food, I thank you for the added context. There is no way on earth I (or another person) could have understood your remarks in that light, without your placing them into that framework.

It would seem that the actual "code of the west" you recommend we live by could be phrased as:

- try nonviolence (hazing) and if that doesn't work,
- try persuasion (talking to neighbors) and if that doesn't work,
- try contacting the authorities (animal control) and if that doesn't work,
- shoot, but only if it's an animal, or if it is a human, only if it's matter of self-defense from imminent harm.
- shovel, but only if it's an animal, because if it's a human, you'd better notify the police,
- and shut up.

Not as catchy, but a whole lot more reasonable and less likely to be misunderstood. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />