OK It's official, I am not allowed to protest any more. Oxford, MS Vigil

[Melodybe]

Ok, a friend of mind organized the Moveon vigil for Cindy at the the local Court House.

It was raining and about 80-100 people showed up. Not bad for only a 1 day notice, we were very happy at the success of our vigil. Tons of candles, highly visible, only one disruptor, it was great.

BTW I forgot my camera cause I was running late, but we had the local paper there and the college paper and both took pictures so I'll put up links tomorrow.

Anyway, I don't know what it is but I get really angry when disruptors show up. I mean really angry. Our disruptor was a 19 year old frat boy, I immediately started calling him a coward and a chicken for supporting the war but not fighting in it and other not so nice names, it's like the venue and the emotions of protesting just get to me and I go off. I don't hit people or anything but I am not a friendly person to talk to.

That bothers me cause at my table that I do almost every week, I am clam and collected, I may get loud but I never yell, I try to reason with them, but protesting just gets to me.

I make a complete ass of myself, now for the embarrasing irony of my "incident" while viciously yelling at this guy I was holding a "Blessed are the peacemakers sign."

Man I hang my head in shame, I feel awful.

Luckily the organiser of the vigil came over and talked some calm honest sense to the boy. I apologized for being a jerk and told him that at least he gave us the time, most people would have just given us the finger or whatever, which BTW no one did anything like that.

So from here on out I am not going to anymore protests, well at least little ones in my hometown, big ones with millions is a different story. I was hurting the cause by being so confrontational, it's a problem I need to deal with it.

To end this on a positive note; we were all very happy about the results and the candles looked very cool, all 80-100 of them.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

1. I, myself, see no problem

He is a coward and a chicken.

[Melodybe]

2. He wsn't all that bad I was being an asshole, trust me.

[JuniperLea]

3. We were given the finger tonight too...

Just once that I know of. Don't be too hard on those types. They are so very proud of their single digit IQ's they just have to share. :) You know, like that clown in the White House. He is proud of his IQ too; he likes to show it off to cameras:)

[dweller]

4. dust off, buck up, and forgive yourself

and get back on the front line.

Could have been worse, you could have been him in another parallel universe.
thankfully, you're not.

Your light counts.
dp

[NoSheep]

5. I admire your ability to be clear about this. I have some ideas for you:

Next time there is a protest in your local area, contact a good friend in advance to go there on your behalf. A stand-in if you will. No doubt you know someone who would be willing to help.
Another thing you could do is make signs and pass them around then leave. You can participate in many ways without actually being there. I too have had to cut myself off from a few things that are difficult for me. It is very liberating and impowering to realize you know your limits and you can creatively participate without getting yourself all upset and being ineffective. I'll see YOUR smart ass in DC on the 24th of September!

[Melodybe]

12. Thanks, stand in and signs, I can do that.

I can't go to DC, my ride can't get off work.

I am very sad, but I'm planning a millions against the media march. Already have folks in LA and Atlanta helping.

Thanks for the tips.

[LiveWire]

6. What fraternity was he in?

As a "frat boy" I'd like to know...

[Sgent]

7. Oxford, MS

is a Greek town. About 50% of the full time Oxford residents are Greek. Even those who aren't, still are in many ways. With 16-17 houses, its hard to know which ones which....


Now, 100 people in a town of 10,000 (20k w/University) showing up in the Heart of Dixie -- where the football team used the Rebel Flag as their mascot until 10 years ago, is phenomenol. Remember that Trent Lott graduated from Olemiss, and many of his southern bretheren. When I was on campus their were 2-300 college repug's, and 10-20 college dems.

[NoSheep]

9. Oxford Town, Oxford Town, Ev'rybodies got their heads bowed down..

:shrug:

[Melodybe]

13. Exactly, we were very happy.

Last year's anti-war protest of 150+ was awsome.

It was raining and we only had a day of notification, I hope there are some pictures in the paper tomorrow, if so I'll post links.

It did look really cool though, we all stood around the gates of the courthouse with our umbrellas and candles.

It was quite a visual.

No cursing or anything from the passersby, only two guys driving by that seemed to know said frat boy who said, "yay war" and "war is good." I yelled angrily back "then go fight in it you coward!" to both.

[democracyindanger]

8. But just in Mississippi.

Come on out to California, we'll find a place for ya.

[craigolemiss]

10. I signed up because I wanted to say something about

the guy who drove over all the crosses, But instead as a Mississippian, I will say something here.

--Be patient, let them make the new with spectacular blunders and hatred and stupidity. Let them be the one's to scream at the top of their lungs. Let them wear themselves down when they will finally discover that you cannot be moved.

Allow them to find their own failure--because to embrace change, they cannot be yelled at as that makes them stronger. allow them to see that you are the future and you know that there is a path that even they can tread that will allow them to save face.

Sun Tsu even said that you cannot defeat an enemy that has no way out. You have to be willing to allow them to find the truth on their own.

That's my peace from Laurel

[Melodybe]

11. Hey, have you joined the Ole Miss dems yet?

I can't PM you yet, but do I already know you?

[Sgent]

14. Welcome

Welcome to DU!!

[The Animator]

15. Whenever I feel the urge to yell about all of this administrations

injustices, and peoples ignorance or apathy towards them, I just start singing "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

It allows you to yell. And even though it's at least a twenty year old song, it's still applicable.

[Melodybe]

16. Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'm taking them to heart

maybe I should start meditating again.

PS your elephant is awesome.

[The Animator]

18. Thanks, made it myself.

It's available at my cafe press site.

[kungfugrip]

17. Effing Ole Miss Frat Boys!!!!

I went there from 94 - 98. The first week I was there, the only black Frat House on campus was burned to the ground.

I applaud the dedication. There were hundreds at the Vigil in L.A.

Hottie Toddie!