Can the anti-war protests make any headway without the media

[azul]

attention and charismatic leader(s)? What or who would gain it momentum and stamina heading for Washington in December?

Some heroic leader that might inspire people to action and community, and the media to jump on the story? Spring them from the shackles of debt-slavery and to stand up for peace? Who knows?

But who? Cindy Sheehan has the authentic credentials, but has been demonized and run-over. At least she survives, and drives
Bush to further madness.

Who? We were hoping against hope that President Obama would find the courage and decency to stand up and take a lead for moving the US toward a peaceful and educated society. Like re-starting the war on poverty, and fighting ignorance and wasteful war-mongering and deceitful profiteering. Hope, less but dimming. He needs us to inspire him.

Who? Dennis Kucinich? Demonized. John Kerry? Fell down somehow, and won't get back up, apparently.

Ron Kovic? Yes. He's the real deal. His Born on the 4th of July is the story to inspire and break hearts for peace.

But is this a thankless and dangerous job, to be avoided? Not wished upon anyone?

[Ken Burch]

1. We need to find some way to do it WITHOUT leaders.

We need to reinvent the whole concept of dissent and find totally new tactics.

The day of the "antiwar leader" is over.

[truedelphi]

2. + 1. n/t

[azul]

6. Don't know about that.

Yes, the day is over because any potential leader is attacked and destroyed by the military and corporate powers that stand to lose.

But no, the day is not over for some charismatic committed individual, such as John Lennon, may he rest in peace, standing up and focusing the media attention and actions for peace. It is the way of American psychology, for good or bad, fortunately and not. Just look what JFK could inspire, and how it was responded to when he made for peace.

[Ken Burch]

8. Well, if you're talking about peace, I'm not sure "look what JFK could inspire"

is the best possible example.

JFK basically got us INTO the war, and nearly got the planet blown to bits for no good reason at all in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

JFK was an interesting dude, had some good ideas, and knew how to give a speech, but he didn't give a damn about peace.

And what I meant was that WE have to be "the leaders". It has to happen from below now.

[deminks]

3. We are the ones we've been waiting for. nt.

[unhappycamper]

4. We *do* have media on our side.

Unfortunately it's not the M$M - college newspapers, blogs and indymedia keep our struggle alive.

[HughBeaumont]

5. I'd be happy with one that doesn't look like a teabagger rally.

The last one I went to in D.C. even had the Paul fanatics there . . . all vitriol against the President and none towards the corporate owners of everything that keep the bullshit going. Nobody really liked my anti-corporation/anti-media sign - they all just seemed to think Washington is the sole entity to blame for this problem.

I guess there isn't a camp for people like me - the wars and rampant corporatism need to end, but at the same time, I don't hate the guy I voted for and will vote for again. At least with Democrats, I have better than a snowball's chance in hell that things will get better over time. With a Republican in office, there isn't a chance at all.

Face facts: without money and/or widespread support, there isn't going to BE a viable progressive third party. America is, plain and simple, NOT a progressive nation. Our GOVERNMENT isn't even in charge of our government anymore. I don't like it any more than you do, but I also live in the real world.

You're fighting a media machine that will do it's godDAMNdest to never allow a progressive movement to happen and will still portray anyone to the left of Joe Lieberman as an "extremist". You're also fighting millions upon millions of people who still believe change happens from the "center" rather than left of it. Also, you're fighting millions more who, thanks TO this media, still believe Republicanism and "Trickle Down" works.

[NNN0LHI]

7. When returning soldiers start protesting its over but that is not going to happen

They need the jobs because all the factories back here where they should be working are closed up.

Don

[WizardLeft62]

9. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Without a sustained effort, one cannot even consider the media.

Antiwar activists must get it's message out with mailers and other forms of communication from small groups to meetings to seminars and talks, while, pressuring political office holders.