I even heard them sizzle.  I kid you not.

(Short bit of writing today: Typing. Seriously. Hurts.)  

Many people have been asking me how to empathize with and re-humanize Donald Trump.  His words, actions, beliefs and behaviors leave me feeling chillingly unsettled.

I feel scared and very vulnerable.

In response to so many questions about nonviolent responses to Donald Trump, I am going to point you all to Miki Kashtan’s blog article addressing this very issue…

Below are a few key quotes from her very well-written article:

Beyond Us vs. Them:  

In response to the intensity of hatred and separation that I see coming from Trump and his supporters, I want to find a way to meet them in an entirely different way. A beloved poem comes to mind:

He drew a circle that shut me out –
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!

“Outwitted” by Edwin Markham

Taking a Stand, Nonviolently:  

If Trump indeed becomes the next US president, I want to be part of a force that moves towards change with the supreme courage to stand up for the truth we see with utmost love for all. This is such a difficult line to walk that I don’t even trust I know how to convey it in full.

I am speaking of challenging his views, policies, actions, ways of speaking, and the regime he would no doubt try to create – without making him or his supporters the enemy.

I am speaking of being ready to take action, to stand up for what we fervently want and believe in, to take that strong of a stance – without vilifying anyone.

I am so inspired by her words.  

Nonviolence is not only about empathy, but also about the Protective Use of Force.

In this same vein … I also want to resurrect this awesome video addressing Violence against Women. Jackson Katz makes excellent, inspiring and practical points, and is the kind of strong, healthy male voice that I am looking for to counterbalance the frightening rhetoric I am hearing on a daily basis.