🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <3b1752$ldn@news.onramp.net> adam@onramp.net writes:

> > I'm sure there are many rape victims who would disagree with you that
> > firearms have "no uses".  Although the idea of using martial arts or
> > non-lethal weapons is appealing, many individuals (especially those who
> > are elderly, of smaller physical stature, or have specific physical
> > limitations) are at a significant disadvantage against a large violent
> > attacker.  If non-lethal weapons and martial arts were completely
> > effective, the police wouldn't carry guns.  
> 
>         Argh!  I tried to ignore it, but it couldn't be done!  Anytime 
> somebody spouts off with something like "use martial arts for self 
> defense" I get all crazed.  From one who knows (black belt rank, 10 years 
> of experience) - you can use martial arts for self defense effectively 
> after 3-5 years, depending on how good or how lucky you are.  And even if 
> you are skilled and experienced, someone who is a lot bigger and even 
> *close* to your own skill rank WILL kick your ass (unless you are *very* 
> lucky.)  Period.
>         Something that nobody ever brings to this discussion is the 
> equalizing effect of firearms.  Size, strength and skill at arms make all 
> the difference if there are no equalizers like firearms.  If there are no 
> equalizers we go back to "might makes right" and I don't think anybody 
> wants to see that return.  Remember feudalism?

And my .sig has something to say on the subject as well...

---
Frank Ney  EMT-A  N4ZHG  LPVa  NRA GOA CCRKBA LEAA JPFO 'M-O-U-S-E'
                        Don't Tread On Me
"People who object to weapons aren't abolishing violence, they're begging for 
rule by brute force, where the biggest, strongest animals among men were 
always automatically 'right.'  Guns ended that, and social democracy is a 
hollow farce without an armed populace to make it work." 
                - L. Neil Smith, _The Probability Broach_