Thoughts on Violence - B

[Stinky The Clown]

Two news stories on tonight's evening nooz got me thinking about violence. Not to do it, but simply to consider the impact it has or doesn't have on us, our lives, and our world.

This second thread was inspired by the violence in Strasbourg.

What do the protesters think such actions will accomplish?

Is there ever a time when violent protest can be justified? I ask that with no intent whatever for the question to be considered rhetorical.

Is there ever justifiable violence in the name of advancing an agenda?

[geckosfeet]

1. I must presume that your question is indeed rhetorical. Because to seriously advance

the question is to ignore human history. History is filled with violence used to advance religious, political, economic and personal agendas.

One could quibble over the word "justifiable", but that is simply a matter of perspective, a matter of whose side you are on. And of course, whomever wins the conflict is in the drivers seat. The winner generally gets to re-write history in a way that justifies their use of violence.

[Mike 03]

2. I agree, but I think your answer to Stinky was harsh, because many of us have been brought up and

conditioned to believe that violence should not be a solution to settling these complex issues. I know because I was most certainly brought up in this way.

So, I would politely hope you might be more constructive and thoughtful in addressing this earnest and serious question, which seems to me more complicated than your somewhat flippant answer suggests.

[geckosfeet]

3. I wasn't trying to be harsh. Just pointing out the reality of history.

But, in more philosophical vein, no, violence does not solve our problems. If it did, the world would be a utopia by now.

[xchrom]

4. from a strictly oppressive/suppressive political standpoint --

it's sometimes the only way.

gandhi had an advantage some others do not have -- he got through time and persistence -- consensus from a vast number of people for his resistance.

that is not always the case. obviously.