Comment

A Renewed Commitment to Nonviolence

34
wrenchwench1/17/2017 12:34:40 pm PST

re: #17 Bass Reeves

I sometimes wonder if the overt focusing of the CRM on MLK is used to divert attention from other players in the period? MLK was vocal and strident and nonviolent, others who had a significant impact were not. I will ponder this anew when I drive by the intersection of MLK and Malcom X on my way off of work.

But really, I think people romanticize MLK’s legacy to the point where they…underestimate…how much at least the fear of violence contributed to what we consider progress in the country.

**I am not advocating violence, just bemused by this continual renewal towards nonviolence by people who are just not inclined to be violent in the first place.

The training in the philosophy is needed to avoid hitting back, not hitting in the first place. The renewal would be for those who now fear being hit.

The strategy is always up for renewal. New tactics are needed where the old ones have been adjusted to by the opponents. They used to try to fill the jails to bung things up, but then the police would just put everybody on a bus, write them each a citation, and let them go.

And when the opponents are shooting, not using dogs and bats, new strategies and training are needed.