dave_h

Sure all that's fine and good and all. real philosophical.

But I don't think joining the marines conflicts with the thing about compassion. I would hope that I would never give that up.

Here's an example of what I mean:

say I see a group of men beating up an old lady.

As I am now I would be completely ineffective at defending the woman. I am physically weak. I have no knowledge of self defence techniques. I have never actually gone through the intense physical pressure that a real violent confrontation would entail. I would crumble. If I stepped up to stop them they would laugh because I just look weak.

in short, I could try to defend the woman, but I would fail. Maybe I would still be a noble person, but it would be more like the nobility of a suicide bomber than that of, say, a knight in shining armor.

I see what you're saying. I wasn't refering to the Marines. I'm backing you on that decision.

In the hypothetical old-lady scenario, it's violence...nobody wins. Who's to say that you stepping in might give that woman a reprieve...even allow her to escape the violence.

And don't limit yourself by your PERCEPTIONS of your stature and capabilities. You think they'd laugh. They might run for cover wondering "who the fuck is this guy?" Men don't beat up old ladies. Cowards do. And cowards will prey on people until someone...anyone...calls them on their shit.

There are roughly 8 tough guys on the planet. The rest are just full of piss and wind. Look them in the eye, tell them you won't stand for it. They'll look confused...puff out their chests a bit. Then run away.