I am writing in response to a few of the editorials in recent issues of the Maroon, namely the ongoing debate about protesting (why we should/shouldn’t, why we do/don’t). I am not about to postulate on why college students are protesting less today than in the 60’s, though I do not think it has anything to do with sex and alcohol. What I do want to say is that protesting is important, with or without media attention, large groups, or the winning of hearts, minds and votes. Protest is not a new strategy, but a strategy as old as social conscience (translation, ‘pretty darn old’). But how practical is it? That’s the real question, right? Well, unfortunately, as Prof. Coolidge mentioned, it is not nearly as effective as a lobbyist handing Mr./Ms. Representative a wad of cash, or a yacht, in exchange for a boat. The idea that we the people let this happen every day, that we are so complacent about corporations and special interest having more of a voice than we do, makes me sick. So to all of those millions that have marched up and down the streets in protest of the new immigration bill can be content knowing that their protests mean nothing to the hogs in Washington, that they probably haven’t changed one vote.

So why do I think that these protestors are doing the most important work in America? Two reasons. First, we are all going to see how sick our democracy is when millions take to the streets and nothing happens, while in Washington one suit meets with (insert politician’s name here), we see results. Maybe this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and Americans will give a damn that democracy and representation goes to the highest bidder, not the people.

Secondly, protest is important because it demonstrates moral, political, and intellectual engagement of the people that are doing it. When you stand up and protest you are telling the world that your’re as mad as hell, and you’re not going to take it anymore! It’s purpose is to change the world, but it changes the individual at the same time, giving him/her courage, voice, and solidarity. In closing, I would like to take a look at France; now there’s a country that knows how to raise some hell. I heard a French student on BBC radio say, “In France, democracy doesn’t end when you leave the voting booth.” As Americans, I know we can give the French a run for their money. Let’s show them what we’re made of, we can protest with the best of them. Whether it’s the war, immigration, the ethnic cleansing of New Orleans, the environment, I want to see (or hear about more likely, since I’m 1600 miles away) Loyola students raising some hell in order to bring down some heaven. Take it to the Peace Quad, take it to the Res Quad, take it to the streets, just take it back. Democracy has to start somewhere.

Natasha Irving, Class of ’05