I guess my comments about lack of civility in both sides didn't register as being about both sides clearly enough.

I think they have a right to protest. I think they have a right to civil disobedience. That doesn't mean I think it's very effective or productive. I live near the Federal building in LA so every single protest (whether it's for a cause I support or not) impacts me in a very real way. Westwood traffic is horrible even when there aren't people in the streets.

I feel like I've spoken out many times on this board about the need to get past sloganeering to actually get to some useful dialouge. That goes for protesters. I'm glad when I see people passionate enough to actually do something, but I've never been convinced that protesting is a particularly effective method of achieving dialouge or resolving conflict.

Civil disobedience only gets attention. Once you have people's attention, you'd better have a real message. Not many protesters (pro or anti) do.

Blocking traffic is arguable a hostile act. Expressing the sentiment that you'd like to run them over is fairly hostile (even if you feel justified).

Sounds like both sides need to find a way of reaching out to create meaningful dialouge. This is what I was trying to say.