Whilst I agree with you, CR, that the protestors are misguided and over-reacting, I think I should take a small issue with your apparent characterisation of pacifists as cowards or fools. To abhor violence is not to have a "cowering fear".

To my mind, violence is always evil. Sometimes however, it is a necessary evil. The use of violence should be the absolute last resort - the resort to evil to prevent a greater evil, treated with the proper remorse and reflection once the deed is done. It should never be just another tool.

Some of the bravest men and women of history have chosen to oppose evil through non-violence, because they would not take that final moral step that I outlined above - that sometimes evil must be used to combat evil. I have been unable to go that last step myself, but I admire those who have, just as I admire those who have sacrificed peace of mind and dear friends to fight.