What do you think about the value of petitions?

I can go either way. I guess a lot of the time I see petitions as weak attempts when good arguments don't exist. I don't necessarily feel that way here. What can you do when people in power don't listen, are insulated, and for the most part are unaccountable?

From email:

To all D.C.-area listers, and any who have a connection with the University of Maryland College Park:

If you have a moment, will you sign a petition supporting the Purple Line light rail route to Stamp Student Union on the U of Maryland campus?

The University administration is proposing other alignments that are far from the center of campus, citing unsupported worries about safety and traffic. Needless to say, a light rail route on the edge of campus undermines the justification for light rail in the first place.

More background info about the proposed alignment

If you know anyone else who might be interested in signing, please tell them about the petition.