Two eighth-graders who spent months working on a science project to prove how dangerous BB guns can be were disqualified from the state middle school science fair. The reason for the dismissal: BB guns are too dangerous.
That almost stands alone without comment, except
the story also contains this gem
"The scientific review committee does not consider science projects involving firearms to be safe for middle school students," Degon said.
OK, I understand the need for some caution with BB-guns, but they ARE NOT "firearms." That term implies an explosion, combustion, you know, actually burning, like gunpowder. Hence the
firearm. BB-guns work on air pressure, there is no explosion, combustion or burning. I have been shot by a BB-gun at close range, heck I shot myself just to see what it would feel like -- it stings, and it is never wise to point a gun of any type at anybody, unless you are deadly serious about it -- but
firearm? Please!
# posted by John Schroeder @ 6/14/2005 05:50:00 AM
