Doth Protest Too Much

It seems that almost every government funded or sponsored event sees a group of protesters protesting against their pet issue. I hasten to say that while protesting is a right and in its way has impact, I am finding it less and less impressive since it is no longer a group of every day folks gathering to express their problems. Protest is now prepped by hired professionals. They make their money doing it.  They organize the use of doo dads that must cost something: caps, tee shirts, signs and so on. The police departments have to use up more tax payer's funds than what the event requires, to see that protesters  don't get out of hand and cause serious damage. How would you like your policeperson husband, mother, father, daughter or son facing a yelling, fierce-looking, sign and stick crowd? Protest Pros of course hold meetings to indoctrinate their clients on the correct how-tos, thus making protest all the more ridiculously artificial. I am weary of protests frankly. Surely there must be some other way to get  complaints across without raining on everyone else's parade? Most of us just want to enjoy a time to see and celebrate an event planned, one not meant to offend, but to enjoy. Surely, there are other ways to get a protest point put forward. Why not spend the money on hiring a hall with speakers and forums, or putting on your own planned party to tell us about your cause. Don't come around and make your business, destroying what a lot of other people's efforts, those who have spent time and energy to create a worthwhile event.  Our country recently  had what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime party to celebrate its age and accomplishments. Some, who had other issues to present, did it informing organizers of their intent. That kind of  ideal "protest" was recognized for its honour because it was done with careful thought and dignity and welcomed as such. But not all others have that kind of insight. Fortunately at this event that sort of thing didn't happen but the post complaints now roll in. Naturally, whole hoards of citizens wanted to be present at the country's huge bash. Naturally, there are overwhelming numbers of those wanting to join in but, of course, there are limits. Naturally, there are only so many folks that can be accommodated. It's a big country. The post celebration belly-achings begin and the media is right there to pick up on the negatives. It sells, as always, and unfortunately, far more widely than positives. This is a large and growing country, one of the finest, and still we hear such silliness as: "we had to wait in line", "I came all this way" and "there wasn't enough ... for me". Me? How about looking at the larger picture.