“We live in the days of extremism or extinction. These are the only choices we are given. I took my pick, and I didn’t stutter when I said it.”
Lanse Edwards, 2019-05-10
Within all of us are three voices:
- The voice of philosophy asks: “Is performing this action moral? What are the implications of performing this action? If we perform this action, what principles do we support, and which do we reject?”
- The voice of analysis discusses: “What are the costs and benefits of this course of action, relative to all other potential courses of action?”
- The voice of discipline declares: “You shall perform this action. You must, and you can, and you will.”
In matters of life and death – in matters of birth and war – the voice of discipline must take center stage.
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What is it, to be a man? To be a man is to be a provider, and a leader.
Do not panic. SERIOUSLY. Fear is fine; men do not panic.
What does a leader do? For one, he tells those he leads what to do – that’s obvious, and perhaps the essence of leadership (though good leadership requires more). He ought also to model proper behavior. When someone encounters a challenging, frightening, dangerous, confusing, or otherwise threatening situation–especially if the situation is novel–they will look to their leader. Leaders do not only teach others what to do in a particular situation; they teach others how to feel about a particular situation. Hence, a leader teaches not only correct actions, but also correct emotional responses.
With respect to combat, certain firearms are better than others. That said, all firearms share an essential characteristic: Nobody would like to be shot at with them.