The "news" reports of the various ISIS-assigned murders make me feel the desire to be a freelance sniper with principles (unlike certain bad guys) watching the heads of the would-be murderers explode right before they can harm their victim kneeling in front of them. No "collateral damage"; no "well, he was armed and might have wanted to kill one of 'our guys'", no financing with stolen money.
Just pure defense.
But, the same goes for wherever I happen to be; no need to travel to distant lands.
If I see one person trying to behead, burn, or otherwise torture or kill another person (including waterboarding, electrocution, lethal injection, hanging, etc.), I am going to try to stop the one who is doing the beheading, burning, torturing, murdering. Whether that means yelling "Stop! Move away!" or a head shot.
The context, or what happened before, is of no consequence. I wouldn't have time to interview both parties to see who is the actual bad guy.
That they commit their act openly, in front of witnesses, in a way their "culture" approves of, in accordance with their "laws" makes no difference.
It's just the whole "capital punishment" thing all over again.
It's why revenge is dangerous to the vengeful person. The reason you would appear to a passerby to be an aggressor is that you ARE an aggressor. Even if the person you are aggressing against is a really bad person, with a history of aggression. In that moment, you have become what you claim to be opposed to.
If you don't want to be mistaken for a bad guy, don't act like a bad guy. Claiming what you are doing is "legal" and State-approved, or wearing the silly hat (or uniform) of government, makes zero real difference.
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You made me think of someone sniping the sniper - would you still recommend that which might put you into someone else's sights?
ReplyDeleteIf you walk up to a person who is being mugged and intervene, the mugger might turn on you- or he may have companions acting as look-outs to jump you. Actions have consequences- even when doing the right thing. Should you avoid doing the right thing, then?
DeleteI'm just saying if you have the opportunity and ability to save an innocent person, you are right to try. It doesn't mean you'll be successful. It also doesn't mean you are obligated to rescue anyone. But if you can, and don't, how will you feel about yourself?
I agree completely - life is not "fair", you are not obligated and the truth of the innocence of the victim can be complicated...and always make sure of what's in front of and behind your target.
DeleteInnocence: "A person is 'innocent' if they do not deserve to be harmed right now; at this moment.
DeleteThe only reason anyone would deserve to be harmed at any time is if they are in the process of attacking, robbing, or defrauding an innocent person.
Everyone is innocent sometimes, and no one is innocent all the time. If you are initiating force or using coercion you are not innocent."