Lynn: The "non-violent" character of the Civil Rights Movement, especially the marches was very, very crucial to their success.  Had they been violent in response to the brutality, it would have been a "bloodbath.".......Instead, the sympathy of the majority of Americans went to the protesters.  We recently saw in Eugene how a bit of violence (with the SUV driver) was used to "overshadow" the peaceful demonstration.  

Violent protests are, IMO, terribly counterproductive.  Gary Crum