DU Activists: TIME TO GET INTO ACTION ON SYRIA!

[HardTimes99]

12. Hey there. I too participated massively from 2001-08, protesting against the various

outrages. Here's what I think I've learned. ANSWER sponsored marches and rallies in downtown Los Angeles on weekends when the streets were empty and the only people watching were Latino and Asian shopkeepers and patrons. The media ignored us for the most part and we got more attention from the LAPD and various other security goons. So, starting in early 2004, I switched from attending the large rallies and demos and instead began attending weekly anti-war vigils in my neighborhood. I think doing this was a more effective tactic for getting the message out to rank and file working- and middle-class Angelenos. (I read that at one point there were some 100 of these regular local vigils happening in the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone.)

So I'm not sure I agree with you that "NONE of it made any different," as I can attest to seeing the mood change from pro-Bush, pro-war to anti-Bush, anti-war on an almost weekly basis in West Los Angeles. Whether that mood changed because of our vigil or in spite of it I do not have any way of knowing. But I'd like to at least flatter myself that local vigilling is an effective way to convey messages to your community.

Just a thought and, btw, 'thanks' for protesting against Bush. Makes you a hero(ine) in my book.