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In its March 27 update, Public Agenda said that the public both accepts the right to protest and does not consider dissent unpatriotic, at least up to a point. A majority of U.S. citizens see protests as a sign of a healthy democracy. Interestingly, few say they are persuaded by demonstrations. Seven in 10 told the ABC/Post poll that recent protests didn't change their opinion and 20 percent said it made them more likely to support the war. Go to www.publicagenda.org or click "read more info" below for the full text of this announcement.
Public Opinion on Protest & Patriotism
Anti-war groups are conducting protests around the country against the invasion of Iraq. Surveys show the public initially rallying to support the president, and expressing a strong desire to support U.S. troops who are in harm's way. Yet the public both accepts the right to protest and does not consider dissent unpatriotic, at least up to a point. A substantial majority of Americans (72 percent) told CBS News in February that people who oppose war should be permitted to rally. The outbreak of war hasn't changed that view: 60 percent told the ABC/Washington Post poll on March 23 that protests are a "sign of a healthy democracy." Only 16 percent said protests should not be permitted.
Yet few say they are persuaded by the demonstrations. Seven in 10 told the ABC/Post poll that recent protests didn't change their opinion and 20 percent said it made them more likely to support the war. Only 7 percent said it made them more likely to oppose the war.
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