If one doesn't get stuck with "either - or".

Guns are a technology. They can be used to protect, or to create more enemies. In the hands of a moral maroon they are dangerous.

Technology gives the illusion of superiority. What every GOOD barroom fighter knows is there is no substitute for friends. No matter how mean, no matter how big, no matter how tough you are, someone will always come up behind you with a 2X4. WTC was a 2X4.

And you cannot completely cover your behind when your leaders are big asses. (Couldn't resist.)

A-bombs are a technology. And only good if you don't use them. Think, for instance, that if Israel or the US nukes Iraq, Iran might slip 'em a few? Using nukes would be dumb beyond belief.

Technology is cumulative, the wisdom regarding how to use it has to be learned from scratch by everyone anew.

Nope, technology raises the stakes, and magnifies the cost of the mistakes of the leaders. Doesn't solve problems, unfortunately.

Arf