Explores the issues surrounding protest movements and political participation in the United States. Presents diversity of opinion on the topic, including both conservative and liberal points of view in an even balance.

1. An overview of protest movements / Leonard Gordon -- 2. Nonviolent protest is the only effective means of protest / Bryan Farrell -- 3. Direct action, including violence, is sometimes necessary to effect change / Phil Dickens -- 4. Comedy and street theater are effective protest tactics / Wayne Grytting -- 5. Theatrical confrontation is no longer an effective protest tactic / Chez Pazienza -- 6. Civil disobedience is an effective protest tactic / Kumi Naidoo -- 7. Protests like occupy damage the economy and accomplish nothing / Frank Manning -- 8. The occupy movement had a lasting impact / Rebecca Solnit -- 9. Economic inequality in the United States is an important issue for protest movements / Leif Dautch -- 10. Protest movements targeting economic inequality in the United States are misguided / Investor's Business Daily -- 11. From Slacktivism to activism / Evgeny Morozov -- 12. Social media amplify the power of protest / Mathew Ingram -- 13. This Independence Day, thank a protester / Amy Goodman -- 14. Popular dissent is being actively suppressed in the United States / Chris Hedges.