# Tree huggin' dirt worshipping protestors... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 15, 2008, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734 "2008-09-15T20:17:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Hyperelastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/21 "2008-09-15T22:16:00Z")
I think we’ve all seen, and perhaps known, people for whom the act of protest is less about issues and more about enhancing their self-image as groovy, enlightened outsiders. There are probably schisms in these movements between the people who really want change and the people who would sort of be happy if the status quo were preserved, therefore giving them something to protest. There are going to be a whole lot of Jesse Jackson-type old line black activists who are going to be secretly disappointed if Obama wins. I believe this explains the wacky antics of Jeremiah Wright. It’ll be hard to rail against the honky power structure if the president is black. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/22 "2008-09-15T22:24:07Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > What’s their position on washing machines? Sitting on top, man, on top. It’s like, when it’s on the spin cycle, it’s like, it’s kinda jiggling you about, it’s… woah. Buzzy. Heh heh. Got any pizza? ---
**Author:** ![Some\_FNG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@Some\_FNG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Some_FNG)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/23 "2008-09-15T22:31:15Z")
Well, the pile-on was quick and predictable…😛 To answer some points in no particular order… Yes, I have played in the water while high, it is fun. Yes, I am somewhat conservative in parts of my personal philosophy. I believe in personal responsilibilty, fiscal prudence and a small government. I lean more progressively on abortion/reproductive rights, environmental issues and a more non-aggressive foreign policy. I’ve not yet made up my mind on who gets my presidential vote- Obama strikes me as an inexperienced empty suit and McCain has but one platform (didja know he was a POW?:rolleyes:). As to the intelligensia… well, if the moniker fits, then wear it and wear it proudly. But if you don’t want to be the useful idiot of whatever political agenda that you hold dearest, then perhaps you ought to question it more thoroughly. As to the guy who doesn’t believe me… why is it unbelievable that an environmentally conscious protestor would arrive on scene in a Mercedes? Is it because it is reasonably and visually incongruant with their self-proclaimed beliefs? Even the exalted Jerry Garcia had a 7-series BMW… ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/24 "2008-09-15T22:35:19Z")
> [@Hyperelastic](#): > > It’ll be hard to rail against the honky power structure if the president is black. No, they’ll just call him an Uncle Tom or a House Nigger or whatever crap they come up with next week. Movement Freaks always find reasons to harass people who want to erode their power base. (It’s interesting how none of the Movement Freaks seem to realize they exist at the pleasure of the majority and could be destroyed utterly with a relatively minor shift in sentiment. PETA in particular refuses to take the hint.) ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/25 "2008-09-15T22:44:31Z")
> [@Some\_FNG](#): > > As to the guy who doesn’t believe me… why is it unbelievable that an environmentally conscious protestor would arrive on scene in a Mercedes? Is it because it is reasonably and visually incongruant with their self-proclaimed beliefs? I didn’t say it was unbelievable. I said, more precisely, that i don’t believe _you_. It’s amazing that morons who indulge in stupid rants against “tree-huggers,” and who use words like “intelligentsia” as a pejorative, always happen to find environmentalists who also drive large European cars. I’m not saying it never happens; i’m just saying i don’t believe you in this case, because your whole post smacks of idiocy and exaggeration. Happy now? > [@Some\_FNG](#): > > Even the exalted Jerry Garcia had a 7-series BMW… So fucking what? All Jerry Garcia is to me is a famous musician. How is that relevant to your point about environmentalism? ---
**Author:** ![Avumede](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/avumede/32/7235_2.png) [@Avumede](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avumede)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/26 "2008-09-16T00:11:00Z")
So they were smelly and drove Mercedes? That seems unusual. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/27 "2008-09-16T01:48:31Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Are they still having trouble with acid rain in Upstate New York? Poorly scrubbed\* coal fired plants far away from Upstate New York did a hell of a lot of damage some time back. There is a reason the protestors consider it their issue, too. > > - > - Note the qualifier. I’m sure this plant is better and that **Una** will be along to edumacate me all about modern scrubbing systems. The coal plant in question is going to put out almost zero acid rain emissions, and given the prevailing winds likely none of them would reach New York. In this case the protesters are targeting carbon emissions, as it impacts the whole damn planet. Largely, they’re upset that the plant won’t be “carbon capture ready”, which is a somewhat dishonest argument since 1) there is no carbon capture system made which could scrub a plant that size (yet), and 2) WHEN they become available, almost any coal plant can have CCS installed as a retrofit. On the other hand, their base argument is sound, the plant will indeed release lots of carbon emissions to the environment. On the other hand, that part of Virginia is looking pretty tight for electrical reserves, and the projections I’ve seen show that something has to be done or else there will be power shortages, and serious ones, by 2015. On the other hand, a nuclear plant would be a better way to address that for several reasons. On the other hand, most of the mainstream environmental activists aren’t any happier with that… ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/28 "2008-09-16T02:11:57Z")
> [@Some\_FNG](#): > > Well, the pile-on was quick and predictable…😛 I believe this is perfectly analogous to making a mountain out of a molehill. I see no pile-up. ---
**Author:** ![Rhubarb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/59ef9b/32.png) [@Rhubarb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhubarb)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/29 "2008-09-16T03:24:30Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I believe this is perfectly analogous to making a mountain out of a molehill. I see no pile-up. Agreed, seems rather weak to call it a pile-on. Perhaps the poster could come back and claim to be in favor of declawing outdoor cats in urban environments, but is anti- spaying and neutering? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/30 "2008-09-16T05:43:49Z")
Yeah, that’s not a pile-on. You’ll KNOW when you get piled-on. We take our pile-ons very seriously around these parts. You can’t just come strolling in, hey look at me, I’m the FNG, pile-on me already! You have to earn your pile-on, son. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/31 "2008-09-16T06:20:30Z")
> [@Hyperelastic](#): > > I think we’ve all seen, and perhaps known, people for whom the act of protest is less about issues and more about enhancing their self-image as groovy, enlightened outsiders. Oh, I’ve seen a whole \*generation \*that fits that description. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/32 "2008-09-16T06:35:50Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > Yeah, that’s not a pile-on. You’ll KNOW when you get piled-on. We take our pile-ons very seriously around these parts. You can’t just come strolling in, hey look at me, I’m the FNG, pile-on me already! You have to earn your pile-on, son. Yeah. Anybody remember the pile-on of…oh, musta been ought-oh or ought-one or so? Dayum, that was a pile-on. Kids today with their I-pods and I-phones and I-don’t know-what-alls just don’t know what a good pile-on is. Round here, you know when you get piled on, son, and this ain’t it. Grumble, grumble, grumble. [Hitches pants up around armpits] And get off my lawn! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/33 "2008-09-16T12:45:34Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > MLK et al were really different than ACT-UP and the tree-hugger types. They were peaceful and well groomed. The public was horrified to see them being set upon by hoses and dogs. Point of order: an unwashed hippie is cleaned up much more effectively by hoses than by setting dogs on him, even friendly dogs. Dog drool is hardly an improvement. Sailboat ---
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/34 "2008-09-16T12:47:16Z")
> [@Some\_FNG](#): > > There’s nothing wrong with upstate NY per se, but when Pippie the Protestor from Ithaca, NY drives 10+ hours to Jerkwater, VA to \*lecture me on my local issues \*it just doesn’t ring true. Perhaps he and his agenda would be better served working his own local scene? I have a friend who used to work for an environmental organization in east Tennessee that fought mountain-top removal. They spent _years_ working with local communities to establish trust and goodwill. He was absolutely furious when Earth First decided to come “help” with some direct action protests. In a matter of weeks, the Earth Firsters had undone a lot of the community-building his organization had been working on for so long. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/35 "2008-09-16T13:05:37Z")
Oh, _Ithaca_. We have nothing to do with them. And I certainly believe he was everything the OP says. There’s plenty of unwashed heathens around here driving their daddy’s BMWs. Mostly from the City. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/36 "2008-09-16T13:08:16Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > I root for the police to kick their trustrifarian asses. Sorry, what was that you said about growing up? ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/37 "2008-09-16T13:10:51Z")
> [@Some\_FNG](#): > > There’s nothing wrong with upstate NY per se, but when Pippie the Protestor from Ithaca, NY drives 10+ hours to Jerkwater, VA to \*lecture me on my local issues \*it just doesn’t ring true. Perhaps he and his agenda would be better served working his own local scene? If Pippie drove down there in a Mercedes, she isn’t an Ithaca native; she’s going to Cornell or Ithaca College, and got caught up in the hippie-dippie atmosphere of the Commons. Probably goes to Felicia’s Atomic Lounge too. Mumble mumble mumble…Get off my lawn. ---
**Author:** ![Subway\_Prophet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecb155/32.png) [@Subway\_Prophet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subway_Prophet)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/38 "2008-09-16T13:21:25Z")
> [@Some\_FNG](#): > > Plus, too and also Upvoted for the usage of “plus, too and also”. I really must use this in conversation today. Um, upvoted. Upvote, you! Dammit, where’s the little upvote button? _looks at webpage title_ Whoops, I thought I was on Digg for a moment. :smack: My bad. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/39 "2008-09-16T14:00:00Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Oh, _Ithaca_. We have nothing to do with them. This led a friend of mine to design [these shirts.](http://www.cafepress.com/cityofevil) ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734/40 "2008-09-16T14:50:04Z")
> [@Una\_Persson](#): > > On the other hand, a nuclear plant would be a better way to address that for several reasons. I’m telling your boss you said that. 😉 Yeah, I knew that about the winds. NY gets the Midwest’s sulfur dioxide. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-huggin-dirt-worshipping-protestors/463734.md?page=3)