Anti War demos

[ditch]

Sydney is experiencing its own problems with anti war protests that turn violent. Complicted by the fact that that this particular demo was comprised mainly od school children and a lot of those of Middle Eastern origin. (http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/27/1048653802794.html)
It seems as though using those words to describe anyone ATM is a no-no.

[ethics]

I predict a serious, and a horrible backlash to these protestors.

[ditch]

It'll get worse before it gets better for sure.

[Domh]

And worse will be worse than we might imagine, at present, I fear.

That opposition to this war is such a 'fashionable' thing even among the very young is deeply disturbing, and inidicative of seriously troubled times ahead, not simply for the USA but for much of the developed world.

This generation has grown up fully believing that they can do whatever the want to without little fear of reprecussion. If they are cracked down on as they abuse their rights, they will only cry out louder and with more anger. If they are ignored, they will become impowered.

I fear we are not too many days away now from these protests becoming not just bloody, but deadly.

:(

[Coot]

Originally posted by Domhain

I fear we are not too many days away now from these protests becoming not just bloody, but deadly.

:( a la Chicago and Kent State, only I doubt it will be the National Guard doing the shooting this time.

[Domh]

Bingo.

These kids DO know how to frag, even if theyve never handled a weapon.

Be afraid.

[Biker]

Nope... Old age and treachery will overcome each time. Bring 'em on and they'll find out what it really means to be responsible for one's actions.

[Domh]

Overcome at what cost, Biker?

These kids arent very impressed by cockiness or the threat of a spanking, or jail, or much else. Sure, if they rise up theyll be put down, but I repeat, at what cost?

[Biker]

Don't think the cost will be worth crying over. The majority of these kids have grown up without having to be held accountable for what they do. Time to pay the piper. Might actually get some sense knocked into them and turn out half way decent.

[Domh]

Originally posted by Domhain
This generation has grown up fully believing that they can do whatever the want to without little fear of reprecussion. If they are cracked down on as they abuse their rights, they will only cry out louder and with more anger. If they are ignored, they will become impowered.

Originally posted by Biker
The majority of these kids have grown up without having to be held accountable for what they do.

Um, yes.

If they start killing over this, I think it will be worth crying over, but thats just me. I may be wrong, but from what Im seeing and reading, this may become a little more serious than just another 'time to pay the piper' situation where the kids 'get some sense knocked into them'.

[mikepd]

Dom, I seriously don't think we are going to see the type of really violent activity that took place in the '60s and '70s. The riots and the bombings of that period came after a long time of disenchantment with the Vietnam war. Saddam is going to fall long before that happens. However, the post-war Iraq and other problems like North Korea could lead to problems. If the protesters get violent, they will face a backlash the likes of which they never imagined. This is not then, it is a different time and place. There are always consequences for action or inaction. Each decision opens one path while closing another. One way or another, that is a lesson of life that they will learn.

[cdw]

Dom, I seriously don't think we are going to see the type of really violent activity that took place in the '60s and '70s.

While I hope that you are right, I sure wouldn't count on it.
The "kids" of the 60's and 70's came from an entirely different place than kids of today. We didn't exactly think that they way to handle a dispute was with a gun. We didn't have road rage. We didn't have all the freedom and lack of supervison that kids do today. It took kids of that time period a little longer, is all, IMO.
These demonstrations happened before the war even started.
It will not end just because the war will. Bush will still be in office.
This is an instant replay of anti-establishment, not anti-war, as far as I can see.

[Biker]

I find it hard to feel any sympathy for an individual who knows nothing about the real world and resorts to violence because he wants to throw a little temper tantrum. No, I won't shed a single tear when they're smacked down hard.

[Domh]

Originally posted by cydweeks
This is an instant replay of anti-establishment, not anti-war, as far as I can see.

I completely agree with you Cyd, and would only add that what Im seeing might be better referred to as uber-anti-establishmentarianism.

:(

[mikepd]

Originally posted by Biker
I find it hard to feel any sympathy for an individual who knows nothing about the real world and resorts to violence because he wants to throw a little temper tantrum. No, I won't shed a single tear when they're smacked down hard.

Smacked *real* hard. Let there be no doubt about it. There are groups in this country that will come out of the woodwork and make examples of these people. Extreme right wing, and other groups will align themselves under a banner of 'patriotism' and the potential societal disruption will be great. Polarization of even moderate groups will happen. They are playing with fire and could very well suffer great burns. The phrase 'take it to the streets' will have new meaning.

[ditch]

The organisers of the demo in Sydney referred to in the link are now organising a second demo to be held next week. The state govt decided after this week's mess that a police permit is now required before a legal demonstration can be held. The organisers are going ahead without a permit to prove the point that they have the right to demonstrate regardless of any new permit rules. Whats more, three different offers have been made by either individual lawyers or law firms to offer their services free of charge to defend anyone accused of breaking the law re the no permit demo.
That of course only encourages the kids to break the law. Not the thought that needs to be put into their heads at all.
:mad:

[Cariad]

Kind of ironic isn't it, when you have a bunch of people protesting against the war and violence, but they can't seem to be able to do it without causing civil unrest and becoming violent themselves.

One protester in NY commented " We have to do whatever it takes to get our point across and get people to pay attention"

Hmmm, isn't that what Bush is doing?

[ditch]

Originally posted by Cariad
Kind of ironic isn't it, when you have a bunch of people protesting against the war and violence, but they can't seem to be able to do it without causing civil unrest and becoming violent themselves.

One protester in NY commented " We have to do whatever it takes to get our point across and get people to pay attention"

Hmmm, isn't that what Bush is doing?

Ironic indeed. Being of the same mind set as those who they are protesting about I'm sure hasn't even occured to them.

[AmeritecTech]

The most disturbing part, to me, at least, is that these demonstrations are being run by opportunist communists and socialists, in many cases. Not In Our Name and A.N.S.W.E.R., two large anti-war groups, have strong ties to communist and socialist organizations.