I Was Not Surprised
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I have been aware of the U.S. as an empire since Vietnam.
I was disappointed by Trump's election.
Trump's election is right on schedule for the end of our empire's lifecycle.
So I was not surprised.
In 1925 Gandhi said, "Real independence will come, not by the acquisition of authority by a few, but by the acquisition of the capacity by all to resist authority when it is abused."
With Trump, that is now our first task.
It can be done. (Among other resistances, I have resisted our war taxes since Vietnam.)
The second task is constructing a culture and society, based on truth and love, nonviolence and compassion for all, the beloved community.
That is our greatest and never-ending task.
This also can be done. (Among other constructings, I have been teaching Gandhian satyagraha and nonviolence since '72.)