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Yes, holding those seemingly at-odds positions is, in my opinion, both rational and morally/ethically defensible. I define the limits of my actions by what I be

Yes, holding those seemingly at-odds positions is, in my opinion, both rational and morally/ethically defensible. I define the limits of my actions by what I believe to be morally and ethically defensible, not by what I think will be legally defensible. The law is no arbiter of what is right or good. Yes, I consider all human life to be equal, whether it is the life of a loved one, a stranger, an asshole, or what-have-you.[1] [1]: I'll admit that I have a difficult time coming up with a realistically successful non-lethal solution to the problem of individuals like Hitler, Stalin, et al. I admit the need for certain nuances, and find there to be a strong moral and ethical case to be made for removing a singular threat posed to millions of human lives. However, I still remain firm on the principle that taking a life, even of one such as Hitler, should be a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. And even then, I would hope the decision to be one that those who made it agonized over, and accepted with heavy hearts that they'd decided to kill.

hga 11y ago
I assume your ethics also don't allow you to kill by proxy, e.g. you'd call the police in the aftermath of a burglary, but not for a real time life and death situation? (Although if you want to maintain the lowest risk anyone will be killed, you'd never call the police in the US, full stop.)
- bobwaycott 11y ago
  I have never been in a real-time life-or-death situation in which I had the option to call the police as an adult, so it is difficult to state what I'd do in such a situation with certainty. I do not generally have the greatest amount of trust that police prioritize de-escalation and preserving life, which would likely give me significant pause. Especially in my neighborhood. I believe strongly that LEO should be barred from carrying lethal weapons, and most certainly should be barred from possessing and utilizing former military hardware.

hga 11y ago

I assume your ethics also don't allow you to kill by proxy, e.g. you'd call the police in the aftermath of a burglary, but not for a real time life and death situation? (Although if you want to maintain the lowest risk anyone will be killed, you'd never call the police in the US, full stop.)

bobwaycott 11y ago
I have never been in a real-time life-or-death situation in which I had the option to call the police as an adult, so it is difficult to state what I'd do in such a situation with certainty. I do not generally have the greatest amount of trust that police prioritize de-escalation and preserving life, which would likely give me significant pause. Especially in my neighborhood. I believe strongly that LEO should be barred from carrying lethal weapons, and most certainly should be barred from possessing and utilizing former military hardware.