Protesters damaged cause
Times Colonist
Published: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
It's too bad that some Olympic protesters blundered at critical moments on the weekend, sabotaging their own efforts to raise concerns about the province's priorities in these challenging times.
There was much to celebrate in the torch relay. And there was much to applaud in the peaceful, constructive protests. But the arrogance and stupidity of some protesters at critical moments did enormous harm to their cause.
It was fine to raise issues from homelessness to native rights at the Centennial Square rally and to march through the streets. The group was diverse; the public generally supportive.
But a few idiots -- like the people or person who tossed marbles toward police horses -- could have seriously injured not only the horses but their riders. And when 200 people blocked the torch route, the story changed.
There's an absolute right to protest and an expectation that such actions can be messy and disruptive. There's also an expectation that protesters, in claiming their rights, will not ignore the rights of others.
The blockade of the route meant 10 people who had looked forward to participating in the relay lost their chance. Family and friends waiting for a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share that moment were cheated.
Certainly, the protests were directed in part at what participants considered great injustices. But those injustices weren't being perpetrated by the torch runners and their families. Stopping them didn't bring any greater attention or commitment to address the issues.
It just made the protesters -- or a small portion of them -- look self-indulgent, rude and foolish, like people playing at protest rather than attempting to raise important issues. And it could well have alienated many in Victoria and elsewhere who have reservations about the Olympics but cannot support attempted violence or the abrogation of the rights of others in the community.
It is a shame, especially because much went well. Police were organized and efficient. There were no arrests or injuries or damage to property.
More protests are certain over the next several months. Those involved should draw lessons from the weekend events here.
It is terribly easy for a small group, or even a single stupid judgment, to undermine the effectiveness of any protest.
![[]](http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/images/footerdots2.gif){kind=small}
