Will it work?

A peaceful march on Washington, D.C. is hardly a new idea. There have been a number of successful marches, going back many years, many of which are still remembered today:

* In 1913, the “Women’s Suffrage March” brought 5,000 women to the nation’s capital (quite a feat for that era). The attention the march received was only the beginning of a movement that culminated in women gaining the right to vote.

* In 1979, one of the most interesting marches, “Tractorcade,” saw 6,000 American farmers actually drive their tractors to Washington to protest the government’s farm policies.

* In 1995, the “Million Man March” focused attention on the fact that blacks, especially males, were ignoring their opportunity to make a difference by failing to vote. Although it had some controversial participants such as Louis Farrakhan, this march resulted in the voter registration of 1.5 million black men in the months to follow.

* On Mother’s Day in 2000, the “Million Mom March,” a protest seeking “sensible gun laws” filled the National Mall with a sea of humanity. This march was undoubtedly named based upon the success (and name recognition) of the “Million Man March.” Those who didn’t go to Washington held “sympathy marches” in support of the cause around the country. Supporters of the “Million Mom March” have remained active, and continue to make a difference in legislation through their various state chapters.

* Of course, the most famous march of all was the 1963 “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” Though few remember its actual name, the whole world remembers its result: Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Despite predictions of violence, and some harassment of participants along the way, the considerable police presence wasn’t necessary, because the march was completely peaceful. In fact, some have called it one of the seminal events of the 20th Century.

The point here is that these marches were extensively covered by the mainstream media and, even though that very media has done its best to ignore Dr. Paul and dismiss his massive outpouring of grassroots support, it could hardly ignore a National Mall literally carpeted with Paul supporters. So those who say a “Revolution March” on Washington is a bad idea would seem to be ignoring history.

Of course, there would need to be superb organization, publicity and -- most important of all -- participation. It’s true that not everyone can “drop everything and go to Washington,” which some have put forth as a reason not to have a rally at all. True, a poor turnout could spell disaster, but, considering the dedication of Paul followers, that seems unlikely, especially if those unable to go to Washington hold simultaneous state-wide rallies in support of the march.

Additionally, if the “Ron Paul Revolution” were to effectively organize and promote a “grand rally,” Dr. Paul would be free to give the attention necessary to retaining his seat in Congress, which is paramount. In fact, an extraordinary rally, minus Dr. Paul’s personal presence, would send a strong message as to the extent of his support.

As concerns the notion that the solution is a Third Party run, one need only look again to history. There have been numerous tries at establishing a viable Third Party, none of which have been successful. Even the Libertarian Party, with which Dr. Paul was affiliated, was unable to make a difference in American politics.

Frankly, such attempts have almost always been relegated to the “nut fringe” by mainstream Americans. Consequently, that would seem a poor way to attempt to forward a cause that can save America and implement a return to the Constitution of the United States -- one of the most brilliantly crafted documents in human history.

The last time viable change was achieved from “outside” was when the Pilgrims set sail and founded what was to become The United States of America. The most notable failure of change attempted from outside was, of course, the Civil War. Change must come from within. Those who throw up their hands and declare the Republican Party dead and buried are simply giving up. “Because it’s too hard…” is not a viable reason to abandon a noble pursuit.