Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph. --NHaile Selassie

In my last article, I mentioned Lucy Gwin, editor of the disability rights zine Mouth, who once told me she believed the greatest gift that could ever been given to the American people is the permission to disobey.

I also opined that we should consider that permission long granted...but what to do with it?

Let’s start by accepting that most standard tactics have been rendered impotent...dissent has undergone immense commodifiction. If we were to believe our TVs, buying a Chevy is a revolutionary act (I’m being serious).

Let’s continue by also accepting that looking to “leaders” (whether that be a Kerry or a Chomsky) is a dead end. Let’s move past the old New Left and create fresh opportunities and methods better suited to our current needs and circumstances.

Arundhati Roy says: “Governments of today have learned to deal with (protest). They know to wait out a demonstration or a march. They know the day after tomorrow, opinions can change, or be manipulated into changing. Unless civil disobedience becomes real, not symbolic, there is very little hope for change.”

When should we exploit our newfound permission to disobey and how? Here’s one answer to that dangerous question...from the all-purpose quote machine himself, Mahatma Gandhi:

”Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to self-reliance for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melting away.”

Want something more tangible? Fully aware that the slightest hint at a plan or suggestion is likely to be greeted with mockery, disdain, and outright hostility, I’ll post some of my musings next week.