Greenpeace are morons

[Papa_Complex]

Nineteen activists, linked to Greenpeace, have climbed onto the Canadian Parliament buildings and hung a banner from the eaves stating, "Harper and Ignatieff: Climate inaction costs lives." They are being arrested at the moment.

So what does this do to enhance their credibility?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Nineteen activists, linked to Greenpeace, have climbed onto the Canadian Parliament buildings and hung a banner from the eaves stating, "Harper and Ignatieff: Climate inaction costs lives." They are being arrested at the moment.

So what does this do to enhance their credibility?

Nothing, but that question isn't pertinent anyway. The real question is what do they THINK this does to enhance their credibility. My guess is they think it demonstrates they are true "eco-warriors" or some such bullshit, has raised awareness and hence pressure among the population of Canada, and shown Harper and Ignatieff that the public cares deeply and will hold them accountable for what happens in Copenhagen. This belief would confirm your premise, these people are morons.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by goof2

Nothing, but that question isn't pertinent anyway. The real question is what do they THINK this does to enhance their credibility. My guess is they think it demonstrates they are true "eco-warriors" or some such bullshit, has raised awareness and hence pressure among the population of Canada, and shown Harper and Ignatieff that the public cares deeply and will hold them accountable for what happens in Copenhagen. This belief would confirm your premise, these people are morons.

"Eco-Warriors." Just one word away from "Eco-Terrorists."

You're likely right that they've deluded themselves into thinking it shows how hard they are.

[Trip]

At least they figured out the "blame canada" part.

[Tmall]

Terrorist? That's a huge stretch.

At least they're doing something. Instead of bitching about it on the internet like most activists..

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Tmall

Terrorist? That's a huge stretch.

At least they're doing something. Instead of bitching about it on the internet like most activists..

Please note that I wasn't calling them eco-terrorists.

What they're doing is getting arrested and ruining whatever remaining credibility they have. Doing something negative is worse than doing nothing.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by Tmall

Terrorist? That's a huge stretch.

At least they're doing something. Instead of bitching about it on the internet like most activists..

Not terrorists, just trespassers vandilizing public/private property.

[Apoc]

As much as I hate em, they didnt hurt anything

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Apoc

As much as I hate em, they didnt hurt anything

They made someone have to go up and get them, and the crap banner that they hoisted.

Originally Posted by Tmall

Isn't that the idea of activism? You create a scene/drama to draw attention to your cause.

I think a bigger disappointment to green peace would be to not be in the headlines.

They're not spreading the word of god here. They're trying to effect change, and that doesn't happen from writing letters and playing by the rules.

I still think they're idiots. But, they're at least doing something..

You would be amazed at what you can get done by playing by the rules. When you act outside of them, in the manner depicted in this thread, you are throwing out any hope of being taken seriously in serious negotiations.

In short, you are using your political capital for kindling.

[Apoc]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

They made someone have to go up and get them, and the crap banner that they hoisted.



You would be amazed at what you can get done by playing by the rules. When you act outside of them, in the manner depicted in this thread, you are throwing out any hope of being taken seriously in serious negotiations.

In short, you are using your political capital for kindling.

They did exactly what they intended to. They got noticed. They knew they would get arrested, they knew it would be in the news, and that is what they were aiming for.

Dont get me wrong, I think they are asshats too. But they havent done anything to hurt anyone by doing this. Sure, its too bad none of them fell off (or were pushed), but its not like they were up there with a sniper rifle.

(and yes, I do hate greenpeace as much as anyone, but im just putting it in perspective)