GUILBEAULT-MELISA ANNE writes:
> Martin William Smith writes:
>
> > My point is that pacifism and passive resistance do not change those
> > systems. They win battles, and they might even win a "war", but they
> > don't ensure that the same battles and the same "wars" do not start
> > again.
>
> Yes, but does war change systems? [very big snip]

I'm sorry.  I was not trying to make the point that war *does* change
systems in the way I am talking about.  It doesn't.  Both pacifism and
war are equivalent in this regard.  When you are subject to the rules
of a system, whether you know them or not, then regardless of whether
you choose pacifism or war, you are still following the rules of the
system.  Either way, you are validating those rules.  I think there
will always be pacifists and there will always be non-pacifists.
Pacifists believe they can eliminate war, or at least minimize it, by
teaching pacifism and by being examples of pacifism themselves.  I
think that is a good idea.  It isn't what I do.  I don't want to do
it.  My decision is not about what is or is not a good way to fix the
problem, although it is related to that.  I just don't want to spend
my life doing that kind of work.  I'm really just not a pacifist.

I am really quite relieved to admit that to myself.  I imagine that
what I feel is like what a gay man feels when he voluntarily comes out
of the closet.  I am *not* a pacifist.  I have never killed anyone.  I
don't own a gun.  I don't want one.  I have never been hunting.  I am
not a vegitarian.  I eat very little red meat.  I don't smoke. Tobacco
companies are not responsible for the choices of people who do smoke.
The French are the only people in the world who know how to make
truely erotic pornography, and I like it.

I understand the concept of pacifism.  I see the value of it.  I am
glad there are pacifists.  I will contribute money to pacifist
organizations, but I am not a pacifist.  I will defend my self, my
family, or anyone else I believe needs my help, with whatever force I
must use to stop the agressor.  This is not a declaration of rights.
It's just an explanation of an aspect of me.

martin

Martin Smith                    Email: [log in to unmask]
P.O. Box 1034 Bekkajordet       Tel. : +47 330 35700
N-3194 HORTEN, Norway           Fax. : +47 330 35701