NationStates Jolt Archive

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7927668.stm

So our Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has had green custard thrown in his face by a campaigner against airport expansion (video available on the above link).

What do you think about attention-grabbing quriky methods such as these of getting political points across? Amusing? Immature and irritating? Do politicians deserve it? How effective do you think such protests are? Why am I asking so many questions?

I'd also like to hear other stories of unconventional ways of protesting against government action, preferably, though not necessarily, involving a politician being embarrassed or humiliated in some way.

immature, the perpetrator should have his nuts tazered.

I have mixed feelings about this.

On the one hand seeing the Prince of Darkness getting custard pied in the face is very lol-worthy.

On the other hand, as a method of protest it really just makes your lot look bad - especially since the event it was done at was only tangentially related to the cause. If they'd done it at say, him visiting the opening on the Heathrow runway, it would have been different.

On the other hand, as a method of protest it really just makes your lot look bad - especially since the event it was done at was only tangentially related to the cause. If they'd done it at say, him visiting the opening on the Heathrow runway, it would have been different.

"Okay, so we're going to wait until they've built the runway and then, when they're least expecting it, we'll launch our protest!"

"Ammm..."

"Okay, so we're going to wait until they've built the runway and then, when they're least expecting it, we'll launch our protest!"

"Ammm..."

Ok, bad example. Something more relevant to the runway specifically then rather than just environmental issues. I dunno, it just seems a little immature and pointless the way it's done.

A bucket of cow shite would have been more appropriate.

Ok, bad example. Something more relevant to the runway specifically then rather than just environmental issues. I dunno, it just seems a little immature and pointless the way it's done.
She might have at least mentioned the general theme of her protest before attacking. At least screaming something like saying, "More airplane delays NOW!!" or "Protection for unplanned, extended layovers!!" while splashing the stuff in his face.
Waiting until after the guy you're trying to protest has left the area before announcing what your problem is just lame.

This makes me miss my late Great Grandma's custards. I wish I could do something to piss people off to the point that they toss delicious custards into my mouth. In case any of you are "arming" I would like some with coconut and some without please.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7927668.stm

So our Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has had green custard thrown in his face by a campaigner against airport expansion (video available on the above link).

What do you think about attention-grabbing quriky methods such as these of getting political points across? Amusing? Immature and irritating? Do politicians deserve it? How effective do you think such protests are? Why am I asking so many questions?

I'd also like to hear other stories of unconventional ways of protesting against government action, preferably, though not necessarily, involving a politician being embarrassed or humiliated in some way.

I lol'd. However, I think it also makes the protester look like a bit of an idiot and doesn't represent well their cause.

She assaulted him and no matter his position or her views I would have thought that legal action could be taken against her. Perhaps i'm mistaken

immature, the perpetrator should have his nuts tazered.

I don't think that would work on her. ;)

She assaulted him and no matter his position or her views I would have thought that legal action could be taken against her. Perhaps i'm mistaken

I suspect legal action could be taken against her. However I really really doubt that Mandelson will push it. Firstly, based on his comments, he is trying to laugh it off and hope it goes away soon. Secondly, the pursue it will just turn public opinion against him and make them more likely to support her due to perceived over-reaction. Currently I think most people's reaction is "lol pie but meh about Heathrow"

I suspect legal action could be taken against her. However I really really doubt that Mandelson will push it. Firstly, based on his comments, he is trying to laugh it off and hope it goes away soon. Secondly, the pursue it will just turn public opinion against him and make them more likely to support her due to perceived over-reaction. Currently I think most people's reaction is "lol pie but meh about Heathrow"

Yeah I agree with you but I still find it disappointing that we as a society are quite happy to change our perception of such a course of action based on the persons involved.

As hilarious as it is to see politicians get pied, it IS assault, and we DO have laws against it. Just because the person is a bumbling politician, or just because the person is odious, does not mean they are somehow less entitled to the protection of the law.

Yeah I agree with you but I still find it disappointing that we as a society are quite happy to change our perception of such a course of action based on the persons involved.

More like the objects involved (a custard pie) and the fact that no one was hurt from the incident other than in terms of pride.

I don't think that would work on her. ;)

dig deep enough you will find the ovaries look close enough.


lol what i get for not reading the article eh?

I don't think that would work on her. ;)
Maybe Greed was suggesting that the cops should have offered to make the protester some freshly roasted chestnuts in an attempt to calm her down? You catch more flies with honey, after all.

EDIT: I guess I was wrong.

As hilarious as it is to see politicians get pied, it IS assault, and we DO have laws against it. Just because the person is a bumbling politician, or just because the person is odious, does not mean they are somehow less entitled to the protection of the law.

Which is why it's always important to have an escape route. :)

Maybe Greed was suggesting that the cops should have offered to make the protester some freshly roasted chestnuts in an attempt to calm her down? You catch more flies with honey, after all.

Yum!

Which is why it's always important to have an escape route. :)

and to avoid the cameras which can be used against you later of course

Yum!
The weird part is that searching for "Cooking with a taser" actually doesn't seem to turn up any how to guides, or even blogs/videos made by morons trying to do it and nearly killing themselves.
For the second time this week, the internet has let me down. If it fails me again, I'm afraid I'll have to pull the plug.

The weird part is that searching for "Cooking with a taser" actually doesn't seem to turn up any how to guides, or even blogs/videos made by morons trying to do it and nearly killing themselves.
For the second time this week, the internet has let me down. If it fails me again, I'm afraid I'll have to pull the plug.

Wow. I would have thought for sure that some dumbass out there somewhere would have wondered what would happen if you tazed an egg.

...

*eyes stun gun* ...hmm...

A bucket of cow shite would have been more appropriate.
Or a post office?