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 Originally Posted by Renton
I have no doubt that the threat of getting killed deters some amount of petty crime in the U.S. The question is not really of whether the thief was a piece of shit or took a risk or whatever. The question is whether it was ok for that man to shoot him.
Someone made a good point about gun control. I had my iphone stolen a few weeks ago. Literally snatched out of my hand by a guy on a motorbike while I was on an open-air taxi. It pissed me off so much that I'm certain I'd have shot at him if I was carrying a gun. Humans are quite flawed in their ability to deal with stress at a moment's notice.
Unfortunately, gun control is a terrible idea for the U.S., and only really works wonders in countries that aren't deeply rooted in gun culture to begin with and, perhaps more importantly, don't already have a shitton of guns. I think the best we can do at this point is shun people who worship and collect these death machines and teach our children not to fucking kill people for petty reasons.
Oh and also, we could make the laws more clear on what constitutes self defense and lawful use of deadly force. As it currently is in many states, including WA, you can pretty much shoot anyone you want and make at least a decent case for justifiable homicide. Especially if the victim is big, black, or has any sort of criminal record. The status quo cultivates a sort of laissez faire attitude with regard to the use of guns. Maybe this dude wouldn't have shot the guy if he wasn't 98% sure he'd get off?
There are other states like Florida that have very, very laxly written laws that fit your description of being able to make a decent case of justifiable homicide even in cases where it clearly shouldn't be.
I'm sure I come off as very pro-gun, I consider myself to be pro-gun, but there is certainly a limit. The points you brought up about specific 'stand your ground' laws and the laissez faire attitude regarding the use of guns (i.e. killing or severely wounding people) is very concerning. It is a horrible trend.
I don't really agree with your comment about people who collect guns. It is a legitimate hobby. There are surely countless hobbies out there that neither of us really understand. I know what you're getting at though.. you don't want to cultivate that mall ninja type who carries 2 glocks and enough ammunition for a short war everywhere he goes and who is itching for someone to cross the line of what would allow lethal force. That type frightens me too.
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