On Thu, 09 Mar 2000 17:23:55 -0500, Sam Ewalt wrote:
> On Tue, 07 Mar 2000 23:37:03 -0500, Samuel W. Heywood wrote:
>> Many common everyday implements and tools such as hammers, knives, axes,
>> and pitchforks were originally designed for killing. It does not follow that
>> just because they were designed for killing that they should be banned,
>> especially when so many constructive uses for them may be found.
> Hammers are for driving nails.
Originally designed as clubs for bashing heads.
> Knives for general purpose cutting.
When knives were first invented, the only general-purpose cutting was
performed on animals and people.
> Axes for chopping wood.
Before anybody ever thought of chopping up firewood, or before anybody
even discovered how to make fire, many heads were bashed with axes.
> Pitchforks for pitching unbaled hay.
Original design was that of a trident, a three-pronged spear or harpoon
> Killing with these common tools would be difficult and require getting
> close to your victim. Guns are much more efficient and work at a
> distance.
Therefore they are very good for facing off against a drug-crazed
pitchfork-wielding assailant.
> That's what makes them so dangerous to have around.I'd rather face
> a disgruntled employee or student brandishing an ax or pitchfork
> than one carrying a semi-automatic assault rifle any day.
Of course, so would I; however, I would not be so presumptuous as to expect
a crazy attacker to respect my personal preferences along these lines.
Sam Heywood
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