Spreading Out,

You're absolutely right, Santa Cruz protests are largely guilty of preaching to the converted. An anti-war demonstration in an anti-war town accomplishes little.

Problem is too many protesters aren't really interested in fighting the good fight for change. They're in it for the comradery, and the spectacle. They're in it for the fun. Get together in a public place, hang out with colorful people, drum, dance, make a scene.. it's all a big game.

The proof is in their reactions. Tonight all the protesters are celebrating their "victory" of successfully organizing such large protests, and paying no mind to their defeat and failure at stopping the war against Iraq.

It's all a big warm fuzzy feel-good game. They wave flags, bang drums, dance, hang out, maybe walk down the middle of the street in a large crowd (oooh, feels so good to break the law!), then go home feeling proud of themselves. "Empowered".

Meanwhile bombs are raining down on Iraq, as planned.

That's not victory, that's defeat and living in denial of it.

It's a shame, too, because stopping the war machine of the Empire of Washington from invading, pillaging, and plundering sovereign nations without provocation really is a just cause.

-Van