How about legalizing "duels of honor?"

[Cyrano]

For most of recorded history, duels between two people were legal. Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

Basically, if someone felt insulted, they could issue a challenge for a duel, the opponent got to pick the weapons of choice, pistols, swords, etc., and it wasn't necessary that someone had to die. Once blood was drawn, the duel could then end.

Imagine how many of Limbaugh's, or Beck's rantings would come to an immediate halt if they were challenged to a duel by someone they had defamed. My guess is that neither of these gasbags would even show up if challenged.

We all know that dueling is gone forever and won't return in a "civilized" world. But in so many cases, wouldn't it be nice to have it as an option?

Think how many Republicans (and Dems) in the House or Senate would choose their words more carefully if they thought that someone would take offense and challenge them to a duel.

This whole concept is just a fantasy and, (given the age of so many in congress), is totally unrealistic. Nonetheless, wouldn't it provide us with a bit more confidence in government if politicians could be held accountable for their words with their lives?

[ixion]

1. actually, I'm for that

I believe if two consenting adults want to fight to the death, they should be allowed to do so.

[Biker13]

5. Agreed.

nt

[Cyrano]

12. It would probably be the end of talk radio and Fox "News."

[KittyWampus]

13. How do you prove consent? "Officer, we agreed to count to 8".

[ixion]

16. I think establishing consent is pretty basic

If both parties agree -- that is: One is not saying "Please don't kill me" -- then both parties have consented, no?

[Xipe Totec]

2. The sport would die for lack of qualified applicants nt

[Cyrano]

10. What's a "qualified applicant?"

[Xipe Totec]

18. Somebody with honor nt

[baldguy]

21. My thoughts exactly.

[Cyrano]

23. I think you're setting the bar too high. How many politicians or their

lackeys would pass that test?

[Xipe Totec]

27. Just say legalize duels, and we'll be on the same page

Honor has nothing to do with it.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. You're forgetting about Zell Miller.

x(

[hobbit709]

9. Didn't he shut up quick

when she smiled sweetly and asked "Pistols or swords?"

[Cyrano]

14. If dueling were permitted, 'Ole Zell would have had more challengers

than anyone could count.

I doubt if he would have lived to be 21. (I guess in rare cases, dueling could have made the world a better place.)

[ashling]

17. My thought, too

[damyank913]

4. hmmm-make for interesting TV...

Then you'd create a market for "professional duelers". Now that's what I call a jobs program.

[Cyrano]

25. Shhhh. Don't give the networks ideas. They suck enough right now.

[rug]

6. Sure, but I get the gun.

[Cyrano]

24. This was an obvious foul. The killer should have been disqualified

and made to turn in his hat.

[stray cat]

7. However, you have to pay cash up front for any medical care - why should I pay for idiots

[Cyrano]

8. If those in congress were held responsible for their words, we'd have

universal medical care.

[KittyWampus]

11. maybe we could settle disputes here on DU with virtual duels?

Sadly, I can find no appropriate emoticon for dueling pistols at dawn.

This will have to suffice.

[Cyrano]

15. I think that's a pretty good one.

[clu]

19. fistfights - yes

it's not always a good solution but it might stop a lot of bullying at work or school

[safeinOhio]

20. How about

Banjos at 10 paces?

[Cyrano]

22. I'm really starting to wonder how many younger people have seen,

or know about, "Deliverance," and it's "dueling banjos scene.

I've often posted references to it, and actually gotten "Huh?" responses.

There are some things that many of us believe are cultural icons that everyone knows about, but I'm beginning to believe that's a bad assumption.

Then again, I always believed that everyone knew that William Shakespeare wrote plays. But in recent years, I've run into people who have heard the name and have no clue who he was.

[damyank913]

29. HEY-what's the 1st rule of Fight Club?

[MicaelS]

26. The problem is the challenged get to choose the weapon

Some of these turds would problem choose submachine guns at 10 paces.

[anigbrowl]

28. That's to prevent frivolous or rigged duels

It worked out pretty well in practice. I forget who, but one English man solved his sudden duelling problem by specifying the use of medieval battle axes, which turned out to be too heavy for either participant to lift.