If you're going to arrested, DC is the place to do it.

[The_Traveler]

(I meant to say that these are not photograph photos, but just snaps of no particular value or quality besides documentary)
(I take responsibility but they are what they are.)

The police here have handled sooooo many demonstrations and demonstrators that their work is skillful and organized and fast.
The demonstrations are pretty much all the same.
The demonstrators feel all brave and noble, standing up to the man. They padlock themselves to the fence, make speeches, make promises.
In the end, some get arrested - in a nice way.
Some just go home.
And, in the end, it's all for the cameras.

The way you can tell a really stupid demonstrator is they resist or throw something over the WH fence.
Totally bad move.
The police do not smile then.

If you want to test police awareness, walk towards a barricade with a hand in your pocket.

 

[oldhippy]

Really like the last one. Nice set Lew.

 

[runnah]

I can't tell if I should be proud or disappointed by the protestors. On one hand they exercise a very important right that we should all fight for, on the other some look damn foolish doing it and invalidate their cause.

 

[The_Traveler]

I can't tell if I should be proud or disappointed by the protestors. On one hand they exercise a very important right that we should all fight for, on the other some look damn foolish doing it and invalidate their cause.

That is exactly the way I feel. The way to influence people in power is to dress like them and speak their language and show them that someone just like themselves has an opposite and intelligent opinion.
'Dressing up' is playing to your own ego and is totally counter-productive.
When I shot the first Occupy demonstrations, it was really clear that they had no clue about how to really influence change.
Change is not being a thorn in the side.

 

[rexbobcat]

I can't tell if I should be proud or disappointed by the protestors. On one hand they exercise a very important right that we should all fight for, on the other some look damn foolish doing it and invalidate their cause.

But pink spandex breathes. Suits are so itchy.

Good shots, Lew. We never get crazy protestors down here...

 

[baturn]

Those are some nice police. Look at all the free bracelets they have to give away.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

I think I recognize some of the protesters in your photos, from my Camp Casey days. The fellow in the middle wearing the red beret in shot #3 is Bruce Berry, I believe. And in shot #5, the older gentleman wearing the red tie and being arrested looks like Daniel Ellsberg. I met both of those gentlemen several times at Camp Casey in Crawford, a few years ago. I may be wrong, but I believe that is them.

Both are long time peace activists who stand their ground in the face of seemingly never ending wars this country loves to fight, and in particular, Daniel Ellsberg, who played a major role in turning public sentiment against the Viet Nam War.

These types of events always draw those seeking publicity, but it also draws those who really care about a just cause, which is peace.

For some folks, it is easy to mock them, easy to make fun of them, and easy to ridicule them. For these peace activists that truly walk the walk, they have heard it all and they know it comes with the territory.

Excellent work, Lew.

 

[Sventek]

At least you guys don't have to make an appointment to protest and ask for police approval.

Really nice set, Lew.

 

[mmaria]

I was going to say something here yesterday but I just couldn't find the time. Hopefully no one will interrupt me now.

I've seen a fair amount of demonstrations and I often thought about them. I've been a part of few but only if they were silent protests. My personality doesn't fit in the loud protesting and I think that's totally unnecessary.

From time to time and from one demonstration to another I think of them differently, and people and cause they fighting for it are different. Sometimes people go to streets because they already tried all the administrative and polite, nice ways. They behaved properly in asking what they want to change. But after some time (sometimes for years) of trying to start a change they go to street. Because no one would listen to them and no one care. Demonstrations, journalists, a bit of media attention is all they are left to try. In this instance I do understand them.

I don't understand people behaving like savages or exhibitionists! That's wrong and counterproductive! But how can you stop them? you can't

 

[sashbar]

I can't tell if I should be proud or disappointed by the protestors. On one hand they exercise a very important right that we should all fight for, on the other some look damn foolish doing it and invalidate their cause.

I have no problem with that at all. As a citizen I am grateful for their willingness to demonstrate the willingness to fight for our rights , and as a photographer I am equally grateful for the fact that some look damn foolish

 

[BoSnapsPhotography]

Nice set, tells a story.

Sent from my iPad using PhotoForum

 

[ronlane]

Lew, looks like you've found the second best place to find characters on the streets. (First being NYC).

 

[The_Traveler]

NYC, then SF, then Chicago, then DC

I'm planning on SF in October for the Castro St Fair, always a great scene.