> MLK keenly recognized that this course of action was not on the table for African Americans in the United States MLK offered a non violent alternative to vio

> MLK keenly recognized that this course of action was not on the table for African Americans in the United States MLK offered a non violent alternative to violence. He was a great leader, but he didn't succeed in a vacuum. He gave a peaceful political way to end the tension that, if ignored, would have continued to escalate in violence. Same with Gandhi. Not to imply that they were threatening this ultimatum or that they wanted violence on the side, but simply that that was the nature of the context. The sobering lesson to learn is that continued oppression creates violent rage. We've convinced ourselves it is a disservice to non-violent resistance leaders to tolerate the uncontrolled expression of rage, and maybe it is, but it undermines the big picture pursuit of a more just world. The rioters aren't justified, they're angry. Morality walks out the door when you're angry.