MLK day

Happy MLK day. I respect those leaders that champion, practice, and succeed in achieving change through non-violence (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi)! Amidst so much rancor, resentment, revenge and oppression -- no matter what the mood or marshaled forces against them -- they rise above their own selves, fight no one, yet win.

In hindsight, it's easy to see that freedom from oppression should be won -- not through violence and hate (because what is that but one more form of mental oppression) -- but through tolerance, patience, and peace.

Does the end justify the mean?

Fidel Castro fought for people's rights against an oppressive regime in Cuba in the 1950s -- but ended up oppressing the people himself (there was an election in Cuba today -- Vive la Revolucion! -- every candidate ran unopposed and Castro reported that 95% of the population nonetheless turned out to vote!). George W. Bush invaded Iraq to bring 'democracy' to a people bereft of its bounty, and ... well you know how that story ends.

Are these examples too easy? Maybe.

But it's easy to say -- fuck you, you wronged me; now I will show you the right way. Isn't that what the other person said?

These spiritual ones, they say, "I'll do what I believe is right. I bear no ill will. If your heart is open, then listen."

But if it doesn't work?