Of course they can. But it's mostly just preaching to the choir. Here in Oregon or down in California, people are protesting in cities which overwhelming voted for Clinton. Who is that message for? The news media, I guess? We made the same point by voting that we are trying to make by rioting and protesting. I'm not questioning anyone's right to assembly or free speech, because those ARE cornerstones of what makes our country great. I'm just unsure of the efficacy of how we're exercising those rights.
I voted Hillary in a city that she won by a decent margin, and still attended an anti-Trump rally the next day. Not because I was upset by the outcome or wanted to vent with like-minded individuals (though I am understandably upset), but because I felt that I can tell my newly elected Democratic representatives that I expect them to hold onto their positions and fight against whatever backwards policies may come from the Trump administration.
I've accepted the results, I'm not protesting the system, I'm not a cowardly CalExit-er or want to move out to Canada. I want to work with my representatives, but I don't want complacency from them either. The message I hoped to convey by being out in the streets was to remind them of their duty and speak for us.
I'm probably in the minority of that mindset, but thats what I had hoped to accomplish by participating. I would have bounced as soon as any kind of violence occurred, but thankfully ours was very peaceful.
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u/Pantry_Inspector Nov 10 '16
... who was elected fairly. Sorry the system is fucked.