[hechicxxrr]

First off I'd like to say I have read the "Buddhism for Beginners" and thought it was great. It talked a lot about how to deal with suffering and talked a bit about conflict in general. I still have some questions though and thought maybe you guys and girls could help me out a little?

1. The article said if somebody is getting in your face with anger or any form of confrontation that you should "wish him/her well being" and not respond with anger back. My question is how should I respond to this person verbally? I want to retain some sort of dignity in the process of wishing this person well being. How should I approach this situation not only physically but verbally as well?

2. I have never been one for calling the police in any situation. I have a strange moral belief that things just are and I shouldn't interfere with the situation. For example if a fight breaks out between two or more people in front of me how should I respond. Also more precisely if a group of people were "gang beating" another person - in my old ways I would wholeheartedly jump into the fight just to help the guy who is by himself. I don't like seeing anybody being gang beat while being on the ground. So my question is how should I react to this situation if I have the skills of a boxer to my advantage? Should I defend?

Buddhism is about peace and mindfulness but also wishing people well being in general. I feel wrong not helping somebody in need like that. I would appreciate any advice and all opinions are welcome.