Violence is a necessary tool for self defense

A violent reaction: despite what some might say, violence is a valid and necessary tool.

Posted by: Grant Cunningham

I kept tabs on the concealed carry reciprocity bill that failed to clear the Senate this week, and the debates brought to mind comments I heard years ago regarding concealed carry proponents: “intelligent people have no need for violence.” “We need to reduce the violence in this world, not increase it.”

This reveals a fundamental ignorance regarding the place of violence in a civilized society. Violence, which is usually defined as an exertion of physical force against a living being, is a necessary part of human behavior. CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver are quite violent acts, and I doubt that even the most lily-white member of the intelligentsia would ever decree those lifesaving actions to be repugnant. Yet violent they most assuredly are, and a necessity if our species is to survive and thrive.

The same is true of violence used to save one’s own life from the actions of another. If you carry a firearm for personal defense, understand this: you will be perpetrating violence on another. He will have already done that to you, and your actions will be in response to his, but it’s still violence. Get used to that word, and become comfortable with it. If you recoil at the thought of being violent, if that word shocks and bewilders you, a necessary part of your preparations has been missed.

Violence is nothing more a tool, one that can be used for both good and evil. It’s up to you to use violence for proper, useful and legal purposes, but also to remember that it’s still violence – and there’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t let the misconceptions of others convince you otherwise.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/2009/07/a-violent-reaction-despite-what-some-might-say-violence-is-a-valid-and-necessary-tool/