blog.jameshom.com

Dueling with Sword and Pistol

Just finished Paul Kirchner's latest book on the Code Duelo: Dueling with Sword and Pistol. Like his previous book on historical warriors, The Deadliest Men, this book is meticulously researched and makes history fascinating.

This is the kind of stuff I wish we got to read in high school history classes. Kirchner talks about all sorts of notables from US history: representatives to Congress, state politicians and the like, who duked it out to settle their differences. And of course, Kirchner covers Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr, which is a totally interesting story. Can you imagine a grudge match between a modern era SecTreas and US Senator? "...Glocks at 20 paces. Behind the Washington Monument at high noon. Be there, muthaf-cker!"

But nooooo, high school history class was incredibly boring. All I remember of sophomore year world history was the teacher's recollection of being made to swallow a goldfish during his frat hazing.

Now I'm not advocating that our elected officials return to dueling to settle differences--although wouldn't that be more civilized than telling someone to 'f-ck yourself', Mr. Cheney?.

Good thing the Russians are our pals now. Putin, with his sambo/judo black belts and KGB secret-killer moves, would kick our president's ass. But watch out, President Schwartzenegger will change that balance of power right quick.