Monkey,
that is what my post was about LOL!
"Code" is a strange word to use in all honesty, because it is not a written down thing for individuals. Our moral actions should be delved into, and reflected upon because we (as you have said) are responsible for our own actions. My point, was that the training of martial art should hold good virtues as a noble part of the training. You should be proud of it. You are absolutely right that the "gun" has no thinking code of its own (how could it?), but the police officer, because he is using such a weapon, should give much thought, effort, and reflection into noble ideals, and virtuous actions. He is responsible for this weapon's actions in his own hands, as we are responsible for our MA's actions in OUR own hands. We control our MA, not the other way around. A code of ethics that is "felt" through the study of MA is something that should be applauded, and not done away with. That was all I was saying.
What I fear, is that one may say "oh well the martial artist doesn't have to follow any code..it's his own values and thinking that matters".....no, not when he is using the art for evil or hurtful purposes. I'm very much against that kind of moral relativism.
But I do not think you are advocating such a pseudo-philosophy, so I don't think we are really disagreeing that much here. That "responsibility" that you, and Bruce spoke about is what martial arts training should talk about as well, not just how to break arms and choke people out.
Take care,
Ryu