The triumph of non-violence
Advocates of non-violence are receiving powerful evidence of the legitimacy of their views. Cynics often dismiss pacifism as naiivety, saying that it is a nice idea but has no bearing in a violent world. As we watch the glorious upheaval going on everywhere from Gabon to Libya (and there are even reports of renewed protests in Iran), let us note the fact that not only are these uprisings more morally right than the violent schemes of al-Qaeda and similar groups, they are also proving to be more effective.
Violence begins where open communication ceases. Democracy is governance by open communication. It is a doctrine that contends that human beings can resolve their disputes through peaceful, legal avenues. Violence is antithetical to democracy. Any society that frees itself through violence must renounce violence before it can truly be a liberal democracy.
Some will point out that America became “free” through a violent uprising against a King. This is false. That is how America became independent. It was a non-violent struggle led by a King* that made us free.
*This is, obviously, meant as a poetic means of proving a point. It is not meant to attribute American freedom solely to MLK, and is certainly not meant to dismiss the importance of the Women’s movement, the Gay Rights movement, or any of the other liberation movements that have transformed America.
