There are some basic facts which most dare not mention, let alone discuss. We may not

[Atticus]

want them to be truisms, but they sit there like vultures at the fringes of our consciousness.

When, for whatever reason, a group of people openly and repeatedly attempts to destroy you and your efforts to reason with them are rebuffed and laughed at, there are but two alternatives---both of them ugly: you can either respond in kind or perish.

We have often counselled each other to resist the impulse to "go low" when the opposition savages us. We have insisted that our side be "the adults in the room".

Adults acknowledge reality and deal with it.

They don't "reach out" to the barbarians at the gate.

They don't take butter knives to a gunfight and hope for the best.

Let's be adults.

[Walleye]

1. Unfortunately we are the adults. Not motivated by revenge, they are

[Atticus]

2. I do not urge revenge. I urge defense and prevention of further attacks. nt

[Walleye]

3. I understand. But what we are up against is a vicious vendetta. how to beat that

[Firestorm49]

6. Sometimes it's a thin line between revenge and preservation.

[Phoenix61]

4. The best warriors aren't motivated by revenge.

They are motivated by a sense of justice and fair play. Their minds are clear and focused on the future goal not a past hurt.

[Firestorm49]

5. Right there with you, Atticus.