Phage, we can agree to disagree - just a couple of things to clear this up.
If my tone was strong, it's because I resent my opinions being labelled as "idiotic pacifist ideals" or that my holding them makes me a slave. I think I've presented the case for pacifism (as have others) in such a way as to make you realise that it is far from idiotic. Naive maybe, misguided perhaps - but please avoid insulting the intelligence of those you disagree with. If I did the same in my posts it was because I posted with some emotion, and if that offended you, then I apologise.
My reference to "perfectly normal ape-like behaviour" wasn't meant to be negative, I was simply pointing to the fact that we, as animals, have a certain set of innate, natural responses to percieved threats. Simple as that.
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if you do not believe in your country perhaps you should leave
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That's exactly what I did do a number of years ago. I've not lived in my country of birth for a number of years now. I think that deals with the accusation of hypocracy.
The problems in the middle east stem from people adopting a non-pacifist view. If either side shifted position, the conflict would not be so entrenched as it is now. The Middle East (i.e. Palestine/Israel) is the perfect example of what happens when two groups of people adopt the line you are advocating.
And please, there is a difference between cowardly behaviour and eschewing violence. For one, it takes a lot more courage to stand up and say no more, and to appeal to people's better natures than it does to take up arms to do others violence.
It is also far more sensible in the long run.