The Fallacy of Violence

Violence is becoming ramped in the world today. Every day we read or hear of some individual or group claiming that their violent acts are in response to some wrong against them. They claim that violence is their only resort for justice. Is violence justifiable? Can violence bring justice?

There may be many reasons given for individual acts of violence. I only wish to address violence to enact political change.

Violence begets violence. Violence against an oppressive government strengthens their resolve to control the population with their repression. In the minds of the oppressor their action is justified in order to maintain the "peace."

Violence breeds contempt, anger, hate and a desire for revenge on both sides. Even when a 'peace' can be negotiated the hate and anger does not go away. It continues in other forms.

Look at the American Civil War. Though the war ended the conflict has not fully ended in the minds of some. The hate bred in that war has transformed into the KKK and other groups that continue the hate though discussed.

How long has there been violence in Ireland? Did the violence force the two sides to negotiate or has it prolonged the conflict and increased the strife that gave birth to the violent acts?

Violence breeding violence is not the only flaw. Can those who led such violence be well suited to govern in peace? I would say not. They are often driven either by lust for power or hate for the enemy. When a government is overthrown by violence a government worse than before will likely replace it. A government that takes power by force will only likely be replaced by violence.

There have been examples of government overthrows that have not succumbed to the cycle of violence. The American independence, as well as that of India, are examples. These revolts were not general attacks against other than the government and occupying armies. America did not conduct a war of terrorism to overthrow the British, nor did India. Their actions were basically defensive and began within legal appeals to the government for redress.

Those who use terrorism on the other hand never can claim defense when they begin to attack civilians and non-military targets as a course of their actions. They lose their claim to a fight for freedom when they rob from the population to support their actions.

Terrorism can never claim to achieve peace, freedom nor safety. Terrorist attacks are only barbarism and mob terror for the achievement of personal power. High ideas are a deception for terrorist.

No end justifies the means. No violent attack will bring freedom and prosperity, only bondage and slavery.