>>Point me too specific examples of leaders showing pacifism that lead to extended periods of peace where there once was strife.<<

No Pat, you didn't ask me for books on pacifism. You asked for "specific examples that lead to extended periods of peace where there once was strife" and that's what I gave you. You can't dispute that those individuals- those books I mentioned- had a major impact on the world around them and have remained an inspiration to those who are looking for a non-military way of changing the world.

I would be the first to say that there are times that non-violent protest is ineffectual. Nazi Germany is everyone's example and I agree. I probably would have volunteered to pick up a gun and fight the Nazis.

The current state of affairs in the middle east is the result of warlords unable to think outside the box of tribal grievances. If there were a Gandhi or a Martin Luther King on the world stage there who knows what kind of change might occur? Certainly, the way things are going- have gone- are not working there, and probably never will.

I really encourage you to read and think outside of your usual sources of input. Pacifism is not a passive, apathetic philosophy. Pacifists have been tortured, beaten, and maligned for their actions throughout history and I'd argue with you that it takes more balls to be a principled pacifist than a gun-totin' zombie in the name of Allah, Jesus, or Zardoz.

Read about the Freedom Riders in the American south in the 1960's and ask yourself if you'd have half the balls those folks did....