Video: Creative Anti-War Action (by Shane Claiborne)
Here is a brilliant video from an action around the 5th anniversary of the war ... Yes Lord, more holy mischief! Watch it:
Shane Claiborne is the author of Jesus for President, a Red Letter Christian, and a founding partner of The Simple Way community, a radical faith community that lives among and serves the homeless in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.
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'Here is a brilliant video...'
Not sure if it is 'brilliant' but interesting. It is better than the 'hat act' sing his song about God and B**l S**t. If I had known that this was going on in Minneapolis - I think it would have been interesting to be there with a sign that said "FREE IRAQ" in a Bush mask. (I would have to make sure that my life insurance was paid up - LOL)
whatever -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | April 2, 2008 10:52 AM
Hey! I'm in that video. Can anyone find me?
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 11:25 AM
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 11:25 AM
Hey! I'm in that video. Can anyone find me?
I think you might be the guy about 25 seconds into the video. But my daughter would say you're that 'hot guy' at 49 seconds.
greetings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 2, 2008 11:44 AM
"I think it would have been interesting to be there with a sign that said "FREE IRAQ" in a Bush mask."
And the sooner the U.S. gets out, the sooner we can anticipate a free Iraq.
Posted by: carl copas | April 2, 2008 11:44 AM
I'm sure it's a defect on my part, but I had trouble seeing the "brilliance". Could someone explain it to me?
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 11:53 AM
Oh, so that's what that was all about. I thought it was just some wierd performance art/internet meme thing.
So, is the war over yet?
Wolverine
Posted by: Wolverine | April 2, 2008 11:59 AM
Moderatelad - haha... No, no... Neither you nor your daughter are correct.
I'm the older guy attempting to goose the woman at 36 seconds. haha...
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 12:01 PM
Grand Central Station NYC - great venue for a demonstration.
Back in the old days, on August 24, 1967, Abbie Hoffman led members of the Youth INternational Party (Yippies) to the gallery of the New York Stock Exchange. The protesters threw fistfuls of dollars (most of the bills were fake) down to the traders below, some of whom booed, while others began to scramble frantically to grab the money as fast as they could. Hoffman claimed to be pointing out that, metaphorically, that's what NYSE traders "were already doing". "We didn't call the press," wrote Hoffman, "at that time we really had no notion of anything called a media event." The press was quick to respond and by evening the event was reported around the world. Since that incident, the stock exchange has spent $20,000 to enclose the gallery with bulletproof glass.
A little creativity and humor always helps get the message across.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 12:24 PM
That was Grand Central Station?
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 12:27 PM
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 12:01 PM
Too funny - good to put a face with the name.
(I have a great face for radio - LOL)
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 2, 2008 12:37 PM
We'll wake you up when the war is over, Wolverine.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 12:49 PM
That was Union Station in Washington, D.C. not Grand Central.
Moderatelad... I'm just kidding, that old guy wasn't me either.
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 12:51 PM
Wow. The hair on my arm stood up. Great art.
p
Posted by: Payshun | April 2, 2008 1:19 PM
A demonstration in the style of Soviet "spontaneous" demonstrations. I suppose there was an art to that.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 1:25 PM
Was Abbie Hoffman's suicide performance art?
Posted by: Jason | April 2, 2008 1:33 PM
I've been in many a protest over the years but have never felt comfortable participating in this kind of stuff, whether you label it "performance art," "guerrilla theater," or "holy mischief."
I recall in 2000 supporters of Ralph Nader's presidential campaign performing what they termed were "Nudists for Nader." They would strip down to the buff and run through outdoor political rallies held for Nader (not unlike the "streaking" briefly popular in the mid-70s). I thought at the time they did far more harm than good to Nader's cause (though not nearly enough harm as it turned out).
Many old lefties who supported Nader regarded "Nudists for Nade" as counterproductive. Some harkened back to the guerrilla theater of the late 60s-early 70s (people waving Vietcong flags, burning the U.S. flag, etc.) They argued that the Vietnam-era antiwar movement did the cause a real disservice: instead of reaching out to potential allies in Middle America, they offended people and arguably prolonged the war.
Posted by: carl copas | April 2, 2008 1:34 PM
In demonstrations I always put on my professional suit-and-tie attorney costume to project the message that it's OK to do this even if you're conservative.
But inside my costume, I'm just as radical as the other clowns in the parade.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 2:17 PM
Demonstrations are supposed to help people think outside of their box.
Some people are difficult to reach by any means.
But it's always worth a try.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 2:21 PM
"Demonstrations are supposed to help people think outside of their box."
Well, Justin, I for one am much more likely to be persuaded by a reasoned argument.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 2:46 PM
Carl - Generally, these types of events are more therapeutic for the people who engage in them then they are agents of change. When I say this, I’m not referring to all protests, but just these small-scale, "cause a small commotion" events. Like the Code-Pink people who protest Marine recruitment stations. People in D.C. are so immune to them.
The protestors who partake can go home and feel good about themselves because in their minds their helping to end the war. They’re not; they’re just making people who oppose this war look silly.
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 2:50 PM
What form of social activism do you prefer to engage with, Eric and Gordon, if any?
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 3:05 PM
Hi Gordon,
Haven't seen you for a while.
Have you changed your mind on any big issues recently?
Has anyone ever convinced you to change your mind using reasoned arguments?
Tell us about it.
By the way, what's going to happen to Senator Mitch McConnell?
Is Kentucky thinking of any alternatives?
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 3:13 PM
I spend a lot of time working with troubled people - mostly people with drug, alcohol, and mental health problems. Sometimes I give them a place to live while I work with them. Otherwise, I'm not much into social activism. I am of the belief that one changes the world one heart at a time.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 3:13 PM
"Haven't seen you for a while."
Yeah - I was working so much I didn't have any time for this. But then in January I retired.
"Have you changed your mind on any big issues recently?
Has anyone ever convinced you to change your mind using reasoned arguments?
Tell us about it."
Actually, yes - and as a result I converted to the Orthodox Church.
"By the way, what's going to happen to Senator Mitch McConnell?
Is Kentucky thinking of any alternatives?"
I expect he'll get elected again, although by a much smaller margin than previously. He did himself a lot of damage with his support of the immigration bill last year, and his abrupt about-face didn't make him look good at all.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 3:24 PM
Justinetime - If I want to change someone's mind about something I talk to him or her. I try to reason with him or her. If it's more wide-scale, low-budget communications you're talking about, putting notices in local papers and newsletters about community meetings works well.
Posted by: Eric | April 2, 2008 3:34 PM
Sheesh, how about some credit to ImprovEverywhere.com for the idea?
Posted by: Bryce Schober | April 2, 2008 3:39 PM
Has anyone ever convinced you to change your mind using reasoned arguments?
...
'Actually, yes - and as a result I converted to the Orthodox Church.'
...
I was thinking more in the socio-political arena, Gordon.
...
"By the way, what's going to happen to Senator Mitch McConnell?
Is Kentucky thinking of any alternatives?"
I expect he'll get elected again, although by a much smaller margin than previously. He did himself a lot of damage with his support of the immigration bill last year, and his abrupt about-face didn't make him look good at all.
...
In all of Kentucky, is there no honest man that could beat McConnell?
If there is I would donate even though I live in Washington State.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 3:43 PM
Hmmm . . . the "sociopoliticl arena". It was reasoned argument that convinced me to give up my earlier flaming liberalism and become conservative.
I am not sure there are any honest men in the Kentucky Democratic Party - or the Republican Party for that matter. But if I hear of one I'll let you know.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 3:47 PM
Neat.
Just a couple of thoughts:
Re: whether these protests make a difference or not or whether they are "therapy," sometimes people feel the need to take part in a symbolic protest to assert themselves against pervasive apathy. That's not necessarily "therapy," and when the war grinds on amid a precipitous drop in media coverage, symbolic action is important.
Having said that, polls are consistently showing that people are against the war, so there's not as dire a need to puncture propaganda as there has been in past. People generally get it, but because of the clever use of mercenaries ("contractors") to avoid a draft, Americans are not feeling the pain of this war as we have past wars. That pain-avoidance, I think, has outflanked the anti-war movement in ways we have yet to really come to grips with as a matter of strategy. A people in less pain are less likely to take firm steps to end the war.
Uncoordinated actions, outside of an actual plan to gum up the machine, outside of a movement that involves a "constructive program" (a la Gandhi) is not going to be able to end the war. But the symbolism is still necessary, cause you never know when something intangible will cause it to "tip."
Posted by: DC | April 2, 2008 4:55 PM
Thanks you Shane.
Re Gordon & Eric's complaints:
I am one of those people whose heart has been changed through reasoned argument. The way to my heart is often via my head. But my experience is that I am in a minority on this - the way to most peoples' heads is via their hearts, and putting on a bit of drama helps a lot of people to get to the place where they can grapple with the issues with both head and heart.
Then again, I suspect a lot of the passing commuters didn't understand the symbolism of "freezing" and so were bemused by the whole thing.
meurig
Posted by: meurig | April 2, 2008 4:57 PM
OK, now I get it: the symbolism of freezing.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 5:05 PM
"Then again, I suspect a lot of the passing commuters didn't understand the symbolism of 'freezing' and so were bemused by the whole thing."
Good point. This was basically an improv theater thing imported with an anti-war chant tacked on to the end. Could have been improved, but better than sitting at home.
Posted by: DC | April 2, 2008 5:24 PM
just a notive to all. I think I am going to take a break if not just leave. I have documented 6 postings that have not been allowed to go on this site. I click off and back on to see if they make it and they haven't. I believe that because you are not able to see all that I have to say- you are getting a skewed view of what I would like to say. SO - I tip my hat to the Moderator - you know how to edit to your advantage. I really don't want to waste my fingers - your time - or confuse other readers on this site. You can keep doing that voodoo that you do so well and this will be the haven for liberal thinkers that seems to be the end goal anyway.
To most of you - the journey has been fun and challenging and I will miss you. Some of you are happy that I am gone - be happy.
If this offends you - sorry but to all of you and this means you Rick.
Blessings - all the blessings that God can grant you. It was always about understanding - not agreement. (I will surf on and read - not sure I want to post anymore because I want you to know me and all that I have to say - not just what is allowed)
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 2, 2008 9:14 PM
just a notive to all. I think I am going to take a break if not just leave. I have documented 6 postings that have not been allowed to go on this site. I click off and back on to see if they make it and they haven't. I believe that because you are not able to see all that I have to say- you are getting a skewed view of what I would like to say. SO - I tip my hat to the Moderator - you know how to edit to your advantage. I really don't want to waste my fingers - your time - or confuse other readers on this site. You can keep doing that voodoo that you do so well and this will be the haven for liberal thinkers that seems to be the end goal anyway.
To most of you - the journey has been fun and challenging and I will miss you. Some of you are happy that I am gone - be happy.
If this offends you - sorry but to all of you and this means you Rick.
Blessings - all the blessings that God can grant you. It was always about understanding - not agreement. (I will surf on and read - not sure I want to post anymore because I want you to know me and all that I have to say - not just what is allowed)
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 2, 2008 9:14 PM
Justin - I sincerely hope so.
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 10:10 PM
I tried to talk Moderatelad out of doing this on the Reverend Wright thread, but I truly think he needs a rest and to spend more time with his family.
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 10:40 PM
Part of the purpose of this kind of thing is to keep the spirit of resistance alive and visible. Despite the cynicism of those who would mock and do nothing in the face of torture, spying, defecating on the constitution , war and plunder committed in the name of God and America. We need to assert our voices in the public square. Free speech can not be restricted to special zones. It is not just for people with broadcast networks or newspapers. We do not have to be bound in the trance of lies about surges and freedom, the lies about the glories of unregulated markets, the lies about weapons of mass destruction, the lies that war stops terrorism. We do not have to submit to bullies and criminals.
People come here to be heard. People need a public voice. This is another way to make visible and audible the call for change. Thanks Shane.
Posted by: jonabark | April 3, 2008 12:19 AM
Posted by: justintime | April 2, 2008 9:44 PM
Posted by: Gordon | April 2, 2008 10:10 PM
Don't think I will be back - why, when a signaficant number of your posts are never allowed on by the Moderator. I will be taking sometime to think and dare I say pray about it. But as much as I have enjoyed it - to be manipulated by someone out in the dark like this - don't think it is worth it.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 3, 2008 1:30 PM
Well, I hope you change your mind. I have evry much enjoyed your wisdom - what the censors were willing to allow, anyway.
Posted by: Gordon | April 3, 2008 1:43 PM
ModLad - please don't leave. The same rules apply here as govern in World Wrestling Entertainment. We need you for the occasional eye gouge to we cantankerous liberals.
Vince McMahon
Posted by: canucklehead | April 3, 2008 8:02 PM
Posted by: canucklehead | April 3, 2008 8:02 PM
Taking some time and praying - I will miss many of you - maybe next week...
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | April 4, 2008 8:15 AM
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and
patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has
nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal
safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the
exertions of better men than himself.
John Stuart Mill
English economist & philosopher (1806 - 1873)
Posted by: Jeff L. Horseman | May 13, 2008 3:40 PM
The Bush Book Shelf just got another volume wider.
When is Conda going to writer her book. That's the one I am waiting to read.
That lady knows things about this admin we would all like to know.
Posted by: Ms. Cynthia | May 29, 2008 7:08 AM
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