Protests: What Is It Good For?

I'll be honest. I am a member of the Green Party so early on I was not an Obama supporter. I was moved by his speech at the Democratic convention in 2004 and by his story. He and his wife inspire me deeply but as a somewhat cynic to the two party system I was not one who came out in favor of him early. As an African American and someone who at one point wanted to be a politician I definitely kept an eye on him, his message, and what people had to say about his campaign.

I followed most closely the news and reports on the McNeil Newshour on PBS. It seemed to be the most fair and balanced. It also delved deeper into the story than most networks (including cable) were willing to do.

Technically I couldn't vote for Obama in the primary election in California because I was not registered in the Demoractic party so no decision was needed from me at that time.

By the time the November election rolled around I was sold. For the first time in many years I was going to vote for a President from one of the major two parties. It was not an easy step for me but one I took gladly in support of what I hoped would be a new direction for the country. I knew it would not come fast or easy but I prayed for just a different way to approach things and even though Obama was part of a traditional party I felt he in some ways in what he exhibited in his personal life reflected that. I didn't agree with him on everything or course but like he says, I too am a believer in being able to disagree on things but still work with someone.

This is a big lead into what this post is all about but I just wanted to give some background. Currently there are alot of protests about healthcare in this country. I don't know all the proposals out there and to be honest since I am covered through my job I probably haven't paid as much attention as I should be doing.

I do think it's time we as a nation have affordable and available healthcare for everyone. I also think it's healthy for there to be debate about how that is accomplished. What has surprised me is the vitriolic reaction I am seeing by people at town hall meetings and in protests.

I saw one news report where a lady said, "I'm 68 and I've never protested a President". I also saw a sign that said, "Voters Remorse" with the symbol that Obama used during the Presidential Campaign.



Again I am not upset that these people are protesting. I think it's healthy. I am not even swayed by the motivations of the conservative bloggers, talk radio, and organizations that are behind it.

What has surprised me is vitriol with which these people have protested. I think back to the run up to the war and I kept wanting people to protest the war and the lies that were used to support it. There was a wave a patriotism and it didn't happen and those who did protest were labeled as left wing extremists and non supportive of our troops. Even as lies have been exposed there has not been a groundswell of support against the war.

The amount of money that has been spent, loss of lives, and the lack of positive gain from these wars is costly beyond our imaginations yet people turn a blind eye. But when it comes to something that could actually benefit people there is name calling, half truths, and political game play.

So it makes me think...

Protests: What Is It Good For?