Staff Reports
Washington D.C. recently witnessed a somewhat baffling spectacle that has many scratching their heads. The President has federalized the police in the nation’s capital, ruffling more than a few feathers on Capitol Hill. Apparently, this bold move has stirred quite the uproar, prompting some folks to look for creative ways to protest. Enter “Crowds on Demand,” a company that delivers people, like pizza, to protests and events on demand. They are reporting a whopping 400% increase in demand compared to this time last year. So much for grassroots movements—who knew activism could be outsourced?
The concept behind “Crowds on Demand” is as straightforward as it is peculiar. If someone needs a bustling crowd, this company has them covered. The catch, however, is that these crowds are often seen at political protests, and lately, Washington D.C. has been a favorite destination. They’re deploying swarms of protestors to object to the President’s changes with local law enforcement. While some might applaud their ingenuity, others raise eyebrows at the authenticity—or lack thereof—of these so-called demonstrations.
Certain commentators have pointed out an amusing inconsistency. If these protesters have full-time jobs, how do they find the time to mobilize so fiercely during regular business hours? Alas, it seems that for some, protesting has transformed into a full-time gig funded by mystery benefactors lurking in the political shadows. The CEO of “Crowds on Demand” claims it’s all about passionate local constituents and denies any telltale signs of busing people in. Yet, many can’t help but wonder who exactly is footing the bill for these freelance cheerleaders of dissent.
To many conservatives, this spectacle comes across as a slapstick comedy. Comparing these paid protests to the Tea Party or Moms for Liberty is like comparing apples to oranges. In times past, grassroots movements were driven by genuine passion, with moms and dads squeezing time from their busy lives to rally on the streets. No compensation necessary—just plain conviction. On the contrary, these so-called organic protests are putting on a theatrical production more befitting of an off-Broadway play than a genuine political movement.
And let’s not ignore the temper tantrum with bespectacled folks scoffing at the President’s style. His federal intervention in D.C. is looking more like a law-and-order cleanup campaign, taking down homeless enclaves and arresting over 150 people in the process. Those opposed to these efforts might want to hush their cries of alarm. This initiative could very well improve property values in the capital—a rare win-win scenario if there ever was one. Perhaps it’s time for the detractors to find something else to wail about. After all, not all change needs to be met with the fanfare of a rented crowd.
