PROTEST RESTS AT THE CORE OF DEMOCRACY - NOW

Some have decried the vocal opposition to President-elect Donald Trump, arguing that he should first be given a chance and that the nation now needs to come together after such a divisive campaign. But protest is at the core of democracy.

An open society where all can say as they please, where the freedom of assembly and speech is assured, is central to what a democratic country should be. Those of us whose focus is on human rights and anticorruption, for example, know that when the voices of the public are not heard, when civil society and a free press is quashed, then abuse flourishes.

Donald Trump should welcome the protests as evidence that the democracy is strong. He should listen to the voices of the protesters. Some may have wisdom to share. Some may have information to declare that he should learn. Some may just be a bit eccentric - but that is OK.

Julia Vogl launched a ‘kickstarter’ for her forthcoming book "SOCIAL PROTEST" on the U.S. election day. The campaign was a success and met its goal. Now 200 special edition copies of the book will be published.

SOCIAL PROTEST says in pictures – and often with great humor - what needs to be universally acclaimed: protest is healthy across the globe and needs to be encouraged forcefully.

SOCIAL PROTEST : BY JULIA VOGL

The BOOK - now available at www.juliavogl.com
457 individual protests in 279 photographs taken across 31 towns and cities in 8 countries with 5 signs in one book.

Says artist Julia Vogl: "After 3 years I have finally put together with help from a great team a unique limited edition book/sculpture that showcases the diversity of protest. Featuring the expected- protests for Peace and then the unexpected protests of the impossibility to own a penguin.

Twitter- post about it using #SOCIALPROTEST and @voglart