Democratic Chautauquas or fairs instead of protests?

[gulliver]

What about something like Chautauquas or fairs instead of protests? These would be gatherings with a respectful atmosphere where anyone could go. Attendees could listen to talks and live entertainment, get some food, engage in a little healthy debate and education, etc. It wouldn't be about confrontation or anger. It would be about a best-foot-forward, polite sharing of views and about everyone having a good time.

Chautauquas and fairs would work well in both rural and urban settings. Kids and older folks could go. It would give people something solid and safe to do to try to work out differences and understand commonalities. We could make things better while still having a good time. Just tossing it out there.

[2naSalit]

1. I think it would be a great idea

going forward. It would help educate the public and, hopefully, encourage the lost practice of dialogue with our fellow citizens.

John Hightower used to host them during the reign of W.

He's still writing but I don't see anything about Chautauquas on his web site these days.

http://jimhightower.com/

[HassleCat]

2. Good long term strategy

Unions used to do this sort of thing. So did local Democratic organizations.