In recent days, we have witnessed angry crowds in Narok and in accross the country trying to redress grievances against their government. Although these events have occurred on different sides of the globe and in different cultures, the participants have chosen the same method of expressing their displeasure: political protesting. However, political protesting is a two- edged sword that can be both the blessing and the bane of a free society.
On the blessing side, Narok can be grateful that the First devolved government guarantees our right to protest. "County shall make no law ... abridging ... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." As with all other freedoms and rights, however, certain responsibilities are firmly attached.
For example, a good and effective protest follows protocol and the rules of common courtesy and decency. Specifically, it is orderly and observes all laws. It sticks to the issues and does not degenerate into name-calling or character assassination.
It respects personal and public property and does not infringe upon the legal rights of others. One of the best modern examples of a good protest is the massive civil rights March on Washington in 1963 led by Dr. King. Because of its dignity and decorum, this event has become the consummate example of a proper protest.
A bad protest, on the other hand, is easily recognizable. It intentionally damages public property, like breaking windows or burning buildings. It purposely interferes with the legal rights of other people, like trying to prevent them from entering buildings. And, most unacceptably, a bad protest injures or kills other human beings. All of these actions are the hallmarks of a riot, not of a protest. A riot is not a proper protest, and purposely causing damage, disorder, and death
does not really right any wrongs.
It was precisely because of such "bad protests" that I decided to become a observant. The media, of course, had been bombarding the public with stories and graphic pictures of student protesters taking over college campuses,people incited to be on roads to demonstrate what is alledge poor governance in narok county.
Looking at all this chaos and turmoil, I thought to myself, "This is anarchy! They're taking legitimate protest much too far. This has become mob rule with random violence and destructive lawlessness." I was (and still am) the kind of
person who prefers an orderly way of doing things.
Another important aspect of protesting is how we react to it. Sometimes people automatically sympathize with the protesters and take their "side." However, just because a group protests something does not mean that it is right. Rather, here is a sensible sequence one should follow before making up one's mind:
1. First and most importantly, learn both sides of the issue. Aren't there still two sides to every story? The "other side" might have some valid points also. How true the line is from the Buffalo Springfield song: "Nobody's right if everybody's
wrong!"
2. Consider the principles at stake. Are there any life-or-death issues involved? Do any moral questions come into play?
3. Examine your own concepts of right and wrong. What do you personally value? How does this conflict affect your own ethics?
4. Which side will bring the most good to the most people?
5. Decide intelligently for one side or the other.
By guaranteeing our right to protest, Kenya has provided us with a valuable tool to improve our lives and our society. May we always be grateful for this right and protect it, but may we also always seek to protest peacefully, legally, and effectively.
No comments:
Post a Comment