You’ve probably heard about the man in Washington, D.C., who threw a foot-long sandwich at police in protest of the recent declaration of martial law and federalization of D.C. police in spite of crime hitting a 30-year low.

Now, I don’t condone any type of violence, even sandwich violence, but I do see this event as a potential catalyst for a new kind of non-violent protest against the growing Fascism in this country.

See, those who follow Jesus take seriously his teachings about loving our enemy. We believe, as the Apostle says in Romans, for example, that, “If your enemy is thirsty, give him something to drink…if he is hungry, give him something to eat…”, and so, in this spirit, let me suggest a new form of non-violent protest: The Foot-Long Sandwich Protest.

Here’s what we do: Everyone who wants to join us needs to go down to your favorite submarine sandwich shop – it can be Subway, or Jersey Mikes, heck, even Jimmy John’s (why not?). Next, head over to your neighborhood protest and approach the police wearing the riot gear. Then, hand them the sandwich and thank them for their commitment to protect and serve. That’s it!

See, if the police are all holding a big, hot, juicy foot-long sandwich, they can’t spray anyone with pepper spray or beat anyone with a night stick. They also can’t zip tie people and throw them into unmarked vans.

As an added distraction, try handing them a sandwich and a large, cold drink to go along with it. Now they really have their hands full!

What are they gonna do? Drop all that great, free food on the ground?

I mean, sure, they could drop the big, hot, juicy, foot-long sandwich, but even if they do, now they’re all standing in a pile of big, hot, juicy, foot-long sandwiches, which will make it difficult for them to advance without stepping in those big, hot, juicy, foot-long sandwiches. Not to mention the super-sized Diet Cokes you brought them.

In all seriousness, this kind of unexpected generosity and kindness is what actually disarms violence. Protestors in the past have brought flowers, dressed as clowns, played music, and even performed elaborate dance routines as a way of diffusing the tension and inviting police to join in the fun.

In other words, we have to find ways to move beyond the Us vs Them mentality. By humanizing the police and the National Guardsmen who are ordered to show force, we can appeal to their humanity and make them feel like part of the protest, not as an enemy to be opposed.

So, hey, maybe you think my Subway Sandwich Protest is a really stupid idea. Fair enough, it may be stupid. But, if you can come up with a better idea for a creatively non-violent protest that works better, I’m happy to hear it.

What we need is creativity. What we need is a non-violent way to bring change so that everyone wins in the end. Because those who seek to divide us are the only ones who win if we play along.

We are all Americans. That’s the point. We are all worthy of dignity, respect, and equal rights under the law. The goal is not for some Americans to win while others lose. The goal is to find a way for everyone to enjoy the same freedoms under the law without infringing upon the rights of anyone else.

I believe we can find a way if we really try.

I believe that all are created equal and that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

So, why not buy a sandwich for the riot cop at the protest? You may be surprised how it works to disarm the hate and diffuse the violence.