Maha's rules of protesting

From Barbara O'Brien at Mahablog (this is an overview; see the link for the full details):

Long-time Mahablog readers probably have noticed I am ambivalent about protest marches and demonstrations. Even though I take part in them now and then, on the whole I don't think they have much of an effect.

Ah-HAH, you say. The immigration marches just showed you. So why isn't the antiwar movement marching all the time?

Good question.

Sometimes it ain't what you do, but the way that you do it that matters. Some demonstrations have changed the world. But in my long and jaded experience some demonstrating is a waste of time. Some demonstrating is even counterproductive. What makes effective protest? [...]

1. Be serious.
2. Be unified of purpose.
3. Good protesting is good PR.
4. Size matters.
5. Be sure your opposition is uglier/more hateful/snottier than you are.
6. Demonstrations are not enough.

It's essential to be able to work with people in positions of power to advance your agenda. And if there aren't enough people in power to advance your agenda, then get some. Frankly, I think some lefties are caught up in the romance of being oppressed and powerless, and can't see beyond that.

Remember, speaking truth to power is just the first step. The goal is to get power for yourself.