flour, wheat and other grain

At what point does one need to re-evaluate one's morals or ethics? Does it become harder once they are publicly stated or published? The Quakers of 18th century America were publically averse to war. Yet when it came time to defend the country -- first from Britain's enemies, and then from Britain herself -- there was a need to fund the defense. As a religous entity publicly against all forms of war, the Friends had to donate to the government, "flour, wheat and other grain" so that gun powder would not be purchased in their name. Their ethics got in the way of their purposes.

As modern peaceniks, where must we draw the line? How far can we resist violence and still let our freedoms be not diminished?

Item originally posted to a defunct personal wordpress installation