As a longtime activist, your signs are nice but too lengthy. The rule of thumb is to use the old journalistism KISS method...Keep It Simple Stupid. People who are passing by a rally can’t read it that fast, and the media pans rather quickly leaving the viewer only a few seconds to take it in. Think bumper sticker. Also, fewer words can be made larger.
Keep up the fight!
You are absolutely right for drive-by motorcades. For rallies that get in the press or on TV, a little more demonstration of brainpower will overcome the sneers of the media. For town hall meetings, a floor-length essay will do just fine if you’re sitting in the front row and want to spark an inkling of respect from the congress critter. Yes, thinking is important IF you keep in mind YOUR CONTEXT. Times are changing. And fast. This is NOT your father’s marketing class.