the means shape the end - i.e., the end does NOT justify the means

Some people are too intellectually lazy, ethically lazy, and short-sighted to understand that stupid suggestions such as assassinating despots are ineffective because (a) they taint whatever comes after, and (b) despots never exist on their own - they always have a clique around them that is an active part of the problem, and thus removing one creates a Hydra-type effect.

See: 

• https://politicalmusingsofkayleen.blogspot.com/2021/09/examples-of-means-affecting-end.html; 
• https://gnwmythr.blogspot.com/2013/09/update-and-public-talk-on-means-shapes.html.