My son, Phats, is a big, strong kid. Has always been a big, strong kid. I raised him to 'turn the other cheek'. I knew early on that he could easily hurt someone without meaning too.
At the age of 9 or 10, he came home from school visibly upset. When asked what was wrong, he told me I was going to be very angry at him. He beat Jared up. Apparently for weeks, Jared had been bullying Phats and calling him names. Phats would just walk away. On that particular day, Phats had had enough. In very short order, he proved to Jared and his cohorts that he was not a #*$$y. They, no one, ever bothered him again. While they were never best buds, they were and still are friendly. The teacher who observed the fight at it's end did not punish either boy. The situation, well known to him, was over and did not require any further intervention.
I explained to Phats I did not want him fighting other children but I completely understood why he had to do what he did. I did not punish, scold, etc. him. It was not indicated.
The above story is not to explain the Greene instance but in response to you 'anti-violence' in all instances stance.
DaveK, IMHO, you're wrong in the Greene and in your 'no fighting ever' stance. Nothing you say is going to change anyone on this boards opinion. In fact, in the Ulf scenario, I believe you're acting a bit, no, alot like a hypocrite. But then again, IMHO.