Thank God someone says it

[novapsyche]

There Is Silence in the Streets; Where Have All the Protesters Gone?

Student protesters helped drive Lyndon Johnson — in so many ways a powerful, progressive president — out of office because of his war. In 2004, George W. Bush — in so many ways a weak, regressive president — was re-elected despite his war. And the campuses were silent.

There was a brief burst of protest when America first invaded Iraq. But if there is a college movement against the war, it’s hiding pretty well. Vietnam never had the moral clarity that the 9/11 attacks provided to this generation’s war. But in Iraq that proved to be a false clarity, and a majority of Americans now say they oppose the war and no longer trust Mr. Bush’s leadership of it.

But because there is no draft — a fact that Graham Nash noted sardonically on Sunday night — no young person has to fear being conscripted into the fight. It is hard to escape the conclusion that Americans find it much easier to stay silent when there is no shared sacrifice.

Comments

[ytterbius.livejournal.com]

I'd say that it's less a matter of people staying silent, then it is a matter of not having to physically go to the streets and protests to have your voice heard.

Look at the internet. :)

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

The author of the editorial addresses this: "Bloggers say there is an antiwar movement online. Perhaps, but it takes crowds to get America’s attention. Just look at the immigration debate."

Thank God someone says which part?

[brendand.livejournal.com]

That it's the government's fault that we're not rallying against the war, because they haven't instituted a draft? Or that students are lazy? 'cause if anyone is surprised that the younger population in this country continues to get lazier, then they're not paying attention. I'm almost 28, and I'm lazy. And I assure you it's only getting worse.

Re: Thank God someone says which part?

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I've heard other people say, "Why isn't anyone protesting?" It's good that the editorial page of a major newspaper has (finally) said the same thing.

Re: Thank God someone says which part?

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

Also, is it laziness? Or disillusionment with the system?

The whole world had marches against the war in Iraq before Bush went ahead and launched attacks anyway. If he was willing to ignore the will of the people in the streets in his own country as well as those worldwide, what would be the point in taking to the streets after the fact, for whatever reason?

Also, during the 2004 election, there were plenty of marches, especially at the Republican convention. But those were never televised (or, if so, was to point out the "lawlessness" of the marchers; very little scrutiny of officers was done by the MSM). What's the point of marching if the event is never widely publicized? Marches are meant to bring more visibility to a cause, but if no one reports on the march, there is no visibility.

Re: Thank God someone says which part?

[brendand.livejournal.com]

Well, I agree that we're not in the streets, but I'd disagree that we're not protesting.

Re: Thank God someone says which part?

[brendand.livejournal.com]

Well, you may be right, but I think it's mostly just an attempt to excuse our laziness. I only hope I am wrong.