Why Politicians Fear Peaceful Protests

COMMENTARY | There is nothing more fundamental to our democracy than our freedom of speech. Social change to correct injustice in our society is never prompted by politicians; it has to come from the people to move political leaders to act. Change takes time and seldom happens unless we initiate it through protest. Most politicians won't risk losing corporate money just because we're unhappy. However, fear has a way of motivating politicians as much as it does voters. Fear of losing their job gets their attention and peaceful protests, like Occupy Wall Street, scares them because it has the potential to grow and force change. Our right to protest our government is the most American and patriotic action we can take.

The Bill of Rights was added as amendments to the Constitution because the Anti-Federalists believed the Constitution didn't adequately protect the rights of the people. Power has a way of grabbing a person's soul and the Anti-Federalists insisted clear and simple safe guards needed to be written that would guarantee the rights of the people could not be taken away. The Bill of Rights was written to prevent overly ambitious people from getting into office and misusing their powers. The right of the people to peacefully assemble to petition our government for a redress of grievances should never be diminished or cast aside by politicians and their political allies as frivolous, mobs, anarchists or un-American.

A spontaneous grassroots movement scares politicians because they can't control the message. The Wall Street protesters may seem to be disorganized with no clear demands, but their critics are dismissing legitimate complaints of the people. Asking for fairness and accountability is not unreasonable. Wanting a political system that works for everyone and not just for the corporations and the wealthy should be demanded by all of the people. Without a strong middle class; we all suffer.

Occupy Wall Street is not a political movement for one party. The variety of grievances expressed cross party lines, ages, race and incomes. No economy can sustain itself with all of the wealth sitting at the top 1% of the population. Our economy remains strong only with a healthy middle class to support it. Protesting our government is democracy in action and our patriotic right to send politicians a clear and strong message. The American Dream should be for all Americans; not just for the rich.