"Compassion can be roughly defined in terms of a state of mind that is non-violent, non-harming and non-aggressive. It is a mental attitude based on the wish for others to be free of their suffering and is associated with a sense of commitment, responsibility and respect towards others." - The 14th Dalai Lama

The last few days there have been all these recaps of recent variations on the candidates stump speeches on the radio and T.V. I have been struck by how often McCain uses the word 'fight' at his rallies. Over and over again, in nearly every sentence, he stresses he is a fighter and will fight. Granted, the editorial process is something I am well familiar with, but there is a lot of discreet material to pull from it seems. I am not a big Dalai Lama fan. I don't buy into the hokum of total detachment. At least not in this life. Maybe I am just not there yet. But the repeated violent language McCain intones feels wrong. Especially in light off the above thought pulled from today's quote in the Buddhist picture book on my toilet.