Clearly Articulate and Live the Future

This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


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Clearly Articulate and Live the Future You Want to Create

This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


To build a future worthy of our highest hopes we must describe what we seek. We must describe in ways that invite others to join us. This vision isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a lived practice. It means:

  • Justice for all and lifting up the disadvantaged must be at the center of our movement.
  • We are called to dismantle unjust criminalization systems and insist on equal protection under the law.
  • Our vision is not complete until we commit to ending poverty and systemic racism. We also must commit to ending the war economy that perpetuates suffering at home and abroad.
  • We must also end ecological devastation, recognizing that justice is inseparable from the health of our planet.

Dr. King taught us to discern between those who oppose justice and those who simply differ in approach.

Ask:

  • Do we share a vision for a world where the marginalized are protected?
  • Are we united in building bridges across lines of division?
  • Do we seek to transform the political, economic, and moral structures of society so all can live with dignity?

If we agree on these foundations, even if our strategies diverge, we are not enemies. True opposition lies in those who divide, dehumanize, or deny justice.


  • Unity is not about erasing differences, but about uniting under a moral narrative that puts people first.
  • Our work must be non-partisan and sustained, recognizing that justice is not a one-time event but a continuous struggle.
  • Nonviolence is both our method and our message, ensuring our integrity is never undermined by hate.

It’s easy to talk about justice and peace; it’s harder to live these values every day. We must:

  • Include even those who oppose us, for justice and peace must be for all, not just those we like.
  • Let love for humanity guide us, using our anger to fuel change, but never letting hate dictate our actions.

We must unite—across race, religion, ideology, and background—if we share this vision. We are a time when hate, xenophobia, patriarchy, white supremacy, and fascism are on the rise. Our response must be a movement rooted in Dr. King’s principles:

  • Justice for all
  • Protection for the marginalized
  • Unity and nonviolence
  • Transformation of society’s core structures
  • A deep commitment to sustained, moral action

We can use our anger to fuel us. However love for humanity must guide us as we build this new world. By grounding ourselves in these 14 principles, we honor Dr. King’s unfinished work and ensure our movement remains both visionary and actionable.


Navigating Civil Disobedience

  • rights are enforceable in court, not on the street—reserve rights-claims for legal proceedings
  • disciplined nonviolence demands no defiance, no evasion, and acceptance of penalties
  • organized, pre-notified actions are safer and more effective than spur-of-the-moment protests
  • calm, respectful interaction with police reduces force and aids later defense
  • thorough preparation—medical waivers, property checklists, legal contacts—minimizes harm and maximizes impact

DETAILS: Navigating Civil Disobedience

Navigating Civil Disobedience


A veteran civil rights attorney outlines key legal and practical guidance for protesters. He emphasizes understanding definitions—civil disobedience, “actions,” illegal conduct—and organizing ahead of time rather than relying on spontaneous events. Rights aren’t enforceable on the street; they take effect in court. Drawing on Martin Luther King Jr.’s advice, he urges nonviolent protesters not to defy orders, not to evade arrest, and to accept penalties. He covers interactions with police—knowing when you’re free to go, invoking counsel, and staying calm—and shares jail survival tips: remove jewelry, manage medications, track your property, and communicate respectfully. The talk concludes that preparation, clear objectives, and disciplined nonviolence are essential for safe, effective protest.

  • Clarify key terms: civil disobedience, “action,” illegal conduct.
  • Network organizations to share materials.
  • Aim for an organized, well-notified approach: alert police liaisons, medical teams, legal observers.
  • Recognize the historical role of spontaneous uprisings—but weigh risks, as poor planning drains resources.
  • No immediate enforcement of rights if you’re grabbed or arrested on the street.
  • Save claims like “You’re violating my rights” for court proceedings.
  • Police aren’t required to read Miranda warnings at arrest; they only enable evidence suppression later.
  • Key question to police: “Am I free to go?”—a refusal indicates you remain detained.
  • Stay calm and speak politely, as if de-escalating a toddler’s tantrum.
  • Avoid defiance or evasive actions—running or physical resistance allows officers to use force.
  • If ordered to disperse and exits are blocked, do not resist arrest; comply now, fight charges later.
  • To invoke rights: “I’d like to speak with my lawyer first.” Blame the lawyer for non-cooperation.
  • Three core rules for civil disobedience:
    – don’t defy orders
    – don’t evade arrest
    – accept the penalty
  • Accepting a penalty means willingly serving fines or jail time to highlight injustice.
  • Recognize the changing severity of penalties today compared to the 1960s.
  • Organized protests involve advance notice, safer conditions, and better liaison with authorities.
  • Spontaneous protests carry higher risks: no legal observers, unclear leadership, potential for overreach.
  • Historical successes of spontaneous events exist, but luck and context matter heavily.
  • Authorities gather massive video footage from drones, cameras, phone uploads.
  • If filming, stay at a safe distance; zoom in rather than approaching officers.
  • Bring a secondary “burner” phone if needed; leave personal device home to protect data.
  • Trackers or seized devices may not always be returned intact.
  • Removal of jewelry, watches, piercings; personal items go into a facility basket.
  • Inspect returned property immediately—mistakes and losses are common.
  • Book-and-release process can take 8+ hours; timing varies by weekdays and holidays.
  • Fridays or holiday eves may extend your detention.
  • Sign the medical information waiver to ensure continuation of vital meds (e.g., blood thinners, insulin).
  • Bring prescriptions in original bottles when possible.
  • Contracted medical staff in jails may be inexperienced; assert your condition clearly.
  • Jail food is bland, nutrient-deficient “cardboard” fare—plan accordingly.
  • At booking, public defenders know all immediate procedures—use them for guidance.
  • Lawyers can’t intervene until hours after arrest; front-line advice comes from public defender or legal observers.
  • Prepare a support team: driver, bail fund, emergency contacts.
  • Avoid mixing attorney privilege and witness status—if you witness violence, testify rather than represent.
  • Identify trained de-escalators to accompany groups at protests.
  • Speak softly, offer factual witnessing: “Sir, you’re hurting that person.”
  • Verbal witness can help reduce provocation without risking obstruction charges.
  • Use clear messaging on objectives—publicity, legal precedent, policy change—to guide actions.

Open Letter to Our Spokane Community

With millions of people marching in the streets across the United States and 10,000 – 20,000 marching here in Spokane this would make a good topic for our local newspapers, comma and social media. It would also be an opportunity to disseminate strategic conversations across the nation.

The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?

It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?  

This is a three part series.  The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.

The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.

Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.

1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy

2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy

3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?

4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer