Talk to the Freeper who coined "Sorelooserman" and the thousands who stood on corners and forced the press to project it into the political lexicon after the 2000 election. The perception made a difference to the SCOTUS.
After a gun, the streets are the single most effective tool the voter has to sway legislative perception. The French Revolution, universal suffrage, US civil rights, the fall of the Soviet Union and the California recall election were all precipitated from the streets.
Generally I am hesitant to take to the streets unless I am armed but I have a great deal of respect for those who do with nothing more than their little signs and a defiant spirit. I suspect they are effective because most politicians recognize that if they ignore these peaceful folks, individuals like me are not far behind and much like the sea we are terribly unforgiving of carelessness and neglect.
Aren't you a sweetheart?
And no, I don't think you make Conservatives look COMPLETELY deranged.