I try to not make snap judgements on people's character, but certain acts make it very difficult

needless cruelty to insects is one of them

dude on my (mostly empty) train car just stomped a roach repeatedly

why is this necessary? was it hurting him? it posed him no threat

killing roaches outside your own home is naught but an unquestioned disgust response act of cruelty

I admit that they're not the most appetizing of creatures

but is termination on sight truly warranted? or is it a socially-acceptable outlet for aggression?

one might say that this person didn't really mean it, they just acted automatically, on reflex

I would ask, does not questioning your own impulses absolve you of all moral culpability?

personally, I think not; we each have the responsibility to interrogate our automatic actions

admittedly, I do kill gnats, roaches sometimes, when within the confines of my home

and mosquitos, whatever they are, with extreme prejudice

but otherwise, I take care to not terminate life when it's avoidable

the ew factor aside, roaches are fascinatingly complex beings