Maybe we should bring back duelling.

[backscatter712]

That Stark apology was fucking humiliating. I'm sick of this capitulations, these dishonors, this bullying. So I asked what the Founding Fathers would have done.

They would have shot each other.

If 18th Century Congressman Stark had said that comment about the troops going to war to die for Bush's amusement, 18th Century President Bush would have turned around, slapped Stark with the glove, and said "You have insultified my honor and I demand dissatisfaction." Later, they'd meet at the field of honor, take their duelling pistols, walk ten paces, turn and fire.

Am I the only one who doesn't think of that as entirely bad?

There's a certain romance to demanding death before dishonor.

The funny thing is that at duels, half the time, killing each other wasn't really the point. Defending one's honor was the point. Some (but not all) of the time, duelists would fire shots in the air, or aim just to wound, or deliberately miss. The point was to show that you were courageous and honorable enough to look down the barrel of your opponent's gun and take a bullet rather than show cowardice.

Or maybe I'm just sick of seeing those who "represent" me cower in humiliation. Stark should not have apologized, even if he got censured, lost all his committee seats, his chairmanships, and none of his bills, earmarks or other legislation saw the light of day again. At least he'd still have his dignity.

[NYCGirl]

1. Zell? Is that you?

:evilgrin:

[momster]

2. Fighting with Walking Sticks

on the floor of the Senate was a popular way to settle disagreements among 'gentlemen' as well. Now they could put it on Pay-Per-View.

[backscatter712]

3. If we want to keep it relatively non-lethal, I recommend Mensur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensur

It's a German form of fencing/duelling with sharp blades. Protective clothing is worn including goggles, throat and arm padding, chain mail shirt and gauntlets so you don't get run through, but lots of areas such as the cheeks are left unprotected.

When fencing in this style, dodging or flinching is not allowed - you have to stand your ground. And yes, you'll get slashed if you participate in this sport. The resulting scar on the side of your face is a badge of honor.

[momster]

7. A Sip from the Soup-Plate of Honor

so called because the hand guards on the swords were so enormous. An interesting relic but Americans wouldn't vote for a president with large scars.

[Virginia Dare]

5. The caning of John Sumner 1856..

[jdlh8894]

4. Dissatifaction?? Insultified?? Honor?????? ???? EOM

[backscatter712]

6. Isn't that how 18th Century Bush would talk?