Protesting, etc...

You know what I think is funny, in a cruel and ironic kind of way? Violent protests or demonstrations. Sometimes the human race can be so dumb, it is almost unbelievable. I think that protest is a great thing. It excercises our right as Americans to freedom of speech, among other things. But seriously, if you want someone to listen to your side, don't be violent. Who is going to agree with your points if people are getting hurt and property is getting destroyed. Granted, whoever you are protesting may not listen to you even if you are peacful, but they will be more likely to. Plus violence gives your cause a bad name. For example, I heard about some rallys in Africa where riot police were called in and a couple hundred people got arrest for being violent. And in Scotland where the meeting is being held, people are putting up signs of support for the causes (end to African poverty, etc...) in their shop windows to save their businesses from being vandalized by rioters. If I was not already in support of this cause I might second guess myself. What are these people trying to support with violence? I would say to myself. Maybe they don't need as much money as they are asking for. I'm not condemning all protesters. Like I said, demonstrations are great. They give the people a voice.