RICHMOND, VA—Since the advent of social media, personal invective in public forums has increased dramatically, but offended parties have had little recourse for defending their honor.
Until now.
State law makers in Virginia are introducing a bill that would once again legalize dueling as a means of righting these perceived wrongs.
“People make the most provocative, injurious, slanderous, and salacious accusations on social media because they know there will be no consequences,” explained state legislator Anson Burlingame (R, Spotsylvania).
But under the proposed law, individuals would be allowed to challenge FaceBook and Twitter trolls to a duel, using fencing foils, sabres, or even black powder pistols at 10 paces. The victor would not be liable for any subsequent injury or death that occurred as a result.
“With this new law, you can put a lead ball in the sternum of your neighbor, work colleague, or even your old college roommate, and publicly restore your personal integrity,” said Burlingame. “Then perhaps people will think twice before publicly and deliberately impugning someone’s character.”
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