Peaceniks and defending yourself

Nancy and I rented a Blu Ray DVD of the original “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” It came out in 1951. It’s a good movie and like the current version has a message.

Back then, World War II had just ended and we were in the middle of the Korean Police Action or Korean Conflict as it was referred to so Congress could avoid the Declaration of War. So the message was one of getting along and stopping all the petty bickering and fighting going on around the world at that time. But, what’s interesting is how Klaatu, the space man who arrived in a flying saucer, was willing to enforce peace on Earth…he threatens to destroy the Earth.

Even Hollywood, as anti-war as it was at the time couldn’t think of a way to have peace on Earth without resorting to the threat of violence and even larger destruction — the whole planet destroyed.

So, after all the love and peace is preached when it comes down to it, the most powerful person or country determines and enforces the peace. I don’t have a problem with the message. Its reality. Turning the other cheek is a choice an individual may take but its not an option for a country who has the responsibility of protecting millions of its citizens. I also don’t believe its an option for someone when they see a person being attacked. I believe its our duty to do what ever we can to protect someone being threatened.

I like to think that if I was out walking and came across you being attacked, I would do whatever I could to stop the attack. I also like to think you would do the same.

I got off on this rant because I keep getting emails from peaceniks out there that say I shouldn’t be selling such violent products. That violence only begets more violence. I hope to God that these people are never faced with a situation where their philosophy is tested and they have to decide if they should turn the other cheek or defend themselves or a loved one.