What if ...... and why ...... ?

[Stinky The Clown]

What if ....... a person opposes the WarInIraq™ and has been in opposition since the very idea of a WarInIraq™ was first floated by the Neocons, but finds some methods, strategies, and activities of certain protesters and certain other 'anti-war-people' unhelpful? Is that person to be vilified by fellow travelers simply because they disagree on tactics? If so, why? Is it about the deification of the protesters, or is it about opposition to the WarInIraq™?

The flip side of this question is equally valid; consider it also to have been asked.

I am really troubled by the internecine fighting. Not because I particularly care who wins, but because it splinters the effort to end the war. It focuses on various factions who, at their core, share the very same goal rather than focusing on the REAL, shared concern - The WarInIraq™.

I am further troubled by those who seem more concerned on being seen as more steadfast (and sometimes outrageous) in their opposition than in simply being one of those who oppose.

This question is posed honestly. I know this could degenerate into a flame war. It is not my intent to see that happen and I will not engage in it if it does. I would hope that, if this thread gets replies, they'll be thoughtful and cogent and not of the drive-by, who-do-you-think-you-are variety.

[annabanana]

1. I believe that everyone has a part to play

in the fight against the war. Some tactics may make me cringe, but they might inspire others. Some compromises might infuriate me, but some might bring others on board in the fight. So I guess I feel that people should be involved in the way most meaningful to them...

[tekisui]

2. you are right on anna

[RufusEarl]

10. Bingo, well put Anna!

[NMDemDist2]

3. coalitions are everything

that's how you build majorities.

look at Parliamentary systems, almost no party can gain a true majority so they have to work with other parties who share some of the same goals to get into power.

those who throw stones because another 'isn't pure enough' or is a 'johnnie come lately' are losing grasp of reality of democracies. Compromise and coalitions are the only way to get things done.

If you want 'pure' parties, look to the authoritarian states not the democratic ones.

Just my take, your mileage may vary :hi:

[TomInTib]

4. I would prefer a sober, intensely focused resistance.

Of course, I am also the guy who took a green marker and wrote "FUCK ME" on some dude's leather Carlyle (yes, that Carlyle) bag.

[stillcool]

5. I think if people talked in terms of "I"

rather than him or they, there would be a lot less rancor. What I do, what I did, what I would like to do, instead of the incessant pointing finger, and endless put downs regarding the troublesome they. I wish I could be as vocal, as visible, and even attract such scorn for my imperfections.

[DaveJ]

6. I think anti-war protesters are our last hope

As I think about it, I realize that ant-war protesters should be just as important of a charity as cancer research. War in fact is a global cancer. I guess those of us who cannot take part in protests should think about finding good peace organizations to support. A few of those organizations may one day rise to the top and organize a way to help us evolve beyond the need for war.

[MuseRider]

7. I think one of the reasons

it outrages me so much is because this is what the others have been doing. I don't recall this happening from both sides before they took over, I could be wrong about that, but to see it happen from both sides scares me. Protest is protest and whatever gets it out there is OK with me. I don't care how stupid it seems to me it will be just the thing for someone else. At least it keeps the fact that there is an opposition out there. I do think a lot of the public think there might not be an opposition. If our leaders won't stand up we must in whatever way we feel is effective. Just imagine how they think of those who do nothing but occasionally say something to a pal, it is probably just as bad as you see here from those who think it is stupid what they are doing. We are all different even when on the same side. We do not have to function in lock step. We need to learn to appreciate how different methods work and coexist peacefully with each other. THAT is the kind of unity we need, not the lock step kind.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. I agree that lockstep is not our way ........

..... but we all too often find ourselves at the polar extreme of lockstep .... and that is the circular firing squad.

[MuseRider]

12. True but at least

we can disagree with each other and still be on the same side :). :hi:

[panader0]

9. It seems that not many people make the jump from being upset

over the war to actually doing something to protest it. During Vietnam, the outrage was palpable, now it is watered down. Maybe some disagree with CP over their tactics, but, by God, they are doing something.

[yellerpup]

11. Focus on remedies for the now, not last year, and not two minutes ago

As we search for solutions we should be open to ideas and vigilant in the moment. Pitch me anything, but make your case carefully. If you lose those you are trying to convince in three words, first sentence, or whatever by vilifying those who disagree, people may not be so willing to listen the next time you have a brilliant idea.

Edit for spelling

[Sparkly]

13. Maybe the question is how to break the automatic assumption

that people who some commonality share all commonality... But that's more difficult to do.