Will civil disobedience get attention?

As
political leaders fight about the federal budget and the debt ceiling, some
religious leaders are certain that the poor are in peril from funding cuts.
They've signed petitions, held vigils and sought audiences with legislators.
One group took the next step yesterday to get attention--a sit-down protest in
the Capitol rotunda.

Eleven
advocates, including several mainline Protestant clergy, refused to disperse or
to stop singing and praying despite repeated warnings from the U.S. Capitol
Police. The midday
demonstration no doubt grew out of the group's frustration at being just one of
many voices rallying for specific interests amid the showdown in Washington.

The
U.S. Catholic bishops, representing the largest church body, have urged
lawmakers to protect those likeliest to suffer under major cuts. Various
religious leaders have tried petitions and joint statements. Will these efforts
encourage like-minded Democrats or Republicans to stand their ground for moral
integrity?