
Nobody wanted to put up the sign!
Where the armed security allowed the question to even be asked, that is.

Nobody wanted to put up the sign!
Where the armed security allowed the question to even be asked, that is.

They say that Louis XIV had the inscription Ultima Ratio Regum cast into all the cannon of the French Army. It means "The Ultimate Argument of Kings," and that always struck me as one of the most honest and up-front things any ruler or would-be ruler ever said. "We can dress it up prettier than this, but when it comes down to the unvarnished truth this is what it's about: You'll do as I say or I'll send my goons to kill you."
I thought about that for a long time. If there's an ultimate argument, it seems only logical that there must be an ultimate answer. For years I thought the ultimate answer must be the bullets in my rifle, but it never seemed quite right. I've got bullets - he's got frigging Cannon Balls. I mean, if there were three hundred million rifles throwing bullets at him, then maybe. But we all know that's not going to happen. So if there's an ultimate answer to his ultimate argument, it sure as hell ain't bullets.
It finally came to me - and that's when I left the city, abandoned a goodly percentage of my goods, and gave all that was behind me a good, stiff Randian Shrug.
The ultimate answer to kings is not a bullet, but a belly laugh.

Do you suffer from a lonely, unfulfilled, angst-driven existence? Do you often wish you could do something meaningful with your life, like end death or war or taxes, or maybe just read a really good book?
Then you need to buy the following novels immediately!
"Freedom Outlaw. It’s not what you do; it’s how you do it. It’s an attitude — from which actions always follow. It’s a do-it-yourself occupation. And a lifetime vocation."
- Claire Wolfe, Backwoods Home Companion, 6-07-10
"Never underestimate the ability of shit to find a fan." - F. Paul Wilson

"Authority should derive from the consent of the governed, not from the threat of force."
- Barbie

"You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs." The sophistry of villains - Bah!
- Robert A. Heinlein, Double Star

Any guess on how many home invasions will have to happen where the “gun-free ” signs are displayed before violated homeowners start prosletyzing on the merits of gun ownership? Assuming said crimes get any media coverage, that is. I simply cannot fathom how a homeowner thinks a “I’m defenseless” sign is a good idea. Heck, I went to the range for the first time a few months ago and promptly put the perforated targets in my front window. Then I chickened out and took ‘em down ’cause my neighbors are nuts… Sigh. Gonna go count my ammo now as the store shelves are disturbingly bare.
Funny thing that. I’ve suggested such a sign to a number of people who rant that guns are evil, never solve anything, etc. So far, none of them have thought it’s a good idea. Go figure.