I see myself as a gentle, loving, and generally peaceful person. I want to live right in the world and live with conviction, humility and compassion. I've never been in a position where I've had to think about killing someone else, taking their life, extinguishing their life force ...

but I believe firmly in revolution -- the power of the people to rise up against their oppressors and create a new society. Would I kill in the name of this change? Perhaps. How bout y'all? I personally believe that there are moments where armed self-defence is absolutely necessary. But when do we draw the line? How many people must die at the hands of the police/state before people take action? What are the factors that prevent this from happening? What are the factors that can propel people into armed conflict?

Again, let me state that I in no way wish for death to ANYONE. But I saw a movie about the revolution in Nicaragua the other day that outlined the daily atrocities done against the people .. and I think about El Salvador and the repression there; the death squads and dissapearances; the U.S. involvement in training the army how to effectively torture and murder people; the fear people live with ... and then on to the US; the repression here diguised in democracy; the countless people jailed and murdered by the police ... and I wonder "when is enough enough" When will we get to a point where we REFUSE to take this kind of abuse any more!

So I ask: is there a time for armed self-defence against the state? Is it futile in light of the weaponry they have? When does one know that "the time is right"?

love and respect,
El Rey


"We live the now for the promise of the infinite." - Mos Def

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