Commit Yourselves to Nonviolence

"Nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and human dignity." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

Now that we have gained national attention, the counterprotesters are coming. The purpose of some will be to bait the Wisconsin workers, to incite them to violence. This will be their strategy because they know that violence will undermine the protesters' message.

People of Wisconsin, stand firm in your resolve. Do not allow yourselves to be baited. Do not give in to the incitement to violence. Your cause will only be advanced by deliberate and determined acts of nonviolent resistance.

This is not something to be decided in the spur of the moment, with the sudden realization that the counterprotesters have arrived. This is something you must decide now. Firmly and with great resolve. Because it is not easy. In fact, it is very, very difficult. Much more difficult than erupting in violence. It may be one of the hardest things you ever do in your life.

Stand firm, and do not allow yourselves to be moved. You are in the right. The opposition knows that, and they also know that inciting you to violence will be to their benefit, not yours. Your commitment to nonviolent resistance will convince the world that you are in the right. Stand firm, my sisters and brothers. Stand firm. And guard the peace of your hearts just as you guard your families, your coworkers, and your livelihoods.