Violence is NOT an acceptable part of the political discourse. Can we at least agree on this?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. I blame the Marine Corps for my pacifism.

At a certain point in my 4 years I became convinced that killing people based on some big shot's orders wasn't something I wanted to do when I realized that it was real people they were referring to. People I didn't know, had nothing against, and might even like as friends.

That's when I started questioning the purpose of killing and violence and found the answers disturbing.

Sometimes, when I tell people that I'm a pacifist I'm confronted with the "what if..?" questions. What if the Russians invaded America? What if a burglar was trying to rape your wife? etc. And, I give the only honest answer that anyone can give to a hypothetical. "I don't know."

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy of liberty or democracy?” Mohandas K. Gandhi

I appreciate your kindness and take it in just that way.