Comic Strips

I don't think it's so much violence itself but the threat of violence. Nazis and fascists need to know that if they get violent, we'll return it a hundredfold in kind.

It's kind of like the phrase that a sheathed sword is sometimes enough to keep the peace. The threat of it being used is what keeps people in line. What we need are more visible sheathed swords -- unless of course we need to draw the weapon.

I never said I'm not willing to get blood on my hands. Violence can be required. It's an unfortunate sign though that we have already failed badly. However, if violence is required, it should be controlled, and focused. A mob beating with fists is spontaneous, a mob using baseball bats is a lynching.

The difference between a mob and a militia is in the organisation and responsibilities. A militia has a chain of command, and so someone who can stop things going too far. They can also make sure the actual job is done, rather than straying into mindless violence.

If violence is required, we are morally required to apply it. However, we are also morally required to apply it precisely in controlled amounts, towards the required goal. Otherwise we can easily degenerate into the exact thing we claim to fight.

The other thing to remember is that we can be baited. Mindless violence might feel good, but if it doesn't advance the cause, it's worthless. Even worse, it can justify the actions of the other side, even if the balance is still disproportionate.