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Now for something a bit controversial: the difference between civilized and uncivilized is maybe not in the amount of killing done but in how organized the killing is. Thoughts?

Well, "sanctioned killing" in my opinion is still murder. Is there really a justifiable reason for a government to kill anyone in or outside of their jurisdiction?

That's another interesting question. I was making a cynical observation, really. What I find is that if rationalizations and justifications were rocket fuel, humanity would've been able to explore half the galaxy already.