Modern Day Protest.

Posted by J. Chris Callahan On May - 26 - 2008

On Friday, nearly 130 teenage protesters walked out of class to combat the proposed schedule change for the 2008-2009 public school year. The proposal posted on the OCPS website states that middle school students would be starting school as early as 7:30 with high school students now coming in as late as 9:30. Most students stated that this will take away from clubs, sports, and jobs as well as placing younger kids to wait for buses in the dark.

With this in mind, we’ve established a check list for you to establish your very own protest!

1. First and foremost, the key to a good protest ~~is a good heart.~~

I just read somewhere that all you have to do is find something to complain about. Common themes: People benefiting at your expense, Updates: Modern Times, Gas Prices, Politics, and THE WAR.

2. To be ~~carefully~~ considered – your next objective is to determine how you’ll be protesting.

“We’re going streaking! Sorry, sorry, we’re goin’ streaking through the quad and then to the gymnasium. Come on everybody! Come on! Snoop! Snoop-a-loop! Snoop…uh, no, it’s cool! It’s cool! I’m cool, bring your green hat!”

I do have to admit, these kids picked a clever one. The one thing they stand up for ironically enough is still to get out of class. But in all seriousness, I commend them for having the maturity – they remained peaceful, which is more effective. But to those of you who might be protesting.. some advice: You get someone tasered at your protest and your cause just became global. You’re welcome.

3. After you’ve established how you’ll protest, you need to ~~share it with a friend!~~

Lets say that you had no friends. Well, we’ve got that taken care of! Right, Myspace? Students from Wekiva High School organized their initial and successful walkout through Myspace, Facebook, text messaging, and “pass it on’s.” Don’t be afraid, post an event invitation! Why, just today, I joined the Facebook Group for the protest. This Myspace link was also posted on Orlando Sentinel’s website.

4. Now, just sit and wait for your protest to build

“I very excite,” stated one Wekiva High School student affected by the schedule change.

Now, Tuesday is the official protest being held for the school board meeting. It starts at 4:55. For those of you thinking of attending:

445 West Amelia St.

Myspace Page.

I think Orlando in general is in need of a good protest. You complainers keep a look out. Orlando had a march/sit/stand/smoke earlier this month on the 3rd at City Hall for the legalization of marijuana. And well.. let me just say that they had a Myspace and Facebook page for their event. Anyone have any photos from that?

Keep complaining, Orlando. East-West Expressway, maybe? I can have a Myspace Event Invitation ready to go if you guys don’t feel like paying tolls anymore. This one definitely will be dangerous, including on-coming cars at speeds of up to 85 mph. Which, by the way – I need someone to help me print out waivers..