Pacific Views

May I Make A Suggestion?

I want to make a suggestion to all of you. Next time you’re driving down the street thinking about all the errands you have to run, and about what a crumb your boss is, and about how fat you’re getting … when suddenly you happen upon someone out on the sidewalk with a protest sign ... would you please do something for me?

Would you please pry the cell phone off of the side of your head and LOOK? Would you please slow down a tad and maybe catch a word or two of what the sign says? Bear in mind, this has to be done with enough care to avoid causing a car wreck. But for godsakes would you at least notice that someone is trying almighty hard to be a responsible citizen in a democratic society?

Moreover, if the first thing that pops into your head is, “Lordy … another nut case (weirdo, hippy, whatever)”, would you please bite your tongue and swallow that thought?

Chances are, what you are witnessing is another human being just like you who feels just a bit more compelled than you do to stand up and make a statement. This is a person who is exercising his or her First Amendment right to free speech. Cripes, this is democracy in action, folks. It should be cause for celebration and relief. Whew! We really do still have the right to speak up and make statements in this country.

But let me tell you all something. Chances are real good that that person has a painfully knotted stomach, two knees that feel like rubber, and a jaw that won’t seem to unclench. Especially nowadays. Especially after being passed by 200 cars whose drivers stare straight ahead with faces like stone. Especially after the 6th time some man drives by and pitches the one-fingered salute with a viciousness that takes your breath away. Especially after being called a “F****** Traitor!” for the first time ever in your life.

Could you please find it in your hearts to honk your horn and wave instead? Would it be so difficult to pull over for just a second and offer some words of encouragement? If standing out in public with your beliefs plastered on a sign were easy, you’d be doing it too, right? If it were easy, there’d be sign carriers everywhere you looked, right?

Next time I see a protester, I now know what I will do. I will stop. I will look. I will read. And I will say something straight from my heart. Even if I don’t necessarily happen to agree.

And deep down I will be thankful that the simple act of the non-violent protest is still allowed to occur in the divided and paranoid place that the U. S. of A. has become.

Posted by Pat K., California at August 9, 2003 10:31 PM | TrackBack