What happened to pacifism and the non violence principle in the 21st century?

I am afraid the historic lessons of the 20th century with two World Wars, the Cold War and the use of the first nuclear weapons have been unlearned by the end of the first quarter of the 21st century!

This is a sad state of affairs at the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century! It is certainly a regression/reversal for humanity! What will be the consequences?

Serving in the military and being a conscientious objector

Is this possible? Is this not contradictory?

Yes, it is! I am a living example!

I served the regular compulsory-military service in the German army in the early 1980s (while it was still West Germany), but I applied and became an officially recognized conscientious objector not very long after I completed my military service. 

My rational mind fully understands and supports the necessity to be able to defend a liberal and humanist constitution based on division of power and democracy with military means when attacked by a hostile military force.

My strong pacifist conviction requires non-violence at all times. Self defense is an exception.

India, the land of several major religions

It has tremendously fascinated me for many years how many major religions were established in India and they have coexisted side by side for a long time to the present.

Caveat: I am no expert on Indian religions and make no claims but to be a lay person and an occasional student.

Add to this, the delicious blend of spices and the variety of food!

Just a few, selective brief notes on these religions (My apologies for much is omitted or neglected):

Buddhism

Among other things teaches the value of all life on earth, because of the cycle of rebirth and the respect for all sentient beings. When you kill an insect, perhaps it was your grandparent (my liberal personal interpretation). 

Its tenets ask to search for a path to end suffering. Human desire and cravings are much to blame for suffering. Is a modest life a better life? Nirvana?

Moreover Buddhism will always be associated with the great emperor Ashoka (ca. 300 CE)!

Edicts of Ashoka

Hinduism

I guess, no one since the 20th century is more associated with Hinduism than Mahatma Gandhi! He grew up as a Hindu, trained as a lawyer in London, worked in South Africa as a lawyer, used non violence to shake off British colonial power in South Africa and India, established religious pluralism, and who ended untouchability. Then he was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist at an interfaith prayer meeting! What a tragedy and what a lesson for future generations! Fanaticism in whatever shape or form is evil! His non violence movement has inspired many followers and a few leaders!

A non violent skinny man in skimpy beggar's clothes with a British lawyer's degree and a spinning wheel defeated the British Empire (weakened by World War II). An eternal lesson!

Sikhism

I certainly have fond memories of the great movie The English Patient! That little dagger (called a Kirpan) or how he grew his hair under the turban (called Kesh)? 😊 

"God is presented as masculine and God's power as feminine ... and without form. [Something to think about in our so gender confused times]" (Wikipedia)

Jainism

It is famous for ahimsa (non violence), non absolutism, and asceticism.

I guess this religion stands out because of its symbol. 

The Mennonites – a trip back in time

Recommendable! Unusual people, but their optimism is inspiring! However, these German government paid for moronic journalists do not mention a single word about the essential characteristics of Mennonites like they are truly pacifists and conscientious objectors. Yes, these people may be very old fashioned, but we can learn from these people and their simple life style!

A Riot Is The Language Of The Unheard?

Posted: 4/29/2015  Updated: 5/2/2015

Trigger

Just read parts of a New York Times Op Ed article titled “Goodbye to Freddie Gray and Goodbye to Quietly Accepting Injustice” written by Michael Eric Dyson, a professor of sociology at Georgetown University.

Here is prof. Dyson’s brief excerpt from a speech by Martin Luther King Jr.:

“As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. announced in the wake of the Watts riots 50 years ago, “a riot is the language of the unheard.” And judging by the actions in Baltimore, thousands are not being heard.”

Expanded Quote And Source

These are the original words of a self proclaimed preacher of non violence:

“Now I wanted to say something about the fact that we have lived over these last two or three summers with agony and we have seen our cities going up in flames. And I would be the first to say that I am still committed to militant, powerful, massive, non­-violence as the most potent weapon in grappling with the problem from a direct action point of view. I'm absolutely convinced that a riot merely intensifies the fears of the white community while relieving the guilt. And I feel that we must always work with an effective, powerful weapon and method that brings about tangible results. But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard.”

Excerpted from

"The Other America"

Speech by

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Grosse Pointe High School - March 14, 1968

http://www.gphistorical.org/mlk/mlkspeech/index.htm

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.

The Duplicitous Non Violence Preached By Martin Luther King Jr.

I believe, the above quote illustrates this quite well.

Sure, in the U.S. individuals have no other choice, but to resort to violence in response to perceived conditions. For a true believer in non violence, there are always peaceful alternatives available even under very dire conditions especially in the U.S. One of the simplest alternatives is to move away for better opportunities e.g. from Baltimore.

Violence is never a language! Violence is force! Humans will be injured or die. A violent riot almost always violates the innocent! What an injustice is that?

Martin Luther King Jr. was committed to what: “militant, powerful, massive, non­-violence as the most potent weapon”. Militant, powerful non violence? What a contradiction in terms or what an oxymoron!

Post Script

I have written here a number of blog posts about the many controversial aspects of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Marginalized Terrorist Excuse

Posted: 1/15/2015

Since the terrorist acts in Paris, France last week more and more opinions come out to explain that these terrorists were marginalized.

Unfortunately, there is absolutely no excuse for such murderous acts! Each individual is ultimately responsible for what he or she does not society etc.

There always many alternatives available to deal with life’s hardships or lack of opportunities etc. Anyone is free e.g. to protest peacefully against perceived injustices etc.

Who Wants To Be The Next Victim Of A Terrorist Attack?

Limited Government - Not Big Brother

Having grown up in Germany in the immediate post World War II period I sure do not like any totalitarian states or any comprehensive government surveillance of its citizens. My blog post is my creed!

Abstract Principles Do Not Trump
The Killing Of Humans By Fanatics

Does anyone of those individuals who feverishly hail Mr. Edward Snowden as some kind of a hero want to be the next victim of a mindless, future terrorist attack? Those individuals count on the low probability that they themselves will be the next victim. This is an egoistic and inhumane attitude. Nobody deserves to die because of a fanatic.

We know at least since Voltaire that you cannot argue with a fanatic. This is perhaps a harsh observation. It may not apply to every fanatic, but it is generally not very far off from the truth. However, terrorists who intend to kill or kill themselves to kill as many other innocent humans as possible are fanatics.

Self-Defense Against Homicidal Fanatics Is
An Utmost Basic Government Function

These fanatics would probably not hesitate to use the deadliest weapons they can possibly get hold off. How about some kind of a very contagious and deadly disease created by a terrorist at his home using off the shelf equipment? Therefore, it is a primary, genuine duty of a democratically elected government to protect its citizens from such fanatics. The ultimate responsibility of each citizen and our elected representatives is to make sure that sufficient safeguards are put in place.

Non-Violence Principle

This fundamental principle of civilized society cannot be repeated enough:

1.       Violence is only to be used as a self-defense against attacks on your person or your family to prevent imminent harm

2.       If you have grievances against government or any other institution etc. you have to resort to non-violent means first and be patient for a long time.