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Many of us grew up in the Vietnam-era and got our feet wet protesting an end to that unjustified conflict. We did make a difference that accelerated the end of the war. We knew protesting had value and have taken to the streets since in support of civil rights, climate justice, an end to gun violence and more.

Even the far-right has made effective use of protest as part of the Tea Party and right-to-life movement. Seasoned activists realize, however, that protests are only effective as part of a goal-driven movement. Professor Michael Lipsky wrote an influential article titled “Protest as a Political Resource,� in which he argued that successful movements have clear strategic goals, seek to enlist more powerful individuals in their cause, and connect expressions of discontent to broader political and electoral mobilization.

David Robson wrote for the BBC that nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts. In 1986, millions of Filipinos took to the streets of Manila in peaceful protest and prayer in the People Power Movement. The Marcos’ regime folded on the fourth day.

Protests resulted in the ousters of leaders in Sudan, Algeria and Georgia. At least 3.5 percent of Egyptians protested in the early 2010s, sparking the Arab Spring. The Center for American Progress is among those who conclude that if 3.5 percent of Americans – 12 million people – mobilize to peacefully protest the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration it would virtually be impossible for the government to ignore their demands, including the demand for justice for the Rev. Espinal.

I am a Unitarian Universalist pacifist who follows the teachings of Gandhi. I cannot sit by and watch injustices without doing something. Nothing gives me hope as much as peaceful protest among a diversity of beautiful human beings. I saw that in Easton last Friday. Now, let’s bring Rev. Espinal home.

MARTI MACKENZIE

Centreville