If your "compassion" is defined by hatred for another group of people, then it's not compassion, it's prejudice.

This is the basis of the prohibition against collective punishment and discrimination enshrined in Human Rights Laws.

Growing up in the Bible Belt, I learned that, "Even the Devil can quote scripture for his own purposes."

I now understand this refers to taking facts out of context in order to create a false perception loosely based on truth. This is the art of skillful manipulation; the essence of propaganda.

Ego often rejects perspectives that are foreign, inconvenient, or uncomfortable ... regardless of how reasonable or true. Does this not explain why Jesus was rejected when he went home to teach? Pearls to swine, indeed!

When we encounter war propaganda, and accept it, we make the enemy a monster in our mind. In reality, however, we just make a monster out of ourselves.

War propaganda invites us to dehumanize others ... but doing so extinguishes our own humanity.

"Love your enemies."
~Jesus--Matthew 5:44

All forms of extremism and supremacy--whether nationalist, racial, or religious--are inherently devoid of humanity.

To limit one's compassion and empathy to a select group of people; to forego humility; to replace conscience with entitlement, all demonstrate a lack of humanity.

Individual humanity involves the traits of compassion, empathy, humility, integrity, respect, and selflessness. With humanity, it is possible to disagree without dehumanizing others.

If you resort to dehumanizing when your beliefs are challenged, then you reject your own humanity.

Books for perspective:
*War is a Racket, Smedley Butler
*The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government, David Talbot
*Empire of Illusion, Chris Hedges
*Vulture's Picnic, Greg Palast
*Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins