Arrest me! Is civil disobedience what needs to happen to create awareness and change?

Okay for now we have forwarded our web domain http://www.NationalStrikeDayUSA.Com here. Please join the conversation.

We are working to develop the main web site. Volunteers wanted.

Sincere thanks,
Stephen Paine

Now see, I would love to see you all act up and get beat down.

http://current.com/items/89457495/domain_name_http_www_nationalstrikedayusa_com_...

If the protests of 60s taught nothing else, they taught that change comes at a price, and one has to be willing to pay that price.
The protests started small, and simply rolled across the nation like a giant ball of string, until it became too big to ignore.
Peaceful protests and peaceful civil disobedience are what will help bring about that change.
As to the media....they'll put whatever spin their bosses (read... corporate) tells them to.

No, I think out permitted protests where we are continually ignored are the best course of action.

The best dissent is Government-Managed dissent!

Hello, Great thread, most important topic.Thank you.

Here is my view and ideas.

We have acquired NationalStrikeDayUSA.Com, and we are forming a nation wide network that can do as France does, and very successfully I might add, strike and make demands.

Thus, we believe with the right staff running this as a peaceful and educational group, actually working with the community and government, - as more of a peace walk; then we will have formed an organized cohesive educated group of individuals that can responsibly make change. Once you have one violent act, or negative reports of property damage etc., it will hurt the entire group. What is it with people that think force is the way? We need to work always in this confused and angry world to find middle ground, drawing from great men, the ancients who left us so much wisdom. This kind of movement must be run with compassion for humanity and our beloved country. It must be run carefully and strategically. Each move must be well thought out, but it must become an educational ground that people can exercise their personal patriotism and make a real difference in a real and direct way. It will be an education institute within itself, where people can learn about the constitution and take a class on the Bill of Right and other civil matters. The people simply need to form their own "freedom institute" so to speak. One that fairly and justly without partisan ideology work through National Strike and other programs to make sure the people are represented and really heard. Thus, We the People must form a neutral union to preserve our constitutional rights, based on the constitution, and our right under her.

We hope to have our NationalStrikeDay.Com web site up soon.

With my deep respect,
Stephen Paine

P.S. One of the benefits of this kind of network would be the ability to support any cause big or small very quickly and with great force. Helping each other across the globe in a peaceful and compassionate way..

It's sad that we live in a nation in where we have to resort to civil disobedience to get the right actions done in Washington. Yes it is worth it, but it's nonetheless unfortunate that it has to be done in the first place.

Its individual action vs. collective action. You donating to organization is good, but if you have seen the industrialization occurring in India and China you would realize that a trip to D.C. (with a plane already flying there with or without you) building/making connections and learning with a mass of like minded people making a huge statement trying to convince our government officials to regulate the megatons of CO2 and other pollutants emitted everyday by our businesses and industries, is much more constructive than staying at home watching current tv and complaining on various forums on your computer.

Its a feel good venture, but success is measured by how our collective action can change minds of people who can regulate and control the pollution based industries.

Again your individual action is helping too...but the problem will only be solved (if at all) collectively.

To get arrested or not get arrested, really?

Seriously how can you even presume this to be the fundamental question without engaging in a incredibly speculative description of what climate justice is and what it takes to create it?

How is it that running off to DC (which in itself pollutes the world) getting arrested and then being transported to jail (in a carbon spewing vehicle) and then passing the time in a building that more than likely runs off coal based electricity is doing anything to bring about climate justice? Does the act of supporting the evil system through fines and bail money somehow lessen the impact we have upon the environment? Or is it more than likely that this is a feel good venture where success is measured by how bad each participant suffered for the greater good?

If someone could explain this all to me I would be most appreciative. Until now I always though that staying at home (or in other words not flying around the country on a whim) and donating to organizations that actually do something about pollution was actually productive.

I think what Josh is doing is great and what needs to be done...(as well as the thousands lobbying and making sure our representatives hear us clear in D.C. that weekend).

Some politicians don't seem to understand how serious the situation is and are not educated with the facts (especially in South). When they read the newspapers the day after, they will be shocked on just how many people will be arrested and the status of these people (http://e360.yale.edu/content/feature.msp?id=2124).

These protests are primarily for gaining attention and spreading awareness. That only happens if this event is well documented...

I will be taking pictures with my gas mask ;)

I've been to protests, marches etc. and I understand that people do get arrested, and for a good cause. That said, I don't think its the brightest idea to purposely get arrested, or to encourage others to get arrested. The media may place a negative spin on the story if large arrests do take place. Additionally, it may feed into negative stereotypes about climate activists. On that note, I do thank Josh for his dedication to such a vital issue.

This will get it in the media for day or two, but will people be moved by it? I think doing that is good to get noticed and it has come to this, but we need methods that are also more lasting in impact now. I could get arrested today but the coal companies will still be in business tomorrow blowing up mountains. We need to pool resources to either hit them in the pocketbook or start investing in solar and wind and other alternate energies to put them out of business.

They dont have enough space in jail for thousands and
thousands of protesters, but.... i'm tierd of seeing the
same old protest. Modern protest: protest, get croweded
in by cops, and get arrested. BLAHH! If you cant beat
them join them! Get a small group of protesters, wait
for there confrintation by cops. and then bring out
more protesters to gather outside there lines. I just
thought of that in 5sec and probably wont work to
much. BUT TRY SOMETHING DIFFRENT! THINK
OUTSIDE THE BOX! WE DONT LIVE IN THE
70's anymore!