Cheerleading Violence

For a long time I've struggled with how violence can be justified, and over time I've tended to move closer to pacifism, though not to an all out rejection of any and all violence.  I quite rightly pass for a peacenik, but I still recognize the particular virtue and heroism of the soldier.  My favorite archetypical literary character remains the saintly bad-ass.  Think Aragorn.  I can respect the standpoint that leans toward violence as a typically just response to evil.  I get why others support war, the death penalty, and (though I vehemently disagree) torture.  What I cannot respect in the least is enthusiastic cheerleading for violence.  I have nothing but disdain for the raising and pounding of fists in anticipation of a war, the gleeful celebration of some alleged terrorist being killed, or the whistling and applauding this evening at the mention of Rick Perry having executed more people than any other governor in modern times. Violence should break the heart, not propel it toward the heights of enthusiasm. (VN)