From what little I saw on C-Span 2, ANSWER needs unity

[justiceischeap]

I don't know much about ANSWER but from the couple of hours I watched this morning on C-Span, I wish a group that had a unified message would have gotten the coverage.

All the speakers that got up spoke about different things. One woman was "Free Cuba", another was with the Union and was talking about workers' rights, another man talked about Nicaragua (sp), another Haiti. Not that these issues shouldn't be discussed but I think it was the wrong day and the wrong platform for that.

I think if we're going to take our country back we need a unified message about our nation and what needs to be done here. It also seemed the folks that were there protesting only got interested when they spoke badly of Bush or about Iraq.

I felt I got a small glimpse of what's wrong with our party watching that this morning. I know it's been brought up here often about framing the discussion and after seeing this today, I couldn't agree more.

[ElectroPrincess]

1. I salute their courage ...

Sure much more could have been coordinated but the protesters there today have my respect. They are the true patriots today. We must follow their lead and organize at our local levels.

They went through hell to get and maintain that bleacher space ... there's very little wrong I choose to complain about.

Bless them ... and may we pick up the baton at the grass roots to reclaim OUR Democracy.

[justiceischeap]

2. I don't deny that and I give them mad props

I was supposed to be there today but we had a bit of a snowstorm in my neck of the woods and it shut down I-95.

I was just observing the lack of unity in the message. I saw the possibilty for much more and was a little disappointed in the message but certainly not their courage and convictions.

[ElectroPrincess]

3. Yes, I respect your point ...

I understand the frustration of hearing a diverse message but heck, ANSWER by it's very nature tries to tackle seemingly "all injustices.".

I don't wish to diminish your original point but also wish to praise their compassion and I'd like to believe, the vast majority wish for our liberties to remain intact by removing the Patriot Act.

My point is that we can work more focused at our local Democratic functions. I don't know much about ANSWER but I'm thrilled they were able to obtain that bleacher space.

Best :-) EP

[shraby]

4. Their message wasn't unified because

there is SO much wrong with this administration. I have no problem with them touching as many points as possible as long as they had the air time. Precious little air time they get from news shows on t.v. I think C-Span should be commended for giving them coverage.
If it weren't for C-Span, we would hardly have seen there was a protest.

[fooj]

8. I'm in full agreement!

Their courage and determination was an inspiration! It gave me hope! I understand the need for unity, but considering the "torture" they endured just to represent WE THE PEOPLE, I believe they made great progress! I, for one, am proud to be on their side! Ours is a noble and just cause!:headbang:

[CWebster]

5. I had a similar impression

Usually I wouldn't criticize, but I felt the same frustration considering these times demand such a strong and united consciousness that is all inclusive. But, they are not politicians, they are activists representing different issues and they should not be expected to fill the void just because they are politically involved.

[justiceischeap]

7. I don't mean it as a criticism myself

More of an observation from what I've been reading here and then actually seeing it. It actually pained me when I saw them start chanting and then the camera would show the crowd and they were just standing there. As much as one hates to admit, perception in the visual media is everything and there were certainly times when the visual didn't even show unity.

Again, though, I give them major credit for what they are doing. Getting a message out there, no matter how confusing it may be to some.

[BlueManDude]

6. I remember the Mumia-cultists in 2000

I went to the innaugural last time and was really appalled at the number of people worshipping at the altar of Mumia. I was embarrased to be among these nitwits.

[gorbal]

9. More the reason you should go

People should, instead of avoiding these rallies, go and show their faces and set up their own booths to show there are more than one breed of Bush protestor.

[MrPrax]

10. Surprisingly arrogant observation...

Why would anyone think that any protest group should be 'on message' and simply a vehicle for the democratic party?

Your're proposing a 'unified message'? Funny--other than not being Bush, the democratic party, inspite of enormous amounts of money, talent and coverage failed miserably to present a 'unified message' for half a year?

Why would you expect street protesters to do any better?

Being one of those types, I KNOW that the formal political system won't ever deliver a solution, so protesting are usually just acts of defiance; your're not going to change the system or even influence it, but you can let them know that 'someone' is keeping score...

Quite honestly, people who are active in these types of groups, really don't care about the opinions of mainstream liberals because they view them essentially as cut from the same cloth as GOP supporters...

Sorry truth hurts...

[tyedyeto]

11. I was at work from 10:00AM MST till a little more than an hour ago.

So I only caught the first 30-45 minutes of Cspan2's coverage. Yes, there were several subjects expressed during that time, but isn't that a main point.......This admin has degraded our society in so many aspects, that we should be telling the country and the world how * has done so many wrongs to so many people?