphur types coming onto the forecourts shortly. A repeat performance, a slow drive into
London today by truckers is attracting far less public support. Certainly the shortsightedness of the protesters in this case annoys me intensely, though by stopping the flow of fossil fuels they certainly illustrated the extent of our dependence. My own feeling of the reactions of the wider public is that what support there is for the truckers is poorly informed and certainly likely to evaporate if the media were to raise the level of debate (into the strategic implications of fossil fuel dependence etc.) |
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Michael Neuman Nov. 15, 2000 |
It depends what the makeup of the "protest" is. I do not believe it always has to be mass demonstration. In fact, that type of protest is
self defeating in addressing global warming to some extent, due to the fossil fuel burning required in transport to the protest cites.
I believe there are many other forms of protest that can be more effective, and less environmentally costly, than mass demonstrations.
Here are just a few. The only limit to the number of these available is the imagination: 1) Not paying taxes. Henry David Thoreau's "civil disobedience" (1850) to not pay his taxes landed him in the local jail, but he maintained his personal integrity in not paying taxes to a government that approved of slavery. 2) Boycotting work. 3) Writing letters of protest. 4) Petitions. 5) Uncomfortable telephone calls (uncomfortable to receiver). 6) Nasty letters to newspapers. 7) Boycotting buying products. 8) Sending emails. |
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Paul O'Hara Nov. 15, 2000 |
If you come from privilege, you can afford to be annoyed!! |
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Greta Doucet New Brunswick Nov. 14, 2000 |
I prefer educating, educating - educating: in a positive manner. For example I would love to really understand the alternatives such as Solar
heating, wind power, etc. Let's make it user friendly, lots of visuals and first person accounts of usage. I truly believe that scare tactics have
the opposite effect of what our intentions are. When people are overwhelmed and scared they tune off and don't listen. This comes from someone with long experience in Mental Health and parenting. You scare them, they crawl in their shell.
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Alejandra Herranz,
Argentina Nov. 14, 2000 |
Instead of protesting, people should change their habits and attitudes to tend to sustainable consumption. Some of the protesters are
users of fossil fuels (they drive by car, they take buses, they sail on powered-fuel boats...). Do I think it effects change or does it just annoy people? Both. It annoys people, but also when you protest in a laud voice, you are showing to other that there is something wrong going on. |
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Lubomir Nondek, Prague, Czech Republic Nov. 14, 2000 |
I very much agree with Roger McKenzie that alternative technological solutions are needed,
among others nuclear power. On the other hand, we must use energy in more efficient way.
Any hysterical, irrational and violent street protests like those in Prague during recent
IMF/World Bank Conference would cause more harm than good. We need rational discussion. Personally, I am skeptical that humanity will mitigate global warming, nobody wants to bear costs related to reduction of GHGs emissions... Nobody want to pay more for power, heat or gasoline - especially in USA. |
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Dr. Michael J. |
The secrets of educating and counseling with nature help the human race survive the destructiveness of the human race.- Albert Schweitzer Our nature-separated "brainwashing" influences the way we experience most things, including our sense of self. Our estrangement disconnects our psyche from its origins and nurturance in ecosystems. This numbs 53 natural senses that we inherit. They would normally enable us to relate more intelligently and responsibly. As the state of the world presently shows, numb makes dumb with respect to living in balance. - John Burroughs To our loss, reconnecting with nature is suspect in our nature-conquering society. It is seldom encouraged, often disparaged. Yet most people have had at least one significant nature connected experience. Somewhere deep within us we each know its value. "At root, ecology is an erotic attitude of closeness, relatedness and care. We have made it into a rational/activist project and lost sight of its heart." - Thomas Moore "Scientific research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by laws of nature, and therefore this holds for the action of people." - Albert Einstein |
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Dr. Mahmood A. Khwaja, Islamabad Pakistan Nov. 14, 2000 |
... to our experience at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), it certainly effects change with annoyance to those who resist change for whatever reasons/vested interests. |
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Vinnie Hodges Liberia Nov. 14, 2000 |
There should be alternatives. My problem with the protest is that I am from
a third world country that will never develop alternatives in this
generation. Protesting is fine but what happens to my country--Liberia,
where it is difficult to get a gallon of gas to get to work, needless say
developing alternative fuel? Just to feed the hungry mouths it is hard for
the Government due to poor management of resources. For us in third world
like Liberia, I think our protest with your help should be to curb corruption. |
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Cecil Bothwell Black Mountain, NC Nov. 14, 2000 |
I think protesting can have some good effect, but it should be carefully targeted and NO ONE SHOULD DRIVE TO A PROTEST ABOUT FOSSIL FUEL. |
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pratyush Nov. 14, 2000 |
Yes, protest always sparks future changes by raising awareness, creating pressure groups etc. |
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James Arvanitakis Campaign Director AID/WATCH Nov. 13, 2000 |
I think that protesting is a valuable form of campaigning. Without the protestors on the streets, those inside negotiating on behalf of the
protestors have less to negotiate with. The strength of the current protest movement is that it is diverse... it includes environmentalists,
religious groups, human rights groups, unions and students. Non-violent direct action has a long history of success. I think it is important that we continue to use this as one of many tools for ensuring we achieve change. |
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Lena Brook Walnut Creek, CA Nov. 13, 2000 |
In my opinion, it affects change by bringing a voice to the issue. The more protests, the more attention the issue gets from mainstream media which increases its legitimacy in the eyes of the public. it may certainly annoy people, but I think it is worth it. |
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Cindie L. Smith Nov. 10, 2000 |
Any form of peaceful protest alleviates the feeling of helplessness and
gives the public something active to work toward. Marches, petitions,
rallies - they are all great awareness tools. |
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Allison Connell Nov. 10, 2000 |
Yes we should protest because action has been much too slow.
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Wendy Keats |
Protesting is simply a forum for being heard. Unfortunately, and all too often, our policy makers don't listen until we gather "en mass".
When properly led, group protests are healthy and help bring issues to the forefront. They also help others across the nation to know that
they are not alone in their concerns. We don't all have the opportunity to get actively involved and often find ourselves wondering if others
share our concerns about a particular issue. When groups protest - we are confirmed in our own beliefs and the media attention opens the door
for us to raise the issue in our own communities. On the other side of the coin, we need to be careful about group protests. "Mob mentality" can easily become unleashed and unfortunate incidents occur. Protests need to be well planned with clear objectives and boundaries. Those organizing the protest need to have clear statements of what they want to see changed and why, and they need to have a representative who can clearly articulate these messages to the media. As we're seeing in recent events, policy makers would love to see protests banned or at least removed from under their noses. If they get their way, we move one step closer to losing our democracy. |
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Al Geddry Nov 10, 2000 |
I believe demonstrations do serve a purpose provided they are timely, well attended, have a very specific focus and are well organized. A
few people waving placards will not do it. Even if somewhat disruptive to the public, demonstrations can have a positive impact on both opinion makers
and politicians.
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Rob Walker Alma NB Nov 10, 2000 |
Yes, peaceful public protests do create awareness and influence public opinion (particularly when they are covered by the mass media). There will always be a certain number of people (often a majority) who are satisfied with the status quo and who do not care to get involved or who are annoyed by protest actions. We cannot let the complacent or hostile elements of our population prevent us from developing an environmentally-friendly society. |
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Jason Blanch Nappan Project Amherst NS Nov 10, 2000 |
To protest injustice is to live, to have soul. To do nothing is to support the injustice. The annoying thing is that people are paralyzed by the belief that protesting can not affect change. What else ever has? |
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Brenda Kelley Sustainable Development, Bathurst Nov. 9, 2000 |
I am pleased to hear that our efforts to awaken humanity's understanding of the deadly situation we are facing is finally beginning
to work. I am pleased to hear my people speak. I commend them on their spirit and encourage them to continue to listen to
Mother Earth as she speaks to them in the wind and as they hear her cries from the North . She tells them that she is with them
always even until the end of her days .
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Sarah Shima Falls Brook Centre Nov 9, 2000 |
Good question! I think when well organized, protests can be extremely effective. The bulk
of the protesters must be people who truly care about the issue and who are well informed. People out for the fun of
it, present the opposite effect required. |
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Gary_Hitch |
The more public protests there are the faster government will sit up and
take notice. They might even realize that fossil fuels are not an infinite resource even though they're treated that way.
If people can get that step done then the rest is just a matter of time.
Smart fossil fuel-based companies are already researching alternatives so as not to left out in the cold when the world starts buying heavily into
alternative energies.
The demand will grow accordingly and the prices then begin to fall. It's going to take some time but it can be done if public involvement grows from a low grumble to a load 'we're not gonna' take anymore'. The question then will be - is it too late? -------------- Plus il y aura des démonstrations publiques plus les gouvernements vont se réveiller rapidement. Ils pourraient même se rendre compte que les combustibles fossiles ne sont pas une ressource infinie quoiqu'ils soient traités ainsi. Si on réussi cet étape alors le reste est juste une question de temps. Les compagnies de productions pétrolières qui sont intelligentes recherchent déjà des solutions et altenatives afin de ne pas être abadonnées lorsque le monde commencera à acheter des énergies alternativesde façon massive. La demande croîtra en conséquence et les prix commenceront alors à tomber. Cela va prendre un certain temps mais pourrait tout de même être fait si la participation publique augement d'un bas grognement à un retentissant 'c'est y est - c'est assez!'. La question alors sera - il est- il trop tard? |
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Anne, |
My view is that protesting is a valid part of the spectrum of public participation. (As long as its non-violent - I don't think there's any call for violence of any kind). Yes, it may annoy some people -- thought must be given to what it is that a group is trying to achieve. It might not be the best strategy in some situations, but in others it may provide a much needed boost to public awareness. My favourite kind of protesting is street theatre. It can convey a powerful message in a non-threatening way. |
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Sabin Legerer Quebec, Quebec 8 novembre 2000 |
Tout depend sur la person a qui tu posses la question. je pense que sa importunent les corporations et les governement, mais les corporation ne sont pas des personnes et les governement c'est les governement. et la dans les vrais gens on a les cyniques et on a ceux qui sont conscient de se que les corporation et les governement font a la planet. donc tout depend. |
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Pierre Loiselle |
Protesting has been, and still is an integral part for people to engage in
the democratic process. As many people have realized, there is only a
minimal response at best, to getting corporations and governments to listen
to the voice of people through other conventional means (petitions, and so
forth). It has been through the use of political protest that history has been transformed (although history books tend to downplay this). A few examples include the success of the labour movement in achieving the 8-hour work day, social programming, and minimum wage standards. The civil rights movement would not have occurred without direct actions and community mobilizations. Oppressed peoples who fought against colonization by outside forces used political protest (ie: India and Britain). Although this barely skims the surface of the history of political protest, I hope that it illustrates the importance of it historically. Does it just annoy people? It depends what people you're talking about. People who believe that the way our society is organized is actually quite fair and equitable, that environmental degradation isn't really an issue, etc... yeah, people who understand our world in this respect will likely find that protest is annoying. They may believe that people who are angry at the death and destruction being committed in our name are just whining complainers. Much of these attitudes have been formed by misinformation in the corporate media about the nature of protests, and the impact of globalization on all people. The 'progressive' elements of our society have been fought for and won by the voices of many people using political protest. The state has always used the corporate media, police & military forces, and other means to suppress dissent. Because of the potential effectiveness of mass demonstrations, general strikes, and direct actions, we are led to believe that these are not the avenues to try to achieve social change. We are encouraged to follow the bureaucratic, state sponsored guidelines. These days, many people buy into these ideas that have been rammed down our throats. The events in Seattle were a turning point for North America. It was a beautiful way to ring in the new Millennium. Finally, the people of the so-called 1st world are standing in solidarity with the people of the rest of the world and saying: Enough is Enough! It's about time that we took responsibility for what governments and corporations are doing globally, and join together to try to change this. Seattle, Washington, Windsor, Melbourne, Prague...everywhere the transnationals try to meet, they are being opposed. It is a monumental phenomenon in the history of humanity. This April, the FTAA is meeting in Quebec City, and the eyes of the world will be watching. I hope that the people of the Maritimes will be taking a stand with those from across the country and the rest of the world to protest the barbarous nature of globalization. I hope to see a lot of us vote with our feet, and march up to Quebec and try to stop these trade agreements from becoming a reality. |
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Louis McMillan Victoria, BC November 9, 2000 |
I believe such activities simply annoys the powers to be. As long as the Government and large companies keep looking at their profit ledger, no protest which may take money from them will have much effect. |
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Roger McKenzie, Saint John, N.B. |
As a society, we have become massively dependent on the use of energy for our way of life. Life would be a misery for many of us without it. One has only to remember the ice storm of two years ago to realize how dependent we have all become on energy. However, it should be perfectly possible to reduce dependence on fossil fuels - in fact we should do so with some urgency as they will eventually become exhausted. It is quite worrying to think of what will happen as fossil fuels become more scarce and so more expensive. There may even be wars over the dwindling reserves unless some alternative is developed. One potential solution is to strongly encourage conservation and to promote the use of hydrogen - encourage the development of the "hydrogen economy". Nuclear power would be a major part of this solution! Protests are usually carried out by a very small group of society (in relative terms). The problem is usually that protesters do not have a clear understanding of the problem. Also many individual protesters protest many different aspects of social concerns - for example some protestors protested the spruce budworm, the Point Lepreau Construction and the seal hunt - the same individuals! To me, this reduces their credibility as they become "professional protestors". Nonetheless, some lawful protest is often necessary to draw attention of the public and their politicians to the "down side" of many of society's activities. If protesting is carried out intelligently, it helps to effect desirable change. If it is unintelligently conducted, it antagonizes intelligent people. |
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