Why was the Turnout so Low at this Year’s Rally in the Valley?

Why was the Turnout so Low at this Year’s Rally in the Valley?
By Mike Rhodes

Attendance was down at the Rally in the Valley, which marked the third year of war in Iraq. Last year about 600 people attended the event in Courthouse Park in downtown Fresno. Last Saturday about 300 participants held a rally which started on the corner of Shaw and Cedar, they marched to the Free Speech Area at CSU-Fresno, and listened as several speakers call for an end to the war. There were also musicians on stage and many community groups set up literature tables. Photos and a story about the Rally in the Valley are available here: http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/03/1808674.php

Fresno was not the only community to experience smaller crowds at an anti-war event this year. With opposition to the war at an all time high, why is attendance at anti-war events so low? I asked this question to some activists in the Fresno Area. The question I asked was:

If you did NOT attend the Rally in the Valley (or go to S.F. for the big demo there, which was also smaller than expected) I would like to know why.

Was CSUF a bad location to hold this event?
Do you feel that demonstrations and marches against the war are not effective?
Was the threat of rain a factor?
Was there another reason why you did not attend the Rally in the Valley?

Here is what they wrote:

I will confess that I did not attend. Unfortunately I had prior plans that I could not adjust, and it really bummed me out that I could not be there.

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thanks for your email about the protest yesterday. I considered going when I first heard about it months ago (on the CA calendar) but as the date got closer I grew less interested. For me it was several things: 1) I am currently working 60 or more hours per week and once the weekend hits I just want to relax at home, 2) the event seemed "unorganized" for a while, 3) I would probably been at the demonstration had it been in the Tower District, 4) the threat of rain, 5) uncertain that demonstrations are effective anymore.

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staying in with a cold was the main reason. Fresno State is not a real centralized location for people using public transportation, especially on week-ends. I hope this helps.

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This is difficult... I searched my soul about going yesterday and decided against it. I regret to say that I feel a strong sense of futility at this point. It is known by the Bush Band that the majority
of the people in the U.S. and the world are against the war and yet they push on. Also, we need to find a new way of expressing our opposition to the war. Rallies and parades just don't seem to have the same power as they once did--hence the lack of coverage.

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why was the march held at Fresno State on a weekend? Now that Madden Library is closed on Saturdays, there's hardly anyone on campus that day. Heck, you might've gotten a bigger crowd down on Fulton Mall.

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I was out of town.

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Although I vehemently oppose the war, attended several anti-war rallies before the invasion, and listen to NPR and KFCF daily, I did not attend the rally. I am uncomfortable with the "get out immediately" message which dominates the rallies. I understand the arguments to leave now, =
but am still torn about abandoning this horrible mess we created without more effort to salvage some good. I have much more to say but am trying to keep to the briefest response possible to give you some perspective that you deserve to hear. I applaud your anti-war efforts and for =
asking the question. I am sure the low turnout was terribly disappointing and hope you don't despair.

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The prominent leadership locally, regionally and statewide reeks of elitism and lacking grassroots appeal. For example, the upcoming March for Justice which is scheduled for 04/15/06 (Holy Saturday) and here in Reedley 04/14/06(Good Friday), I suggested that the March be organized
and headed by a charismatic, youthful leader. No one listened, it is being headed by the old vanguard of the 60's 70's, who are totally out of touch with real issues.

This rally yesterday, out of Fresno State, how may farm workers did you plan to attract.

Now take for example this upcoming March to End the War in Iraq headed by Fernando Suarez, you got all the combination of success, a charismatic leader is a concrete goal, mission and with a march that will go through the poor parts of the city.

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I would have been there, but I had a wedding to go to.

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I became quite ill late Friday evening... I was very upset that I couldn't make it to the Rally. I too was very surprised that numbers were down world wide.

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Thanks for all the good work you do. As far as why more people don't go to the rallies, I believe im lucky I watch Link Tv, C Span, and Democracy Now, and this helps me to have the incentives to get off my butt and go to these rallies. It takes guts and true commitment to demonstrate in these times , a lot of people are afraid, or there working hard, or it may be the weather, but when the time comes when this war really starts hitting the average American wallet, I think there
will be a flood of people coming to these rallies.

One thing that may help, I think you are already doing it is to have transportation for people to go to these rallies, gas is getting higher and people may not be able to afford the transportation. Keep up the good work

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I don't know what's going on with people. What's it going to take for people to get involved? Even the biggest protests had half as many people. The biggest one looked to be in Venezuela.

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I would have been there out of a sense of obligation but I have a test coming up and am behind with it. I do feel, however, that CSUF is a bad location. It's a downer. You see, there's value in having an event in an open venue where passing motorists can see the action, even if they don't participate and aren't actually counted. CSUF is an enclave where no one can see, albeit the march from Blackstone and Shaw compensating somewhat. Courthouse Park has worked. CSUF historically has not. Additionally, I don't see that it was very well publicized. Not many emails went out that contained a cognizable and encouraging message. (Of course if I had time, I could work to assist. :-)

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hi, we are having a peace gathering anc vigil here in modesto from 12 to 3 at and we want people to bring signs of what we want the world to be. also i was out of town.

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I had heard about rallies all over the world, but nothing about any "Rally In the Valley".

I am getting a lot of email alerts but nothing mentioned this at all. I am in Modesto, but you would think there would be some kind of list that tried to hook people up. The only place I hear about any rallies are in the Stanislaus Connection paper or web site.

There is a lot of military support in this area and lots of Christians who like things their way.

If you could organize a diverse Valley email list it would be a great tool.

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You're right about not having greater attendance at the rally, I would've thought there would be twice as many as last year. There are so many fronts to fight on these days, I was supposed to be in San Francsico yesterday, as part of a focus group that is trying to first identify the many problems that the immigrant community is facing. About a dozen people from all over the state came together to discuss these issues yesterday...

However, since you are asking, who chose CSUF for the rally? Were they hoping more students would participate? I can't speak for the immigrant community but I would think that a centralized demonstration (back at courthouse park) would have been more accessible for everyone, plus this is really where the low income community has a presence (the bus stops here, there are always people walking thru...etc.).

There are a lot of reasons why there weren't many people out there but one factor would go without saying: Who organized the march? Were all the organizations and leaders in town contacted? Whatever happened, the turn out wasn't great and once again, I have to say that there are soooooooo many fronts now, the battles at home are still brewing, there isn't enough time in a day. And where are the leaders of the younger generations? Looks like we all (me included) have more work to do, we need to plan ahead better, network more and find ways to get the people to the rallies....we have to change hearts and minds and we can't do it without a plan.

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Many times in the past 3 years I have felt so much frustration with conducting our lives in this way, you can never really get ahead in the non-profit world, the "good of the community" means nothing in this era of greed & hatred, plus the immigrant community, instead of growing stronger and having a bigger voice, is now so marginalized from attack after attack that it lives in fear of deportation and more repression.

And who gets the bigger slice of the pie? The police, the authorities, the churches....all designed to control and repress even more.

At this point I'm preaching to the converted, so I'll stop right here.

Well, those are my thoughts.

Thank you for asking

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I don't know but here are some thoughts:

Do you have enough compelling presenters to warrant such a long day?

How are people going to decide what parts they want to attend if there is no schedule published in advanced?

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Maybe a more commercially known performer or speaker would help attract people.

Did you try to get advance interviews on major media with your featured speaker? I don't know if the general public knew about the event.

I didn't even hear it announced on KFCF calendar if events. Did KFSR do anything? Is there any possibility on Air America?

Maybe we could tie a murder or rape in with it so we could get it in the Fresno Bee or TV news.

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I am sorry to hear of the low turnout. CSUF is an excellent location for the march; demonstrations are effective. My absence due to conserving energy for prior childcare commitment, plus the rain was a factor for health considerations.

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We were working on the Journey for Justice. We have a meeting today in Fresno at 4 pm. Lots of prep. Nearing the publicity step. We continue to oppose the war.

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Reasons for not attending the Rally in the Valley:

Along with schedule conflicts, it seemed not to be promoted as much this year as last, ie. fliers and news print. I might have made it to the Rally for a short time, if it was at Court House Park. I presumed being at CSUF, that more students would have turned out. Where are our student activists? Is Fresno State that conservative?

I asked (name deleted) why he did not attend. He stated that he didn't hear about the event very much and he doesn't think that anti-war demonstrations have been effective in changing Bush's war stance.

I think that demonstrations do provide individuals a place to express their outrage concerning the war. It also demonstrates to others that it is not ok for this to be happening. I think the longer the war lasts, more people will start attending anti-war demonstrations.

Thanks for your questions. I hope my statements along with others will help with understanding why the lower turn out.

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Did you ask Jim Boren why here was no coverage?

I'm sorry! I should have made a bigger effort.

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I don't like the campus for events as I get older. The walk from available parking is long.
I think the rally is important if for no other reason than to let them know that Dove's still exist in the Valley. I am more threatened by nuclear war than raindrops falling on my head.

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threat of rain didn't help anything, but most of all, it's that I feel that demonstrations and marches against the war are not effective, George Bush has his own agenda and will not hear the American people ... no matter what you do!

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other stuff to do all day...

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I did attend the rally, but felt less urgency to attend than in the past. Here are my thoughts about why turnout might have been a bit low.

1. The weather was definitely a factor in Fresno. The weather was a lot nicer last year. It was not only the threat of rain this year--it was also very cold and windy at times. It was not a great day for an outdoor event of any kind.

2. I think the fact that a solid majority now oppose the war makes these demonstrations seem a bit less urgent to people. At first, part of the point of the demonstrations was to try to bring about a shift in public opinion. That has happened now, and we may have reached the point of diminishing returns. There are some people whose minds will never be changed; perhaps most of the people who are open-minded enough to change their opinion have done so already.

3. Most of the new converts to the anti-war attitude may not be the type to go to demonstrations. The kinds of people likely to demonstrate were already convinced to oppose the war a year or more ago, and I believe they are still with us, in spirit. However, they may not feel as compelled to show up in public as they once did--they have already been there and done that.

Despite the above thoughts, and despite having a head cold, I attended anyway. I invited my students to attend both this year and last year. Last year two attended, this year only one did. Half the turnout--just like the demonstration as a whole. Go figure.

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Maybe people don't care or are afraid to be anti-war. Did you see
this? http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0318-04.htm

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Thanks for asking! And thanks for all you do to keep us in touch and informed here in the Valley, since, as you pointed out, our local media are not up to the task.

Aside from the fact that I am out of work (older worker dumping victim) and was at school to learn a new career yesterday, I've never participated in a demonstration or rally going all the way back to the 60's because for all the demonstrations, war continues and politicians still do whatever they want. It just makes us look like crazies who have nothing better to do with our time.

It's in the voting booth where our power is felt and where we make a difference.

Further "rallies" need to be done by invididuals on ballots.

I have never missed an election in the 30+ years that I have been old enough to vote. Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for too, too many Americans, and especially for young voters, disenfranchised minorities and impoverished people. The current administration and their ilk DEPEND on that to stay in power.

Also, organized fiscal support of the campaigns of liberal and moderate candidates is imperative. Big money is how the right-wingers get ahead, and we need to face the fact that we need greenbacks to beat greenbacks. So, I add to the old saying, "Money talks but bulls*%# walks ON STREET CORNERS CARRYING SIGNS." Instead of wasting time rallying and demonstrating, how about using that time working and donating? That's how the other side does it so successfully.

Instead of standing on street corners shouting like wackos, let's start marking ballots for well-funded, viable candidates who are voted into office by a well-informed electorate.

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It seems like many of the events around the world were not well attended. Is it possible the since Bush's approval ratings are so low that people feel the battle is won? It is also possible that since there is a conspiracy by omission re: local events, that folks just don't know ahead of time there's places they can go like the rally. Even the last anti-NSA wiretap thing done by (name removed) with Move-ON was sparsely attended. How many people would you say came to the rally?

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thanks for your e-mail letter. I also wondered the same thing. I was there but couldn't remain until the end. I would also like to know why there weren't more people there. When you find out the reason please let me know. Thanking you in advance.

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For me it was the weather, i have arthritis and cold and rainy windy stuff stiffens me into a statue of pain. i have also had a sore neck for a few days and even took muscle relaxant pill yesterday so i did not drive after that.

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My family and I were in Long Beach

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I would expect weather, burn out, and location may have all contributed to a smaller than expected turnout. I may be wrong, but I do not see college students in the forefront in opposing Bush's war in Iraq compared to college students in the 1960s and 1970s opposing the war in Viet Nam. If we still had an active draft, that would probably have made a difference.

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I did not go to the Rally in the Valley this year because I was out of town. However, two years ago, we made sure we advertised the Rally in our congregation and a large percentage of our church membership were out there marching, beating drums and then at the Rally. This year, though, I did not promote the Rally in church. Why?
- we are currently going through some tension in our own church and I am not sure it is wise to direct the people to an event where one result may be increased feelings of anger.
- I wonder how effective these protests are at changing the system? Are there other ways to be more effective?
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Thanks for asking my input on not attending.

This month I took over the Media/PR Comte for the rest of '06 campaign, for the Democratic Central Comte and held my first comte meeting all morning. Spent the early afternoon setting up a vol's computer at the Democratic Party Offc, now know as "Democrats In Action", btw.

Don't know where I've been, but I only heard of the event on Thursday or Friday. Some of my comte members did pass on my meeting and went to yours.

Ending the war(s) is the primary concern of mine. It is robbing the U.S. of financial resources (and world and national credibility) needed at home. I guess we all work towards the same end, only with different activities...

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I wanted to be there, but I was chairing the DESSERT for the Silent Auction at my church. I was baking all day Friday and Saturday Some of my church members were at the Rally and
some had to forego it due to their part in the Silent Auction. I would have been there had I been able.

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Honestly, I just plain forgot. I have so many things going on with trying to find a new job and settling back in to Fresno, that I simply ran out of steam and forgot.

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Thanks for the excellent coverage, as always. I did not attend as I'm awaiting back surgery - won't be around for quite awhile but I'm there in spirit.

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I did not attend the Rally, Sat. is always a bad day for me to attend meetings . Sat/s I try to catch up on what needs to be done at home and get me ready for the next week. I personally think some events at Fresno State scare people away.

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Unless marches are really big these days, I doubt their effectiveness. I also suspect that most people are holding their breaths and just waiting for the next election. That is really unfortunate because the lack of a large and vocal anti-war movement could get us some mush-mouthed Democrat who won't take a strong stand against the war.

Unfortunately, I haven't been keeping up with your Calendar and missed the announcement. So I only have myself to blame if I get a Democrat I can't support.

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My excuse was a transportation mix up...

I'm not sure why attendance is so low...I'm thinking that it is because people intuitively know that this regime is going down fast...and it appears now that the entire country is of the same opinion...we have a lot of corrupt people in power...so corrupt that they will not be allowed to continue for long...

I think that the boys will be coming home sooner than later.

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I did not attend the rally because I am Seventh-day Adventist so Saturday is my Sabbath...for what it's worth, I prayed for all of you and your efforts.

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I appreciate your concern. Logic would indicate that according to the latest polls, anti-war sentiment being at an all-time high, more folks would be interested in supporting the cause. However, perhaps a degree of fatigue is a factor, there have been, and continue, to be numerous rallies and demonstrations and often it is the same folks participating. For my part, I am unable to participate in demonstrations, rallies and marches, etc., due to my limited mobility concerns. I am there with you in spirit however.

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Yes, very weird (The lack of coverage from The Fresno Bee), but they do it all the time, mention events in other areas and skip what is happening here.

I went because the Raging Grannies sang. But I would not have been motivated to go otherwise because it was just a repeat of what I had heard before and knew already. 12-4 is a long time. An hour long rally would have been much better. After all, it was just to express our opposition. We already knew everything that was going to be said.

Too many things going on. That's good, but people can't come out to everything. It's the same people who come out. We know there are many people who now agree that Iraq is a mistake. We see many letters in "The Bee" by people we don't recognize. But they obviously don't feel the need to come to a rally. Or maybe we're not reaching them. They don't read The Alliance News or listen to KFCF.

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RESPONDING TO YOUR question about attending the rally. I had been sick before and was way behind on work so I wasn't able to be there, though I wanted to.

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I thought it was great. I was not aware that there were less people. Thanks for your work. The location is fine. Just keep doing what are doing it is making a difference.

I wish we could get AM 790 to announce it. I listen to that station and never heard mention of it.

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First, I very much appreciate the efforts of those who participated.

I was in the mountains for a weekend of recreation with friends. I also feel some fatigue by the ever-grinding war/profit/greed machine, and the huge list of problems to protest. I hope this helps

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I didn't attend because I was unavoidably out of town, but I pondered your question and I have to say honestly that I may not have attended had I been here. For me, it's discouragement. I've been at the SF demos every year until now, but I'm losing faith that we can make a difference. I'm rather ashamed to say that, but since you asked, that's the truth. I'm interested in knowing how others feel; please publish the results of your survey.

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i was there but i want to respond anyway.....

Was CSUF a bad location to hold this event?
i would suggest that fsu was an ok location but there was not very good planning for handling a crowd of even that size...there was nowhere to sit down save the sidewalk...the group keeps getting older....chairs needed!!! just a word or two about "scheduling"...it think it would have
been helpful, by the way, if some of the speakers that were saved till last (when the crowd had broken up ) could have been put earlier...and the people in charge kept getting lost when it was time to announce the next event....that being said, i was honored to have been present at this
wonderful event....i don't want to be a part of NOT being at these events put on by peace fresno...
Do you feel that demonstrations and marches against the war are not effective? street protest MUST continue...my guess is the most effective part of the demonstration in fresno this week end is that we met somewhere and we marched somewhere else....don't forget that next time the event takes place...we must be able to hear people who are "mad as hell," and who are," not going to take it anymore.!

Was the threat of rain a factor?
weather will always be a factor....but in this valley we would have to have some pretty bad weather to keep from gathering to protest....Was there another reason why you did not attend the Rally in the Valley? i was there, but, my guess is that the reason soooo many people didn't
not attend, is that they are reading the news releases about the administration's nutty behavior AND they believe that things are winding down in the middle east so why bother....WHICH THEY ARE NOT!!!! i think that the corporate media is our worst enemy in all this....that is people spend time watching t.v. or reading the bee and not realizing that they are being put to sleep in so doing.... thanks for the effort and thanks for a very good program, over all

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I attended the rally and noticed yesterday's Fresno Bee as well. It seems they are boycotting the peace movement in Fresno. Of course they do publish a weekly garbage in support of the war.

I think Fresno State was a fine location to end the march and hold a rally. Some people were confused and had gone to Balckstone and Shaw. Consistency of the route helps.

My feeling is that while it is good to have local demonstrations and rallies, they should not replace one major central march/demo during the year. A major central show of opposition is quite effective and is reflected in the news nationally and internationally. I don't know why the organizers are substituting local ones for the major central demos. Conspiratorial theories
might claim that it is a strategy to weaken the impact that the opposition could have.

The effect of local demonstrations is more oriented to building the local movement, making participants feel empowered. They are important and should be held regularly.

Saturday's rally was a great event for those who were there. Thanks for all you are doing to help
the movement grow.

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I did not attend because my day was packed with other events, I had to attend the Tulare County Asthma Coalition conference and a bridal shower. I think the weather might have played a factor, but I didn't even know anything about the Rally in the Valley. I knew the 18th was
the international day of action and I figured something was organized in Fresno, but I didn't hear any buzz about it, and I didn't have time to read the Peace and Social Justice calendar this week. Maybe I'm out of touch.

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I think my reason for not attending the Rally in the Valley may reflect other people's disillusion with the horribly disorganized opposition in this country, to a neo-Fascist administration and government.

I've been an activist all my life. I originally come from England and have lived all over the world. But the America I came to 25 years ago doesn't exist anymore. The people aren't educated, and ignorance and fear seem to be the law of the land. They have become a very mean nation. It would not surprise me to see a Republican administration return in 2008. The Democrats have proved that they are not an opposition party. They have been bought and sold in Congress like the Republicans. Most people don't seem to care what is going on any more. So why bother to march anymore? Why even bother to rally? My partner and I have protested and protested. And what did we get for it? Having our home fire bombed and receiving drive by and telephone death threats. If the people of this country want to become third world slaves to the corporations
and a small elite, they are doing a very good job of it. I just don't intend staying here watching the Titanic sink below the waves. I've had enough. The American experiment is a dismal failure.

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Thank you for making this very valid questions. From our side and I dare to put down from the immigrants, we are so busy trying to participate in every activities to oppose the current anti-immigrants bills that are being discussed at the senate that if they become law bill negatively will affect our community badly. We have participated in marches, press conferences, meetings with senators=B9 representatives in Washington D.C. and meetings to plan further activities to who our opposition to these bills and ask for a more comprehensive immigration reform.

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Good idea to follow-up on this. I actually went, but probably wouldn't have if not for Raging Grannies appearance. And I left early. I know a lot of work went into the event and there were great speakers. But what felt most worthwhile was being on the corner out where people could see and hear us. Those of us who are already convinced hear and see so much on the subject already, and it's so hard not to get discouraged with constant reminding. Now there's the long march coming up (Is it this Friday?!) and I don't think it will be particularly effective because I haven't seen much publicity on it. Please don't use my name if you publicize your informal survey because I always feel guilty for not doing enough and criticizing those who do so much just makes me feel more guilty.

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Regarding your query about folks who did not attend the 3rd war anniversary protest, several reasons apply to me: I am no longer of the belief that marches are very useful, unless planned to be massive. There was not such planning for this event. I think that few people are moved by seeing a few other people doing the same old things. Also, the culture of protest is not recognizable to many young people. Feminist Activism students went to the FCNV a month and a half ago to protest the war, and for many of them it was the first time they had ever done such a thing. They felt fearful going into it. Though they reported feeling empowered by standing out on the corner with placards and chanting, they were also disappointed how little favorable response
or interest was generated.

I like the new emphasis on counter-recruiting, and also think that we need new forms of getting attention for our messages. We need guerrilla theater, for example. We also need fora for presenting information to people, information that can't be contained in sign-bites. In my classes, I've discovered that university students are painfully misinformed about what's going on. It takes time to explain even a part of the nature of the misinformation they're receiving. That's why I suggest programs of information. Videos are helpful, too, especially if they are accompanied by discussions, and by incentives for attending.

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I thought it was interesting that The Fresno Bee this morning had an article about events marking the 3 anniversary of the war in Iraq. They had information about events all over world but did not mention the Rally in the Valley here in Fresno. Weird, huh?

I hope you asked for a correction. I see nothing yet as of 1:14 pm PT today (Monday) at http://www.fresnobee.com/corrections/ Was there something in Sacramento, too I don't see anything in their online edition about it.

I can understand that Jim Rosen might not write from the Washington bureau about a Fresno event, but it's pretty outrageous Martin Van Creveld is the only person he quotes raising a larger
issue than when can the troops come home?