EcoTrain Qotw 10.7: Are Activists Who Inconvenience The General Public Justified?
Abraham Lincoln defined democracy in his speech as "The government of the people, by the people, and for the people". This means, the easiest way to reach the government is through the people. Even though I don't believe in climate change and the activities done by humans to be what affects the change in climate, inconveniencing the people by activists is justified. When people can't reach the government directly, the inconveniences created around the general public will draw the attention of the government to take actions. The more inconveniences that are created, the faster the response. We believe we are one, and probably fighting toward one goal, why should one set of people be left in their comfort zone while others are out fighting for change. What affects one affects all and that's where unity begins.
We can not 100% be in agreement, there would always be people opposing, but as long as what the activists are fighting for is worth it, regardless of what the other set of people feel, any inconvenience created is justified. If there was a roadblock, the people would cry to the government and the government in return would find a solution to ensure that what the people demand is given to them. The activists get answers to what they desire and the people also would enjoy the comfort that was taken from them for a short moment. I once read a statement which said "nothing is wrong or right in war and love". This means anything that is done in war, in this context "protest" is neither wrong nor right.
If the easiest way of reaching the government is through the people, then the general public will always be the target each time people want to pour out their grievances for what they seek a change in. Personally, I have never engaged in a protest, but I respect those who do especially if what they're fighting for has a tangible reason. Activists can't face the government directly, they have battalions of army surrounding them, the response from them may turn out gory, I think the safest way to reach the government or draw their attention is by inconveniencing the people.
If they can reach the people, cause some level of inconveniences, then they're half way the heart of the government who are ruling through a democratic system. Is inconveniencing the general public justified? Yes, if what they're fighting for could benefit the state, country, or world at large.
You have a really nice point there.
The government should work for the people, do as the people like, want since the people pay.
They don't and demonstrating is a right. I don't believe it will make a difference just like voting won't and climate change is not different from the Ice age in the past and the periods of heath ending the Mayans.
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