Activists calling for uprisings for causes
Marches, rallies and honks for peace are all good strategies — but they're not enough, say local activists who gathered Saturday to discuss tactics for social change. It's time now for something more, a kind of "peaceful uprising," they say.
The all-day conference at the University of Utah drew about 150 activists representing groups ranging from the Healthy Planet Mobilization Committee to a new group called Provo for Palestine. There were environmentalists, peace activists and union organizers. Panelists included former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and Tim DeChristopher, the eco-saboteur who last month disrupted the Bureau of Land Management auction of oil drilling leases.
The "old model" of social activism hasn't proved effective, said DeChristopher, who appeared on two panels. "We have to convince leaders that there will be an uprising," he said. "Changing a light bulb is not an appropriate response" to the climate crisis.
After a day of panels and films, about 30 people attended the final, what-shall-we-do-now session, where they discussed their shared vision of a "just, sustainable and peaceful world" and the pros and cons of getting arrested for their causes. Sixteen of the 30 raised their hands "yes" when asked by attendee Caleb Proulx whether they would engage in that level of civil disobedience.
"Sometimes you're willing to do whatever it takes, and maybe that time is now," said longtime peace activist Diana Lee Hirschi, who was arrested in 1989 as part of a national campaign to stop production of the Trident missile system.
While marches and rallies are helpful, "we could do something that's creative and powerful," suggested Ashley Sanders, who helped organize the "alternative commencement" at BYU in 2007 to protest the traditional commencement address of Vice President Dick Cheney and was youth coordinator for Ralph Nader's 2008 presidential campaign.
Sanders suggested an "action" near the end of this year's legislative session. "We'll descend on the Capitol and hold an Athenian people's legislature," she said. She envisioned thousands of Utahns, perhaps wearing togas, frustrated by the laws being passed by the lawmakers and calling instead for ethics reform and clean air. She also pushed for civil disobedience, with the protesters asking for their own bills to be passed "or we're not leaving."
"That's a recipe for martyrdom," countered peace activist Dayne Goodwin, who drew the line at actions leading to arrests.
Recent comments
Ennis makes an interesting point by raising the question about what...
Jon | Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.
In a democratic society, dissenting voices are healthy. I approve of...
Ennis | Feb. 17, 2009 at 11:25 a.m.
I was a participant at this conference, i can attest that no one had...
Mona Robinson | Feb. 17, 2009 at 9:36 a.m.
- Group warns about small toys 9:34 p.m.
- Keep infants out of adult beds 9:33 p.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 9:32 p.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 9:29 p.m.
- Pujols 'humbled' by MVP award 9:27 p.m.
- Utes need Wide to run wild 9:24 p.m.
- Beadles an Academic All-American 9:22 p.m.
- BYU ties give Utes an edge 9:20 p.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 9:11 p.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 9:10 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Woman describes stabbing, killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
229 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
223 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
183 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
136 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
119 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
104
There are NO houses on Pinnacle Peak Road where the temple is planned to be...
Not to nitpick here, but, yes, there is one house directly to the west of the...
@ 8:20, The header for this thread is "Trump card for believers". This...
I have to admit, BYU has the edge in this one: senior winning QB Hall, proven...
Anybody can hit a pk ??? Calling Landon Donovon....
I think the rankings are right on the money for now, Rich has many returning...
So Real Salt Lake has only been in existence for 5 years? How is it that...
Great! looks like we get sorry bowl or more sorry bowl. Either way we get a...
Her handlers/the GOP would only let her be interviewed by Hannity which IMO...
hooray for piute!! I pretty much love watching girls basketball it's so...


