Free Republic

n September 1813, Andrew Jackson fought with Thomas and Jesse Benton in Nashville, Tenn., in a battle featuring a whip, pistols and knives. Supposed slights had roused the prickly sense of honor of these men. No one would remember the circumstances today if the melee hadn't nearly cost the country the man who would become the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The days when an Andrew Jackson would exchange insults with an adversary in the buildup to a duel are forever gone. But senseless violence over questions of honor is still with us. Except that the fighters are...