The Power to Protect

So, I was watching Bleach just now, and I came across an interesting thought for discussion...

Is it the Duty of those who HAVE power to protect those who do not?

No one should ever be forced to do anything.
I think those who are able to protect, should - but I don't think they should have to.

What about from a Jedi perspective? If somebody takes a Soul Reaper (from Bleach) or in our case, similarly, takes a Jedi name...

Oh gosh...this is a difficult one.

I think that duty is mainly determined by two things - personal beliefs, and the society in which you live/are. Personal beliefs often being shaped by society anyway, of course.

So...I guess that I don't think that there is some divine duty to protect others if you are able. I would hope that people would feel a personal sense of duty to do so, based on a respect, or love even, for other lives, and I know that I myself would feel that duty. I would feel disappointment at anyone who had the power to protect but elected not to, but I don't think that I could actually logically begrudge them for it, unless I was involving my emotions in the situation.

What is this Bleach you speak of? Is Clorox involved or will any alkali do?

Brother John... No. Bleach is a Japanese Anime.

And, V-Tog. I can understand that. What about if you were killing off those weaker than yourself because they got hurt or something? Would that be going too far away from the Duty of Protecting? If it isn't their duty, does it give them the right to push others out of the way?

Brother, you ask quite the loaded question.

Each of us is a product of our experience, so I imagine this could easily become a pretty heated topic.

A few things need some parsing out, though. How do you define duty? Power? The defining can greatly affect our understanding of the question and the answers which follow.

My head may puzzle and balk and debate, but my heart does not. My heart tells me it is my place to do so. Others' hearts may tell them differently.

In the context of the show:

The man, Third Seat of Squad 3, who was wielding power was trying to push aside those who were attempting to also gain power. The third seat was, at the time, destroying weak people who stood in his way because they were weak.

He was brought to trial, and explained his situation.

The Government of the Soul Society told him that "If one has power, one should save those who are weaker, not destroy them."

The Third Seat was later quoted as saying: "Weakness is a disease."

I'm sure this is referring to physical power and mental resolve.

RiddleNox wrote: So, I was watching Bleach just now, and I came across an interesting thought for discussion...

Is it the Duty of those who HAVE power to protect those who do not?

I believe that those who can should and those who can not should not.

If it is your place to do so you will know it and will not wonder if it is your place.