SYNDICATED COLUMN: The Occupier’s Choice: Violence or Failure

[DonCoquixote]

http://www.rall.com/rallblog/2011/11/03/syndicated-column-the-occupiers-choice-violence-or-failure

Of course, Ted is blind to the fact that the enemy WANTS this to be violent as violence is the one thing they are good at.

Choice quotes:
"As clashes with the authorities intensify, the ridiculous fetish of nonviolence—a faith-based tactic with no more basis in historical fact or reality than creationism—will be forgotten and, one day soon, laughed at."

"The Occupy movement can wind up in one of two ways:

Failure.

Or success, partly via the occasional use of violence and/or the credible threat of violence that results from those sporadic outbursts.

First let’s define terms. Vandalism, theft and destruction of property are not violence. Inanimate objects do not suffer. Violence can only be inflicted upon living beings."

Sigh. That's right Ted, keep up doing your best to ensure the war machine gets the bloodbath it needs. And keep your cushy job while at it.

[oberliner]

1. What exactly does Ted Rall want to see happen?

What is his endgame for the US?

[DonCoquixote]

2. google

"The anti american manifesto"

Though he is weak on what we wants to see, only that we need violence.

[oberliner]

6. Google is not helpful in this case

As you point out, he is not clear on what he wants to see in any of his writings - just what he is against.

What does a world were Ted Rall is happy about things look like?

[DonCoquixote]

7. hope this helps

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1583229337/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=12987770875&ref=pd_sl_4iqraz3rod_b

[PETRUS]

3. Opinions are like assholes.

But why lie?

"a faith-based tactic with no more basis in historical fact or reality than creationism"

BS. Nonviolent civil disobedience has worked again and again.

[DonCoquixote]

4. If you read him

You will note he slams Gandhi left right and center. Meanwhile this is the same guy that blamed Steve Jobs for killing the Music industry and newspapers (as if they did not do a fine enough job themselves.)

[PETRUS]

5. Sounds like a nutjob. nt

[Yavin4]

8. Rall" "Considering that recorded history does not include a single instance of a nonviolent..."

movement."

Guess he didn't hear about South Africa.

[Fumesucker]

10. Necklacing is non-violent?

I learn something new on DU every damn day it seems...

[Yavin4]

11. The Movement To End Apartheid Was Non-Violent

It was international economic and social pressure that ended it. Was there violence against the people wanting freedom? Yes, of course. However, the actual force that ended it was non-violent which contradicts Rall's point.

Also, I'm glad that you learned something today.

[Fire Walk With Me]

12. Also, wasn't there some guy named Gandhi or something...

[Yavin4]

15. Yes. Dat Dude As Well n/t

[Fumesucker]

17. I was under the impression that the necklacing was done to informers..

Those who were informants for the apartheid regime were the ones necklaced.

[Yavin4]

18. You Are Not Well Informed.

Read up on how the Apartheid regime was brought down and get back to us.


Thank you.

[Fumesucker]

19. So who was doing the necklacing?

The apartheid regime?

[Yavin4]

21. Why Are You So Hung Up on The Necklacing?

That was not the movement that brought down Apartheid. The South African govt. was an entrenched nuclear power, and they violently suppressed the opposition. And, the opposition probably carried out brutal reprisals against informants.


HOWEVER, what changed the govt. was non-violent, international economic, political, and social pressure. Thus, South Africa was indeed a prime example of bringing about revolutionary change without violence.

Get it?

[Odin2005]

9. Ted Rall is full of shit.

[gratuitous]

13. I disagree with Rall on this point

And unless you're just trying to replace one violent overlord with another, violence is the one sure path to failure. If you want to perpetuate a power structure based on violence, then indeed violence is the only way to take your place in the driver's seat. Be sure, however, that someday you will be unseated by violence. That has a basis in historical fact and reality.

If you're looking to do something else, you can't beat the society that worships at the altar of the High Church of Redemptive Violence. Because then all you're doing is installing a new, temporary Supreme Pontiff.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Rall should read on Ghandhi.

[DonCoquixote]

16. here is his thoughts on Gandhi

“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.” —Gandhi

Gandhi lost, but never mind.

[firehorse]

20. Best not to listen to those who are limited to black and white thinking. It's been a success so far

The movement has grown and its message has spread globally. That's a success already.