In Chin Deep

Let’s face it; protesting has always been a popular pastime. It makes people feel good to get out there and express an opinion in situations over which we really have no control. So when the government, our employers or another group does something that we don’t like, we call all our hippy friends and arrange a protest.

Protesting almost seems to be in our blood. Across oceans and generations, people are protesting. And in this country, our righteous founding fathers decided that it was important to protect our right to protest in the First Amendment.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever actually protested. I remember way back when I was in middle school, we were supposed to protest the firing of a few teachers. But I chickened out and decided it would be better to stay in English class. Judging by my inability to write coherent sentences, I’m not sure if it paid off. But I felt bad afterwards because I didn’t support a cause that I truly believed in, at the time.

Now, I try to support most protesters. When I see protesters carrying signs that read, “Honk to bring home the troops,” I’ll gladly honk; although I don’t think my honk is really helping to bring home the troops. Additionally, if I meet a protester, I’ll say something like, “Good for you, man! Get out there and protest that shit.” I think it’s important to support protesters, even if you don’t take part in the protest personally. After all, we need motivated people out there letting our dummy governing bodies know when we don’t approve of their ridiculous behavior.

There are as many reasons to protests as there are slutty girls on college campuses. Sometimes people protest new government policy like a war, taxes or partnership with another country of questionable integrity. Labor unions protest when the businesses whom they suck the blood from try to stand up for their rights to remain competitive in global markets. Students protest just about anything if it will get them out of class and in good with an attractive member of the opposite sex. Religious folks protest, well, all the time… Here are some of my favorite reasons to protest.

The Cops Beat-up Some Dude
Occasionally, members of the law enforcement community get a little worked-up and beat some poor sole within inches of his death. Usually, this beating takes place shortly after this innocent sole has been captured after a high speech chase. Within hours, the neighboring community typically responds by destroying the surrounding area where the event occurred, setting fires, throwing rocks and shouting at police. This is their way of saying, “Hey guys, we don’t agree that you beat up that dude and we’d like you to apologize for it. O yeah… and hang all those responsible.”

When the smoke has cleared and the crowds have all gone home or been taken into custody, everyone feels better. The protest was a success. Those who were angry were able to release their aggression and the police were reminded that beating up people, no matter how guilty or what crime they’ve committed, isn’t okay. A simple kick to the groin and a free ride back to the station would have save a whole lot of hassle. I think we all should give kudos to the rioters, errr, protesters, who are out there keeping law enforcement in-check.

Jesus Freaks
Religion baffles me but religious freaks baffle me more. We’ve all seen the Jesus freaks protesting. They usually show up to big parties like Mardis Gras and remind us of our sins. They also like to protest government policies that threaten mankind like when those crazy gays try to go and get married and adopt children. Fortunately, these groups tend to keep their protests on the peaceful side, although they can make things a little awkward. I wonder if the bible teaches them to judge others or if they come up with that idea on their own…

Hate Groups

These guys are great. I say ‘guys’ because it usually is a bunch of guys. They get out there and remind us how absolutely idiotic we humans can be. Sometimes, it’s fairly obvious to spot Hate protests; cone hats and bed sheets come to mind. Other times, they are positions as ‘civil rights’ protests. No matter what label you give these peaceful gatherings, the message is the same; We don’t like you and we want to know.

Even I don’t personally agree with the message portrayed in all protests, I think it’s important to protect the right to protest that we’ve been granted. If people are given no outlet to express their outrage, the outrage will get bottled up causing more 9/11s, columbines, and disgruntled postal worker shootings.

(Insert Cause Here) Rights Activists
Gays, veterans, minorities, midgets, women, transsexuals and others all have a reason to protest on almost a daily basis. Let’s face it; policies in effect screw us all in one way or another. Because of this, there is never a shortage of rights activists carrying signs supporting a cause. Here’s a gallery of such causes:

The next time you drive by a protest, honk to support it, even if you’re not on board with the cause. Don’t think of it as supporting a cause, think of it as protecting your rights and the rights of the idiots around you.

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