I read somewhere that once Abraham Lincoln was challenged to a duel, and since it was the right of the challenged party to choose the weapon, he suggested potatos.

I don't quite know how this fits the subject, but it always made me think, historically correct or not.

Firearms, roofing hammers, automobiles, tactical nuclear weapons, bare hands, and probably even potatos have been used by people to take the lives of others, and what does it all prove? That there are those in this world who would resort to the use of deadly physical force, for numerous reasons. I think it's the willingness to kill, and the reasons, that are really what should be examined.

If the right to posess a weapon of any kind were linked to an individuals level of responsibility, none of this would be much of an issue. But we've all seen individuals driving, getting high, drinking, or just expressing their opinions, without regard to the effect their actions have on others, so the gun question is just an extension of a more basic issue.

While I like to think I'm respectful of the opinions of others, I sure wouldn't want to give up my squirrel rifle just because someone else thinks it might seem politically incorrect.

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