"Guns are bad? I didn't know they possessed life and the ability to provide a rationale. Guns aren't squat - it's what people do with them that determines if they are appropriate or not. What an irresponsible statement! People need to take responsibility for what they do - not blame what they use as the problem."

Yes that's exactly what I meant, but you've said it better than me.

"And what the hell is a "proper job?""

Well, that's a whole other level of philosophy, but in this context, I mean one where you're paid to do something constructive rather than kill people. Point is, I could earn far more in the British army than I do in the entertainment industry, fine in many ways military life is very attractive. Good rates of pay, holidays, you get to travel, clear promotional path, good pension etc, all in all, quite a good lifestyle, but I couldn't ever join, because I find the core concept totally disagreeable. You're a military man, Norton and I don't expect you to agree with me.

"who made you the judge of what is honorable and what is not?"

Well, nobody, but the thread did ask for peoples opinions, certainly, I wouldn't feel honorable if I had a gun.

Everyone has to make their own moral judgement. However, I feel that killing people is the same whether you're a soldier or an assasin. Being paid to do it on behalf of someone else, a private individual or a government makes no difference. I guess it's a conscience thing.

EJ