I am not, never was, and probably never will be a pacifist. Nor am I opposed to the judicious use of political violence. I think I've always made that very clear in my posts here at The Agonist. Certainly, violence should be avoided. But you know what: sometimes it simply cannot be, progress or not, which is an idea I've sadly grown very disillusioned with. We have lots of technological progress in our lives, but we seem to lack a lot of moral and ethical progress. Such is human nature.

Yes, I lost a very dear friend in a senseless crime. But on the level of state action, well, nations have interests, not friends.

^{“Is not our first thought to go on the road? The road is our source, our vault of treasures, our wealth. Only on the road does the ‘traveller’ feel like himself, at home.”
Ryszard Kapuscinski}

... ethical level is not breached by the parties in conflict. That's what was so marvelous about all theses bloodless coups in Eastern Europe and why some of the old hand communist still enjoy some basic respect. Unlike the Chinese communist party they didn't pull the trigger when they could have.

That is why I believe ethical progress can be achieved although it is so much harder and so much slower than the technological progress.

To paraphrase your metaphor: If one sibling kills the other in a fight they won't talk later in life either (just ask Cain). Conflict resolution should never be violent but if one party breaches the ultimate ethical dam the other will have to fight.

^{“Is not our first thought to go on the road? The road is our source, our vault of treasures, our wealth. Only on the road does the ‘traveller’ feel like himself, at home.”
Ryszard Kapuscinski}

... unique forum like the Agonist that always draws me back in despite all the other demands on my time. None of the other blogs that I peruse ever tempt me to comment - let alone start a diary. Here at the Agonist there is such an exquisite mix of individuals - commenting never feels like a waste of time.

This small space in the blogoshpere allows a wider spectrum of political opinions to be argued in an honest manner than any other I am aware of. This may not count as ethical progress per se - but it sure counts for something.

and our values of open-mindedness and good faith that make this place special.

^{“Is not our first thought to go on the road? The road is our source, our vault of treasures, our wealth. Only on the road does the ‘traveller’ feel like himself, at home.”
Ryszard Kapuscinski}