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I would like to state that I as a pacifist, accept Dio's staement that he is not a pacifist.
My non-violent veiws are rooted in my spiritual heritage, one that also teachs acceptance that not everyone will be a pacifist, or will want to be one, largely because of the basic reasons Dio stated on why that he is not one.
My best friend has very similar views you do, Dio. I think its important to understand each other, even if our views seem to conflict.
Also if I personally saw a child, or someone weak being attacked violently, I would not stand by and do nothing. In one situation I suffered a severe beating, while a female African American friend of mine ran for her life from some stupid racist skinheads. They had knocked her down and were kicking her outside a concert, so I jumped on ones back and bit his ear as hard as I could. Fortunatly after they had broke three ribs and cracked my skull, some not so pacifistic friends of mine saved my life.
Its paradoxical I know, but my conscience rules my behavior on a daily basis, not any certain abstract philosphy. If I hadn't intervened, and my friend had been beaten, I would not advocate violent revenge, but I would advocate justice. The heat of the moment can make even a pacifist react in a less than peaceful way.
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