Showing posts with label Nonviolence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nonviolence. Show all posts

Sunday, April 09, 2023

Einstein, Gandhi, Lincoln



Albert Einstein: Good evening, Mahatma Gandhi. It's a pleasure to see you again.

Mahatma Gandhi: Good evening, Albert. How have you been?

Albert Einstein: I have been well, thank you. But I am deeply troubled by recent events in Europe. The Holocaust has been a devastating tragedy, and I cannot help but feel responsible for what has happened.

Mahatma Gandhi: I share your sentiments, Albert. The Holocaust is a crime against humanity, and it is our collective responsibility to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Albert Einstein: I couldn't agree more, Mahatma. We must work together to promote peace and understanding among all nations and peoples. But what can we do to prevent such horrors from happening in the future?

Mahatma Gandhi: I believe that we must first address the root causes of such conflicts. We must work to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and promote the values of tolerance and respect for all human beings.

Albert Einstein: That's a very good point, Mahatma. But how can we achieve this in a world that seems to be increasingly divided and polarized?

Mahatma Gandhi: We must lead by example, Albert. We must show the world that peace and understanding are possible, even in the face of great adversity. We must be the change that we wish to see in the world.

Albert Einstein: I see your point, Mahatma. But what about those who are already caught up in conflicts and violence? How can we help them?

Mahatma Gandhi: We must offer our support and assistance to those who are suffering, Albert. We must do all that we can to alleviate their pain and suffering, and help them to rebuild their lives.

Albert Einstein: I agree, Mahatma. But how can we ensure that such tragedies do not happen again in the future?

Mahatma Gandhi: We must work towards a world where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, Albert. We must promote diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes. And we must work to eliminate the underlying causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.

Albert Einstein: I couldn't have said it better myself, Mahatma. But how can we convince the world to embrace these values?

Mahatma Gandhi: We must continue to speak out against injustice and oppression, Albert. We must continue to lead by example, and show the world that there is a better way. And we must never give up hope that a better world is possible.

Albert Einstein: I agree, Mahatma. We must never give up hope, no matter how difficult the challenges may seem. Thank you for your wise words, my friend.

Mahatma Gandhi: Thank you, Albert. It is always a pleasure to talk with you. May we continue to work together towards a more peaceful and just world.

Critique Gandhi's approach. Talk about the nature of evil. Talk about times when use of force is the only good option.

Mahatma Gandhi's approach towards preventing and resolving conflicts was centered on nonviolent resistance, which he believed could overcome even the most oppressive regimes. While his philosophy has been an inspiration to many, it is not without its limitations and criticisms.

One of the main criticisms of Gandhi's approach is that it may not always be effective in the face of evil. Evil, in this context, refers to the intentional and willful harm inflicted upon innocent individuals or groups, which may require a more forceful response to prevent or stop. Nonviolence may work well in situations where the oppressor is willing to engage in dialogue and negotiation, but in cases where the oppressor is completely unwilling to negotiate, nonviolence may not be effective. The history of the Holocaust, which is the topic of this conversation between Einstein and Gandhi, is an example of such an extreme case, where nonviolence would not have been effective in stopping the atrocities being committed by the Nazi regime.

Furthermore, Gandhi's approach to conflict resolution assumes a certain level of moral reasoning and ethical behavior on the part of the oppressor. However, in cases where the oppressor is driven by a deeply held ideology, such as racism or religious extremism, nonviolence may not be effective. Evil may be so deeply ingrained in such individuals or groups that they are not willing to listen to reason or engage in dialogue, and may instead resort to violence to further their cause.

Additionally, there may be times when the use of force is necessary to prevent or stop evil. For instance, if a person is being attacked or if a nation is being invaded, it may be necessary to use force to protect innocent lives. In such situations, nonviolence may not be an option.

In conclusion, while Gandhi's approach towards conflict resolution is admirable and has proven effective in certain contexts, it is not without its limitations. Evil exists in the world, and it may require a more forceful response to prevent or stop it. Nonviolence may work well in certain situations, but it may not always be effective in the face of extreme evil. It is important to consider all options when confronted with such situations and to be willing to use force when necessary to protect innocent lives.



Create a dialogue between Gandhi and Lincoln with Gandhi arguing against the war Lincoln was forced to lead.

Gandhi: Good afternoon, Mr. Lincoln. It's an honor to meet you.

Lincoln: Good afternoon, Mr. Gandhi. It's a pleasure to meet you as well.

Gandhi: Mr. Lincoln, I wanted to speak with you today about the Civil War. As you know, I am a strong advocate for nonviolent resistance, and I believe that war is never the answer to conflict.

Lincoln: Yes, Mr. Gandhi, I understand your position. However, the Civil War was a necessary evil, as it was fought to preserve the Union and end the institution of slavery.

Gandhi: I understand the reasons behind the war, Mr. Lincoln, but I believe that there could have been a better way to achieve these goals. Nonviolent resistance has been proven to be an effective means of bringing about social and political change.

Lincoln: I agree that nonviolent resistance can be effective, Mr. Gandhi, but in this particular situation, I don't believe it would have been enough. The Southern states were seceding from the Union and were determined to maintain the institution of slavery. They were not willing to negotiate or compromise.

Gandhi: I understand your point of view, Mr. Lincoln, but I believe that nonviolent resistance could have been used to change the hearts and minds of the Southern people. It could have been used to show them that slavery was morally wrong and that the Union was worth preserving.

Lincoln: I see what you're saying, Mr. Gandhi, but unfortunately, the reality of the situation was that the South was not interested in moral arguments. They were interested in preserving their way of life, even if it meant going to war.

Gandhi: I understand your point, Mr. Lincoln, but I still believe that violence only begets violence. The use of force may have been necessary to preserve the Union, but it came at a great cost in terms of human lives and suffering.

Lincoln: I agree that war is a terrible thing, Mr. Gandhi. But in some cases, it may be necessary to achieve a greater good. In this case, the end result was the preservation of the Union and the end of slavery.

Gandhi: I understand your perspective, Mr. Lincoln, but I believe that nonviolent resistance could have achieved these goals without the cost of so many lives. It may have taken longer and required more patience, but it would have been a more just and moral path.

Lincoln: I appreciate your viewpoint, Mr. Gandhi, and I respect your commitment to nonviolence. However, I believe that in certain situations, such as the Civil War, it may be necessary to use force to achieve a greater good.

Gandhi: I understand your position, Mr. Lincoln. While we may disagree on the use of force, I think we can both agree on the importance of justice and equality for all people.

Lincoln: Absolutely, Mr. Gandhi. We both share a commitment to these values, and I hope that we can continue to work towards them in our respective countries.

Gandhi: Thank you for your time and for your thoughtful discussion, Mr. Lincoln. It has been an honor to meet with you.

Lincoln: Likewise, Mr. Gandhi. I wish you all the best in your work towards nonviolence and justice.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Hong Kong: The Power Lies In Non-Violence

Even when the Hong Kong Police might engage in police brutality, even when Beijing might see fit to encourage vigilantism, it makes sense for the Hong Kong protestors to stick to non-violence. Do not damage property. Do not engage in violence.

The movement is being called leaderless. But there is as much order and organization to the movement as there is in a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. There is purpose. There is defiance. There is thought. There is discussion. There is mission. There is action.

Hong Kong leads. I don't see Hong Kong clamoring for what others have but they don't. I see Hong Kong leading. I see Hong Kong demanding for what other big cities don't have either. Hong Kong leads New York. Hong Kong leads DC. Maybe this is how Washington DC will gain statehood and due representation. Maybe this is how residents of New York City will gain voting rights. 40% of New Yorkers do not get to vote in the city elections.

Hong Kong leads the way.

Bu the method is important. Non-violence is the only good option. Not because the Hong Kong protestors are weak, but because that is how they keep their moral high ground.

The entire world is watching in real time.

The Hong Kong protests should become better organized politically. There is need for political conversations. Options have to be explored. If a near total shutdown of the city is not working, maybe a total shutdown has to be attempted. Because the current protests can not go on forever.

And the nuclear option is organizing for independence. I hope things don't go that far. But Beijing might not budge otherwise.

It is best that the five demands are met and one country, two systems is maintained. That is what is best for Hong Kong. That is what is best for the Chinese mainland, and the cause of democracy there.

But organizing for independence will take greater political sophistication. Millions of Hong Kongers will have to become active members of political parties. Leaders will have to emerge. Political strategies will have to be discussed.

Organizing protests does require conversations and strategies. But organizing for independence is a whole another level. Right now that political organization is lacking. Unless Beijing feels it might lose Hong Kong altogether, it might not budge. So that threat has to be created.

The world stands by Hong Kong. If Beijing attempts military action in Hong Kong, the world will shut down the Chinese economy. Chinese exports will come down dramatically. Beijing knows that to be the case. And so a credible threat for independence has to be created. That is the only way Beijing will come around to accepting the five demands. Hong Kong deserves nothing less.

The police have to be investigated. Only an independent commission could do that. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong has to be directly elected. It is going to be one of the leaders of the movement. All members of the Hong Kong Legislature need to be directly elected by Hong Kong citizens. A vast majority of them are going to be those who are currently part of the movement.

That is the way forward. The earlier Beijing makes peace with that, the better.

One country, two systems. Really.





Young Progressives Making Mistakes
Capitalism's Own Propaganda Machine
How Will Democracy Come To The Arab Countries?
Kashmir: Not Normal Yet
Trying To Understand Hong Kong And China
News: Hong Kong, Kashmir, Vigilantism, Curfew, Terrorism, Diaspora
Hong Kong, Non Violence Works
Globalization 4.0
News: Hong Kong, Vancouver, Diaspora Nationalism
News: Hong Kong, October 1, Protest Slang, Mental Conditioning
Xi Jinping Should Act
The Asymmetry Between Beijing And Hong Kong Is On Hong Kong's Side
Defiant Hong Kong
Microsft, Huawei, Trump, 5G
The Two Wangs
Hong Kong: Antennae Problem?
Hong Kong: No Police Solution, No Military Solution, Only A Political Solution
Hong Kong: Let The Dragon Grow Up
Navigating The Hong Kong Protests

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Hong Kong, Non Violence Works

The Hong Kong protests are in their fourth month. That is a long time. That is a testimony to how utterly unresponsive the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing are to the ordinary people in Hong Kong. That just proves the point, that the entire Hong Kong legislature and the Hong Kong Chief Executive need to be directly elected by the people of Hong Kong.

One of the five demands has been met. If that demand had been met on day one, or during the first week, that would have been that. But now one is not enough. All five demands have to be met.

Time is on the side of the protestors. Beijing can not afford to drag this on indefinitely. But the protestors must be organized enough to be able to say we do not engage in violence, we do not engage in property damage. Not only does non-violence work, but that is also the only thing that will work.

The five demands are clear. The protestors do have the option to shut down the city completely. If a near-total shutdown is not working, perhaps a total shutdown will.

The protest movement can not degenerate into mob behavior. That will show a lack of political organization, lack of political strategy, lack of leadership.

Since no good police and military options are available, the authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong might be tempted to engage in vigilantism. They might organize and fund small groups of violence-prone people to do their dirty work for them. An incident here, an incident there. They already have done that a few times. That is no solution. The authorities must recognize there is no physical solution to this. There is only a political solution. The political dialogue must be initiated. Small groups of people not wearing uniform doing the dirty work for them is not the way out. That will only bring confusion and chaos.

Both sides must refrain from violence.

In making conscious efforts to not engage in violence, you take the movement to new heights.

Hong Kong protests: man seriously hurt after attack by anti-government demonstrators as street fights between rival groups erupt People trade blows and verbal abuse, with outbreaks of violence occurring mainly in the North Point and Fortress Hill area...... Ugliest incident involved unarmed man being attacked by a mob of black-clad masked protesters .........















Monday, October 17, 2011

Occupy

The corner of Wall Street and Broadway, showin...Image via WikipediaCongregate. Do not disrupt. This is about getting together, peacefully, amicably, almost in a celebratory way.

This is not about disrupting traffic. This is not about preventing people from going to work. This is not about seeking confrontations with the police.

It has to stay completely nonviolent. It has to become super, duper organized. It has to be sophisticated.

Occupy one public space in each city, each town where people camp out around the clock. If the space's capacity is 1,000 people, stay at 1,000 people. Get people to participate in rotation. So one person might clock in for one 24 hour period to be replaced by another person who signed up to be there.

The occupation can not end until the fundamental fabric of the democracy has been impacted. The goal is one person, one vote democracy. The insane people running the banks on Wall Street threw the bus into the ditch and gave the world the Great Recession. Now they want to go back to their same old ways. That is not an option.

We want a new architecture for global finance. And so the occupation has to continue. It has to grow. It has to grow on all continents. It has to grow from one city to many cities. It has to go to every town, every city. Maybe you are a small town, and your public space will only hold 50 people, and that is okay.

The thing is, we are all connected. The occupation in one town is connected to the occupation in every other town. Each city is connected to every other. This is a global movement, a national movement.

It has to stay nonviolent. It has to stay intelligent. It has to be about the conversation. The mass, public action is about the conversation. For every person camped out at a park, there are 1,000 people and more participating online. That online "occupation" is as real as it gets. These are real people with real opinions, with real challenges, real political weight.

This movement is about roping in more and more people into the conversation.

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