Seems to me you've got it precisely backwards.
Explanation of the "Beorthnoth option":
However, in reaction to the "Wyatt Earp" thoughts on fair fighting that have been expressed here, I would like to quote what Tolkien himself said on the topic. This is from The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son, 'Beorhtnoth's Death'; it describes the reaction of a nobleman to a battle situation which seemed to favor his side: The Northmen and the English were thus separated by an arm of the river; filled by the incoming tide, it could only be crossed by a 'bridge' or causeway, difficult to force in the face of a determined defence. The defence was resolute. But the vikings knew, or so it would seem, what manner of man they had to deal with: they asked for leave to cross the ford, so that a fair fight could be joined. Beorhtnoth accepted the challenge and allowed them to cross. This act of pride and misplaced chivalry (bolding mine) proved fatal. Beorthnoth was slain and the English routed; but the duke's household... fought on, untill they all fell dead beside their lord.
Huck: Talk talk talk talk talk. Until the GOP actually smacks down these liars, it's all just talk. We don't need another column to tell us the liberals are liars. We know that already. We need someone to actually do something about it besides talk.
The good Congressman already explained why we're waiting on the other side of the causeway, Huck.
You counsel action NOW, to incite the simples on our side. The wise warrior waits.