Protesting for Dummies

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -- The First Amendment to the United States Constitution

A lot of people share a common misconception that all protesters are frothing at the mouth lunatics.

Unfortunately, it's the extremists that stir worry and controversy throughout the world.

There are a lot of protesters out there that get behind good causes, spreading messages of hope peacefully. That's what the First Amendment is all about, after all.

Nevertheless, you'll undoubtedly turn on your television or pick up a newspaper this week and read about a violation of some protesters' civil liberties.

Why does this happen?

It's true that a working democracy cannot employ excessive force, abuse or false arrest by law enforcement, but extremist rhetoric should not be tolerated--especially when it utilizes hate propaganda.

When I say hate propaganda, I'm not implying dislike toward a political party or leader; but hatred towards a religious group, race of people or gender.

The kind of hatred that fuels violence--the antithesis of the First Ammendment "the right of the people peaceably to assemble."

Over the course of the past year, I have seen many protesters that were dummies. When I say dummy, I mean it in every sense of the word.

These extremists that I refer to should refer to protesting for dummies, perhaps it can help them work out some of their problems and avoid lengthy arrest records.

The Guide to Protesting for Dummies:

1. Hurting yourself or others will not bring recognition to your cause. It will only bring pain to you and others, not to mention a possible prison sentence.

2. Those who depict hate and commit violent acts are those who deserve the loudest protest.

3. There's power in numbers, but credibility is just as powerful. You are the company that you keep.

4. Once you break the law, your right to protest ends.

5. You have your rights and your fellow Americans have theirs. Respect the rights of others.

6. Do not drag your children into your protests. Let them form their own set of beliefs.

7. Support a causes that you care about and don't be a hypocrite.