In today’s political theater, Washington, D.C. has been on center stage, with drama fit for a prime-time soap opera. With President Biden’s move to federalize the police in our nation’s capital, tensions have risen, giving rise to a peculiar new phenomenon—rent-a-crowds. Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, there’s a company named “Crowds on Demand” that’s been delivering enthusiastic protesters to various events. It seems that in the era of instant gratification, you can now order outrage with the same ease as a pizza.
The airtime chatter is that this company has seen a staggering 400% increase in demand compared to last year. Some of these crowds gathered to express their unhappiness with what former President Trump has been doing regarding local policing in D.C. Now, one might wonder, if these protestors are really so passionate, shouldn’t they have come out of their own volition rather than being conjured up by corporate magic?
The irony is as thick as Washington’s summer humidity. Critics are quick to dismiss these actors-for-hire as folks who seemingly don’t need to clock into a 9-to-5. It’s worth asking, how do all these protest participants manage to get so much time off? Could it be that, for them, fervor takes precedence over paying the bills—or maybe they’re actually getting paid to have fervor? The CEO of Crowds on Demand claims their assembled crowds are passionate local constituents. Sounds about as genuine as a three-dollar bill, doesn’t it?
This whole concept seems to paint a vivid picture of modern-day activism—where hired hands supposedly stand shoulder to shoulder, fighting for a cause. Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is as inauthentic as it gets. The simplicity and sincerity of past grassroots movements, like the Tea Party, contrast starkly with these theatrics. Remember, those participants weren’t cashing a paycheck to march. They acted out of genuine concern, not for a well-staged photo opportunity.
Lastly, consider the perspective of the right—the side that isn’t keen on blocking traffic or throwing a tantrum masqueraded as a protest. When these renters of dissent create chaos, all it does is boost law and order measures. The administration stepping in with a firm hand, making arrests, and such, only seeks to restore the peace and productivity we all value. So, for the average, hard-working American, this wrinkle in activism might just inspire a rolling of the eyes and a question that’s as old as time itself—where’s the receipt for this reality show?
