EFFECTIVE PROTEST

I find most forms of political protest ineffective at best, counterproductively polarizing at worst. Screaming partisans waving placards usually push me closer to their opponents, even when I actually agree with what they’re screaming about. I just don’t want to associate with people who are so, so annoying. Which is why I find this protest of Alberto Gonzales by Georgetown law students so appealing. The protesters have credibility, being students of the law, their action is impossible to ignore but not confrontational or annoying, and quoting one of the founders brings home their affiliation with the original American political ideals. The only thing they don’t have is the most important thing of all: broad visibility. I don’t think this was televised, and unless a major news outlet picks up the story, the only people that will see it are boingboing readers.