Reply #46: Violence is unnecessary when the power if non-violence is demonstrated

[King Mongo]

>>I would have to pick people that don't have any hate in their heart for the Jews the Arabs the Christians or anyone.

Based upon this logic, Ralph is a perfect candidate while Sharon is not. To even think that Ralph hates Jews, Arabs or Christians is totally rediculous, if not even scandalous.

Let me remind you that Arafat was elected by his people, he represented them, he accepted Israel, denounced the practice of violence and worked with Israel towards peace. While there are many myths that Arafat ordered violent attacks, nothing has been proven in the court of law. Futhermore, Arafat cannot be blamed for Sharon's rejection of Taba 2001 or Sharon's rejection of the Geneva Accords or Sharon's rejection of the Arab Peace Plan. Arafat simply cannot be blamed for Sharon's refusal to negotiate. Any pacifist will tell you that non-violence is not possible when negotiations are rejected. While you rely on many myths, it is important to not ignore the facts.

Furthermore, one must remember that people have the right to defend themselves. People have the right to resist the occupation and fight for their independence. Non-violence, in this situation, only works when people have the interational support and strength to politically and economically ruin the occupying power, if necessary. Without international support, people will defend themselves using those tools available to them. Understanding the right of self-defense helps us to comprehend that most resistance movements will discard violence when offered powerful and effective non-violent assistance. It is possible to work with people to reduce violence if one can prove to them that violence is not needed to practice self-defense. Thus, resistance groups like the Hamas and Hezbollah will abandon violent self-defense once demonstrated that non-violence is more effective.

I understand that you will not vote for Nader because you support the forced transfer of many Palestinians from their homeland. This is a very violent activity which Ralph strongly denounces.