David Zelizer : Americans bewail the failure of Congress to move on major issues . If Congress tried to stifle the civil rights bill there would be more protests like this that embarrassed the nation in the eyes of the world , as well as protests in the states and districts of key legislators who were obstructing racial justice . He says the March on Washington demonstrates how peaceful protest can result in change . Civil rights activists were able to highlight injustice and to obtain remedies , he says . Zelizer : We should keep the march in mind when we think of today 's political gridlock .
David Zelizer : Americans bewail the failure of Congress to move on major issues . He says the March on Washington demonstrates how peaceful protest can result in change . Civil rights activists were able to highlight injustice and to obtain remedies , he says . Zelizer : We should keep the march in mind when we think of today 's political gridlock .