[MD] atomic bomb and torture

[Platt Holden]

SA writes:

>      Platt said to Amirman:  "You might find it
> helpful in a philosophical website to justify your
> position logically rather than react emotionally."
> 
>      Platt you just need to understand that there are
> people who want peace and will TRY for peace, and
> peace, THE EFFORT OF PEACE, starts on the INTELLECTUAL
> level once you are born.  The prevention of peace is
> on the social restraint level when it comes to war or
> wars lasting or wars spreading.  Wouldn't it be
> something if there are people in the Middle East
> trying to make peace just as Amirman and others are. 
> You do your thing Platt, go for the war, some of us
> don't speak for war, some of us speak for peace.  We
> have our different duties.  I personally will not say
> we need you to speak for war, because I speak for
> peace, but honestly I will not fight your position as
> long as you don't come after me.  I will punch anybody
> that tries to hurt my family.  We went over this
> before.  You have said the same things before.  I
> guess you feel the need to repeat your message over
> the loud speaker over and over again when it comes to
> your position.  There is nothing wrong with that. 
> Just understand you need others in your culture to
> speak for Peace.  Without peace you would have no
> culture Platt.
 
I agree. I don't want war any more than you do. But, as you admit, 
sometimes it is necessary to fight to preserve what you hold near and 
dear. By referring to the hierarchy of moral levels, Pirsig says it is 
more moral to fight for some values than others. For example, it is 
more moral to fight for rational intellectual values over religious 
social values, equal rights over slavery, democracy over dictatorship, 
civilization over barbarism.

As for vigorously defending one's position, I agree. No one has a 
monopoly on Quality. By exchanging ideas, we all benefit.

Platt