"I am prepared to die, but there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill."
by:
Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi
(1869-1948) Leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India
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I hold sacrosanct the Christs declaration of: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: It is also said: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: On a sliding scale, I would like to think of myself exemplifying Gandhi's here statement but, I'm afraid I'm not quite there (I'm still very protective of family and liberty).
 -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Yet it was through the revolution inspired by Gandhi for the Independence of India that much blood was spilled in conflicts between Hindus and Muslims. As the jewel of the British Empire, India, would come to independence in 1947, of course with the formation of Iraq and the exhaustive work of Gertrude Bell on their behalf, and the Balfour Declaration coming forth on behalf of Lord Rothschild, the leader of the Jewish community in England, assuring the formation of the Jewish state of Israel. Gandhi carried 3 books with him during his walk abouts in the village sectors comprised of Hindu and Muslim populations, Bhagavad Gita, Christs Teachings, and Hebrew wisdom and poems. " And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse and scrip, and shoes, lack ye anything? And they said Nothing. Then he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold here are two swords. And he said unto them, it is enough." " Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." Luke 22, John 13, with that comes forth one born out of due time, " And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." I Corin 15:8. " And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after their customs." The elders statement to Paul, Acts 21:21. " Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." Now it becomes very obvious that Gandhi overlooked the continued ministry of Christ through the Apostle Paul, as many, many do in the denominational Christian secs, for he claims Liberty with a purpose of revolt. Gandhi had much blood on his hands. And as Paul states, he wish that they were even cut off that trouble you." "yet as much as lieth in you, live at peace with all men." We live in a time of peace through strength, Stand fast !
     -- Ronw13, Oregon     
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    Under all circumstances, resorts to violence ought to be esteemed to be last resort measures.

    Lamentably, the essential fallenness
    of man fundamentally militates against his being other than characteristically militant.
     -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill     
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    I, and many others would be willing to kill to protect the life of an innocent child, neighbor or any other individual ... including ourselves against an unwarranted attack and attempt at murder.
     -- Mary - MI     
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    There are causes in which killing is necessary. Even in scripture there is righteous war. We are also responsible for our loved ones and as such I would have no qualms about killing someone who meant to do them harm. Yes, ultimately I would have to deal with the fact I took a life. But I would rather deal with that than knowing I let my family be harmed or killed. The commandment in it's true meaning is "thou shalt not murder"...there is a difference.
     -- Denise, Durango     
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    Gandhi was against the disarming of the Indian people, which the British had enforced. I do not believe rendering aid to someone being attacked which results in the death of the assailant is considered 'killing' or murder. We possess firearms to protect ourselves from being killed. Deadly defense is not killing, per se. Without a means to defend oneself, servitude is inevitable.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    This quotation obviously relates to the political 'cause' of Indian independence. A cause worth dying for but not worth killing for in Ghandi's view. The lasting solution is always negotiation and reason, a peaceful revolution, and Ghandi would have been guided by the Hindu concept of Ahimsa or non harming which ironically gives more intellectual wiggle room when it comes to debating justifiable violence than the Biblical commandment 'Thou Shalt not Kill'. It was the (Christian) British management of the process of independence between 1937 and 1947 that led to India's partition and caused over 1 million Indian deaths in a few short months. Another shameful British Imperialist f**k up.

     -- Mick, Manchester     
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