Protests will not fix anything.

[prospectheightsresident]

The only benefit I see to protests is that they help to keep the few bad cops that are out there in line as no one wants to have to deal with the mob, face losing job over this. Does that benefit outweigh the negatives associated with many of these protests? I'm inclined to say no. But, still, the protests aren't going to stop simply because I want them to stop, so I'll take any positive I can get.

[Chava61]

Violent protests will not fix things only make them worse. But I don't know if electing a third party candidate will solve the problem either.

[BBMW]

No, legislation passed by Congress and Supreme Court decisions ended segregation.

Did the protests push that along? To some extent (more the legislative side than the legal.) Then again, that was fifty years ago. That's when mass protest was a new thing. I don't think protests have nearly the pop they used to. People are too easily distracted. And a lot of people realize that it's usually just a handful of malcontents trying to make noise, and that they have little mass backing.

Originally Posted by barkomatic

The civil rights protests in the 1960's ended segregation and there is far less racial discrimination as a result. Back then it was common to openly deny someone a job based on their race--or make them drink at a separate water fountain--or deny service in a restaurant. We have a ways to go based upon recent circumstances obviously--but a lot was gained.

Women have a right to vote because activists held protests and events to raise awareness and support.

The list goes on--and not just in this country but many others. Protests work--and are very often necessary when an elite few try to cut off the dialogue.

[Cida]

The more I learn of history, the more I discover that in fact protests are often crucial to change. So I agree with Barkomatic.

Your idea, on the other hand, seems pointless. If now, only a year and a half away from the election, there is not yet a strong this party, it's too late for this go-round.

[barkomatic]

Originally Posted by BBMW

No, legislation passed by Congress and Supreme Court decisions ended segregation.

Did the protests push that along? To some extent (more the legislative side than the legal.) Then again, that was fifty years ago. That's when mass protest was a new thing. I don't think protests have nearly the pop they used to. People are too easily distracted. And a lot of people realize that it's usually just a handful of malcontents trying to make noise, and that they have little mass backing.

If you study historical Supreme Court decisions, you'll realize that they are greatly influenced by public sentiment--which in turn is influenced by protests and other events that raise awareness. I don't believe in looting and hurting others however.

[leoliu]

Originally Posted by Adhom

What we really need is a benevolent dictatorship where a central authority can come up with a plan, stick with it and have people go along with it. However, dictatorships are rarely benevolent since there are no checks on such a leader when he does go bad.

Perhaps ultimately the country will have to be divided. You cannot have any success as a whole nation when one segment actively cheers on the downfall and destruction of another.

Yeah, the US is sliding towards a democratic latin country fast based on how politicians are playing to win their votes.

[joeymags]

So I should cast my vote for president of the United States based on their stance of how the police interacts with criminals in the most crime infested communities?

Want change? How about the community starts by not having their neighborhoods operate like war zones, with drive by shootings of funeral homes, cops getting shot, etc?

[leoliu]

Originally Posted by joeymags

So I should cast my vote for president of the United States based on their stance of how the police interacts with criminals in the most crime infested communities?

Want change? How about the community starts by not having their neighborhoods operate like war zones, with drive by shootings of funeral homes, cops getting shot, etc?

Exactly. Many CRIME ridden communities are that way largely because their residents tolerate or even defend their criminal elements instead of fighting to rid off criminals. If they insist that is their preferred life styles, the government should respect their choices and consider establishing crime zone reserves and let them run their own hoods.