Nonviolent Resistance 101

History at UC Davis. The Occupy Movement is taking an important "one small step...one giant step" moment. This video is an important lesson for Occupy protesters everywhere - how to effectively engage without violence. Of course nonviolence is not a new concept, but it's so well executed here. You'll see how the police engage in tactical intimidation and force, but the group responds with a chorus of "Shame On You." What the chanting has done is remind the police that they are human. It's visceral and that's significant because the police are trained to act as a unit while suppressing their individual empathy - in other words they're not allowed to make a human connection with demonstrators. But the reprimands continue with repeated chanting and the police appear disoriented. Deep in the brain are subconscious channels which promote human feelings such as empathy and that's when they're vulnerable to making a human connection - an oh what have I done moment.

Highlighting this video is not really about the police at all. It's about a phase change in the Occupy Movement. It's about a learning moment for the movement.

It can't be overstated that protesting is a dangerous business. In this video you'll notice that at times the police appear disoriented and fearful. Fear and weapons can lead to tragedy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjnR7xET7Uo with YouTube credits to Uploaded by OperationLeakS on Nov 18, 2011.

Goodbye Andy Rooney

Andy Rooney has died. It was Andy's honesty and signature from the gut style that won him notoriety and deserves our attention. He was a champion of free speech; a brave soul. Thank you Andy.