[WriteOn]

You universalize your position as if it were an absolute instead of merely your position. Were the martyred called defend themselves? No they were called to die in the name of their deeply cherished beliefs.

[ObfusGate]

First, let me note that I share your convictin that we should defend (especially in this country) an individual's right to freedom of conscience even in choosing to be a pacifist.

You are also correct that I do make a claim to absolute status for some of what I argue. Some of what I argue is (in my opinion ;-) absolute truth. Not because I agrue it, but because it is true whether we choose to believe it or not. For example, Jesus died to defeat sin and death.

It might be a good to remember that not all martyrs through history have been pacifists. Many have been soldiers and 'men of war' who have died in the defense of others and in the defense of freedom—protecting even the rights of those who choose to be pacifists.