Does anyone genuinely support blocking traffic, as a protest activity?

[Cunt]

Traffic is important. Protest is important, but I can't think of very good defenses of blocking traffic.

Traffic includes stuff more important than most protests.

[MondoVman]

On twitter, no.
On streets and roadways, no.
Into and out of businesses, no.

Across international borders, yes.
Across waterway entrances, yes, such as is done to block bad fish entering Great Lakes.

[Jerome]

I drive in and around Washington DC, have for all my life, I have an axe handle in my car.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by MondoVman

Across waterway entrances, yes, such as is done to block bad fish entering Great Lakes.

Twitter blocks traffic. It's one reason I don't use it.

Holy shit this place is unique. I think I know who is behind it's years of success, too.

Thanks.

Anyway, I hadn't considered blocking animal / fish traffic. Interesting.

I get that Jerome and others bring some defense in their vehicle, but that doesn't really say where they stand in a broader sense. Blocking traffic is a union tactic, that many think valid...

[Jerome]

The people seizing the means of production.... I see what you mean.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by Jerome

The people seizing the means of production.... I see what you mean.

Would you be clear about your position? Like a simple yea or nay on supporting traffic obstruction as protest?

[felltoearth]

Yes.


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[Cunt]

Originally Posted by felltoearth

Yes.


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Would you still think so if it cut against your interests?

Does your stance change if some anti-abortion-rights christians are blocking a Planned Parenthood?

[Gonzo]

I say we block off every road, permanently. It is the Covid Era, after all.

[felltoearth]

Originally Posted by Cunt

Would you still think so if it cut against your interests?

Does your stance change if some anti-abortion-rights christians are blocking a Planned Parenthood?

Jesus. It?s a fucking road. Buy a bike.


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[Cunt]

When I read that in a Toronto accent, you sound even smarter!

[MondoVman]

Originally Posted by felltoearth

Jesus. It?s a fucking road. Buy a bike.


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Are you still living in your mom's backyard in your childhood Snoopy tent, too?

[felltoearth]

Ooo. Good one. Because children ride bikes right?

Burn.


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[felltoearth]

Originally Posted by Cunt

When I read that in a Toronto accent, you sound even smarter!

I?m pretty sure I lost brain cells reading the comments in this thread.


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[Cunt]

Originally Posted by felltoearth

I?m pretty sure I lost brain cells reading the comments in this thread.


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Must have happened before you posted anything.

Your posts sure look like they lack depth or understanding.

[borealis]

Top reasons my progress on a street/road/highway has been slowed or blocked:
1. other traffic, including accidents
2. road construction or repair
3. snow and ice
4. deer
5. cows
6. pheasants
7. running and cycling events
8. the sand castle contest
9. windmill parts being transported
10. waiting for a ferry

Nope, protesters not even on the list.

11. I forgot parades

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by borealis

Top reasons my progress on a street/road/highway has been slowed or blocked:
1. other traffic, including accidents
2. road construction or repair
3. snow and ice
4. deer
5. cows
6. pheasants
7. running and cycling events
8. the sand castle contest
9. windmill parts being transported
10. waiting for a ferry

Nope, protesters not even on the list.

11. I forgot parades

I understand you live in a beautiful world, where protesters don't block your way, but it doesn't speak to the original question.

Far be it for me, to suggest you take a clear position though.

[borealis]

Clear position: I believe in many circumstances it is perfectly reasonable for protesters to block traffic. Protesting is meant to draw attention to an issue that is not being represented fairly in the public eye, at least that is what the protesters believe, and I would often agree with them. Blocking traffic may be successful in finally getting that needed attention. It is inconvenient and may impede important travel, however:

Traffic is blocked frequently, daily, by many other things, but no one is howling virtuously about how dangerous it is when the mounties block the road for dui checks. Or when windmill parts cause hours long delays. Or ferries take an hour between runs. Etc.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by borealis

Clear position: I believe in many circumstances it is perfectly reasonable for protesters to block traffic. Protesting is meant to draw attention to an issue that is not being represented fairly in the public eye, at least that is what the protesters believe, and I would often agree with them. Blocking traffic may be successful in finally getting that needed attention. It is inconvenient and may impede important travel, however:

Traffic is blocked frequently, daily, by many other things, but no one is howling virtuously about how dangerous it is when the mounties block the road for dui checks. Or when windmill parts cause hours long delays. Or ferries take an hour between runs. Etc.

Is there any traffic which should drive through such protests?

An ambulance carrying your child, for example?

A taxi carrying a youngster to their abortion appointment?

[borealis]

Now you're just being dumb.

How are such emergencies is handled in other kinds of traffic blocks?

That's right.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by borealis

Now you're just being dumb.

Is this how you treat people? Classy as fuck, bor!

How are such emergencies is handled in other kinds of traffic blocks?

Depends. If it is a youngster being blocked from accessing her/his abortion, I guess they have to wait for an opening or come back later.

If it is a protest that seems a threat to the safety of the driver, it gets more complicated. People have sometimes felt threatened by such obstructions, and some have been beaten badly.

Are you trying to dismiss any gray areas around this? Or ignore them?

I think taking the step to stop traffic is akin to violence, and deserves the same consideration.

Like a road crew does, when blocking a road. They often have a plan to allow emergency vehicles through.

That's right.

I don't know what you think is 'right', unless you mean ignoring any nuance around the issue, especially in light of the riots all over the states. (which may be ready to start again, if the left doesn't get their way)

Or the blockages in Canada, of rail and road lines, by protesters.

Or the blockage around City Hall in Toronto, where reporters are unable to report freely.

There is a lot more to consider than your simplistic take on it. If you want to stay simple though, it will probably serve you well enough, in the hinterlands.

[borealis]

Cunt, honestly it is you who is being simplistic and ignoring nuance - and also ignoring that people do have the right to protest, and that protesting 'politely' often gets ignored. Sometimes a little civil disobedience (like block traffic) is the only way to move ahead.

Yes, sometimes people go overboard, tempers get hot, bad shit happens. But there is, imo, a greater principle at stake.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by borealis

Cunt, honestly it is you who is being simplistic and ignoring nuance - and also ignoring that people do have the right to protest, and that protesting 'politely' often gets ignored. Sometimes a little civil disobedience (like block traffic) is the only way to move ahead.

Yes, sometimes people go overboard, tempers get hot, bad shit happens. But there is, imo, a greater principle at stake.

I'm not suggesting that it shouldn't even happen, I just say that it is very similar to violence. Especially in that it should not be used ignorantly.

Currently, I can't think of a good reason to block traffic, and there have been plenty of recent protests I've seen. Just not one of them looked like it was doing 'good work' by blocking traffic.

Since you haven't ever been affected by a protest, maybe you could look at some of the recent examples, to try to make your case.

So far though, it sounds like you think it's great, but it hasn't ever blocked you from doing anything.

[Facetious]

The last road blocking protest near me was a BLM one. They gave advanced warning and set a time limit on when the road would be blocked, something like 2pm to 4pm but don't quote me on that. Seems pretty considerate.

[Cunt]

Originally Posted by Facetious

The last road blocking protest near me was a BLM one. They gave advanced warning and set a time limit on when the road would be blocked, something like 2pm to 4pm but don't quote me on that. Seems pretty considerate.

The cause isn't one I would support, but it sounds like a lot more civil activity than other BLM activities have been.

I guess it depends how big the city is.