The colt single action army pistol first produced in 1871 was nicknamed the peacemaker.  The pistol’s prime purpose is to eject a sharp projectile at high speed intended to kill or maim.

Peacemaker seems a bit of an ironic nickname to me given killing or maiming other humans or even animals does not seem like a peaceful activity.

The gun was also known as the equalizer in some circles.  I guess if you were five and a half feet tall, weighing 180 pounds and were attacked by a 250 pound six footer, the gun could assist.

Strangley though, I would not classify this as equalizing the situation, seems to me the gun holder would be at an advantage.  If both had guns, that could be equal, but hard to visualize a peaceful outcome.

Rationalization

These characterizations (e.g., gun as peacemaker, armed forces depicted as peacekeepers) are really intended to hide the true purpose, that is to harm.

We are rationalizing the value of weaponary.  This justifies the use of daedly force.   If you invade my space, watch out. Sadly, there is a real cost to this thinking.

Why can’t we all be friends?

The root cause behind the need for weapons is peoplekinds inability practice collaberative enjoyment.  It’s okay for me to behave in a way that leads to happiness as long as it does not cause you unhappiness.

My friends and colleagues just look at me with that get real stare when I propose this solution.  Maybe someday, ah but someday never comes.