[MR] Rattan vs steel - or vs flesh and bone

[Hrothgar]

Fortunately, there are enough people in this country who believe that when 
the situation calls for it, dispatching some cretin is a fine and wonderful 
solution.

Without those willing to kill to preserve your freedoms and security, you 
would have neither. If someone threatens me or those I care about, then they 
have obviously made the decision that they are willing to die to do so. I 
would be remiss to disappoint them.

On 9/17/09, David Austin <grandaustino at gmail.com> wrote:
> If I might make a humble suggestion, I think it would be advisable to
> continue this discussion elsewhere.  I am a person that believes that
> the taking of a human life is at best a very regrettable necessity,
> even if they are a theif.  If I were new to the SCA and had joined
> this list I think I would have strong second thoughts about it.  I
> know it is not the intent but it is easy for us to come off as a group
> of people waiting for someone to break into our basements, so we can
> practice the arts of combat that we study on them.  I think that is
> doing us all a disservice.  I am not judging anyone based on their
> opinions on this issue, I'm just not sure this is the venue for a
> discussion that can bring up very strong feelings in members, and
> potential members.
>
> Thank you,
> Morgant