Comments on: Finding and Maintaining Peace While Under Great Duress

By: Stofflela

Stofflela — Fri, 25 May 2012 03:50:00 +0000

Everything in life happens for a reason! They are lessons that teach us to grow…..in all aspects. I’ve read books relating to Prince Siddharta, and shared them w/ my partner. I’ve had the honor of embracing Buddhism into my life, thru the likings of my child & her mother. I am grateful everyday to engage in this wonderful experience- LIFE!!! And look forward to sharing my “light” w/ others. Kop Krung Kop

By: Michael Suede

Michael Suede — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:23:00 +0000

I would say that statism is self-destructive no matter what, given that it is predicated on coercion. The state will always destroy itself. No work is necessary by libertarians to accomplish that goal. Eventually the money is destroyed along with the economy, leaving no one left to loot.

Since we know this to be true, hating people for it isn’t going to change the outcome.

By: Throughthewire

Throughthewire — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:17:00 +0000

The statists will by their own actions invoke the hate that converts an opposition that proves fatal to them. The opposition will not be Libertarians, at least not by name but simply lovers of freedom and liberty, as is common in most humans. Converting the masses to Libertarianism is not the goal. Smashing an elitist, authoritarian regime is the goal.

By: Michael Suede

Michael Suede — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:04:00 +0000

That’s close to what I’m implying here. We shouldn’t love the state, but we should show love towards the individuals that compose the state. The state itself is nothing more than institutionalized violence. I think this is best summed up by the phrase, hate the sin, love the sinner. ”Sin” in this sense is violence or coercion.

If you think about it logically, you will not get many converts to libertarianism by demonstrating hate towards statists. It’s much easier to convert people if they are met with kindness.

By: Mmyroniuk

Mmyroniuk — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:39:00 +0000

I think his point is that before kingdoms change, people must change. That said, instead of resisting an evil person (or institution, government, etc), we must love them. Every negative thought perpetuates itself- by loving a negative entity, you stop the negativity from continuing. Not many people accept this philosophy, and Christ clearly stated that. The idea of fighting the evil physically is, as Michael said, ego-driven. We are here to transcend those compulsions.

By: Mmyroniuk

Mmyroniuk — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:27:00 +0000

Your best writing yet….

By: Throughthewire

Throughthewire — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Hummm, nice try but simple acceptance of the way things are will only get more of the same: the same fascist policies that put us in the funk in the first place. People who love freedom and liberty know, consciously or unconsciously, that those are two virtues worth fighting for. So, those of us that love freedom and liberty know what are challenges are and understand we must suck it up and fight. We can find some occasional relief in mysticism, alcohol, pot or antidepressants but we can loose sight of the what we’re fighting for, else we end up stoned in an authoritarian hell run amok.