MDMD Dixon's act of nonviolence

[Scott Badger]

Doug:
> Dixon has stopped one instance of social injustice, has done what he can
to
> prevent harm in this situation, and to free these slaves.  He moved to
stop
> the violence immediately, rather than follow Mason's suggestion that they
> leave and get help.  I'd say Dixon acquitted himself very well.  He's done
> what nobody else on that street did, to save those slaves at that
> particular moment -- they all seem content to let the slave driver use his
> whip, they respect the property rights of the slave owner, they don't
> appear to see the injustice inherent in the institution of slavery. By
> contrast, Dixon is a hero...in the eyes of those who support human rights,
> of course, if not the average person in the street.

All of which I agree with. My point was simply that I don't see any
evidence of Dixon consulting his conscience re. the use of violence to stop
the slave-driver. In my opinion, Dixon's question, "What's a man of
Conscience to do?", refers to his choosing to leave, to protect himself,
rather than continuing his assault and risking his own safety and freedom to
prevent the slave-driver from harming others in the future.

Scott Badger