Although organized protest is a First Amendment right, there is a point when it becomes a disturbance and inflicts more damage than the change it inspires.
Since August, people in Moscow have been protesting the megaloads by gathering on street corners with signs and angry dispositions. However, the accomplishments resulting from utilizing their rights are limited to forcing local police to work overtime.
While I may disagree with the megaloads in general, I also disagree with the actions of Moscow residents. Where was their determination when it actually might have done something? The citizens of every other town along the megaload route have remained in check — it is only in Moscow that people insist on protesting. If the protesters want to make a difference, then they need to take action where it counts. Standing on the street corner late at night will not reverse the court’s ruling allowing Mammoet to haul the megaloads.
Apparently some activists may be going down to Boise to protest at the Capitol, but the megaloads controversy has been going on for months. If they really wanted to do something, they should have sent representatives to voice their concerns sooner. At this point, there isn’t much they can do.
Multiple loads have already driven through Moscow, and standing in the street yelling did nothing to change that. It only increased police presence in the area to make sure nothing violent happened.
The megaload protesters also have another flaw: they are not knowledgeable or united in their reasons for protesting. Some are there to protest the megaloads, some to raise awareness about the Alberta Tar Sands and others are just concerned with the climate. The confusion and combination of causes only weakens what little power the group had to begin with.
This is a problem that often occurs with protests. A small group feels passionate about something, or multiple things, that might have a legitimate basis and then begin to protest. But what do they actually accomplish? Protests only succeed if they alter the public’s opinion, but most of the public does not want to listen, making the group’s efforts pointless.
Occupy Wall Street is another current protest that has been going strong for a month. It may have more numbers than the megaloads group, including a local Occupy branch, and gained the public’s attention, but what have they actually done? They meet, talk about things they disagree with and perhaps write to government officials. But elementary students do that, too.
These groups may have legitimate causes to fight for, but they are going about it the wrong way. Protesting is a fall-back method that seems to be coming back in style. Raising awareness can only do so much — it’s the results that happen afterward that matter.