On Thursday more than two dozen protesters locked arms to block traffic in both directions on I-93, some of them linking to each other through the belly of a drum filled with concrete. Almost instantly, drivers, passengers, and online interlopers took turns complaining about the “criminals” and “thugs” on the highway. Some compared the blockade to a hostage situation or terrorism.
Since tweets by Massachusetts State Police Trooper Dustin Fitch perfectly encompassed some of the common sentiments and cliches, I wrote some responses to his points. Disclaimer: I don’t speak for anyone who was on the pavement, but I should be able to clear a few things up …
If you’re going to protest, there is a time and safe place to do it. We encourage lawful assembly.
— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) January 15, 2015
Contrary to the belief of those with no experience in or knowledge of direct action, safety is a number one priority for activists in these scenarios. They go through trainings that include the history of comparable protests, and brace for the serious risk that comes with the various ways that authorities might physically interact with them. Also important: These protesters were unarmed. Their objective is to disrupt the status quo in order to send a message, and to make sure that the message will not be ignored.
As for “lawful” … What does that mean anyway? This is the refrain of those who essentially believe demonstrators should hold signs in places that will never inconvenience pedestrians or motorists. Protests should be symbolic, and they should maintain a presence that can be acknowledged by the public and by politicians. Furthermore, what is “lawful” is not always right. The law is created by people with power and money, and is often used as a tool of oppression, as we’ve seen with stop-and-frisk policies and three strikes legislation. If those laws are status quo, there’s no reason for pols to make changes. But a little disruption to a morning commute? That can help level the playing field.
And where do you find 1200 pound barrels to bring on highway? Avoid the area if u are a commuter. #MAtraffic is backing up! #Protesters
— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) January 15, 2015
I don’t know where they found those drums, but you might be wondering what they did exactly. The devices are called “lockboxes,” they’re standard industrial barrels with holes in the sides, and they’ve been used in similar actions for years. The holes are fitted with large pipes that protesters can put their arms through. Concrete is poured in around the pipes to make them cumbersome, and protesters can then thread their arms though and lock-in. This makes it difficult for authorities to remove protesters, and there is a risk of injury in the process.
Thought we talked about this folks, no disrupting traffic. #Protesters shut down I-93NB in #Milton & 93SB in #Medford. What does this prove? — Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) January 15, 2015
I could write a whole column on the paternalism of that first bit, but I’ll focus on the bigger message: What does this prove? So much. It proves that what we refer to as the status quo is not a foundation, but rather a delicate balance based on complicity and oppression. Now think about this: A couple dozen people disrupted the operations of thousands. That’s proof of the power of the people.
Don’t forget this was a peaceful protest—traffic is not a weapon. Society functions on an unspoken agreement of passivity, and society is also full of shit. People can gripe and groan about their extended commutes, they can get accustomed to the inconvenience, or they can help stand up for justice. The traffic jam can end if they want it to.
