http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/25/BA221L92LL.DTL
In San Francisco hundreds of people took to the streets in a march to protest the use of fossil fuels. It was a part of a global Moving Planet day. Over 2,000 similar protests were scheduled to take place around the world. Some participants were dressed in polar bear and fish costumes, others held signs demanding changes such as improved public transportation, more solar and wind energy, and cleaner air.
What makes this a successful form of action is that it was organized and run by the civil society. This is a perfect example of democracy at it's best- hundreds of people protesting for their government to change something that they're unhappy and dissatisfied with. I wrote in a previous post that I believed in the power of the people. I believe that the push for environmental change doesn't have to come from the industry. This is a perfect example of grassroots organizing.
This action is definitely replicable. Just the fact that 2,000 similar marches were scheduled proves that fact. I think the more people protest the more pressure politicians will feel to push for higher environmental standards.
This gives me hope for several reasons. This action shows that there are hundreds of people that want change. It also proves that the masses have a voice and that they are being listened to. So many people assume that they're voices can't be heard, but this action shows otherwise. I think with more protests from the public really changes might start to take place.
No comments:
Post a Comment