[daniel1q]

The problem with Gandhian philosophy is that it works only in particular situations. It worked for Indian nationalists who sought freedom from British rule -- simply disobey all the unjust rules until the entire society essentially grinds to a halt. It's also worth noting, however, that since Gandhi implored his people to never put up a fight against the British, the British walked out of India with virtually all of the wealth that had brought them there in the first place. London museums are overflowing with Indian treasures. Nonviolence may have won them freedom, but violence would have won them freedom and riches.
It worked, to some small extend, by Martin Luther King, Jr. Peaceful lobbying of the government did have some impact on the further government push toward equal civil rights, although one could argue that the more radical and violent black groups played some role in that.
However, nonviolence is simply not a solution at this time. We cannot sit by while these Arabs dismantle us piece by piece, all the while saying "Oh dear, peace will win out." Certainly, peace will win out after we are all dead and the world is run by one sect of fundamentalist Islam.
Essentially, the idea of Gandhian philosophy has been extended to be an absolute truth instead of a situational truth. That's a dangerous folly, and one that I hope that our officials do not follow. We must strike, and strike hard.

[Constitution Day]

You make some excellent points. Non-violence is simply suicide when faced with a foe that will stop at nothing.

[pray4liberty]

Excellent post.

This fellow has forgotten his grandfather's words as befits nonviolence. Gandhi said that if he had to choose between cowardice and violence, he would choose violence. He emphasized that there were correct and appropriate uses for violence, i.e. self-defense.

Also another thing being conveniently forgotten is that others have declared a holy war on us. He ought to dig out the Gita and read it over, in particular the comments Krishna made to Arjuna about fighting a righteous battle that was unprovoked!

[lds23]

If I may paraphrase from Atlas Shrugged: The only state that matches the mystic's search for inaction, non-commitance, and stillness is DEATH.