We have the numbers, can we turn those numbers into action?

With tens of thousands in the streets in LA, NYC and SF, it is evident that we have the numbers. But the media wont cover peaceful demonstrations and the impact of these protests is questionable. In England hundreds of thousands marched and just days later the Labor conference backed Blair with many of the MPs backing him comming from solidly antiwar districts. Pressure on MPs in England probably could stop British support, but pressure on the US Congress seems like it can at most delay the "inevitable".

But, "the inevitable" is only inevitable if the actions of the Left are as predictable as they usually are. If protests can be turned into direct actions and the results of protests can be the top news item for days on end, public opinion would have a chance of swaying (even if the coverage is bad, the news that many Americans oppose the war will have a productive effect in many areas where those who oppose the war feel isolated)

What can we do?

Well, if you think more should happen at demonstrations, then DO DOMETHING AT THEM. Its not like ANSWER or NION really would stop a contingent trying to perform a more radical form of protest. And if you dont think actions at protests are the way to go, organize actions outside of them. Protests take hundreds but direct action is a tactic that can be effective even if it is just by a single person.

There are millions in the US opposed to the war. There are hundreds of thousands willing to spend a whole day going to a protest and marching in the street. How many of that number will be willing to risk arrest by taking this strugle to the next level? Do we have enough people who though small coordinated or individual actions are willing to risk their personal security to help make this war too costly for those in Washington?