Bernie Sanders really set everyone off with his comments on Rachel Maddow’s show Friday. Numerous blogs and hundreds of comments have been posted here, and elsewhere, over the meaning of two words: the difference between Protest and Disrupt(ion). To set the parameters of this essay, they are defined as follows (from Merriam/Webster):
Protest
1. A solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent.
2. The act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval.
3. A complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness to an idea or course of action.
4. An objection made to an official of governing body of a sport. Note: I would include a governing political, jurisdictional, legislative or judicial body.
Disrupt
1. To break apart or rupture.
2. To throw into disorder
3: To interrupt to normal course or unity of.
Bernie was correct in making that distinction. Protest involves stating opinions (e.g. T-I-C. all Daily Kos bloggers and commenters are idiots — Oops! I guess that would include me); and gestures (raise hand, extend middle finger, smile). No physical contact is involved. Disruption involves intimidation and/or physical contact to create chaos or disorder, could involve physical altercations, and could be a violation of law.
However, protest can become disruption in the blink of an eye. As the presidential race progresses and the candidates are identified, opinions and beliefs solidify within their respective constituencies, positions harden and become absolute: We are right, you are wrong; Phffft to those who differ.
The closest parallel to what is happening now is the 1964 Presidential election: Lyndon Johnson vs Barry Goldwater. It was conducted at the height of the U-Cal Berkeley protests (Google Mario Savio) and was also at the height of the folk music era. The present campaign could be exemplified by the song Merry Minuet by the Kingston Trio. Verses included: The whole world is festering with unhappy souls — The French hate the Germans — The Germans hate the Poles — — Italians hate Yugoslavs — South Africans hate the Dutch — And I don’t like anybody very much. What you are seeing is a replay of that campaign, the present state of America and its relations with the world: Deja Vu all over again (Yogi Berra).
What’s different this time is the presence of the web and blogs. Everyone has an opinion or belief and now has an opportunity to express it in a public forum. What you need to remember is that protests and opinions are like farts: They make a noisy entry, smell bad, and quickly dissipate to nothingness. But, they are now also forever enshrined in the website archives, waiting to be retrieved and distorted. Be careful what you say, you may be quoted for posterity.
Sooo! Cool it! Pontificate, opinionate, bloviate and outragify to your heart’s content. If I think you’re full of shit I’ll say so; and you are free to do the same with me. Mostly, I don’t because it’s a waste of time to try to change someone’s deeply held convictions, beliefs and opinions.
But, do not threaten, intimidate or assault others solely to disrupt the discussion, rally’s or events. It serves no purpose and only discredits you and the person/candidate/position you’re supporting. Observe the Trump supporters in action. They are a plague and should be avoided in any civil discourse. If they come to power, it is the reputation of America will be the one that suffers in the eyes of world opinion.