The first amendment protects our freedom to protest against what is done upon us that we think is unfair. It is our responsibility to exercise this right for a number of things can be accomplished if we just let out what we think that could go unsolved if we keep our mouths shut.
     Whenever those supposed to look out for our welfare make decisions that might harm us in any way, we must make our voices heard if we want these officials and everybody else to know that we are against those decisions.
     If we fail to declare our opposition to their mismanagement they might -and almost surely will- continue to affect our welfare for as long as they wish to do so. With nobody protesting against their unprofessional conduct they would feel with the freedom to dictate their will upon us.
     Protesting -if done the right way-can be an effective means of accomplishing goals set by those who are in disagreement of whatever condition and history has taught us of how things have happened thanks to protest movements.
     For instance, the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) was founded in the 60’s by Mexican-American students that demanded recognition of their community and classes on Chicano studies in their schools; soon enough, Chicano Studies departments were opened in most schools throughout California, starting with the University of California.
     The Civil Rights Movements and the Black Panthers were also started and carried on by groups of people who gained recognition for the African-American community, which could not have been reached if they just opted to not do anything about the oppression their people were suffering.
     Of course most protesting movements throughout history have accomplished their goals by developing unity within groups of people. Also, they have gained attention form the government and the media by hitting the system in the pocket -where it hurts the most-, some boycotting classes and businesses, others causing loses of money by forcing city officials to close streets, making them spend money in security and to clean up after a march; business owners among such streets can experience great loses too.
     All this are reasons why I am sure that, if well organized and done correctly, a protest can achieve targets and solve situations that could go unchanged if nothing is done about it. People must make use of our freedom of speech.