Friends,
Historically, major societal and cultural revolutionary changes have often occurred when a strategic approach of disruption was applied, especially within the context of active nonviolence. Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, Tutu, and my own Quaker tradition, among many others, successfully changed history by disrupting the status quo and then were able to withstand the opposition that followed leaving a legacy of establishing new moral benchmarks for achieving change without violence or war. So it should not be totally surprising that the success of nonviolent social change movements would provide a model for a similar strategy of disruption now used to support self-serving and totalitarian ends. The “liberation” goal of the Trump administration is freedom from what they consider regulatory and legal impingements on their ability to achieve unhindered economic and political exploitation and control. And to do so they are intent on disrupting the status quo. If you want to cause major change in the so-called “Deep State,” as they apparently contend, you refuse to obey the laws and expectations of the established bulwark of a civil society - science, laws, legal precedent, safety net policies, and international cooperation. Democratic process of consultation and reliance on check-and-balance regulatory systems are to be ignored as much as possible. Use “shock and awe” disruptions to then insert one’s own unfettered power and control. So now the reality is that, in as much as any of us represent the “deep state” of the civic establishment, we are now on the defensive in terms of how to deal with our historically effective nonviolent method of disruption now working against us. Those of us on the establishment side will undoubtedly spend much time and effort in countering this ploy of disruption that had been so successful for us. And here is my initial response. Modern history continues to record a growing number of successful nonviolent movements that overcame unjust dominance.* I need to emphasize that, in contrast to Trump's strategy of disruption, historical nonviolent liberation methods of disruption were committed to doing no personal harm and accepting responsibility for their actions, even to the point of great sacrifice and personal risk. Active nonviolence has thus successfully mitigated or avoided violence and armed conflicts. It must also be recognized, of course, that nonviolence disruptions can fail and devolve into violent confrontations as with the American civil war and the nonviolent Palestinian Intifada’s failure to dislodge the Israeli occupation of Palestine. History will increasingly recognize and honor their courage and heroism whether or not they are deemed successful. I’ve given this some thought based on what we have learned about how we now need to confront the current challenges to our democracy and human values. The crucial caveat is that we hold fast to our commitment to defending democracy and our highest moral values through the discipline of nonviolence. We cannot succumb to the temptation to also use violent means in return. Several examples of nonviolent strategies come to mind that might be of interest to many of us. Others are organizing around additional methods. The obvious one is non-cooperation where possible. We may do so as a means of protecting others following our own sense of integrity even as we do so at the risk of some level of sacrifice. Non-cooperation with ICE is a current option, for example. A second, more risky strategy, is open resistance and defiance of what are considered unjust or illegal policies and practices. Lawsuits and standing up to ICE representatives are examples. Also, I like to think that creative responses are the most interesting and perhaps the most effective. What is often called "nonviolent jujitsu" is to use an element of surprise and kindness such as offering cookies or flowers to those who are threatening us or others. Related is the use of imaginative satire and humor. Well-placed cartoons and art have a long history of countering oppressive regimes. Another effective means of confrontation is understandably one of last resort, the use of lamentation. Funerals and memorial services, especially for those who have died or been injured as part of the opposition, are often opportunities to be allowed to express both great sadness and inspiring hope. There are, of course, many other creative oppositional responses that will arise when opportunities and necessity present themselves. We need to be clear that we are willing to sacrifice on behalf of those often unable to protect themselves, that our efforts are within a long history of nonviolently countering political and religious oppression, and that we steadfastly believe our cause is just and in the sacred service of the dignity, worth and common welfare of all. In spite of how our democracy and our very souls are being tested, I believe there is a deep-seated sense of compassion and righteousness in each and every one of us, including those that seem less able to access it. Our job is to exemplify our values and treat each other and our community with mercy and love. Blessings, Tom *See Why Civil Resistance Works by Chenoweth and Stephan or Recovering Nonviolent History by Bartkowski among others for examples of successful nonviolent social change.
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