First, My Definition Counter-protest: an organized response, on the same day, at the same time and in the same place as a previously planned protest. Now, My Argument Counter-protests, by their very nature, escalate the risk of violence, and are therefore a less desirable tactic where the ends do not justify the means. The Issue Is…
Violence in any from should never be a part of the “plan.”
But self-defense should be.
Not voicing your opinion and not protesting publically, permits the opposition to become emboldened.
Anti-Fascists, pro-peace activists, etc. should attempt to overwhelm the opposition with live bodies at counter-protests at every opportunity for a couple of reasons.
>Street theater is a blast.
>A massive politicized electorate is a requirement for good governance.
Protests and counter-protests are necessary tools.
Without them we would never have had a vibrant labor movement in this country.
Participate.
Join the parade. Dress up as the Village People, or in clown suits and monkey costumes, or those cute cute little army suits with the pegged pants with the poofy butt; bring bells, whistles, kazoos: bang on bongos like chimpanzees. Dance around, have fun.
Carry a gun.
Personally I think both protests and counter-protests are boondoggles. Tend to think of something the myth Jesus supposedly said about those who love to stand on streetcorners and love to be seen: they have their reward (Matt 5:5,6). ‘Course I’ve been down that road once or twice before, long ago. Don’t see where anything’s changed.
Back at ya with Matt 5:8 and 9.
Where is Abbie Hoffman when we really need him? This Yippie threw marshmallows at the riot police on Washington Avenue at the University of Minnesota and has never regretted it for even a moment. The abject stupidity of the response closed the campus.