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We all realize that there is no direct measurable effect on government from signing these petitions. And we also realize that signing these petitions and then t

We all realize that there is no direct measurable effect on government from signing these petitions. And we also realize that signing these petitions and then taking no further action does not make you a hero. But for god's sake, stop posting about how they're useless every time someone starts talking about one. First off, we get it, some people think they're painfully useless. Second off, just because you can't see any direct effect, or just because the effect wasn't exactly what you wanted it to be, doesn't make them useless. They are a good tool for rallying support behind an idea. They are a good tool for spreading awareness. They are a good tool for getting a cause a little bit of noticeably. They are a good tool for collecting thoughts in a coherent matter so they may be further discussed. TLDR: We get it. You don't get petitions. Please figure it out or stop complaining. You're not helping a goddamn thing.

mark_l_watson 14y ago
+1 Right on. I agree that the petition will do little practical good but I still signed it and sent a request to my family and friends to do the same.
rhizome 14y ago
I speak up and say they're bad because I think signing these petitions uses up what little political activity the typical citizen is willing to exert. If they sign this, they're goign to be less likely to pressure their representatives directly, which, as we've seen from lobbyists, is the only way to get anything done.
- aneth4 14y ago
  On the other hand, these petitions spread awareness to far more people, educate them to start researching, and may instigate further action and discussion. You say that his is "using up" what little people are willing to do... (and what are you doing?) Being against a small step in favor of an unstated big step does not make you a hero.
  - rhizome 14y ago
    educate them to start researching, and may instigate further action and discussion. In my experience, this is a highly optimistic prediction.

mark_l_watson 14y ago

+1 Right on. I agree that the petition will do little practical good but I still signed it and sent a request to my family and friends to do the same.

rhizome 14y ago

I speak up and say they're bad because I think signing these petitions uses up what little political activity the typical citizen is willing to exert. If they sign this, they're goign to be less likely to pressure their representatives directly, which, as we've seen from lobbyists, is the only way to get anything done.

aneth4 14y ago
On the other hand, these petitions spread awareness to far more people, educate them to start researching, and may instigate further action and discussion. You say that his is "using up" what little people are willing to do... (and what are you doing?) Being against a small step in favor of an unstated big step does not make you a hero.
- rhizome 14y ago
  educate them to start researching, and may instigate further action and discussion. In my experience, this is a highly optimistic prediction.