Subject: Larsen on Pacifism
Issue: Nonviolence
Date: October 26, 2004
Author: Ken Larsen

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You might as well know I aspire to pacifism as a personal lifestyle, though I am committed to the enforcement of the Constitution in the political arena. As Governor, I will not impose my pacifism on others, but now you know a bit more about me.

A true pacifist, in my opinion, simply realizes that violence terminates any chance of amicable reconciliation. A true pacifist always hopes love will win. A true pacifist says to an opponent, "I will not obey you. I will not flee. I will not harm you. You can hit me. You can hurt me. You can even kill me. But you cannot make me stop loving you. My arms are outstretched to receive your love when you are ready to hug and be friends." Then, the pacifist takes a hit, gets up, and repeats the mantra with even more sincerity. The process repeats until the pacifist cannot get up, or they hug and become best friends. Go see the movie, Gandhi, and see the courage it takes to keep getting up and burning the ID cards without surrendering, fleeing, or striking back. Or, better yet, see "The Passion" for a perfect example of pacifism. Pacifism is not about socialism, democracy or totalitarianism. It is a whole different way to build a civilization. It is the future. You can kill me, but you cannot kill hope.

I believe pacifism is the way we will eventually "win" the war on terrorism.


Ken Larsen, Candidate for Governor
Personal Choice Party

801-533-8658
856 East 100 South #2
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102