Just how effective are reform rallies and town hall meetings?

[Maricel Evasco]

 

I've always wondered about this: Just how effective are reform rallies and town hall meetings?

 

I know they promote community activism which is a good thing, but are most rallies effective in getting their point across? I am quite annoyed by the silent, but steadfast rallying on the crossroads

of Rt 59 and Middletown Road between the Support the Troops vs Pull out the Troops factions. I'm beginning to believe they are standing on the curb as a form of social gathering and attention getting tactic. I know my son and his friends HONK (for Peace) just for the thrill of it, not because they are supporting one group.

 

I especially hate the PRO LIFE vs PRO CHOICE rallying at the crossroads of New Clarkstown Road and Foreman Drive.

 

Do those damn rallies work???????????

[Snagg]

They probably do, but in subtle, complex, unquantifiable ways - As in how they gradually or eventually influence the way an observer may vote, or change the channel, or raise their children.

[Wendel]

I don't think so.  I think that many people go to those events, or view them, with their minds already made up.  I know that I do.

[Apposite]

Birds of a feather come together and create voting blocks that get listened to. Such meetings provide the means for activism and give voice. There are any number of national organizations that have done this.