All we need is a living model for it, and I can think of no better opportunity for one than that which exists at Pine Ridge. But we need a revolution. The revolution, of course, must be non-violent. In the truest expression of Mahatma Gandhi s philosophy, it must be driven by what Gandhi called satyagraha, an intense, non-violent holding on to the truth. Civil disobedience is the greatest tool for this effort.
Civil disobedience is the inherent right of a citizen.
It is not followed by anarchy. It must be sincere, respectfully, restrained, never defiant, must be based upon some well-understood principle, must not be capricious and, above all, must have no ill will or hatred behind it. A foundation for effective civil disobedience on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation, and a great advantage for the revolution, is Lakota sovereignty. Speaking of value systems, if legitimate sovereignty is the foundation for the revolution, the traditional Lakota values are the heart of it. The Lakota idea of wolakolkiapi was around long before Gandhi but it describes the essence of his satyagraha and the respectful, gentleness required for walking this path.