What follows below was originally released as three separate parts, but, intended from the start to be read as one whole article, but ended up being too long. Each article works singularly, but the full force of the argument is somewhat disjointed by the need to break it up for easier consumption. Here the original article is restored for those who wish to take it in as one complete work. It explores how nonviolent action would not only help the protestors in the street win allies, change hearts, and alter laws, but how nonviolence makes possible the transformation of our society from what it is into one with greater liberty, equality, and prosperity for all.
Tag: The State
Universal Imprisonment on Independence Day
American Independence Day, a day in which Americans are supposed to declare their liberation from an overweening British state that sought to turn them into servile prisoners in their own lands dawns this year with the American public facing mass imprisonment in their own states, cities, and homes. Convicted of no crime, facing no accusations, merely upon the declaration of those in power, tens of millions of Americans have been placed under house arrest and threatened with both life shattering fines and life ending violence if they disobey. If America ever needed a new declaration of liberation, today is that day.
How We Win: Part 3- The Way to Tomorrow
In Part 3 of 3 of my series about how to bring about true social change through nonviolence, I explore the power of nonviolence to bring about reconciliation, transforming our enemies into our friends, and to create a better world through mercy.
How We Win Part 2: Changing the Government
Last week, I began a series of articles explaining how we triumph over the government and its willingness to use violence and brutality to terrorize people into obedience. There we explored how you use effectively use the power of protesting to win the day. Here we continue that series by exploring the ways that we create lasting, meaningful, social change for today, tomorrow, and forever.
How We Win: Part 1- The Protests
As people blanch at the ongoing riots and the breakdown of society that is the final outcome of the actions of the government, many are asking hard questions about the future. They want to know where we go from here and how we get there. In the “How We Win” series of articles, starting with this one, we will look at the immediate and long term tactics that will not only help the protests in the streets bring about change but will also help create the better tomorrow for all people that we all long for.
The Most Terrible Form of Idolatry is The Government
In 1854, William Lloyd Garrison stood up in the Broadway Tabernacle in New York City and delivered one of the most powerful anti-slavery speeches ever given. The value of this speech goes beyond its historical setting though. In this speech Garrison lays down the basic cause of liberty for all men and outlines exactly why any government that oppresses human liberty stands condemned and should be disobeyed. The principles herein are universal, especially for those seeking peace, liberty, and equality today. In a world riven by racist and nationalist violence -as is currently happening in America right now- Garrison’s words and his remedies especially apply more than ever:
“Show me the government which can be maintained only by destroying the rights of a portion of the people, and you will indicate the duty of openly revolting against it.”
The Government’s Unending War Against Society
Instead of focusing on the riots themselves I want to talk about the “intolerable conditions that exist in our society” that have given rise to them, that make people feel that the only way they can have their voice heard is by application of the torch and the rod to break, burn, and destroy. I want to talk about the State, how it has corrupted everything, and how to truly change it.
“Obeying and Honoring the Law” During A Pandemic
Recently, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a document underlining its policies on how to administer essential ordinances during this time of pandemics and state-mandated lockdowns. It encouraged us to “sustain and uphold the law. But what does that mean?