Here's an interesting article by Starhawk on the subject of ( forgiveness: )

"The end justifies the means" is a coward's way of sayin' "I know it's wrong, but I did it anyway, and I don't wanna face the consequences."

"We are so concerned to flatter the majority that we lose sight of how very often it is necessary, in order to preserve freedom for the minority, let alone for the individual, to face that majority down."

(courtesy of terani). Now, Mr. Buckley and I do not often agree, but I've never denied his intelligence. I this case, he's right on.