If an anti-war protest is near you, please go.
I go to the protests because I can. I get energized, find some groups in my area that I didn't know were out there, and just have fun. I enjoy the street theater, talk to my pals, and know that I did something to show my disdain for the * junta and the media. I will have fun...lots of fun.
The first protest I went to during this regime, I was sort of brave. I was scared but I knew I wanted to be counted. I wanted to be a person who didn't just sit at home and steam but instead showed that many of us do not support these idiots. I think the first one I went to had about 20,000 there. The press barely reported it but I knew that I was not alone. I looked around and saw folks, many just like me, who refused to just sit back and wait for the polls to show we didn't support this regime. Notice us, we care, and refuse to be silenced.
I know writing letters, phone calls, emails and organizing may be more important. I know I need to attend the protests. I need to see the faces of the opposition, the people who care.
If everyone at a protest only went to the occassional protest, I wouldn't have much respect for them. Part of the atmosphere at the protests, though, is organizing and giving information. Come to this meeting, do this, send this letter, just recognize our group. I get information when I attend.
So on Saturday, I'm sure I'll see folks on the liberal sites questioning why we are protesting. "Did you hear what that speaker said?" (Probably not. It's just too noisy to hear most speakers.) "ANSWR sponsored this protest, the Communists marched, some very radical folks spoke." So I go an march because it's important to be seen as well as heard. I don't agree with every speaker. I don't agree with every group marching. I am happy that we still can be heard and embrace the opposition.
I'll be there on Saturday for me.