So at what point would pulling a Guy Fawkes be justified?

[Taverner]

Just saw V for Vendetta yesterday for the first time, and that movie is amazing. Don't beleive any of the naysayers, this film is a true classic. I could write hours about Hugo Weaving alone (he conveys every bit of emotion necesarry, but behind a mask. Try doing that at home!)

Anyway, at what point would it be morally and ethically justified in taking up arms against one's nation?

Not encouraging violence here, but at what point would it be OK? Obviously in V's case, it was justified.

[Ravenseye]

1. When it actually becomes a fascist state

V for Vendetta is a good cautionary tale, but we're a long long ways from that, regardless of what some here would want to believe.

I'd say when the government starts opening fire with automatic weapons and live ammunition on peacefull public demonstrations, then you could think about it. When it starts locking up thousands upon thousands of civilian political prisoners with no trial. When it throws away the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Things like that.

[Taverner]

3. I agree we're not there yet

And should fight to ever get there...but what would be the tipping point for you?

[Radical Activist]

6. So...

does the fact that the police used tear bas and rubber bullets on demonstrators instead of automatic weapons, such as Miami and Seattle during the WTO protests, make it more acceptable? Is it ok for Bush to lock up a few US citizens without trial as long as it isn't thousands? I think we're a little too close to what you're describing. Its just a matter of degree.

[BurtWorm]

2. It's never a good idea if you're the only one pulling it.

You'll get swamped, and the meaning of the act will be controlled by the swampers.

[Radical Activist]

4. I don't buy the idea

suggested in the movie that blowing up a government building is somehow going to lead to a popular revolution. Its naive and the easy way out. A real revolution takes a lot more work, organizing and changing attitudes. Such disasters are just as likely to lead to a more oppressive, fascist government, such as was the case with 9/11. So, even if it were justified, such a tactic is probably a bad idea.

As for other forms of violence...there are a lot of other non-violent resistance tactics I would advocate before violence.

[Ganja Ninja]

5. It's already passed, January 20, 2001 was the date.

[rasputin1952]

7. Locking

Discussion of a violent overthrow of the goverment is not permitted on DU.

Thank you for your understandinn.