I learned a different lesson from school bullies. Which was that, as a nerdy/shy but big/tough kid, I could protect other kids by telling bullies that they'd h

I learned a different lesson from school bullies. Which was that, as a nerdy/shy but big/tough kid, I could protect other kids by telling bullies that they'd have to deal with me if they messed with anyone else in our class or anyone else I knew. I probably had to back up the threat maybe twice in minor ways. The end result was a very peaceful class for the last couple years of middle school. I was voted "Most Amiable" by my 8th grade class. And that's how I view NATO's role: the anti-bully that is completely ready to fight if forced.