Jan. 20, 2023 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet
Nonviolence or
Nonexistence?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s famous quote is even more timely today than when spoken more than 50 years ago: “The choice is not between violence and nonviolence but between nonviolence and nonexistence.”
Today, humanity’s existence is threatened by the increasing risk of nuclear war and climate disasters. Both crises are human-made. The human species is now facing an urgent need for an about-face on both fronts. Put an end to war and live sustainably on this planet. Despite this urgent demand, the US continues to head toward escalating war with Russia over Ukraine, and with China over Taiwan. Behind both escalations is the desire by corporate interests for the US to remain on top – domination in a Uni-polar world. King talked about the US triplets of evil – racism, militarism, and extreme materialism. These same evils were a driving force in the 1893 illegal overthrow of Hawaii by Sugar barons with direct assistance from the US military, and continue today after 130 years of illegal US military occupation of Hawaii. The good news is that no lie can live forever!
For the US and the world to make an about-face on war and climate disasters, more and more people will need to embrace what King described as six core principles of nonviolence, or as Hawaiian kupuna say –”Kapu Aloha.” 1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. 2. Seek to win friendship and understanding. 3. Defeat injustice, not people. 4. Suffering for a cause can educate and transform. 5. Avoid external physical violence, as well as internal violence of the spirit. 6. The universe is on the side of justice. MLK showed courage in speaking out strongly against the US war in Vietnam. He said: “The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today is my own government. I cannot be silent.” Today, we cannot be silent either. Together, let us stand up, and speak out, for justice, peace, and aloha ‘aina here in Hawaii and around the world.
For a more in-depth look at MLK’s principles of nonviolence and the story behind his assassination on April 4, 1968, see https://malu-aina.org/?p=8707
Live Aloha! Never Give Up!
1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject violence & war as solutions. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination: anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Russian, etc.
5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760 Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.
For more information http://www.malu-aina.org
Jan. 20, 2023, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1112– Fridays 3:30-5 PM downtown Post Office
