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Kyo · 09-16-2003, 01:30 PM

Assuming equivalent proficiency in their respective skills, a gunman has an enormous advantage over any martial artist in a straight fight - I do not believe this is in debate. A gun does not necessarily equate to a murder weapon - a shot (or several shots) in the arm or leg is often sufficient as a nonlethal deterrant. The mere sight of a gun is often enough to drive off those that aren't similarly armed. Nobody enjoys staring at the business end of a firearm.

In real-world situations, guns come with many strings attached that aren't necessarily present with martial arts. To begin with, pulling a gun on someone in self defense raises the possibility for injury dramatically for all involved. While I've never been on the wrong end of a gun, I imagine that in close quarters it's very difficult to avoid being shot, even if you shoot them first. Drawing your gun also forces your opponent to act. While they may have been threatening you, seeing you draw a gun forces them to hurt you or be hurt themselves. It has been shown in polls (granted, I don't know the sample size or demographic for the poll) that you are much more likely to be injured or killed in robberies and other street crimes if you are carrying a gun. Though, I suppose this is probably due to lack of skill apparent in 90% of the gun-owning population.

There is also a myriad of other social issues involving guns, such as the ability to carry them, concealed or not, the possibility for lethal accidents, etc.

When it comes down to it, however, I hate firearms because of their effect on the mentality and ability of people to injure and kill one another. Guns are an abomination, in my opinion. Here's why:

a) A gun is a ranged weapon, used to maim or kill from a distance. You can gun someone down from a block away and never have to see them die. Even a swordsman or knife fighter must see their weapons cut their opponent, must see the carnage that they deal out with their own hands. Must feel the weight of what they are really doing.
b) A gun is casual and easy. It requires no effort, willpower, or skill to kill someone with a gun. You have to point it at someone and pull the trigger. The fact that children can kill themselves and others with guns is more than enough proof of this. It is extremely difficult for a martial artist to kill by accident. It takes concious effort, the very clear thought that yes, I am going to kill my opponent in exactly this way. Your hands and feet do not accidently 'go off' the way a gun can.
c) As a corollary to the above, a gun does not require skill. It would be good to have skill, but it does not require it. Suddenly, anyone can kill anyone else by pointing a gun and pulling a trigger. A child can kill a man with a simple crook of a finger.
d) Guns do not instill respect or discipline. Martial artists are taught respect for themselves and others, as well as respect for their art and their skills. Someone who buys a gun in a store is not taught respect for anyone or anything. This is why people can walk outside with a gun and shoot anyone they want.

In short, guns are a shortcut, that allow people who have no skill or training to kill people that do.

09-16-2003, 01:30 PM	#26 (permalink)
Kyo Crazy	Assuming equivalent proficiency in their respective skills, a gunman has an enormous advantage over any martial artist in a straight fight - I do not believe this is in debate. A gun does not necessarily equate to a murder weapon - a shot (or several shots) in the arm or leg is often sufficient as a nonlethal deterrant. The mere sight of a gun is often enough to drive off those that aren't similarly armed. Nobody enjoys staring at the business end of a firearm. In real-world situations, guns come with many strings attached that aren't necessarily present with martial arts. To begin with, pulling a gun on someone in self defense raises the possibility for injury dramatically for all involved. While I've never been on the wrong end of a gun, I imagine that in close quarters it's very difficult to avoid being shot, even if you shoot them first. Drawing your gun also forces your opponent to act. While they may have been threatening you, seeing you draw a gun forces them to hurt you or be hurt themselves. It has been shown in polls (granted, I don't know the sample size or demographic for the poll) that you are much more likely to be injured or killed in robberies and other street crimes if you are carrying a gun. Though, I suppose this is probably due to lack of skill apparent in 90% of the gun-owning population. There is also a myriad of other social issues involving guns, such as the ability to carry them, concealed or not, the possibility for lethal accidents, etc. When it comes down to it, however, I hate firearms because of their effect on the mentality and ability of people to injure and kill one another. Guns are an abomination, in my opinion. Here's why: a) A gun is a ranged weapon, used to maim or kill from a distance. You can gun someone down from a block away and never have to see them die. Even a swordsman or knife fighter must see their weapons cut their opponent, must see the carnage that they deal out with their own hands. Must feel the weight of what they are really doing. b) A gun is casual and easy. It requires no effort, willpower, or skill to kill someone with a gun. You have to point it at someone and pull the trigger. The fact that children can kill themselves and others with guns is more than enough proof of this. It is extremely difficult for a martial artist to kill by accident. It takes concious effort, the very clear thought that yes, I am going to kill my opponent in exactly this way. Your hands and feet do not accidently 'go off' the way a gun can. c) As a corollary to the above, a gun does not require skill. It would be good to have skill, but it does not require it. Suddenly, anyone can kill anyone else by pointing a gun and pulling a trigger. A child can kill a man with a simple crook of a finger. d) Guns do not instill respect or discipline. Martial artists are taught respect for themselves and others, as well as respect for their art and their skills. Someone who buys a gun in a store is not taught respect for anyone or anything. This is why people can walk outside with a gun and shoot anyone they want. In short, guns are a shortcut, that allow people who have no skill or training to kill people that do.