Responding to words with violence?

[Sociopathicsteelerfan]

I thought this deserved its own thread since certain people among us seem to lack the moral courage to actually answer this question. 

Is it ever acceptable to respond to words with violence?

My answer is no, it is not ok to use physical violence because you dislike someone's words, their political, racial or religious opinions.  The fact that this is even a topic for debate is a bit disturbing to me.