Non-Violence, a concept unfamiliar in U.S. culture

In poem 69, Tao writes, "there is a saying in the army: I do not presume to be the master, But become the guest. I do not dare advance an inch, But retreat a foot. This is called moving without moving, rolling up sleeves without baring your arms, repelling without opposing, wielding without a weapon." Tao's ideas of non-violence are not popular in U.S. culture, and would probably offend those who serve in the U.S. military. Tao's thoughts are, in fact, the direct opposite of what we believe. There is no way the U.S. could of had any success in Iraq by pursuing a strictly non-violent plan. Although the whole situation in Iraq could have been avoided by the U.S. troops not making a presence in this country, there were far too many resources in Iraq that needed to be protected, namely oil. Because the U.S. is not a selfish country, it entered Iraq to further establish world stability. If the U.S. did not advance, and decided on retreat as the best option, the U.S. would not be the free country it is today, where citizens live as they please, within reason. Thanks to violence, the economic situation in the U.S. is healthy, and most are able to live comfortable lives.