Thursday's presidential inauguration brought out many citizens, including many AU students, to celebrate, protest, or simply witness the start of President George W. Bush's second term. While many of those in attendance were there to peacefully protest, some went over the line in their displays of political or social messages.
In addition to the tamer protesters, others were disrespectful and even destructive. Some tore down security fences, while others were seen spitting on police officers and berating those who expressed different views. Several were spotted being vulgar in the presence of young children, while one group of protesters held up a large banner sign containing nothing but a single expletive, directed at nothing in particular. Rather than carrying a message, "protests" like that are gratuitous and disrespectful.
Of course, it would be unfair to criticize all protesters on the basis of the behavior of a few. It's clear that many demonstrators were respectfully protesting by chanting slogans or turning their backs on Bush as he passed. However, a huge media event like the inauguration is always a magnet for the fringe elements of politics, and this year was no exception. In addition to the anti-Bush protesters, groups like GodHatesFags and hard-line anti-abortion groups were also out of line in their actions at the inauguration.
This is not an issue of free speech or censorship, despite what some say. The government should never put actual restrictions on anybody's ability to protest or speak freely. As Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." However, there are many more effective ways to protest than those employed at this year's inauguration. Groups can discount their own views by being so over-the-top in their demonstrations, which also makes it easy for people to ignore them.
While there should not be government-imposed limits on free speech, people should exercise self-imposed limits of good taste. Those who are out demonstrating should think about what their purpose is and how to best accomplish it. If you want people to listen to you, think about the message you're trying to send and the most effective way of communicating.
