First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Nick. I have some backround in various martial arts, including Aikido...I am currently training in a mixture of Aikido and Taijutsu. I do believe there are appropriate times to fight, though I also believe it is best to subdue conflicts befor they begin, or at least befor they escalate.
I would like to hear some of your opinions on non-violent Diect Action, as opposed to symbolic protest...Actions which are illegal and disruptive, but do not in any way cause harm to another living being...actions that are geared to inflict economic losses, but pose no risk to human life (Except that the police often attack those who engage in civil disobediance).
What is your perspective on the morality of these actions, and what principles would guide your own actions should such a situation unfold in front of you?
Also, how do you deal with police brutality in a non-violent way, when any contact with an officer, even one that is not intended to cause harm may be concidered assult.
I would like to hear some of your opinions on non-violent Diect Action, as opposed to symbolic protest...Actions which are illegal and disruptive, but do not in any way cause harm to another living being...actions that are geared to inflict economic losses, but pose no risk to human life (Except that the police often attack those who engage in civil disobediance).
What is your perspective on the morality of these actions, and what principles would guide your own actions should such a situation unfold in front of you?
Also, how do you deal with police brutality in a non-violent way, when any contact with an officer, even one that is not intended to cause harm may be concidered assult.
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Re: Non-violet-Resistance
Sun, February 19, 2006 - 1:40 PMI'm inclined to play by the rules. I'm not self-examined enough to know whether this is out of principle or because I'm chickenshit. Beating the system on its own turf playing by its own rules appeals to me too.
I find that the least negotiable constraints against living a life I can live with have more to do with livelihood than with formal constraints (rules). About the only people I can think of who even have the chutzpah to impose their own normative constraints on their professional work are members of the tenured class, and they do so in the sector (akademia) that is overtly economically dependent on the others. Perhaps they are running out of political capital with which to pit mommy (wlog proprietary research interests in 'indu$try') against daddy (really spooky classified shit, notice greenwashing of Ivy League per Scalia's commentary in recent on campus recruiting case).
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Re: Non-violet-Resistance
Sun, February 19, 2006 - 7:46 PMYeah, Im not realy on the same trip at all. I have no respect for the rules or for the privelege of the rulling class whatsoever. I couldnt possibly care any less about our legal traditions if I tried.
I am also willing to take risks for social change. Great people, including pacifists like MLK and Gandhi have engaged in civil disobediance and with great success. Their actions were illegal, in direct violation of the law, and in confrontational opposition to armed and violent thugs of the state (Cops and Soldiers). Yet, they did this peacefully in a way that respected life.
Perhaps you are speaking from a position of privilege and comfort when you say you like to play by the rules. Perhaps you are from a social class that benifits from the injustices our country inflicts on minorities, or the "third world". If you were the one being oppressed, you might find yourself suddenly more motivated to take a few risks to improve your own situation.
Others may feel moved simply out of compassion for others.
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