Commentary: How Low Can it Go?

August 26th, 2008 CoyoteJ Posted in Commentary |

Coyote is a
sometimes playful,
sometimes foolish,
sometimes wise,
archetypal figure
who often
gets into trouble.

It looked like a Civil War battlefield. Coyote could see wounded everywhere, as the protesters were routed, demoralized, and driven from Civic Center Park. Coyote will call this the battle of Civic Hope.

What happened? As a few wounded protesters wandered into Civic Center this morning, injured last night in the battle of 15th and Court, spirits were clearly low. But there was some music playing, a few speeches were given, and a Procession for the Future street puppet march was planned. There were things to look forward to. But at ten o’clock the battle of Civil Hope began. Three or four angry fundamentalist preachers began shouting awful things about God, women, homosexuals, and America. A crowd began to form around them. The hateful preachers eventually moved to another part of the park, but the crowds with them got bigger and bigger, draining almost all the energy from the protester’s plans. Police on foot and horse surrounded the crowds. When pathological fundamentalists can conquer your energy and steal your agenda, and when the police are focusing on them and not you, the rout is on.

But it got worse. Recreate 68 pleaded with the police to remove the preachers because R68 had an exclusive permit for the park at that time. The police no would do. And then, at the height of crowd tension, the police rushed in, knocked several to the ground, and arrested Carlo of R68 and a woman from Code Pink. Complete defeat. The protesters were spiritually broken. The battle of Civic Hope was over. Yes, the parade went on with many beautiful puppets, but half the people in Civic Center were still watching the preachers when the parade left. After last night’s defeat at 15th and Court, it looks like lights out.

Wars are funny things. The energy and momentum can change in an instant. Maybe the protesters will rally, and finish the week with optimism and passion. But as of one hour ago, their cause looks grim indeed.

CoyoteJ is a Jungian oriented psychotherapist in private practice in Denver, who is very interested in the psycho dynamics of how groups work, and how groups like the police and protesters will function in the passionate environment of the Democratic national Convention. To see more Coyote’s thoughts, check out his blog at CoyoteJ.blogspot.com.