Their weapon’s don’t scare us

Originally published on Waging Nonviolence, by Michael Nagler | November 1, 2011, 1:41 pm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I have long argued that nonviolence works best when it deals not with mere symbols but with real things that have symbolic power. Gandhi’s Salt March was an outstanding example; another is the ongoing actions of Palestinian farmers, oftentimes organized and supported by the Palestine [...]

A Tower Too Far?

By Michael Nagler
 
The other day I was chatting with a friendly checkout clerk at an upscale supermarket in Petaluma, CA.  The young woman behind me, far from getting impatient, cheerfully joined in.  This is California.  As the conversation was about little-known facts I took a chance and mentioned a little-known fact that has been much [...]

Crunch Time for Occupy Wall Street

 
By Michael Nagler
Originally published on Waging Nonviolence, October 18, 2011
Remembering the agonies I went through when the tanks moved in on Tiananmen Square in June, 1989, I was relieved that most (I wish it were all) of the protestors who make up today’s amazing Occupy movement do not intend to occupy the symbolic spaces they [...]

Corporations are not people: We hold these truths to be self-evident. . .

by Michael Nagler and Stephanie Van Hook | Originally published on Waging Nonviolence on October 11, 2011, 2:11 pm

When is a Person not a Person?
Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PSR) recently answered this absurd question with the obvious and embarrassing answer: when it’s a corporation. According to PSR’s statement, in case anyone is confused, a human being:

“is a complex [...]

October 29, 2011, 5-7:30 PM, Petaluma

The Art of Nonviolence: Community Healing and Transformation
 
The Metta Center for Nonviolence, St. John’s Episcopal Church and New Village Press are glad to announce an evening of discussion and inspiration with visual artist and community activist Lily Yeh. Once described as the “Mother Theresa of community arts,” Lily is most noted for transforming a derelict [...]