May I Divulge a Bit?

I want to pose a question to all of you who care enough to read my entries.

I believe my conviction as a pacifist has actually begun to slip into a more moderate position.  I am not complaining about this, but trying to understand where I might actually stand on things and maybe better describe my own beliefs.

First I want to ask is self defense an act of violence?  let me explain what I am thinking here.  I took a karate class and in it we learned some basic self defense.  The main aspect was avoiding harm, and if necessary inflicting harm to disarm the one attempting to hurt you.  In other words if a man or woman were to come at me with a knife.  I know how to misdirect the knife and then kick the person's knee thereby immobilizing them and allowing me to run away.  Not much of a pacifistic move I know, but I see no issue with doing this.

Second I am beginning to see some credence in the use of force against an oppressive state.  If it were not for the use of war the whole notion of western thought would have never arisen.  One which is based on the writing, passing, and enforcing of laws.  It is through the passing and enforcing of truly just laws that have allowed people to find a degree of peace in this world.  When those laws are unjust that the issue arises.  Laws or standards are necessary means to striving for justice.  Justice is necessary for peace to flourish.

In ideal world justice and peace would serve to enhance one another for each individual person on this world.  This is not an ideal world though.  This does not justify the lack of peace or justice in the world, but instead ought to remind us of the seriousness of the business of peace and justice.  I believe a war waged for just reasons using just means can in fact bring about peace at the cost of momentary violence.  War is not my first choice in any situation, but is not entirely outside my realm of possibilities.

Label me whatever you want.  I do care to know what you think and I'd like to believe that because you are reading this still you care to know what I think.

Blessings