Peace, Government, and Paradox

Well they passed a law in Sixty Four
To give to those who ain't got a little more
--Bruce Hornsby & the Range

Most people do not view themselves as violent. However, many of those same individuals do use violence to get what they want. Instead of being direct aggressors, they employ strong armed government agents to do their dirty work. They become principals of violence.

To rationalize away their behavior, these people must view government as a force for good. When government is seen as acting in the name of social justice, equality, national security et al., it addresses the cognitive dissonance problem that arises when people who view themselves as peaceful outsource their aggression to others.

The institutionalization of aggression via government by so-called peaceful people creates one of the great paradoxes of social life.