Hi Jonathan:
> Dan, it wasn't for nothing that I mentioned both Israel and my 4
> children. My kids, like all children, often squabble. As a parent, I
> know it is not always necessary or useful to identify the guilty child
> who initiated the fight. Apportioning blame is not the way to end a
> fight. Answering the fears and concerns of the adversaries is much more
> productive.
I concede your point when it comes to squabbles among children. But
if someone forces entry into my house with intent to rape my wife and
murder my kids, answering his fears and concerns hardly seems a
reaonable response.
> I should add, that Platt incorrectly implies that self-defence follows
> an initial act of violence.
> That would be retribution or retaliation. Self defence by definition
> must PRECEDE and pre-empt a threat, and may itself be the first violent
> act.
Sometimes, but certainly not always. Without warning, Germany
invaded Russia (initial act of violence). Russia fought back in self-
defense. Every country has a moral right to defend itself against an
invader. Every person has a moral right to defend himself against a
mugger.
On art, however, I agree with everything you say. (-:
Platt
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