"Kicking butt never earned anyone respect"

Better think about that.

It depends entirely on whose respect you are talking about. Generally, one is not interested in the least in getting respect from the "kickee".
But there is/can be/should be respect garnered for a person who is willing to put it on the line when the need arises. Note I said WHEN the need arises. The question becomes how much analysis is necessary before a need to act. It seems we live in a time of do nothing but think about it.
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Agendas kill truth.
If it's a crop, plant it.