I have a wacky idea that would never work in today's (American) society, but I thought I'd bring it up here...
If you're not familiar with the history or practice of dueling, read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duel
Instead of two men engaging in deadly combat, how cool would it be for them to settle their differences with a good old-fashioned cage match (or ring for Pride fans)???
At my job, there is much friction between several different employees. Most of this is caused by the usual backstabbing office politic-type stuff. As we all know, sometimes this escalates and turns into the tragic workplace shooting. Similar situations arise in schools, where it is taught that "violence doesn't solve anything". Bullshit. Violence has its place in every society, and I think under controlled conditions, it serves as a "safety valve" before someone goes over the edge and commits mass murder.
Here's my proposal:
Two people (men in this case) have a grievance with each other. They both decide to settle it by fighting. They go to their local courthouse, fill out a short simple waiver and head to the cage/ring behind the building with a court-appointed (or elected) referee. They decide on the rules beforehand (permitted techniques, rounds, time limits, etc.) and then duke it out -MMA style- until one is declared the winner. They leave their differences in the cage/ring and go on with their lives. No one is arrested, no one is sued. This would NOT be used to settle tangible issues such as property disputes, but only for personal honor/respect/revenge purposes.
Of course, size differences would be an issue. Perhaps the larger person could agree to some type of a "handicap" before the match, such as no kicks/no throws/etc.?
All legal issues aside, how could this thing go down? I know this idea sounds really far-fetched, but it's not as crazy as two guys going at it with swords and/or pistols, is it?
World peace through MMA!
