One of my family members signed up with Protest Warrior, I believe in hopes of finding info specifically about a counter protest during Bush's visit to Phoenix today. She says it took them two days to approve her sign up, then her chapter (Phoenix) had no information about where or when, and so she was a bit disappointed. Hopefully one of the other chapters (she said there were about 6 to choose from in this area) got some people out there.
Does make me wonder, though, why they need so many chapters in one area. Couldn't they have a single Phoenix area chapter, encompassing everything from Gilbert to Arrowhead, and you just go to the stuff you choose? Just because you live in Mesa doesn't necessarily mean you wouldn't drive to Peoria, and vice versa. Maybe the chapters were set up by someone not familiar with our geography? Or when people signed up they created their own local chapter - not thinking about cutting down on communication that way? Seems like it would be stronger to have one group with more members, than more groups with fewer members.
Anyone out there a member and might know the answer?
Posted by Vox at March 26, 2004 02:18 PM | politicsThere seems to be some complaints concerning the amount of chapters in a small area. What happened was that people, when they signed up, created their own chapters. There has been some talk about cutting down on the number of local chapters. (Looking at the list of local chapters in the Phoenix area, there are three Mesa chapters.)
Also consider that the chapters are new to Protest Warrior, having been set up just prior to the March 20 protests, so there hasnt been much time to work out the little flaws in the idea.
But as for your family member, if she has any suggestions for counter-protests, there is an option to submit a "mission." But mostly, she should try to get ahold of the chapter leader in Gilbert. He appears to be more on the ball then most other chapters.
Posted by: Laura Keslar at March 26, 2004 04:14 PMThanks for the input. Informative and quick!
I don't think she was signed up soon enough to make a suggestion for todays visit (not sure) and I'm fairly certain she didn't have firm info to contribute - like where he would be.
I was going to sign up, but I think I'll let her be the official Warrior and I'll just tag along - sign help high.
Posted by: Vox at March 26, 2004 06:04 PMI'm signed up also. I'm also signed up to the Kerry mailing list :-)
The March 20 event had four guys show up from protest warrior. I talked to them a bit. They had some nicely printed signs, although some had too many words to be effective demonstration signs.
The did march right in with the antis, and at least one of them led the procession during the time I was watching, which no doubt annoyed the antis.
I hope someone does organize this thing better.
From listening to the scanner, I know there were people protesting Bush, but I don't know if there were any people supporting him. Of course, Bush supporters are more like to be working for a living and not have time for this nonsense:-)
Posted by: John Moore (Useful Fools) at March 26, 2004 06:46 PMWell, you have to remember that a lot of us are new at this PW thing. Four of us are all who could really make it.
Well, if you want big, wait till the big Presidential debate this October.
Great - as long as she knows where to be, so will I. Definitely want to be out there alongside the PW troops.
Posted by: Vox at April 5, 2004 12:07 AM