It is too simple to say that May 1, 2007 will be a day that will be scrutinized with a real potential for infamy. From the mass walkouts (not as mass as 2006) to the inappropriate behavior by young protesters and the police reaction under investigation. A day that was meant for young voices to be heard will be defined not by the cause, but by the aftermath.
To put things in perspective, yesterday was not only a day planned for student protests it was also election day for the City of Long Beach and other municipalities around California. Civil disobedience should always be held secondary to the power of the democratic process (which actually exists at the local political level). The power to speak out in peaceable assembly is dwarfed by the power to elect, to ratify and to defeat. The absolute greatest right we have in the United States, the most expressive way we can make our voice heard is through our ballots.