The nation's loyalties seem like 1776 all over again.

Cute historical rhyming for our 250th commemoration of the American Revolution.

Half the population loyal to the king or uncommitted for their own safety.

The other half ready to revolt.

Except the half who are ready to revolt aren't nearly as armed and furthermore are being urged "not to take the bait."

So the non-violent role models of Martin Luther King and Mohandas Gandhi are being offered.

Why were these role models successful? Did the tyrannies they face ultimately possess more of a moral conscience and sense of shame which undermined the tyrant's determination to crush rebellion?

Could American independence have been achieved non-violently? Could the abolition of black slavery in America have been achieved non-violently? Could the overthrow of religious rule in Iran be achieved non-violently? If my aunt had balls would she be my uncle?