New-York/charred-body-found-Prospect-park-walking-path-article. Most symbolic protest acts leave me cold. Oftentimes, it seems the focus is just a little bit off, the event is more about the actor and the act, rather than the cause.

David Buckel demonstrated a level of commitment that I urge other activists of his ilk consider emulating. Please don’t think I am criticizing, as a first step I applaud his efforts to point the way. However, I also see a missed opportunity. As an individual, Buckel demonstrated his selfless dedication to his cause. Imagine the same act as part of a mass protest. Here are some suggestions:

Black Lives Matter

One hundred plus protestors show up at the Brooklyn Bridge at dawn, each equipped with the own length of hemp rope with a hangman’s noose.  Each person ties into the bridge and upon a coordinated signal the entire group jumps on command. Added features, Sonny Rollins, famed Jazz saxophonist lives in the area. Assuming that the protestors and Mr Rollins can coordinate schedules, have Mr Rollins play Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” during the event.

One problem with an event, such as the one described above is it’s relatively short duration. Further investigation needs to be done to see if “Bungee Cords” can be substituted for the hemp rope. It should work, after all, it is the sudden stop that does the trick. With differences in weight, length of fall and flexibility of the bungee cord, the duration of bouncing corpses ought to go on for some time. This would create a more satisfying TV moment.

Free Willy, Support Greenpeace

One other event comes to mind, a 5K swim in San Francisco Bay. Prior to the race officials chum the waters of the bay with the detritus of San Francisco slaughterhouses. Each swimmer has a ten-pound chuck roast to carry. This event combines the spectacle of the Roman Coliseum with the promise of plenty of action, long enough to accommodate several commercial breaks.

The possibilities are endless, as are the possible participants.  Show the world you care! Volunteer and make a difference, think globally, act locally. Don’t let Mr Buckel’s death be in vain.  Stand up for your birthright and seize your fifteen minutes of fame! Prove your parents wrong. Show them that you are capable of following up.                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.