The right of self-determination

[KukriKhan]

I don't think it could have been said any better than in the words of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence.



I am in favor of the right of self-determination, although I would rather see it achieved through non-violent civil disobedience, such as that which Gandhi espoused. It is unfortunate that violence is sometimes the only way to accomplish the goal. That is a path that is difficult to return from once trodden upon. Freedom is a precious commodity, often bought by the blood of patriots.

All true. We must remember that later in the US DoI, they detailed why independence (or self-determination) was sought, acknowledging with its final words:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

...that they would likely lose everything, yet would defend their assertion.

Then fought a miserable, prolonged war to defend this land they dared call 'their's'. Any group not willing or able to do the same, gets low marks.

I'm all for the Ghandi approach: "You can kill me today, my brother tomorrow, my millions of countrymen the next day, and millions after that. Then you'll get tired (or shamed, or humbled, or broke) and leave." <----(my interpretation)

One-sided non-violence only works with a seemingly unlimited amount of manpower.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

One-sided non-violence only works with a seemingly unlimited amount of manpower.

I'd replace "manpower" with "willpower."

Rotorgun:

Nice to see you adding to our backroom again! Though it is NOT at all surprising to see you doing so with such class.