Rally Column

Rallies are a waste of time if one really thinks about it. Rallies are like throwing a pebble into the ocean. They cause a little stir for about the amount of time they last, maybe a little longer. But what do they really accomplish besides people airing out their grievances? In the case of the furlough rally held in the main quad at Sacramento State on Wednesday, it remains to be seen, but most likely it will accomplish nothing.
A group of people gathered, some because classes required them to attend, others because they wanted to see what the commotion was about, and others actually cared about the cause. Speakers lead the crowd in short chants that cried out a catchy rhymes, and then said what his or her problem is with the furlough. Every speaker had essentially the same feelings about the effects of the furlough, so more than one speaker was not really necessary. But the more the merrier right?
Anyways, the point of a rally is to evoke change based on the fervor of those leading the rally, and those following, showing his or her support against the issue. But do they ever really accomplish that change? Maybe in some cases, but in the case of the furlough, which has effected so many people for a number of months now, a small rally at Sac State will most likely not cause any change whatsoever. It will just further display the already obvious disgust of those affected.
Those who are spirited and believe the rally, along with his or her words, can make a change, more power to them and preach on. But it just does not seem that whatever they say will really do anything. Everyone knows the furlough sucks and the money people are losing because of it is a shame. But getting up in front of a crowd and saying what is on your mind just seems to be a stress reliever, a release, a form of anger management more than a rally for change.
I doubt the governor and other officials are saying to each other, "Did you hear about that rally at Sac State today? Those people mean business. We better cancel the furlough before they get really upset and things get out of hand." No. They have been hearing this for months, and it has not done anything positive. In fact, it has gotten worse. Some state workers have had to take another furlough day every month.
So what is the point of a small rally at the Sac State campus? Other than showing people they are not alone in being upset about the furlough, it is simply a forum to get things off of ones chest. The only thing that has happened regarding the furlough since the rally, the only significant piece of news heard, has been notifications from teachers confirming the canceled classes as a result of the furlough days that must be taken. I guess that answers the questions posed. What did, and what will the rally do? Nothing.