pax aut bellum

One of the most peculiar things I have seen in American Christianity is the tendency towards violence. To be sure, Christianity has at times embraced violence in an unflattering way. However, in today's culture, it seems that being "A red-blooded American," being "A God-fearing Christian," and "supporting the war effort" have become synonymous.
Why is that? Since when does being a follower of Christ mean taking arms against others. The early Christians were willing to die for their beliefs. Many were submitted to savage punishments, such as crucifixion, and being part of the gladiatorial games. Origen of Alexandria, when his father was arrested for being a Christian, would have gladly turned himself in were it not for the fact that his mother hid his clothing and he would not run out naked (thank God for that!).
Today, though, one sees on the back of cars bumper stickers that proclaim the driver's undying faith in God, complete loyalty to the country and support of our wars.
Can being a Christian be reconcilable with supporting violence?
Many argue that we are liberating peoples. That we are granting them democracy. Is this really the case? Who brought democracy to us? On a purely historic basis, it was more the people of this nation who desired freedom from the oppression that allowed the revolution to take place than anything else.
So, what should we do if we wish to help those in oppressed nations? Do we try to give them democracy? I think that the present situation in Iraq should answer with a resounding "NO!" that this is a bad idea. If we want people to enjoy freedom, we have no right to imose it on them. Yes, one might argue that this was the case with the American Civil War, but I can assure you it is not. Slaves would escape to the Northern states for freedom. All would have done so if it were not for punishments incurred by slave owners. The Civil War also only changed one law. The North did not try to impose completely new governments on the South (though it did try to reunify them with the Union). The North didn't change the governmental system and try to impose new leaders.
Consider also the Quakers. These people are an exemplary instance of how one can be a Pacifist and still enact change. Quakers helped end the slave trade by civil disobedience. Instead of fighting in the war, they refused to purchase goods made by the labor of slaves.
There are a miriad of instances where Christianity has been shown to bring about good without violent means. Consider Mother Theresa's efforts, Martin Luther King Jr, St Stephen the Martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, etc.
How can we call ourselves Christians if we are not willing to "turn the other cheek?"