Alternatives to A.N.S.W.E.R

[gordontron]

It seems like there is a lot of irritation (myself included) for hijacking the peace movement's message at the D.C. rally, and at the other local support rallies. I went to the one in Seattle and I was saddened that we can't seem to keep a coherent message. Obviously we all stand for a diversity of opinions, and no one should be censored. However if we want to gain more momentum don't we need to ditch the communist and anti-Israeli message and focus on Bush/Iraq? I was wondering whether there are any groups out there that already exist that could take the ANSWER out of the drivers seat? Because we can't let our message get diluted by people who are attempting to use the peace movement to their own ends.


sheesh

[Mr_Spock]

1. I did feel like there was a "glomming on" effect going on watching CSPAN

I agree with you - a coherent anti-war message would be the most effective.

[gristy]

2. There's LOTS of co-sponsors to these marches. Unfortunately

A.N.S.W.E.R. is one of them, and they seem to drive the agenda and the speaker selection. The other co-sponsors could try to give them the boot, I suppose, and there might be hell to pay, but it's a price that is best paid, IMO.

[shraby]

3. Problem is, Answer is very efficient at

rallying huge, huge crowds of people. Numbers count in the overall picture as the general public will perceive the huge crowd as an anti-war, anti-Bush march and not see the various sub-groups, only as a few odd ones who joined the march.

If you notice, any headlines that were generated as well as the stories said "Anti-War Rallies".

edited to add.

[leveymg]

4. Great strategy - kick out the only people who know how to put together

and permit a large demonstration.

That way, you'll be spared the "communist" and "anti-Israel" messages.

Next time, do it yourself. Only, it won't happen.

[gordontron]

7. if the message isn't focused it won't matter

the idea that only organization can put together a large demonstration is silly. and there need be no brackets around communist, as in Seattle I personally saw a bunch of signs supporting the ideology. Don't get me wrong everyone should have a voice, but answer definitely shouldn't be given the control of the bully pulpit.

After the rally I was excited to learn about "world can't wait," only to find out that it was being driven by communists.

If progressive democrats can't lead a peace movement then we don't deserve one, we don't have to rely of fringe elements for good ideas and good oranization.

[leveymg]

8. The message doesn't get carried by the MSM anyway. The important

thing is that the rally occurred. Without the expertise of ANSWER's lawyers, the DC rally wouldn't have happened.

If someone else can step up and do it, great, But, until then, let's not talk about purging our key people, particularly after a highly successful event.

I think ANSWER has earned respect and gratitude, not a whisper campaign to oust them.

[NYC]

9. That's the alternative to A.N.S.W.E.R. Do it yourself.

Since I can't organize mass protests, I repeatedly attend protests organized by A.N.S.W.E.R.

[gordontron]

10. yes I do have to extend my gratitude for their organizing

but I still hope that we can get a more effective leading organization. I don't pretend to offer any magical solutions to this problem, it just needs to be discussed.

[hardrainfallin]

11. that strategy seems to be working for the current administration...

:sarcasm:

[KharmaTrain]

5. It Can't Be A Protest...It Should Be A Rally

Today's protest had a negative tone. We need a positive message...one that not only unites us and makes us feel good as to the cause we're marching for, but to make it inviting for others to join us.

I was planning to go to Washington, but when I started to ask about the organizing going on and then did some investigating for myself, I'm not surprised what I saw today.

There looked like a lot of horsetrading between groups for money or logistics or other considerations and seemed like everybody had to have a speaker. That's well and good, had they all stuck to a similar theme rather than see the C-SPAN cameras and play to that than to a single, solid, loud message to call this regime into accountability.

That's been my biggest disappointment about the entire Camp Casey situation. Cindy started with a simple question...it called to the core of the accountability and responsibility of this invasion. Some found they needed to hop on Cindy's coat-tails and she lost focus on asking for that accountability.

Hopefully there will be another march in the Spring and lessons will be learned. I also hope an organization like MoveOn takes the lead. I'd also suggest two days of marches. The first is one HUGE solidarity march...one single focus: End the war. Then the next day, a rally for those who want to address other issues and causes.

Again, the goal here should be to bring people together in one big, massive voice...not thousands of angry voices all drowning each other out.

[Angry Girl]

6. Form your own action group then

Now that I understand this whole thing a bit better, if they're doing most of the sponsoring/promoting/etc., then they should rightly get their share of stage time for whatever they want. You would too if you were in the same position.

ANSWER has only been around for a few years. Not like you couldn't do the same if that were your driving goal.