3-21-2007

I went to a demonstration in Terry Schrunk Plaza Monday afternoon where about 50 people gathered in the rain to hold up signs and speak out against the war. Pretty much everybody there was looking to hold a peaceful demonstration of their opinions. But I did meet a faction that was looking for a more extreme approach.

One man in particular with whom I chatted is Scotty Fairchild. Sitting on his bicycle he told me that he didn't care if rush hour traffic is stopped. In fact, he mused that stopping people on their way home from work might be a good thing as it would force them to digest the opinions of the protest group.

That got me thinking. During Sunday's march of 15,000 about 15 people were taken into custody. On Tuesday I interviewed Ryan Dunn, a protester who was suing after he was arrested while off the permitted route in a march in October (I posted a blog on that story a few days back . . . check it out). It seems like organizers can do their best to put on a friendly, law-abiding protest but a few rowdies can steal the spotlight.

Organizers agree with me. I talked with Bobby Chambers and Curtis Bell, two men who helped put on the march on Sunday. Chambers says that anytime more than a thousand people get together, a few "anarchists" (his word) will show up to cause trouble. Bell echoed that saying that, when it comes to protests, some people only feel it is a success if there is conflict with the police.

Both men say that there are times when civil disobedience is a necessity to get people's attention (stopping traffic, sitting in a government office). However, it is a fine line they have to walk because when protests become too troublesome for the general public, a sympathetic ear quickly turns to an irritated opponent.

As a result, when organizing large protests like Sunday's they work with the authorities from the start. Traffic can be re-routed, tri-met can be re-directed, security can be on-hand in case things get too rowdy AND the message can still be presented. Chambers and Bell say it's just like putting on a parade. People are going to notice 15,000 people marching through the streets no matter what.