The American Spectator

br> Editor of the soon-out: Chesterton at War: Militarism and Pacifism in the Writings of G. K. Chesterton /p> p> Jesus said that if someone strikes you on the one cheek, to turn the other. It is unnatural, but is that wuss or power? Note that it is a personal response. Governments don’t have a cheek to turn, and are responsible for punishing evildoers. “Thou” in “thou shalt not kill” is singular, as opposed to Leviticus 20:2”…he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.” br> — John Denney /p> p> ADDING FEUD TO THE FIRE br> Re: Matthew Omolesky’s Israel and International Law : /p> p>It’s my opinion that the term proportionality has been misconstrued, particularly in ways that depart from its original meaning in “just war” discussions. In current use, the term seems to avoid or even exclude a purpose of war other than proportional revenge. My understanding of proportionality in its “just war” sense is that force should not exceed that which is necessary to destroy the enemy’s ability and will to persist in his aggression. To engage in a series of like-kind reprisals (the approach that the UN seems to advocate) only invites continuing conflicts and what become no more than feuds. br> —