March 20, 2003
Using peaceful resistance in time of war By NORA K. WALLACE UCSB student Holly Smith wanted to learn the skills necessary to create change in the world, especially during time of war. Montecito resident Kate Lundy, a Red Cross worker during the Vietnam era, wanted to find a way to channel her personal and political anger into peaceful means. Both women gathered Tuesday at UCSB's Multicultural Center, with about 30 other people, for a workshop teaching the principles and procedures of nonviolent resistance. In particular, the session was about using nonviolence as a tool for social change. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace, and taught by Nuclear Age Peace Foundation education coordinator Leah Wells, the three-hour session was a mixture of hands-on advice, impassioned discussion about the situation with Iraq, and thoughtful deliberation about individual beliefs. "I want to learn the tools necessary to effect nonviolent change in the world," said Ms. Smith, a senior in environmental studies. The words "direct action," and "nonviolent resistance" are heard frequently nowadays, as hundreds and even thousands of antiwar activists take to Santa Barbara County streets each week to oppose armed conflict with Iraq. A "direct action," or large-scale protest with elements of civil disobedience, is planned for Vandenberg Air Force Base in coming days. During their training, Ms. Wells counseled participants to be assured in their answer to the primary question of nonviolent action: "Why am I here?" To be able to communicate that answer quickly and with authority is critical, especially if confronted by reporters during a demonstration. "Think about your message," Ms. Wells counseled. "Stay clear and focused. Be convincing. At every moment, you have to be checking in with yourself about why you're there. If people start to break windows, say to yourself, 'Is that what I'm here for?' Know what your truth is and be able to convey it." The group attending was diverse: It included retirees and college students as well as a number of people who protested past wars or were involved in other nonviolent resistance movements. Some participants said they felt a sense of powerlessness and frustration that their opposition to the war wasn't being heard. Others wanted practical tips on resistance, such as advice about legal support. "I'm here to learn," Ms. Lundy said. "I want to transmute my anger, my feelings, into something that's life-enhancing. It's my first step on my path of seriously and lovingly being nonviolent in my thoughts and being." Others offered a historical perspective from past movements. "I don't want us to repeat the mistakes we made during Vietnam in the peace movement," said former UCSB professor Bob Potter. "It detracted from the cause." Mr. Potter said that during that era, there were disputes about tactics within the peace movement, with some factions wanting armed struggle and others steadfastly promoting nonviolence. Fellow emeritus professor Peter Lackner said he's inspired by the current peace movement, but wants to know how to move from "easy activism, like forwarding e-mails" to a position where "civil disobedience might be necessary." Using the civil disobedience teachings of Henry David Thoreau and the nonviolent principles of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ms. Wells encouraged attendees to work on consensus, and gave them tools for dealing with difficult situations, such as possible violence. "I really feel this is so helpful to anybody -- to learn to
listen to others," Ms. Lundy said. "One of the challenges
in this arena, for those of us who are opposed to the administration's
policy, is to help others understand we're not non-patriots. This
flag is ours, too." |
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