Channing Pooley: Protests Are Not the Solution to Problems

1.)

Channing Pooley

4W

Link: http://search.proquest.com.ursus-proxy-10.ursus.maine.edu/newsstand/docview/1628687119/9E1552D3F3E8446DPQ/15?accountid=17222

Citation: "Protests Are Not the Solution to Problems." Nation Multimedia Group, 30 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.

2.)The editorial of Protests are not the solution to Problems was written by a citizen in Bangkok, Thailand. The editorial’s central claim is that injustices are solved through the federal government and protests are an unnecessary and dangerous way to get attention. Believing that protests often end in violence, arson or murder, the author claims that demonstrations aren’t needed when a democracy has courts to resolve the injustices. 

3.)The argument is supported by a few ideas about current protests and past protests as well as other controversial topics. Addressing the riots in Ferguson, Missouri and relating them to protests which occurred in Bangkok a few years ago, the author contrasts them to public forums in Rome saying that they are not peaceful but rather “mobs with an agenda, either whining for what they want or burning cities for it.” Also  involving the idea that segregation in the United States could have been ended by appealing to the federal courts and that it was ultimately ended by the federal government and not the demonstrators. 

4.)I disagree with the claim that protests are unnecessary, but I agree that they shouldn’t be violent. I believe that protests are a useful way to bring attention towards a topic that may otherwise not get the attention it may deserve. However, I do think there is a limit to which the protests can be taken to, they should remain peaceful and should not impede the lives of those around them.