Should we boycott protests?

Despite the fact that we're a week into Gulf War II, anti-war protesters have not let up, organizing rallies across the nation. I've always been supportive of protest as I think it's essential for citizens in a democracy to evaluate everything that the government does and to express dissent if warranted. But lately I've been observing that more and more protesters are becoming misguided in their efforts. For instance, what exactly does laying down on the street and blocking traffic accomplish? Well, it gets the attention of the media as well as just about everyone in the city. But how does it possibly help the effort to end the war? Is it really worthwhile to cause mass inconvenience to your fellow citizens--many of whom are also anti-war--by lengthening their commutes (therby adding to air pollution)?

I think the heart of the matter is that protesters are much more selfish than people realize. The main goal of these activists is to merely express themselves. Accomplish change would also be nice, but it's really a secondary concern. Americans love the first amendment fervently and we get tremendous satisfaction from simply having our voices heard (why do you think I write this blog?). So whether it's purchasing french wine just so you can pour it down the drain or burning copies of your platinum-selling Dixie Chicks albums, Americans are all about abstact expression, leaving little regard to tangible effect.