Be careful about any kind of demonstration

Published 3:48 pm Monday, May 9, 2011

It was an evening of relief and satisfaction when we learned that Osama bin Laden had been eliminated. So were the next several days. The networks did a great job of getting the news to us and with as many details as they could learn. In point of fact, they were so good it is they and not the president who made the actual announcement. He only officially confirmed what the networks had already announced (the price he paid for being considerate of Congress). I am less pleased with the networks’ hyping of the celebrations outside the White House fence and in Times Square, and those kids disturbed me.

Noisome demonstrations (whether protests, the more frequent, or celebrations as these) are seldom appropriate or accomplish anything worthwhile and are never pure or uncompromised. Whatever, whenever, and wherever we might demonstrate, we need to be extremely careful that the damage, which is sure to be consequent, is proportionate to whatever good that might result.

Those outside the White House are reported to have been largely students from nearby universities, and students and other young people usually are the bulk of demonstrations, whether protests or celebrations. It is “of the nature of the beast,” I suppose.

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Not only were they morally right in rejoicing that the mastermind of global terrorism has been removed from the action, rejoicing was entirely appropriate. However, I saw no indications they understood the gravity of the act nor were giving any thought to the continued seriousness of terrorism. They recognized a reasonable occasion for celebration but exploited it into an excuse for their usual senseless rowdy excesses.

While the demonstrations were being featured by the networks (them all), a university professor thoroughly familiar with student culture and herself the mother of children of the age sent me this e-mail: “I’m wondering if I’m the only American…or if I’m UNAmerican for feeling vaguely disturbed at the jubilation over what is, in the end, another murder. I’m glad he’s gone. I’m glad there’s closure. But I feel more sad than jubilant.”

I use the adjective “noisome” meaningfully, which is different from “noisy.” Whatever noise is generated, and a good deal is in every demonstration, noise is acceptable or, at least, tolerable. I learned the meaning of “noisome” from “noisome pestilence” in Psalms 91:3 (cf Ezekiel 14:15, 21; Revelation 16:2) of the King James Version of the Bible. It means so offensive, especially to the senses, as to engender feelings of disgust or repulsion. A secondary meaning is “extremely harmful.”

The best of demonstrations, again whether celebratory or protestations, suffer a downside. Some are totally worthless and counterproductive. More typically and frequent, they do about as much harm as good. This is especially the case with protests.

Perhaps the most justified and laudatory mass demonstrations are the two that occurred in 1945, in May when Germany surrendered and in August when Japan did. Few since have been of this nature.

In 1970 I watched one of America’s largest protests, against the war in Vietnam, also in Washington. I stopped one demonstrator and challenged him to tell me what is written on the placard he waved. He hadn’t even looked to see what it says, and after he did he couldn’t explain it to me, much less defend it.

A member of the press corps who followed a gubernatorial candidate on his rounds told me at every stop the same group of demonstrators arrived but at every stop protested a different issue. They had a set of signs for each issue and pulled from the bus’ luggage compartment whatever they needed for the occasion.

There was very much in the Vietnam conflict that required protest, and unnecessary violence was principal. Yet, almost every anti-war protest of the era was characterized by violence. How can one protest violence violently and expect to be respected and taken seriously?

I have little doubt that among the students celebrating outside the White House on that eventful evening were more than a few who not long ago had protested this very war. The execution of Osama bin Laden was necessary, and I’m glad it’s over. But he was, nonetheless, a fellow human being with a soul for which Jesus Christ died to save.

When we think to demonstrate, let’s weigh the value and measure the cost.