As I understand it, “critical mass” as a sociodynamic concept means a sufficient number of adopters of an innovation in a social system so that the rate of adoption becomes self-sustaining and creates further growth. I think “critical mess” is more descriptive of what was happening here on the Peninsula yesterday, and I certainly hope it is far from self-sustaining and quickly dies from lack of interest.
The mess I am speaking about occurred on the sidewalk in front of Sid’s market. A young man (maybe two) had set up a table and umbrella and were displaying some totally disrespectful posters of President Obama sporting a Hitler style mustache. (Actually it had more of a Charlie Chaplin or Oliver Hardy look.) They were passing out information and advocating Obama’s impeachment. Their sign said, “Both Parties Suck” and “It’s the Constitution, Stupid.”
That much I saw as Nyel and I drove by on our way to do a few errands. I also saw a group of young women, all of whom I knew, who were across the street with picket signs. One sign featured a pointing arrow with the words “Not from here.” I empathized with their desire to distance themselves and all of the Peninsula from the unfortunate and disrespectful display across the way.
The rest of my information about this “Critical Mess” came from Face Book. Apparently, the manager at Sid’s had called the sheriff and was told that since the petitioners were on the public right-of-way (i.e. the sidewalk) they were entitled to stay there.
How ironic and insulting that they chose to be in front of the late Senator Sid’s place of business. Sid was not only an Obama supporter but was an icon of ‘respectful politics.’ As Governor Christine Gregoire said at his funeral a few short months ago, “Sid was legendary for getting things done and for his never-failing courtesy and civility. He represented his district and the people of our state with principle, dignity and modesty.”
While I certainly defend the right of free assembly and free speech and whatever other guaranteed freedoms might be involved in yesterday’s display, it would be nice if those who feel compelled to be heard in this manner could at least be well-informed. Perhaps then a righteous dialogue could take place. I don’t think that name-calling and graffiti are quite what our founding fathers had in mind when they hammered out the Constitution.
But, in this case, perhaps the commentary by the inimitable Pat Schenk was best. According to yet another Face Book entry, Pat arrived at the scene later in the afternoon with “an awesome neon sign that said ‘ignorant protesters ahead.’” I wish I had seen that! Way to go, Pat!
I loved Pat’s sign 🙂
Yeah, Pat! Most people on the Peninsula are not wealthy enough to be right-wing haters and, as you say, politics have always been fairly polite. I know that a friend of my mother’s received a letter asking for money to help impeach Obama. I think their time would be more well served assessing why people don’t like them, why they lost the election and how to be more successful next time than engaging in the rhetoric that defeated them last fall.
Sydney: What I believe is the same group set up their “tent” in front of our post office! When we and others complained we were told that the sidewalk was public property. You know Jack: A few words from him a retort from the Hate Mongers. I’m not certain if that was the same group, but the sign and m.o. are. We old folks here in the burg are becoming less and less tolerant of the antics both in public and as seen from “the box” and are thinking of staying home forever! We can have our groceries delivered from Safeway (not as tasty as T.J.s, but at least we will have food and the tap still runs with pure water. Yeah Gads, what can we oldsters do? More later. Car needs new tires….merrily we roll along….
Apparently they were supporters of Lyndon La Rouche, a national cult in existence for some years now. They also believe that Queen Elizabeth II is a drug pusher. And apparently someone approached them in Sid’s and tried to explain the point you made, Sydney, about how horrible it was that they were in front of the store the senator founded. It went right over their heads. I guess the word “polite” is a word with which they have no familiarity.
In trying to engage them in conversation, we (while counter-demonstrating) heard their repeated response: “Obama is trying to kill you.” They would then yell at shoppers all the way across the parking lot (shoppers who had quietly expressed displeasure to them directly), which seems like something Sid’s market could have used to get them….well, not moved, but I object to the fact that they were allowed to put up a big umbrella rigged on a stand blocking part of the sidewalk. I have a few more photos in yesterday’s entry in my blog.
Pat hit the nail on the head!