How We Will Do This
The Saners movement began knowing that we needed to learn—a lot. We had very little experience with activism, and although the founder had read some works by (and about) Gandhi and King, he understood that this wasn’t nearly enough.
Furthermore, what could ordinary people do without extraordinary leaders like Gandhi and King? Was an effective movement even possible without the expertise and charisma of talented brilliant leaders?
Fortunately, after a year or so of study, it became clear that the answer is “yes.” Oh, you do need determination and a very stubborn personality to take on this kind of challenge. But you do not need to be a genius. Not at all. And even inexperience is, well perhaps not ideal, but not a deal breaker either.
Examples Demonstrate Success Is Possible
Research revealed that most successful movements were led to victory by surprisingly ordinary people. Cesar Chavez, who led migrant workers to win better pay and work conditions for California grape pickers had little education and was not a compelling speaker. But he was determined and imaginative.
Nobody doubted his commitment and this alone made him a leader. And he learned to be a very, very effective strategist.
Which leads to the next important point: What IS the strategy?
Historically, nonviolent movements succeed twice as often as violent ones. This is great because even if violence WAS more effective, many of us would be unable to support such a movement. I am personally completely opposed to violence against people or animals. I have no moral problems strategically destroying property—is it wrong to sabotage a bomb so it won’t go off? But even property damage is strategically usually a mistake.
So our winning strategy is nonviolent noncooperation.
And yet most people don’t believe nonviolent resistance is effective. But here’s some people who would disagree: Nicolae Ceaușescu. Ferdinand Marcos. Slobodan Milosevic. Jair Bolsonaro.
Now, sometimes the despot is ousted and a new one takes his place. This happened, for example, in Egypt when the people of that nation nonviolently disempowered and removed Hosni Mubarak from power. But they ended up with a new dictator.
We intend to work with existing movements and groups. We understand that we are too small to do it ourselves. Fortunately, talented and experienced organizers have emerged—in particular Indivisible and Fifty Fifty One. By now, you are surely aware of the ongoing series of nationwide protests and other actions challenging fascism. We are passionate supporters and we are a part of this.
We understand all of the challenges and difficulties in nonviolent revolution. That’s why we continue to study even as we take action. The important thing to remember is that it can be done, and it won’t happen unless we do it.
We persevere.