situation one

politician/leader: i want to do XYZ

oponent: no one wants that

fact checkers: he’s right, there is no evidence anyone wants that

outcome: nothing changes

situation two

politician/leader: i want to do XYZ

opponent: no one wants that

fact checkers: yes they do, look at this change.org petition with 9999 votes

outcome: politician/leader has a public will-based platform from which to do XYZ

conclusion

petitions should not be the end of the story when it comes to making change. but they are an invaluable tool for starting it. don’t diss petitions.