Oh Protest where have you gone?

Today the President of the United States met with the Queen of England . It was somewhat adorable to see the Obama family tower over the Queen. It seemed to be a very cordial affair. There were photos taken and some casual talk regarding family. Outside in London was a large protest group for the G-20 conference. Now I believe some are there for expressing their feelings and thoughts regarding the world wide financial issues many are not. I am upset with how protesting in the 90's and well into this new Millennia have become more into one-upping each other.

Where are the Martin Luther Kings? What happened to Women's Suffrage? Where is that type of organization. Today I saw Anti-Iraq war protests, Women's rights, Palestinian Liberation, Gay rights, I even think I saw someone holding a sign about Parking Costs in London! What is going on people. History has shown that the most effective protests, in free countries, are peaceful and educated approaches. When venues are available to let yourself be heard smashing a bank window while screaming about Palestine and wearing a shirt about Animal rights just is confusing. Also it irritates people who may be on the fence. It's ok to be angry. I'm a huge advocate of not pressing anger inside pretending it's not socially acceptable to get upset. Getting your point across is a lot more important. Sure a little chant is easy to remember and a crowd yelling a rhyme about banks or Afghanistan is powerful. What's really powerful is saying something that kids will study in school forty years later.

I'm upset about what's going on. I want things to get better but the same reasoning that got us into this mess will not let it get fixed. What I'm talking about is instant gratification. Large sweeping change never happens quickly especially Social and Political change. We as a nation are still dealing with the concepts put in place by the Puritan founders. The Emancipation Proclamation was put into effect 146 years and 4 months ago and we are still dealing with issues of African American rights. Standing in a square and yelling till your horse isn't going to change everyones mind. Just put together something that will have some lasting impact. Something that people will begin to associate with a great moment in humanity. At least just get everyone on the same page. If everyone is there for a financial summit then focus on oh I don't know.... FINANCIAL REFORM