The slight (but valid) difference was that they didn't have the surveillance state we deal with coupled with the ever decreasing amount of time it take for shit to hit the fan.

Back then, you could write a letter of dissent and send it by courier, who might take 2 weeks or more to return (if ever) with response. To which you amend your plan and reply accordingly..etc.. Time time time..

Now you could be the "Shot heard 'round the world" nearly anywhere on the planet, and it's heard in hours and days instead of weeks and months. Flash mobs from both the left and right are mitigated by keeping us from congregating in groups... but everyone here knows that.