Comments on: School of Americas Protest 2007 http://theactivist.org/blog/school-of-americas-protest-2007 // Culture. Consciousness. Critical Thought. // Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:43:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Andrew http://theactivist.org/blog/school-of-americas-protest-2007/comment-page-1#comment-7383 Andrew Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:16:05 +0000 http://theactivist.org/blog/?p=197#comment-7383 While I think that you raised a legitimate concern, I do believe that the protest is effective for several reasons.  First the number of Senators and Congressmen that support the ending of the School has been increasing since the protest began.  Second, I think the protest allows for an amazing educational opportunity.  This is a protest where they clearly expose the hypocrisy of US foreign policy, especially when Latin America is involved.  Third, if the protest was to end now, it would send a horrible message to the School and its supporters.  Fourth, it allows you to meet people from many different groups from across the nation and from many different groups.I still think though that the vigil will lead to positive change in American policy.  The problem is that many people still do not know about this institution or how it is related to our foreign policy philosophy.  The protest must continue until more people are educated, but that also the responsibility of people after they leave the protest. While I think that you raised a legitimate concern, I do believe that the protest is effective for several reasons.  First the number of Senators and Congressmen that support the ending of the School has been increasing since the protest began.  Second, I think the protest allows for an amazing educational opportunity.  This is a protest where they clearly expose the hypocrisy of US foreign policy, especially when Latin America is involved.  Third, if the protest was to end now, it would send a horrible message to the School and its supporters.  Fourth, it allows you to meet people from many different groups from across the nation and from many different groups.I still think though that the vigil will lead to positive change in American policy.  The problem is that many people still do not know about this institution or how it is related to our foreign policy philosophy.  The protest must continue until more people are educated, but that also the responsibility of people after they leave the protest.

]]> By: Ben http://theactivist.org/blog/school-of-americas-protest-2007/comment-page-1#comment-5553 Ben Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:37:03 +0000 http://theactivist.org/blog/?p=197#comment-5553 Sounds like a great experience. I almost went one year, but it always falls around Thanksgiving and is tough to get to while a student. I've heard from many people that it's one of the more meaningful protests around, and it's certainly a worthy cause. One concern, though: this action has been going on for years-do people really think WHISC will ever be shut down? Are new strategies and tactics being considered? I'm all for non-violence, but I wonder how much lobbying on this issue occurs. I guess I've just been reflecting on my own participation on protests over the years and wondering if they've really accomplished anything. They are obviously an important cathartic outlet, a way to build camraderie and solidarity, but it's important that they have a clear goal in mind. In the case of the SOA protest, it is certainly a worthwhile vigil, but not something I personally would really commit to going to every year, as I'm not sure I think it's done a whole lot of good in affecting policy. I'm not discouraging others from going, but I'm curious what your thoughts are on this. It can be said that this movement has done a lot to educate people, especially students, on the issue. Perhaps that's the real point, rather than any meaningful policy change. Sounds like a great experience. I almost went one year, but it always falls around Thanksgiving and is tough to get to while a student. I’ve heard from many people that it’s one of the more meaningful protests around, and it’s certainly a worthy cause.

One concern, though: this action has been going on for years-do people really think WHISC will ever be shut down? Are new strategies and tactics being considered? I’m all for non-violence, but I wonder how much lobbying on this issue occurs. I guess I’ve just been reflecting on my own participation on protests over the years and wondering if they’ve really accomplished anything. They are obviously an important cathartic outlet, a way to build camraderie and solidarity, but it’s important that they have a clear goal in mind.

In the case of the SOA protest, it is certainly a worthwhile vigil, but not something I personally would really commit to going to every year, as I’m not sure I think it’s done a whole lot of good in affecting policy. I’m not discouraging others from going, but I’m curious what your thoughts are on this. It can be said that this movement has done a lot to educate people, especially students, on the issue. Perhaps that’s the real point, rather than any meaningful policy change.

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