As I said somewhere else last July, eventually a line is crossed:

Expressions of moral truth resonate with the truth that already lies within us.

Sometimes, finding our courage is just a matter of getting attuned to that voice within ourselves, and letting it speak through us. Often that means stepping out of our own way, dealing with our fear, and being willing to bear the disapproval, opposition and scorn and of others.

Edmund Burke got it right with:

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil
is that good men do nothing.

Eventually, each of us has to locate the line in ourselves that, once crossed, provokes or inspires us to action. Sometimes that will mean speaking out, taking a principled stand (or continuing to hold it) in the face of potential reprisal.

(Please forgive the gauche self-quoting.) And back to business…

Apple typically uses patents as a defense against lawsuits from others, so the fact that it has gone on the offensive against Android suggests that the problem may have a connection with the growing competition between Apple and Google. It may also explain Steve Jobs’ rather brusque comments yesterday. “We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it,” Jobs said in a statement.

via Ars Technica

In bullies (I’ve heard) because, of some family trauma early in life, and their need to express themselves in someway, usually in bad ways, is as innate to them as avoidance of conflict is to the rest of us.

Most people want to do the right thing, and most people want other people to do the right thing too. In times of stress bullies retreat and the avoider (the common man) steps forward which is, when you think about it, quite remarkable if not special.

Your call to arms as a Citizen is stirring — as we have seen, it’s important to choose your battles, timing & location and all the other Art of War type stuff.

And eschew bitterness. regards, P

Bullies are a cowardly lot at heart and really have no stomach for an opponent that does not fear them. The bully will simply walk away and find someone who will fear them…

…and they always find someone. The important thing is – don’t let it be you!

I say put bullies on the defensive and go on the attack. If you are honest and earnest and in no way complicit of illegal behavior then it is your responsibility as a Citizen of Man to right any wrongs against you, your family, your friends, and your community.