http://humanifesto.org/Issa_Daniel_Mark/Overlapping_Circles_of_Influence.htm

20 Apr 2004 
Subject: Editorial: April 15, 2004 Haaretz article


	Salaam alaykum,


As a public health educator and a budding Interfaith Diplomat,
living in Jerusalem, as well as in response to the 

Haaretz article "Protest Is Not Terrorism",

I decided to try my hand at clarifying some policy
for conservative governments as well as reformers.


I am sure these ideas can be greatly improved;
but hopefully some of these ideas can:

1) further stimulate the necessary discussion
on this important issue, and

2) even help to form the basis
of policy for some activists
and/or some of the security forces.



	"Overlapping Circles of Influence"
	by Issa Daniel Mark


Before anyone can set respectable policies in a particular community, the
adults in that community need to:

1) consider all the major concerns in that community

2) set criteria for voting on, enforcing and updating every single policy
    (examining the effectiveness of relevant policies elsewhere can be very
helpful)

3) and do so in a fair, logical and compassionate way.

Since each of the monotheistic religions respect the 10 Commandments, the
Holy Land has a very unique set of circumstances to deal with. There are
advantages to having such guidelines, especially in terms of social order;
but at times there are disadvantages too, especially if the people are
arrogant, lose sight of the principles involved and/or follow the law
blindly.

Instead of mere lip service, we can do more to strengthen our purpose by
making firm commitments to the practical principles derived from these
commandments. Most of God's Commands can be summarized by the general
statement: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."


	Please join me in considering:


	the Ethical Issues Involved in Protesting:
	_________________________________


	before a protest occurs:

* set clear policies and contigency plans
* have a clear understanding of the laws and principles involved
* have a public relations expert communicate with the press ahead of time
* have a public relations expert communicate with the opposition ahead of time
* give clear warnings and expectations with explanations of principles and limits
* educate all potential protestors about the rules and limits of protesting
* NonViolence! (ideally each protestor is helping to spread this word)
* agreement to respect the leaders of the demonstration
* understanding to regroup or call off the demonstration if necessary
* need to stay focused (exercise self restraint)
* strengthen the cooperative effects of the buddy system
* appropriate use and timing of petitions
* if approached by the media, direct them to the designated spokesperson
* legal issues: attorneys, statements, possible arrests, accidents and liability
* personal interviews with the press
* train some volunteers: to distribute flyers and to act as 'bouncers' (security 
  issues affect everyone today)
* to act as spokespersons (for presentations, to the media and/or the authorities)
* consider role playing (both protestors and police) to prepare for various scenarios
* carefully consider all the conditions and strategies necessary to mobilize a demonstration
* logistics, level of tolerance, timing, clear statements, goals, legal issues, public views
* prepare flyers regarding the most important principles of the protest and contact information
* put the principles of non-violence on the back of the flyer


	If a protest takes place:


* have the designated spokesperson speak with the head of the opposition as soon as possible
* s/he must also be prepared to speak to 'aggressive' supporters
* the leaders should use a loudspeaker to present the key elements behind the protest
* if necessary to remind aggressive protestors of the rules and limits
* move the security team around to maximize their effect
* otherwise a peaceful demonstration can be hijacked by violent protestors
* if a violent protestor appears in a non-violent protest
* such aggressors who read the principles of non-violence may be calmed temporarily
  and may even be recruited if their energies arerespected
* if they are uncooperative ask them to leave and if necessary restrain them
* be prepared to regroup or to call off the demonstration if control is lost
* keep some distance between N.V. protestors and the opposition
* keep away from demonstrations involving violence
* use clear messages: have a few previously prepared verbal soundbites ready
* use colorful flags and signs and musical symbols showing coordinated activity
* the idea is to embarrass the opposition with the integrity of the protestors
* use visible methods to distinquish the protestors and the security from the rest of the crowd,
  baseball caps, t-shirts, balloons, etc.
* creativity and 'professionalism' on the part of the organizers makes for a newsworthy protest
* remember to exercise self-restraint: ignore criticism and stay focused on the principles
* remember the protest is only one part of the strategy, arrests, court time and media coverage
* also play important roles in shaping and shifting public opinion and government policy


	After a protest:


* evaluate the effectiveness of the event
* media coverage, security, clarity, complications, cooperation...
* follow-up every injury
* publicly apologize and report disciplinary action against anyone who used violence
* reevaluate and improve policy



	Likewise... please consider


	the Ethical Issues Involved in Security:
	_______________________________

	before a protest occurs:
	

* set clear policies and contingency plans
* coordinate policies with law makers, the military, the police and hired security
* publish the policy guidelines for the benefit of law abiding citizens
* ask for feedback and ways to improve the policies
* take a proactive stance with activists: invite discussion and encourage understanding
  in order to clarify limits and prevent injury on both sides


	In the event of an actual protest:


* always evaluate the severity of the situation
* always keep in mind the commitment to a minimum use of force
* recognize the big differences between:
* civil disobedience, stone throwing and armed combat
* use parallel levels of force (see example below)
* respect the rights of all demonstrators acting within legal limits
* clearly and verbally warn demonstrators acting outside the legal limits
* allow a reasonable amount of time for the warnings to be implemented** 
  depending upon reasonable evaluations of the risk of danger
* if at any point the situation becomes chaotic, call for experienced backup
  (including therapists)
* and always remember: Only shoot to kill if someone is threatening to kill others!
* once the point of reason has been crossed, arrest the key perpetrators whenever possible:
* but exercise restraint, be careful & consider legal rights/limits on both sides
* use tear gas and blanks if the secondary warnings are ignored*
* allow a reasonable amount of time for the secondary warnings to be implemented
* use paint guns which will send a message to the protestors, their friends and families
* that dangerous lines have been crossed and need to be re-evaluated*
* allow a reasonable amount of time for the next level of warnings to be implemented
* use rubber bullets if necessary* (avoiding faces and genitals)
* allow a reasonable amount of time for the situation to quiet down
* use real bullets if necessary* (shooting arms and legs only)
* allow a reasonable amount of time for the situation to quiet down and to
* attend to the wounded


	After a demonstration:


encourage internal and external investigations into every reasonable complaint
implement internal and external investigations into every death and every
hospitalized injury
publicly apologize and report disciplinary action against anyone who used
excessive force
provide reasonable compensation to those who were unduly harmed
provide reasonable compensation to the families and organizations of those
who were unduly killed
reevaluate and improve policy



	EXAMPLE:   if a stranger wants to enter your home (or circle of influence)


* temporarily block his way (with your body/door/table... car/bush...)
* ask him why he is there and allow your intuition to check the logic and
emotions involved
* if he made a reasonable mistake: be polite and allow him to go away peacefully
* if his reason is legitimate, consider your priorities and the circumstances
* if you** have time  AND  he seems trustworthy: invite him in
* if not, suggest that you discuss the subject later OR say that you
are not interested
* if he is unreasonable: consider the level of respect this man deserves...

	based on the actual amount of threat he poses

* if he is harmless but physically or mentally sick or immature: be
wise and caring
* if he is emotionally out of control (drunk, crazy or on drugs): be
careful
* if he is holding a weapon in his hand: be prepared to defend
yourself and/or use force
* ask or tell him to leave while strengthening your security
* if he refuses, threaten to call the authorities and continue to reinforce
the blockade if necessary
* if he still refuses, call for help
* if at any time he becomes more aggressive make parallel increases in
stopping him
* if he pushes you**, you** can push him back
* use your wisdom and tools to reinforce the protection of your home
* if he is becoming more aggressive, you** can beat him a little to make him
back off
* if he is beating you**, you** can wound him but only enough to stop him
* if he wounds you**, you** can wound him more seriously to temporarily
render him helpless
* if he is trying to kill you**, but only as a last resort, kill him


	** or someone in your circle of influence



	Summary of the commandments:


The Wisdom in God's Commandments is only useful to us, if we apply it.

If we consider the requirements necessary for social order, we can appreciate
that these commandments are essential pathways for comprehensive and lasting peace.
Therefore I will conclude this paper with the following summary of the commandments:


Honor Parents

The best way to show honor to our parents, our ancestors, our culture, our
religion, our nation, our humanity, in fact to all of life is by using the
highest level of integrity possible. This is also the very best way to
serve God and to promote our beliefs, while providing the best advantage
for our own health and happiness.


Do Not Kill

The best way to honor this commandment is for each of us to declare and
practice a commitment to the minimum use of force. This will reduce the
number of deaths and bloodshed as much as possible, and in the process
encourage personal and collective maturity.


Do Not Lie (or Bear False Witness)

The best way to honor this commandment is for each of us to be 100% honest
in what we say and write. Let us say what we really mean and really do what
we say we will. This requires careful thought before speaking. Deep
breathing, compassionate listening, respect for privacy and periods of
silence can facilitate clear communications and reduce the number (as well
as the severity) of misunderstandings, poor assumptions and unrealistic
expectations.


Do Not Envy (or idolize any other material thing)

The best way to honor this commandment is for each of us to realize that we
can grow stronger and wiser by recognizing our subconscious desires for
things we lack. It is very important to understand that there is a huge
difference between what we need and what we want. It is worthwhile to
consider these differences carefully. It is helpful for us to be
appreciative of all the wonderful ways in which our needs are met. It is
also helpful to share with those around us. This helps us to keep the
channels of life open to receive. Selfishness, jealousy, self-centeredness
and envy do just the opposite; they block the channels of life and lead
people into materialism, greed, paranoia and frustration. These negative
traits can even result in desperate acts like suicide, stealing and war.

****




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