Protests create dynamic convention environment

Frntiersman editorial board

On the eve of the Republican National Convention, New York City streets were clogged with protesters chanting, "No more Bush." The protest march was largely organized by film producer Michael Moore and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The protesters took issue with the war in Iraq, President George Bush's economic policies and a host of other concerns. Though there were about 100 arrests, the protest was peaceful and was met with only mild resistance.

While this scene may cause some discomfort for the delegates attending the convention, it is actually a good sign that democracy is alive and well in the U.S.

For many months following the attacks of 9/11, and lingering still today, there was a sense that any disagreement with Bush policy or any questioning of U.S. policy in general was somehow unpatriotic.

In fact, a patriot in a free country is one who takes pride in the successes and strengths of his country, but also acknowledges the weaknesses and failures -- and seeks to remedy them.

We may not all agree about what those weaknesses and failures are, but we are protected by the Constitution to seek a consensus through public debate. Peaceful protest is one part of that discourse.

The Republican Party, now embarking on its biggest event of the campaign season, has the opportunity to turn the potential negative of these protests into something positive.

Though the people marching outside the convention do not agree with those celebrating the Bush nomination inside, both groups are simultaneously voicing their beliefs under the same protection. If the protests continue throughout the convention, and as long as they remain peaceful, it will create a dynamic environment that can serve as a celebration of all the things the president is sworn to protect and defend.

The speakers inside the convention may choose to take issue with the protesters, or simply ignore them. The speakers could also choose to acknowledge the protesters, and congratulate them for having the courage and conviction to voice their opinions.

The point of the convention is to nominate a candidate from the Republican party, but the point of the campaign season -- the larger point -- is to elect the best people to office. These kinds of public debates strengthen our ability to do that. The democratic process is most beautiful when it's at its ugliest.