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Violent resistance can do good

Dear Grinnellians,

I do not understand your widespread ideological commitment to "non-violence." My personal beliefs include that people have the right to self-determination.

Considering this, the problem is if people feel violence is their only realistic path of resistance. In other words, the problem is the rigidity of the system being resisted or acted against rather than the actor.

I recently saw Joe Carr speak on campus, an anti-imperial activist who personally does not engage in violence, however, I believe the title of his talk was "Stories of Resistance."

Naturally, he chronicled some instances of violent resistance. Many students seemed to take issue with the fact that he either glorified "terrorism," failed to condemn "terrorism," or classified what others felt is "terrorism" as resistance. I have little doubt that many Grinnellians would have a problem drawing a connection between poor conditions in US ghettoes and gang violence.

I fail to understand why this connection is not made to violence in other areas of the world. In both cases, civilians are killing other civilians because they feel that act will ultimately better their community's, or their own, situation.

Considering this, it seems very privileged to even have the choice of non-violent self-determination.

Viewing non-violence as a purely ethical decision, I feel, does not reflect the position that many people find themselves in worldwide.

Of course, in my opinion, the idea that voting makes a significant difference anathematizes many Americans into complacency and detachments. For groups of Americans who don't feel that they have a realistic voice through non-violent methods, our history is rich with violent resistance.

Though I don't advocate it, I would argue that violent resistance, at times, can be thought of as self-sacrifice.

Whether one risks his or her life through joining the armed forces, hoping to spread freedom, treks through the southwestern desert hoping to find work and support their family, or perhaps, commits some act that we do not truly understand, self-sacrifice for the benefit of others is one of humanity's greatest qualities.

I encourage response and debate with a sincere hope that this dialogue will not degenerate into petty personal attacks.

So, students of Grinnell, I submit to you a choice: question everything, or be a victim of authority.

-Eric Husted '08

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