Lately I've been thinking a lot about pacifism. Writing about it has been blocked because it brings up deep pain and it's a sprawling topic to wade through. But here are some points of view I must briefly share.
I believe the option for setting down our oppositional posture, instead seeking reconciliation and cooperation, should always be under active consideration.
I intend to avoid getting bogged down in debates. Peace isn't actually possible because of the bad apples? It's closer to reality when more people continuously renew provisional trust in it. The philosophical limits are ill-defined? This is a mindset, not a refutable logic game. End of discussions.
I am confused that the attitude has such scant mention in our society. Have people simply forgotten about it? Is Endless War, into which the younger half of us have grown, a given? I feel lonely in my allegiance to the idea.
I am distrustful of notions of justice. I think it is a slippery slope to, or morally coded dressing up of, a power grab by those who perceive affliction. This alienates me from you, my dear liberal friends.