When you feel you have been attacked or unjustly criticized the natural response is to defend yourself. There are times when people should defend themselves; there are times when a nation should defend itself, but many fights are avoidable. This nation had to defend itself when we were attacked in Pearl Harbor. The Civil War could have been avoided if the South had recognized the humanity and rights of people of color. Too many times we have reacted when we were attacked or criticized, rather than respond graciously.