rambling thoughts on pacifism

[Amy Z]

Naama wrote:

> I want to think more of what you've written, but there is something 
> here I'd like to point out. 
> I'm not sure that to kill someone in self defense *is* "evil means". 
> By assuming that killing is wrong, regardless of context, you're 
> begging the question, it seems to me. 

True, I *am* assuming that killing is bad.  This assumption warrants 
some closer examination (!! to say the least), but it isn't begging 
the question.  Even if we accept that killing is something to be 
avoided if at all possible, the question still remains:  is it 
nevertheless justified (even required) to kill in certain 
circumstances?  

I do think it is sometimes justifiable to kill, even an innocent 
person (whatever "innocent" may mean...).  But for now I'll stick with 
the premise that killing a person is "evil means."  I think it all 
comes down to my very deep belief that no one is beyond redemption.  
When we kill someone--however depraved and beyond any scrap of 
goodness he/she may be--we cut off that possibility.  To me, that is 
very tragic, and something for which those of us who pull the trigger 
need to take responsibility (I am included in this number, as a person 
who has voted for pro-death-penalty candidates, e.g. Al Gore).  It may 
still be the right thing to do, but it is never completely good.

Or so go my thoughts on March 16, 2001.  Ask me in a week or a year 
and you'll get something different . . . I've been actively struggling 
with this question since I was 12 and I don't see any sign that I'm 
going to resolve it in my lifetime.

Peace,
Amy Z