[extropy-chat] Guns ad nauseum

[BillK]

On Sun Nov 30, 2003 01:11 pm R Coyote wrote:
> Obviously optimal living requires one to recognize and respond to
> dangers in ones environment, its hard to live forever while ignoring
> your personal safety, personal firearms are only one option (for 
> those who are "allowed") on a defensive force continuum, down a long
> list of "if / then scenarios"
>

So, your reason for having guns is to help towards a longer lifespan.
That's OK. That's your choice. But do you realize that the whole macho 
male lifestyle shortens your lifespan by about 5.5 years?

See:
<http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030930.wwomen0930/BNStory/National/>

"According to statistics from 1997 to 1999, Canadian women have a life
expectancy of 81.4 years compared with 75.9 years for men.

When deaths from preventable causes are excluded, however, life
expectancy for women is 73.5 years, slightly less than the average of
73.9 for men.

"It's not biological advantage that makes the difference, it's the kind
of habits that people have that make the difference."

For example, between 15 and 24 years, the male-to-female mortality ratio
peaks because of a sudden surge in male deaths with the onset of
puberty. During this period, men are three times more likely to die than
women, and most of the male fatalities are caused by reckless behavior
or violence. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death
for males in this age group, followed by homicide, suicide, cancer and
drowning.

If men could control their reckless, stupid or violent behavior, they
would live longer.


BillK