The Costs of "But..."

They acknowledge the truths, then say, "but..."  They say:

   we should consider peace, but what about them;
   we should be willing to forgive, but what if they think us weak;
   we should be willing to talk, but why won't they offer first;
   we should have fair and consistent policies, but what would it cost;
   we would like to help, but some other time.

The "but" undoes the "should," freeing us from the growth that might be risked.  Too bad.