Now, almost a decade later, it seems Sharp's contrary 'non-violent means' theory has perhaps been established as the road to take to democracy.
We are not just talking Egyptians and Tunisians who have, with the help of Sharp's handbook, upended a violent and powerful regime here, amongst other oppressed peoples who have found inspiration and decisive strategic guidance through the humble political scientists work are the Burmese, Bosnians, Estonians, Zimbabweans and as we speak the protesters in Libya and Bahrain.
Reading through the press it is clear that Sharp is quick to dismiss any credit aimed in his direction "the people of Egypt did that — not me," likewise he is just as swift in his praise for the people, recently proclaiming the Egyptian revolution as "maybe the most powerful example of 'people power' in world history."
Closer to home and on an infinitely smaller and less important scale, a small number of different 'groups' consisting of concerned Evertonians, have recently been set up. Their aims, if not their planned methods, are seemingly the same; a better future for Everton Football Club. One of these, brought together under the banner 'Evertonians for Change' and despite warnings from many of the Everton online community, have recently received a disdainful brush off to their proposal of 'dialogue with the board' from CEO Robert Elstone.
- Watch This Space
Simultaneously, there have been calls for a 'protest' outside Goodison Park against the redundant Bill Kenwright and his feckless board. The rationale being that if our bolder and brasher (and maybe therein lies the problem) red cousins can get a properly organised and concerted protest together, why can't we? Could it be that our old friend Gene Sharp has the key?
'If these Evertonians wish to accomplish something, it is wise to plan how to do it. The more important the goal, the more important planning becomes. Strategic planning increases the likelihood of achieving your goal and only once all like-minded supporters and available resources are pooled together and mobilized will their aims be employed most effectively. This is especially true for all the separate and recently formed Everton supporters movements.'
OK, he didn't quite say that but you catch the drift........ in short, if you believe the time is right, then get it fucking together Blues!!
Talking of Everton supporters groups, the secretary of KEIOC, Colin Fitzpatrick has submitted a follow-up article to his interview in yesterdays Liverpool Echo on ToffeeWeb. Essential reading for all Evertonians.
