Do political protests have any effect in the USA today?

Question

eg, If a million people got in the street and protested the war, or same s*x marriage, or wahatever--would anyone listen? It seems they are 100% partisan and care more about the lobbyists, etc than doing the will of the people. There are no independent free thinkers, just sheep to the will of their party?

Answer 1

Spontaneous, grass roots protests in response to something specific are still pretty effective.  They are covered by the press, the politicians are forced to listen.   The issue gets wider debate and may enlist the support of those in power.

I can also think of a handful of massive, organized and ongoing protests that lead to government action, but none recently.

Answer 2

I can see how they would be effective if there were a million people all marching in Washington DC at once.  That would have to be taken seriously.  Recently though, they really don't have that big of a turn out and they appear to be ignored by the major media and played up on the internet in a negative light.  I think these people would have more of an impact if they would write to their congressman to voice their opinions although they have every right to protest if they want to.

Answer 3

No it does nothing.  It only shows how many people don't have jobs and will waste their time in a useless protest. No one listens to them and it only causes hard feelings.  Did all those people get the world to stop making funky pictures of Mohammad after that one incident in Sweden a couple of years ago?  No, it made more people draw harsh drawings, (I was one of them).

Answer 4

The only way a protest in America will ever have any effect is if it is at the business end of a gun.

A million armed people marching on Washington will get heard.  

One way or the other, and I am sad to say that is the only way we the people are ever gonna be heard.

Answer 5

They don't have the effect they used to.  I think that kind of influence has spread to the web and become more global.

Answer 6

i would have to say that they have an effect on the individuals involved....it is true, though, that it does not effect our countries politics much....i think it is because of fear....demos are always covered well with police and people are not passionate enough to step on the police.... they don't want to miss work the next day...they have bills to pay and children to go home to, they can not be taking the risks that making demonstrations effective.....it takes alot of people getting hurt for change to come....it does not come passively.....i go to demos to vent frustration, allow my children to experience people demonstrating their rights, and for the exposure to music and theatre

Answer 7

If they get national TV coverage, then I would say they have an impact.

Answer 8

No, none at all