Radicalization of Liberal Activist Groups On Full Display

Here's how we may be able to calm down and regain equilibrium in America's hot spots...

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

This morning, a post I’ve shared below hit my feed, and it made me sad.

SOME BACKGROUND:

The person posting is a long time islander raised by parents who devoted themselves to improving the world. He grew up pursuing the same goal, and he and his non-profit have done some good work over the years.

We are both islanders and our paths cross from time to time. I’ve even interviewed him on my radio show, Prose, Poetry & Purpose. Also, we spent considerable time together about a decade ago, at a public educational event that focused on the importance of long term goals and how to strategize and choose actions wisely in order to reach those goals one step at a time.

At the time, there were a number of young people, jumping around acting spontaneously and being very emotional, dramatic, reactive and aggressive in the Seattle area around a political current event. I'm pretty sure this was during the Occupy Movement, following the global real estate market collapse.

At the time, my friend presented as a solid, mature, and dedicated activist bring wisdom and patience to the sometimes volatile and emotionally triggering content and work of social/political activism in America.

The public educational event that we attended was designed to inspire people to be more rational, considerate, mature, and wise in their pursuit of a better world through activism.

And, at the time, I also attended a weekend seminar focused on Kingian Nonviolence — which is a brilliant way of pursuing positive social change while remaining steadfastly on the proverbial “high ground.”

Today’s post by this man is an excellent example of what happens when an activist stumbles, trips and falls into a deep crevasse, leaving the “high ground” far, far behind.

AND, HERE IS MY ATTEMPT TO BRING HIM BACK TO HIGHER GROUND.

I share because so often when people are disturbed by something that someone says, they will react harshly and aggressively.

I have really worked hard to develop the ability to speak very straightforward and honest while leaving windows and doors open for the person to reverse course and move in a better direction, all while avoiding outright hostility or disrespect on my part.

I offer this conversation as an example of what may or may not work, but at the very least, it allows me to stay on the high ground and model being on the high ground while engaging with a person who is currently in a state of high emotional stress.

OUR CONVERSATION:

(1) BILL’S ORIGINAL POST:

Elect an Asshole, Get a Shitshow.

Not satisfied with alienating allies and recruiting enemies, Mr "Stable Genius" dickwad Trump has now pivoted to starting WWIII or at the very least getting the US into another illegal, unnecessary, stupid fucking forever war. Unlike the moron GW Bush (and Cheney), Trump did it without Congressional authorization, violating the Constitution with impunity because the sycophant GOP has neither the backbone nor the integrity to stand in his way.

Of course, this is all supposedly to get rid of a nuclear program that wouldn't exist if he hadn't tore up Obama's Iran Nuclear Deal as one of his stupid fuck ups in his first disastrous term. Oh and let's be clear, Iran doesn't have any nuclear weapons, whereas the genocidal, rogue state of Israel does (something between 90-400).

We should IMPEACH, INDICT and IMPRISON this corrupt scumbag and his Fascist thugs. But let's start with Congress stopping this madness, stop arming Israel, and get a new deal with Iran. Then let's take nuclear disarmament seriously across the globe. This is insanity.

(2) MY REPLY:

Never in his lifetime did MLK Jr speak like this (and definitely not publicly).

When an "activist organizer" presents publicly like this, it brings so much about their integrity, self-control, regard or lack of regard for their target audience, and overall capability into question.

Senseless nastiness and vulgarity does two things:

(1) Lowers one's credibility

(2) Triggers the amygdala in emotionally volatile and vulnerable people receiving the messaging

Those who are not vulnerable just see it for what it is - unhelpful, unnecessary, and untrustworthy.

I could use "other words," but why would I? They don't add value...

(3) BILL’S REPLY TO ME:

March E Twisdale I never claimed to be MLK. Sorry if you don't like the tone. I think outrage is called for. If you are more outraged by my choice of words than you are of genocide and madmen risking WWIII, then I think your priorities are upside down.

(4) MY REPLY:

Outrage is a feeling.

Words are choices.

Triggering distressed people produces reduced capacity for clear thinking and floods already stressed systems with more cortisol, causing literal harm to your target audience.

You've always talked about the importance of strategy and goal setting. If you are so mindful, then is the triggering of other people your strategy to achieve a goal?

Disruption can be a strategy, but it's generally harmful to the greater society.

You're above all that, aren't you? Seriously - using a slurry of insults isn't a good look.

WHAT’S COOL TO NOTICE IS THAT BILL’S TONE COOLS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN HE IS APPROACHED IN A NON-INFLAMMATORY WAY.

I find this to be a common pattern, and I believe our country will move in the direction of unity, if more and more and more of us choose to speak up in such a way, so that we are not throwing gasoline on an already existing fire. It's actually possible to be honest and respectful at the same time. I think that's my main message…

KINGIAN NON-VIOLENCE

I highly recommend exploring Kingian Nonviolence. Here is a detailed summary to begin your journey:

Kingian Nonviolence refers to the philosophy and method of nonviolent resistance developed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., grounded in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, but adapted to the American civil rights struggle.

It is not merely the absence of physical violence; it’s a comprehensive framework for social change that emphasizes:

🔹

Core Principles of Kingian Nonviolence

(6 Principles)

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people
   It’s active resistance to evil, not passive submission. It requires strength, not weakness.

2. The Beloved Community is the goal
   The ultimate aim is reconciliation and justice, not the defeat or humiliation of opponents.

3. Attack forces of evil, not persons doing evil
   Hate the sin, not the sinner. Nonviolence focuses on changing unjust systems, not destroying individuals.

4. Accept suffering without retaliation for the sake of the cause
   Suffering can be redemptive and awaken conscience in others.

5. Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence
   No hatred, bitterness, or resentment—nonviolence demands love even for enemies.

6. The universe is on the side of justice
   It’s a hopeful philosophy. Truth, love, and justice will ultimately prevail.

🔹

The 6 Steps of Nonviolent Social Change

1. Information Gathering
   Understand the problem thoroughly before taking action.

2. Education
   Inform others—including the opponent—about the injustices and the solution.

3. Personal Commitment
   Self-examination and spiritual readiness are essential to act nonviolently.

4. Negotiation
   Seek resolution and reconciliation before confrontation.

5. Direct Action
   Peaceful protests and civil disobedience to dramatize the issue.

6. Reconciliation
   The end goal is healing and unity, not victory over enemies.

Why It Still Matters

Kingian Nonviolence isn’t just for civil rights history—it’s used today in movements worldwide: in schools, prisons, communities, and international conflicts. It offers a disciplined, moral, and strategic roadmap for confronting injustice without dehumanizing anyone.