WISCONSIN RESISTORS: Remember MLK . Nonviolence. Nonviolence.

[coti]

"Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."

"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation."

[Jackpine Radical]

1. So what part of nonviolence are we getting wrong, in your exalted opinion?

You know how many protestors have been arrested since the whole thing started?

(Hint: It's a number that begins with a Z.)

[coti]

2. We haven't gotten anything wrong. This has been played perfectly by the protestors.

With this move, the Republicans overplayed their hand. The key is not to give them counterplay, while still giving the strongest expression of voice possible.

[coti]

4. BTW- MLK said this, not me. nt

[Mister Ed]

5. I believe the OP is just urging them to keep doing what they have been doing. n/t

[coti]

7. Indeed. It's a passionate moment where reminders don't hurt. nt

[flamingdem]

3. Yes MLK and nonviolence is a good mantra now in WI

So far they're doing amazingly well keeping things cool.

[RufusTFirefly]

8. Yes! The people in Madison make me proud of Wisconsin and proud for...

... the better angels of our nature.

[HEyHEY]

6. That worked in a time when politicians had beliefs.

Whether racist or whatever else, they were still beliefs, and subject to change or defeat. Now its a job. They are doing a job and can't be stopped peacefully.

[coti]

9. Beliefs go with leadership.

Beliefs need representation, or they die.

Now we're seeing some representation.

Talk about a fucking resurrection.

[HEyHEY]

11. Back when unions were formed, it was violence that won out

Looks like that still holds true. Time for general strikes, occupations, beating the shit out of people...etc.

[coti]

14. In the age where information was controllable, violence could win. No longer. nt

[elocs]

10. Things have escalated so I think that makes nonviolence more difficult

especially in the face of potentially aggressive actions by Walker.

[coti]

12. THAT is EXACTLY when nonviolence is most important. And remembering that this is now a long-term

fight.

There will always be another demonstration tomorrow. Let them keep clubbing heads, while we keep telling them what's right.

[elocs]

16. That's why I am agreeing with your admonition regarding nonviolence

which has been relatively easy to maintain in the party-like atmosphere there has been in Madison. I was there a couple of Saturdays ago when we had 100,000 and nonviolence was in the air.

[JVS]

13. Unrec.

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. Well, that would be taking a knife to a gunfight at this point.

I say....do whatever it takes to beat these bastards. If violence is required, so be it. They asked for this fight, not the workers they're trying to fuck over. They need to do what needs to be done. Violence may be the ONLY way now.

[coti]

17. No it wouldn't. This is national and it's political. It's all about message.

The stronger, more righteous message will win.

[coti]

18. ESPECIALLY WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE STOOD DOWN: BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THINGS

I know this is petty sounding, but you ALSO know exactly what Fox News does.

They took TAPE RESIDUE and turned it into a $7.5 MILLION dollar bill, for fuck's sake. Occupy but BE GOOD to your capitol! :)

[readmoreoften]

19. Yeah, I think they got this without your advice.

[readmoreoften]

20. Thanks for your CONCERN.

[coti]

23. Your intuition is dull as hell.

If you read more carefully, rather than more "often," you'd pick up on the subtleties in word choice others see that signify sincerity.

This isn't the first time you've showed imperceptive thinking, either.

[Puregonzo1188]

21. Is anyone talking otherwise?

[coti]

25. For the most part, no.

Which is good.

[groundloop]

22. I gotta' admint, if I were at the WI capital I'd be damned tempted to pick up a brick.....

and who knows where it would land. But..... coti is perfectly correct, that would be the exact reaction Scott Walker wants and would make for great headlines on Faux News. It's probably a very good thing that people with cooler heads than me are running the show up there.

[coti]

24. I know. We have to think long-term, though, and show strength

while also showing all due restraint.

It's a matter of judgment, and the protestors- so far that I've heard- have done an outstanding job of hitting the perfect pitch.