Second amendment and swords

[coyotetiger]

Hello Fencing Folks,
I am interested in this sport mostly as a sport to do with my brother. However a thought crossed my mind.

As a NRA member, I am fairly well educated in my right to keep and bear arms. But the constitution doesn't just say guns, it says "arms". A sword is a valid small arm. Right??

How would you welcome the legalization of carrying swords. I found the following at http://www.louisville.edu/~acmudd03/swd1.html. It was written for humor, but I wonder how much is really applicable.

Remember, “Think about it, if a criminal had to go through a dozen or so people all armed with swords and most of them knowing how to use them, they would think twice about attacking an individual. Also, with the tragedies that occurred with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. If the people on board had been armed with swords, than the pathetic threats with a box knife would be considered ludicrous when you have a six foot Bastard Sword strapped to your back. “

Many Regards,
Mr. T

P.S. Does anyone know of a movement to legalize swords in MA?


Enjoy ...

Is That a Sword In Your Pants or Are You Just Happy To See Me ?
It is a shame that ever since the end of the Renaissance, the popularity of swords with the common man has diminished greatly. They are seen as a thing of the past, and an out of date weapon. It is seen as dangerous and as the means for Psychos to get their aggression out. Not to mention the fact that they are out of style.


Yet there are so many problems today that could have been solved by people carrying swords. Thus, it is my humble opinion and courteous suggestion that people all over the world should start carrying swords again, all the time. As you will see, the misconceptions about swords and sword handling are born from ignorance and fear of one of the greatest weapons ever created.

The first issue of concern is that a sword is an out dated weapon. This is, however, incorrect. Obi-Won-Kenobi said it best when he said, “It is an elegant weapon of a greater day and age.” Though they do not have the easy kill of a gun, they do not run out of ammunition and they can be used to parry other melee attacks. They require skill to use, but they are eight times more effective when used by some one trained in it.

A sword can be used almost anywhere. They are also easier to care for than a gun, and require less maintenance work to keep them going. But one also has to look at the safety value of a weapon. They are better suited for some of the harsher treatment that we subject our belongings to. They are a more reseliant, and safer weapon.

There is no safety on a sword. Children realize this and will not swing a sword at someone “As a joke.” 95% of all guns that kill people are “Not loaded.” With a sword you don’t have to ask that question. We would no longer dread the words, “Don’t worry, it’s not loaded.” Our children would be safe, because it is easier to comprehend the destructive capabilities of a sword rather than that of a gun.
Also, to those who are concerned about the issue of gun control. Consider the sword an ample replacement for the gun. As stated above it is obviously safer than a gun, but if it were carried by all people, crime would drop drastically.

Think about it, if a criminal had to go through a dozen or so people all armed with swords and most of them knowing how to use them, they would think twice about attacking an individual. Also, with the tragedies that occurred with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. If the people on board had been armed with swords, than the pathetic threats with a box knife would be considered ludicrous when you have a six foot Bastard Sword strapped to your back. Bu that doesn’t say anything about the new since of style swords would create.

People would also get a new sense of style. Think about it, people would be showing off their new suites with matching rapier. Junior could been seen strolling around with Mama in his new Osh Kosh B’gosh overalls with matching Mongoche. You could meet your girlfriend for the dance in her new dress and showing off her new sexy Katana.

Let’s face it, weapons are stylish. During the Renaissance people strutted around with all kinds of weapons strapped to them. These people had a sense of style. Just think about the possabilities for an opportunist such as Tommy Hillfiger. The new clothes medium opened by swords would be immense. It would rain down a new and fresh gust from the unoriginal styles that appear today.

Also, with this respect, people would be in better shape. Fencing takes a lot of physical finess. It requires skill and coordination to wield a blade properly and effectively. This would get some of the more unhealthy people off their butts and take some intiative in their own health. This would lead to a healthy America and lessen the threat of cardiac disease and make people a lot happier with their phsyical appearance. Thus, it only makes sense for more people to carry swords.

I implore you, if you aggree with what I have said we must act. We must send letters to all head congress members and to the head fashion leaders of the world and get them to allow and encourage the carrying of swords by all peoples all across the globe. This will allow for such great things in the world, and at such a low cost. If we are to change the world as we would have it, we must act.

It is a shame that ever since the end of the Renaissance, the popularity of swords with the common man has diminished greatly. But with a little encouragement, we could see a revival of one of the greatest weapons ever created. People would walk with them on the streets carrying their Wakizashi’s and Sabers with pride. And when your significant other hugs you and asks “If that’s a sword in you’re pocket or are you just happy to see me,” she’ll know it’s a sword.

[laughingduelist]

I've been saying that for years.

[canthidefromme]

Originally posted by coyotetiger


Remember, “Think about it, if a criminal had to go through a dozen or so people all armed with swords and most of them knowing how to use them, they would think twice about attacking an individual. Also, with the tragedies that occurred with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. If the people on board had been armed with swords, than the pathetic threats with a box knife would be considered ludicrous when you have a six foot Bastard Sword strapped to your back. “

Many Regards,
Mr. T

P.S. Does anyone know of a movement to legalize swords in MA?

Not to start a legal debate... but where will you find 12 people standing around to know how to use and are currently carrying swords? If you substitute 'swords' with 'guns' the same argument holds true. ie. people still attack other people even though there might be 12 people around carrying guns.

As for people on planes armed with swords... wooooooooooow. You do realize if terrorists had realized people were armed with swords they would bring more than box cutters? And 6 ft swords wouldn't fit in the overhead compartment or below your seat.

[Rolls]

Well, the obvious probalem that I see is that if everyone on the plane had swords that would mean that the terroists had swords...

I'm guessing terrorists with swords is worse than terrorists with box cutters.

Rolls.

[Katman]

Perhaps this should be in the water cooler?

Far be it from me to start a gun (arms) rights argument, but the 2nd amendment states,

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

This is in regards to the militia, or rather, state militias who needed to run into the barn and grab thier guns when the redcoats or god-knows-who were coming. Militias are composed of ordinariy citizens and not professional soliders that you'd find in today's army.

This makes me wonder if the 2nd amendment (often only half-quoted) is in the correct context for today? Do we need a well regulated 'militia'?

Also, the terrorists boarding the planes wouldn't have needed to sneak box-cutters aboard if you were allowed to board with actual swords. I'd even doubt the wisdom of using a six foot bastard sword in such a confined space.

[coyotetiger]

I don't agree with everything in the article. Actually, I would only want to carry a snazy rapier not a 6 footer.

I would agree with you that we do, in fact need a well regulated militia. But as you said this is no place for that type of the militia debate.

On the subject of swords, however, someone said if everyone had swords, then so would the terrorists. What good would that do them it there are several people around them who are able to resist them.


Regards,
Mr. T.

[Percy Blankney]

"Well-regulated" in the Second Amendment is a term of legal art derived from Machiavelli and means "volunteer." The Founders were opposed to a standing army.

Swords are not such a good idea on a plane. I would recommend a tomahawk or hammer. Much more effective in a closed space.

[FlamingDeth]

I have a feeling that a couple of terrorists on a plane would be far better trained in the usage of swords than most of the other people on the plane, and besides, it's far more likely you'll be killed if you charge a couple guys with swords in a narrow corridor than if you charged a couple guys with boxcutters.

[coyotetiger]

I am very sorry. I did not see that there was a watercooler offtopic place. I am brand new to this place. Otherwise I would have posted this there.

Regards,
Mr. T

[Black Jeebus]

You know some of those airplane aisles are just the right width and length for fencing. But I wonder, do you think the terrorists will bring the boxes with them, or will the airplane provide the scoring machines? How else will we know whos winning? You can't really fit the judges in the seats too well.

[coyotetiger]

I mean real swords with an edge on them. oh dear.

[Black Jeebus]

But wait you said rapier...they dont have edges the rapier evolved into the italian foil. they only had edges on the ends to prevent people from grabbing your sword.

[coyotetiger]

Well! I guess that shows you how new to the sword world I am. What I meant was that it had a real blade. A point (as you said a rapier has)would fit the bill.

Regards,
Mr. T

[Strytllr]

For those of you who think legalized sword would mean that they would be allowed to be carried on a plane... That doesn't really make sense. Even those states who have concealed firearm laws don't give them the right to carry concealed on an airplane. If I remember correctly, as outlined by the FAA, only appropriate airline marshalls and (did they pass this yet?) pilots may carry on board...

the same would hold true for swords, i'm sure... if they ever would do such things.

I believe currently, that carrying a sword still falls punishable under the concealed weapon laws... why, I have no idea.

[canthidefromme]

Originally posted by Katman
Perhaps this should be in the water cooler?


Do we need a well regulated 'militia'?

You mean the national guard?

[coyotetiger]

Actually, the national gaurd, historicaly, is not the militia. The milita was composed of every man in a town or county (I forget which) with appropriately elected captains (which I believe may have been subject to approval by higher officers).

Technically, if you are a male between 18 and 46 or so you are part of the militia (like it or not). I used to know all the references and everything, but since then my accounting degree is getting the best of me.

Regards,
Mr. T.

[Black Jeebus]

Bet you're a Libertarian too...not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Black Jeebus]

If I take a sword (and I mean a real one with a lethal edge/point whatever) and instead of concealing it brandish high above my head while waving it around, is that illegal? I'm obviously not concealing it.

[vafencer]

To my knowledge, there are no laws (federal at least) that say you cannot carry weapons. It is not a requirement for someone to get a 'carrier's license' for a hunting rifle is there? If the weapon is obviously displayed, and not threatening the life of another, then it is legal to carry.

There are no laws against carrying a sword, it's just no longer the norm in our civilized society.

As for airplanes, part of the contract you agree to when purchasing a ticket that no one ever reads states that you will comply with their policies of not bring weapons on board. Regardless of how the 2nd amendment is interpreted, it is a moot point in terms of airlines.

Plus, who wants even a 3-foot sword on a plane, one good parry and you've killed an innocent passenger, and gotten your weapon stuck in their skull. A nice 6-12 inch knife would work much better.

[coyotetiger]

Actually,
I would agree with you about the airplanes. Airplanes are private companies, so they can determine how we operate on their private property.

Regards,
Mr. T