As a former professional organizer for ACORN I am sadden by the vitriolic exchange on both sides of this issue. We as activist do our icons a disservice when we depart from from their techniques i.e. building consensus. Yes the progressive camp felt that this was the right thing to do. However it appeared to me they lacked two primary elements in the six principles of non-violence 1) suffering can educate and persuade people to overcome their unjust ways. 2) we are trying to defeat injustice not individuals.
In regard to Ceasar Chavez I was taught that he belived in building consensus. That means knocking on peoples doors and at least attempting to educate them. From that the injustice of their position will be revealed. In addition I got a sense that this was a top down efort of political activist elite ( common in Portland) rather than a true effort to get the public to apprecte who Ceasr Chavez was,and what he stood for. I would refer you to two article one in the Skanner and another in the ST Johns Review.As always I have confidence in you Sam to navigate through the political mine of our day. In solidarity
Dan BEl

Dan Bell