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I LOVED the giraffe video!

Ok, sure. I understand the intent, and even agree that it's important. I just question the premise. I'm sure I would do the same thing if tasked with filling two hours on NVCR. On the other hand, I have serious questions about having a license to do something I already have a (inalienable?) right to do anyway, so there's THAT.

Here's a story about a NVCR technique I invented called "Smile and Wave." As I left my driveway one morning, I noticed a woman at the stop sign in front of me had left her thermos on top of her car. I honked to get her attention and pointed up at the thermos. She turned around and glared at me and "gave me the bird", as they say. I simply smiled and waved. She blew me off and drove away. I put a "Found: Nice Thermos" add in the paper, but when no one responded, I started using it. It's a nice one!

All's well that ends well.

Yes, the Bill and Ted’s suggestion was “tongue-in-cheek”. I just meant to imply that it would be about as helpful and more entertaining. I always forget that that sort of nuance is generally lost in an online forum context. Don’t get me wrong, NVDR is a vital skill that should be taught to everyone.

Perhaps trying to teach it in CHL class seems silly to me because I have not had many problems since I attended four years of NVDR training in the BSofA when I was a kid. Back then, they used to teach guys old-fashioned things like being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Those skills have gotten me out of a few tight spots, and perhaps prevented countless others.

Also, my religion teaches me that I must not envy, lie, steal, murder, or sleep with anyone that’s not my wife; I'm sure this goes a long way to keeping me out of trouble as well. We are also taught to ignore insults. I find online forums to be a great place to practice ignoring insults because you can always find some “expert” who will question your heritage or mock your username.

Let's see... My dad taught me a lot of simple NVDR techniques in a prolonged course he like to call "Basic Human Decency," and as an adult, I attended three or four years of an obscure Israeli self-defense class that actually teaches advanced avoidance and evasion as a primary component of self-defense.

And finally, If all that weren't enough, twenty years ago I married a Scot; so I've had daily opportunities to hone my NVDR skills ever since; and that's not to mention what I've learned about hostage negotiations... :)

With the CHL class fresh on my mind, I have to say the Non Violent Dispute Resolution (NVDR) section was an epic waste of time. I don't know how much latitude the poor instructor has over this, but I felt sorry for the guy at any rate. We were subjected to every pop-psych self-help fad I've ever heard of; everything from the (completely discredited) Elizabeth Kubler Ross stages of grief nonsense to the 1970's "I'm Ok, Your OK" Transactual Analysis. I would think the state would share some of the things it teaches troopers about this, but that's probably just newer hogwash.

IMHO, the best approach would be to avoid the theoretical and just nix the NVDR section altogether, but if they just can't do that, maybe use those two hours to watch "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." It teaches dispute resolution, advanced planning, teamwork, ethics... and it's really really funny.

Be excellent to each other!