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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWould you be willing to die defending and supporting what you believe in?
Simple yes or no answer.
I know I would so that is a big YES for me.
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madokie
(51,076 posts)I was duped once and its had a profound effect on me ever since. Once bitten twice shy
Scuba
(53,475 posts)Buzz Clik
(38,437 posts)Would you be willing to die for your belief that that the milk prices at your local store are too high?
That Wal*Mart underpays its workers?
That meat is bad for you?
That GMOs might be harmful?
It's not simple. You need to rephrase.
randome
(34,845 posts)Dying means giving up. If I am confronted with a situation where I need to betray one of my principles, I would give in with the intent of continuing the fight, whatever it may be, at a later time.
If you're talking about defending someone's life, I might do that because there is no second chance at that.
But just about everything else, I'd say that staying true to your principles means doing your damnedest to have them win. You don't win by dying. That's only for melodramatic movie endings.
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[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
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FarCenter
(19,429 posts)No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
George S Patton
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)
treestar
(82,383 posts)Real life does not ever come down to such a stark choice.
For that matter, you could say Mohammed Atta and co. did that. So it's not necessarily a good thing, either. Remember what people "truly believe in" is going to be different for different people.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)
1-Old-Man
(2,667 posts)
LeftishBrit
(41,450 posts)I am not a physically brave person. But I THINK that if it came to a fight to save the basic principle of the social safety net from utter destruction, and I could help to save it at the cost of my life, I would. But it's easy to say that before it comes to it.
Cirque du So-What
(29,525 posts)but I'm not willing to die for that belief. In fact, if I were to construct a hierarchy of 'beliefs' for which I am willing to die defending and supporting, I don't see any of them making the cut. Martyrdom is not my thing, man. I can do far more good remaining alive, and even if I'm occupying space in a jail cell or hospital, I'm tying up their resources instead of burdening my compatriots with the task of burying my corpse.
PD Turk
(1,289 posts)When my grandfather and great uncle walked off the job in the 30s to join the picket lines and stand up for workers rights they were taking a hell of a risk, putting themselves in grave danger and they knew it. I believe in the same things they believed in when they fought for a better country for common folk.... I can't see how I should do any less
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)The older I get the easier that question is to answer.
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)Like Gen. Patton expressed in a quote above, you don't win by dying for something.
I'm not sure the point is to make the other guy die instead, but that's not the question.
Also, some beliefs can change. Like religion. I know people who have switched religious beliefs as many times as I've changed my hair color.
Dreamer Tatum
(10,985 posts)A better question might be, "are you willing to DECIDE what you believe in?"
whatchamacallit
(15,558 posts)Everything else is negotiable.
newmember
(805 posts)
Sheldon Cooper
(3,724 posts)Twofish
(63 posts)I am willing to kill or be killed for what I believe in because I do not want my children to live in a world where where they have to do the same.
VOX
(22,976 posts)My death for any heartfelt causes -- other than defending my family -- would make me a far less functional steward, supporter and underwriter of these very causes.
sibelian
(7,804 posts)I suppose it depends on the belief.
premium
(3,731 posts)
LostOne4Ever
(9,745 posts)until such an occasion came up. Its one thing to say you would on an anonymous message board when you are insulated and completely safe, its a completely different when such situations come up.
As we all know, fair weather patriots are a dime a dozen.
Fla_Democrat
(2,622 posts)die defending or supporting what someone else believes in. Or, what someone thinks I should believe in.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)As long as you live to fight another day, you haven't lost.
You die and well, the fight is over and you lose.
I will always do what I can to live another day to continue the fight. My death would benefit no one except those I would be fighting against.
Julie
graham4anything
(11,464 posts)atreides1
(16,799 posts)Shivering Jemmy
(900 posts)Beyond protecting my children there is nothing I am willing to sacrifice myself for.
Rise Rebel Resist
(88 posts)
bluedeathray
(514 posts)Especially after having studied the examples of our forefathers.
Puzzledtraveller
(5,937 posts)
LWolf
(46,179 posts)should I, or would I, have to? 
Edited to add: An overly vague, broad question like that cannot be answered accurately with a "simple" yes or no.
Inspired
(3,958 posts)If not, then no.
MichaelMcGuire
(1,684 posts)Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)If so, who? Al Queda kills to defend and support what it believes in and dies to do the same.
YeahSureRight
(205 posts)The British considered the Founding Fathers Terrorists yet in America they were/are hero's.
To answer your question Yes I would but I am in the minority and that is why the 1% can do what they want without any fear reprisals from the people. See the people are not pissed off and angry enough to stand up to them and standing up to them will take the same courage that the Founding Fathers had when they stood up to their corporate masters.
We have a choice we can stand or get on our knees and most would rather get on their knees.
I suggest kneepads for the majority it will hurt less.