Political Fallacies: Protests are a feature of democracy not a bug

The modern attitude toward peaceful protest is weird and contradictory.

Most of us look back on historical protests with affection and admiration:

• Martin Luther:  Overthrew the dominant position of the Catholic Church on European life and theology without ever swinging a sword (although, his writings sometimes provoked violence on both sides).  He is admired by all Protestants and seen as a key figured of history.
• Mahatma Gandhi:  Gained independence for India from the British Empire without firing a shot.  He is admired and widely quoted on social media.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:  Lead the Civil Rights Movement for African-Americans which ultimately brought about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  He has his own federal holiday and is nearly universally admired.
• Tiananmen Square:  Because of the nature of Chinese media, we don't know the names of the peaceful protesters.  Even the famous man who blocked a column of armored vehicles is only known as "Tank Man".  But these brave men and women are admired around the world. 

But when a peaceful protest pops up in the modern day, it is sure to be condemned and excoriated by its opponents.  Marchers against racial injustice face the opposition of not only white supremacists but also people who want them to "Get over it."   Picketers in favor of Confederate statues face opposition not only from African-Americans in their community but also people who want them to "Sit down and shut up."  Protesters for the "Me Too" movement calling for gender equality face opposition not only from sexists but also people who want them to "Go home."

Odds are at some time since Donald Trump became president, you have condemned someone's peaceful protest because you disagree with them politically.  Odds are even better you shared or re-posted a meme that implies or openly states that your opponents should have their protests shut down.

But peaceful protest isn't a "bug" in our democracy.  It is a feature and an essential part of how the American experiment works.  The American Revolution didn't begin with the "shot heard round the world".  It began with the Boston Tea Party which was a (relative to the time) peaceful protest against unjust taxation by Britain.  Peaceful protests from the very beginning have been a way for the people to express grievances to the powerful without having to resort to civil unrest, riots, or uprising.  They allow even the poorest and least powerful amongst us to communicate their concerns and priorities to the community and to their leaders.  This is why the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Bill of Rights right alongside the right to free exercise of religion and free speech.

But why are protests needed in the Age of the Internet, when anyone in the world can post to social media or start a blog or website to communicate their ideas?  There are a few very simple reasons:

1. Online speech is solitary - one voice in the wilderness - whereas Peaceful Assembly brings together people to work together towards change.
2. Anonymous speech is useful but may imply a lack of courage.  Peaceful Assembly requires the protester to put themselves into the public space and declare their position.
3. Written speech can be ignored by looking away.  Peaceful Assembly forces its way into the attention of the public and the powerful.

My challenge to you:  STOP BASHING PEACEFUL PROTESTS.  INSTEAD, LISTEN TO THEM, OFFER A THOUGHTFUL CRITIQUE OF THEIR POSITION, AND JOIN YOUR OWN ASSEMBLY TO GET YOUR POSITION OUT INTO THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  And keep in mind the right is to *peaceful* assembly.  Feel free to bash any group - Right, Left, or Center - who uses a protest as an excuse for violence.