Political protests, would you go?

[LG Gone Wild]

There is one coming in my neck of the woods and I thought about joining. Of course, I would have to take my brood with me. Would you do it? Have you done it? What was it like?

[Hillary in KS]

Yes. We're planning to attend one on April 15th in our area. I'll take the kids.

[LG Gone Wild]

Yes. We're planning to attend one on April 15th in our area. I'll take the kids.

 

You wouldn't be scared?

[SherryTX]

...as we are planning to attend the Dallas Texas Tea Party Tax Day protest on April 15th.

 

We do not normally attend protests. Mostly because usually the protest isn't something we may agree with, but also, because I do not like how things sometimes turn out. However, we are very upset with the way things are going in this country. This protest seems narrow enough in nature that going to it shouldn't conflict with our political beliefs/philosophies.

 

We decided to take our girls (ages 7 through 13) because they have heard us discuss our views, and so this is an opportunity to basically show them we are serious about it. I consider it a field trip for my 9 year old, as well, since in TX one of the few things you have to promise when you pull your kid out of school is that you will teach them "good citizenship". I cannot think of a better example of showing your kid that you need to stand up and protest when appropriate.

 

Also - and this was a VERY big factor -so far all the other Tea party events have seemed very peaceful, with no big issues. I would never take my kids to one if I thought the group would be antagonizing, etc. (Of course, in those cases it probably wouldn't be a cause I would support anyway.)

 

If you are leery, there is nothing wrong with leaving the kiddos at home and just going yourself to see if it would be appropriate. If for some reason, we hear lots of swearing, or crazy things going on, we will leave right away.

[Tutor]

I have taken my children to protests before. They have made t-shirts, signs, etc. We think it is important to get them involved with things dh and I are passionate about as they are learning to develop their own passions.

[Heather in the Kootenays]

I would if I believed that it was going to be a peaceful one. I'd be prepared to leave though if it felt like it might get ugly.

[newbie]

I would leave young ones at home, I would probably take my oldest, if she wanted to go.

[KidsHappen]

WE have taken our children to quite a few political protests and rallies. We have been to Tax Tea Parties and will probably go on April 15th. My hubby had even taken them to political functions in other states. He also took the teens to work the Campaign for Liberty booth at a gun show. WE have never seen any problems. We believe in teaching our children to think through their positions on issues, be politically active and stand up for what they believe in.

[Tammy]

I would never do that.

[Heather in Neverland]

I would if I believed that it was going to be a peaceful one. I'd be prepared to leave though if it felt like it might get ugly.

 

:iagree:

[Elaine]

We are going to a tax day tea party on the 15th of this month. My boys and I have been making signs and I see no reason to leave them out. They are very excited to raise their voices and let themselves be heard.

 

 

I am not afraid to go, or to bring my children. I am more afraid of what it means if I don't go, and what that says to my children.

[Audrey]

We have but not when ds was very, very young. He is 9 now and has been to a couple of demonstrations, both of which were peaceful and family-oriented.

 

For me, it would depend on the topic, the setting and the safety considerations. Some demonstrations are designed with families in mind, some most certainly are not.

 

I would suggest simply researching the demonstration, use your best judgement and be prepared to leave if things become family un-friendly or you perceive potential safety issues.

[Hen]

LG, I see you are in my area, I am strongly thinking of taking my kids to the April 15th tea party in Santa Ana...maybe I'll see you there?

 

I have never taken my kids to a political rally, my thoughts have always been worry about things going ugly, but I think this crowd should be pretty well behaved, and it's not a hot-button issue for a counter-demonstration-which often get ugly.

 

we will probably be on bikes, so if you see a mom with 5 kids on bikes, that will probably be us.

 

we are visiting Boston this spring, and ready Johnny Tremain- I see the modern tea party as a very relevant learning topic.

[LG Gone Wild]

LG, I see you are in my area, I am strongly thinking of taking my kids to the April 15th tea party in Santa Ana...maybe I'll see you there?

 

I have never taken my kids to a political rally, my thoughts have always been worry about things going ugly, but I think this crowd should be pretty well behaved, and it's not a hot-button issue for a counter-demonstration-which often get ugly.

 

we will probably be on bikes, so if you see a mom with 5 kids on bikes, that will probably be us.

 

we are visiting Boston this spring, and ready Johnny Tremain- I see the modern tea party as a very relevant learning topic.

 

Sadly, Santa Ana isn't my area. I am further south, I believe. We are just north of San Diego.

[Jill- OK]

There is one coming in my neck of the woods and I thought about joining. Of course, I would have to take my brood with me. Would you do it? Have you done it? What was it like?

 

I wouldn't attend a politcal 'protest' with, or without kids.

 

(Please don't take this to mean I'm not a political person...I am. With strongly held beliefs that include activity. Protests are simply not part of that, for me.)

[Cricket]

We've gone to a couple of political events. As a kid I participated in a pro-life march. It was very peaceful. We walked around the city park with candles, carrying banners and then went home. It was a small town. I don't remember any counterprotesters.

 

As a college kid I went to a campaign stop where Dan Quayle spoke. I wasn't expecting anything but when the speech was over and we tried to leave we were surrounded by pro-choice activists. They were all yelling and trying to be as disruptive as possible. I remember once guy getting two inches from my dad's face and screaming at him as we walked by. My dad is a big guy and he just screamed back. The guy backed away. I didn't feel unsafe, just surprised because I had never seen my dad yell at anyone before. :lol:

 

As long as it wasn't a hot button issue where you would expect some of the "professional" protesters (you know, the ones who seem to not care what the cause is, but only want an excuse to create mayhem) to show up, I would think it would be fine.

[Impish]

Depends what the issue was, and what the weather is like, and how much walking is involved, and if I can stay on the very edge of the crowd to make a fast escape.

 

I know that sounds sarcastic, but its not. I have RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) that affects my right shoulder all the way down to my fingertips. I've developed strong anxiety about crowds now, because simply being bumped into leaves me in escalating pain for hours. Cold/damp weather means more pain too, as does being on my feet or walking distances.

 

I used to go to Take Back The Night. Anything to do with domestic violence, and I was there if at all possible. I'd absolutely bring Diva to an event like that.

[Danestress]

I were in a country in which peaceful protest is permitted. If I thought the government were likely to use the police to violently respond to peaceful protest, I would keep my children home.

 

and if I had no reason to think that people were spoiling for a fight

 

and if I had a reasonable exist strategy.

[LG Gone Wild]

I wouldn't attend a politcal 'protest' with, or without kids.

 

(Please don't take this to mean I'm not a political person...I am. With strongly held beliefs that include activity. Protests are simply not part of that, for me.)

 

 

Me neither but this one...I am leaning towards.

[Hillary in KS]

You wouldn't be scared?

 

What? No. No, I'm not afraid. We're going to a Tax Day Tea Party.

 

Protests tend to have "personalities", if you know what I mean. The population I agree with in this instance doesn't have a history of violence or rioting. So, I'm not worried.

 

Now, if I attend a Code Pink event or the G2 Summit protests, then heck yeah! I'd be terrified! :001_smile:

[MomofSeven]

I had them at plenty of rallies in the fall and believe me, with six kids in tow, we always get a lot of attention. Twice, we were interviewed on the news, once we were singled out by the VP candidate. I expect our next rally to be no different. In fact, my kids take it very seriously and work diligently to make signs and let their voices heard. My boys have even made their own indian costumes ala Paul Revere in honor of the first Tea Party. Clever kids!

 

BTW, the little girls are just there for the ride, but such is their life.

[HFClassicalAcademy]

When I was younger, my dad would take us to some protest...mostly the "buy American" thing. They were always peaceful, but I hated going!!

 

Now as a mom, I would if it was something I was so strongly in support of and only if I knew it would be a peaceful protest. We have done the 40 days for Life thing in front of Planned Parenthood before I had kids and I would probably take an older child with me for that.

 

But at this time with younger kids, I would be afraid and would probably not do it.

 

Liz in NC

[HeathenMom]

there's a Tea Party at the Alamo on the 15th and i'm really considering rounding up the kids and driving the 3 hours to attend. Glenn Beck's (meh) going to be there.

[Aggie]

We're going to the one just east of Dallas and taking all 3 dc.

 

If I thought for a second it would get out of control, we wouldn't go. But this, imo, is very important.

 

I like the idea about the Indian costumes! :)

[mnllj7]

I have been and will continue to go to rallies and different things to stand for my rights.

 

We "my entire family" will be going to one in our area on april 15th, it will be

a "boston' tea party. We don't want to be socialists, we dont like the spending. and so on. so we will go to stand for our cause. We also want to teach our dd to do the same. nancyt.

[Jenny in Florida]

My husband and I participated in a public witness in favor of marriage equality sponsored by our church. We took the kids. The whole group (including a bunch of children) then accompanied two gay couples to the courthouse to support their attempt to obtain a marriage license. It was a valuable experience for our children, and the fact that they were there helped make it "news."

 

We actually went to that event in part because my daughter felt very strongly that she wanted to be there to support people from our congregation.

 

They looked adorable in the photos.

 

And my son participated in a peace event at our church. It wasn't a "protest," exactly, just a day-long gathering of people discussing the issue.

 

But, in general, as long as I had reason to believe it was likely to be peaceful and the kids were interested, I'd take them.

[angela in ohio]

No, I wouldn't take my dc. We went to see a candidate a few years ago, and as we stood in line, members of the opposite party stood by the line and screamed profanity and nasty slurs, which my dc didn't need to hear. I would have feared for our safety, if dh hadn't been there with me. In this area, I won't be going to any political protests.

[elizabeth]

What? No. No, I'm not afraid. We're going to a Tax Day Tea Party.

 

Protests tend to have "personalities", if you know what I mean. The population I agree with in this instance doesn't have a history of violence or rioting. So, I'm not worried.

 

Now, if I attend a Code Pink event or the G2 Summit protests, then heck yeah! I'd be terrified! :001_smile:

Why would a code pink event ( opposed to violence/war) make you terrified? I am not being snarky at all just really curious as I was not aware that there was a history of rioting with this group. I have seen the G2 Protests on the news and they seem really quite intense and not what I am accustomed to in behaviour. I have been to 2 organized national marches in Wash DC and must say everyone was extremely well mannered and patient. Crowd control was superb. I realize that what is scary to me might not be to you and vice versa as we do seem to be on different ends of the spectrum politically. I just was not aware of violence or rioting at Code Pink events . I do not like it when people want to assemble and do not file for permits then become agitated when forced to leave...perhaps that has been an issue. Aside from my query I think it is fantastic to take young people to political events, gatherings, meetings as that seems to be where the proverbial rubber hits the road and your children can experience democracy first hand. So long as their are permits if needed and the group seems to have an agenda you support I say yes . Dd has been going to caucus, campaign headquarters to mail letters etc for years. She knows we stand up for our beliefs and are willing to work for candidates and issues we believe in . That is why we choose to educate at home quite frankly. Take your kids and have a wonderful time letting them experience democracy!

[Melissa in FL]

yep. We'll be taking our kids to the Tampa tax day tea party. They have their plans done for the signs and we'll start making them soon. I've already met many people that will be there and I know my kids will be safe. There are several other homeschoolers going with their kids, so I will feel safe. It's also being held right next door to where dh works, so we'll have easy parking! If I thought there would be anti-protester there I might change my mind. I know some democrats, some republicans, and independants are going to be there, everyone is sick of Washington spending, so I feel it will be peaceful.

HTH

Melissa

[Peek a Boo]

If it seems safe enough to me, yeah, I'd take my kids.

 

Some ages are more work than others: I'd probably leave my younger 3 at home and take my older two just so we can focus on the moment.

 

when we attended the Obama rally in Dallas on his campaign i was impressed w/ the crowd control and no opposing party screaming slurs. When we attended a a rally for Perry w/ a visitation by the sitting President Bush, the crowd control was good, but we were met w/ people hollering at us as we were leaving. i didn't fear for my safety tho [and had all 5 w/ me at that one].

 

I hadn't thought about attending the Tea party one --rallies aren't usually my thing either. i might check it out if y'all are gonna be there tho, lol! someone PM me about the Dallas area protests........

[Meliss]

Yes, my kids and I have already attended a Stimulus Protest and a Tea Party. We are planning on attending another Tea Party on April 15th.

[KristineinKS]

Absolutely I would (and have) taken my kids if they were interested in going. My twins are very interested in learning about the issues and supporting political causes that we believe in, they've endured long drives and hours in line to attend events/rallies - even during a blizzard once! The other 2 children usually opt for Grandma's house instead.

[katilac]

I would only take children who showed an independent interest and who were able to articulate genuine support for the cause.

 

For educational purposes, I might take those without a stance on the cause to observe a rally or protest, but I wouldn't bring them as participants.

 

I wouldn't take babies or very young children. Not because of safety concerns, but because I once saw coverage of a local 'kid-led' anti-abortion rally, and the image of a toddler lisping out, "Pwease don' kill you baby" creeped me the hell out. That's when I made "articulating genuine support for the cause" a pre-req for my kids attending rallies.

[Jenny in Florida]

I wouldn't take babies or very young children. Not because of safety concerns, but because I once saw coverage of a local 'kid-led' anti-abortion rally, and the image of a toddler lisping out, "Pwease don' kill you baby" creeped me the hell out. That's when I made "articulating genuine support for the cause" a pre-req for my kids attending rallies.

 

The phrasing of this made me laugh. (Thank you! I needed it!) But, in general, I agree. I tend to lose respect for the cause when I see folks pressing children into service in that way.

[Jean too]

Absolutely! If I could find a Tea Party in our area we would go.

[katemary63]

Yes. We're planning to attend one on April 15th in our area. I'll take the kids.

 

We're going too plus kids! Everyone - April 15th!!! Go.

[Sharon in SC]

There is one coming in my neck of the woods and I thought about joining. Of course, I would have to take my brood with me. Would you do it? Have you done it? What was it like?

 

My girls are older but, yes, we are attending one on the 15th.

[Dayle in Guatemala]

I've gone when it's something I strongly believe in. If I were in the US right now and was able to attend a Tea Party, I would. I would, and have, brought my dc when I knew it would be peaceful. I think it's an important part of the process to use your voice in different ways--calling your congressperson or senator, writing letters, volunteering, public protesting, and voting. All important!

[Peek a Boo]

The phrasing of this made me laugh. (Thank you! I needed it!) But, in general, I agree. I tend to lose respect for the cause when I see folks pressing children into service in that way.

 

 

ah...yes.

I'm pretty much w/ katilac.

I agree the kids need to be able to articulate their own thoughts.

 

I took my 5yo to an anti-abortion rally after he was looking over my shoulder at a pic in a human development college text of a 12-week fetus and he asked "is that baby praying?" [the way the arms were pictured]. I hadn't thought of it that way before, and told him we simply can't know.

 

We put that pic on a sign and I let him write the question on it.

i think that was plenty.

[Vida Winter]

There is one coming in my neck of the woods and I thought about joining. Of course, I would have to take my brood with me. Would you do it? Have you done it? What was it like?

 

I haven't only because I live in the sticks. If I were near a Tea Party type protest I would absolutely take my kids. They have been very peaceful. And not even covered (much) by the media!

[Cindyg]

...as we are planning to attend the Dallas Texas Tea Party Tax Day protest on April 15th.

 

Oh! My husband is speaking! I'll be there. It had better be peaceful!

[Soph the vet]

We are definitely attending the Tea Party on April 15th. My dc may even dress up in Revolutionary garb, if I can find some. They get it. It's not hard to get, even for their ages. I took them to the March for Life at the Capitol on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade as well, they get it better than some adults.

[Janet in Toronto]

We attended the anti-war rally on the Mall in January 2003 (MLK weekend) when we were visiting my brother in DC. My boys were 11 and 8 and it was a terrific experience that I would do again in a heartbeat.

[ilovemy4kids]

Hillary,

I noticed you are in KS, we are too. We will be attending one on the 15th as well. Perhaps it will be the same one. We live just south of overland park.

 

blessings

Sandra