Will politicians settle dispute with pistols?

AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN ^ | Saturday, March 15, 2003 | Ken Herman

[nickcarraway]

The land commissioners of Texas and New Mexico on Friday agreed to settle a boundary dispute by using a low-cost, lawyerless technique that carries a worst-case scenario in which one of the states might lose a politician.

Where's the downside?

Under the proposal, offered by Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, the two will stage a pistol duel on the state line to settle the dispute.

"Maybe we could sell tickets or TV rights," Patterson said in his challenge to Patrick Lyons, his New Mexico counterpart.

Patterson suggested "traditional dueling pistols."

"Since Pat's the only statewide elected Republican in New Mexico, you can trust me. I won't shoot to kill," Patterson said. "I think I'll just wing him."

Lyons wasted no time in accepting the challenge.

"You tell Jerry I'll meet him any time, any place," he said.

The boundary dispute flared anew this week when New Mexico state senators voted to sue Texas to reclaim land they contend was taken from New Mexico as a result of an 1859 surveying error.

Lyons, in Friday's only hint that the gunplay talk is frivolous, said there is little chance the New Mexico legislation will lead to map changes.

[Lurker]

Let's hope this kind of thing catches on.

L

[Dog Gone]

Land war!

[Dog Gone]

I think Jerry Patterson was the one who authored the Texas Concealed Carry law.

I'm not sure New Mexico realizes who they're tangling with.

[Movemout]

I love it! Lets arm all the Dim legislators and all the Pubbies and have them meet at the OK Corral for a showdown. Someone please be kind enough to show Sheila Jackson Lee, Barbra Boxer, and Schweinstein which end of the weapon the bullets emerge from.

[Mr. Mojo]

If this sort of thing catches on, the right people will finally be drawn to careers in politics.

[Dog Gone]

Lyons, in Friday's only hint that the gunplay talk is frivolous, said there is little chance the New Mexico legislation will lead to map changes.

No, the map won't change because Patterson knows a thing or two about guns.

[demosthenes the elder]

geesh, if this catches on, even *I* might toss my hat into the ring.

[demosthenes the elder]

MASSIVE Hold Muh Beer ping!

[Mr. Mojo]

Bang!

[hattend]

Hillary vs Schumer or Boxer

I'd watch that for a dollar!

[NewRomeTacitus]

Let’s see. About 50% of legislators are attorneys; half of attorneys work against justice by design and those that last end up in powerful judgeships. Dueling should be strongly encouraged.

[basil]

You're right--Jerry Patterson led the CCL through the Texas Senate. Susanna Hupp led the way to get it passed in the Texas House. Two very fine people!

[KrisKrinkle]

The Columbia Basin College Rules of Dueling: http://www.cbc2.org/faculty/dabbott/Duello1.html

"A modernization and amplification of The Code Duello, drawn up and settled at Clonmel Summer Assizes, 1777; and The French Code outlined in Millingen's History of Dueling."

This actually speaks to swords and pistols.

[MeekOneGOP]

Under the proposal, offered by Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, the two will stage a pistol duel on the state line to settle the dispute.

"Maybe we could sell tickets or TV rights," Patterson said in his challenge to Patrick Lyons, his New Mexico counterpart.

Patterson suggested "traditional dueling pistols."

"Since Pat's the only statewide elected Republican in New Mexico, you can trust me. I won't shoot to kill," Patterson said. "I think I'll just wing him."

It'll hafta be the LEFT wing, lol ! . . .

[supercat]

This actually speaks to swords and pistols.

With a provision that (when using pistols) if both parties have each taken ten shots, six of them at two paces' distance, and no hit has been scored, both parties shall be summarily dispatched.

[demosthenes the elder]

yes, but what does it have to say on the topic of 16 pound sledgehammers?

[Centurion2000]

yes, but what does it have to say on the topic of 16 pound sledgehammers?

If that's your weapon of choice remind me to NEVER get into melee with you.

Peronsally I'll take the pistol route if it comes to that :)

[demosthenes the elder]

oh, so mauls are gauche, eh? the author has never witnessed maul monomachy then, but oh, well... the page is so cool anyway. a pity it is in jest.

[demosthenes the elder]

nah, my weapon of choice is a bastardized katana.
I don't like the idea of smoothbore pistols - too random for my tastes.