First off, I'm a new member (applause). I gotta say, being a resident of the state of MA, we are not all that liberal minded here. With over 200 pistol and rifle clubs AND with basic pistol courses running to full capacity since I have paid attention (late 2001), this is not a state with a whole lotta people just rolling over and playing dead for the criminals-at-large.
A few months ago there was a gun show in a nearby town in MA. It was packed to capacity. My wife drove by and told me that there wasn't a parking space to be found. It was so successful that another one was booked at the same place for mid September. No sir! Don't think that this is all "lay and play dead" land. I had been to a previous gun show at the same hotel in 2001 and I can tell you, I had to park three parking lots away. I stopped to speak to an officer that was directing traffic and he said that he had never seen this many cars attending a local hotel convention-type show.
If I mention anything that's incorrect, please correct me. No problem. I've read through the posts quickly and might have misconstrued some stuff. I apologize in advance. However, let me get this straight - there are some folks in my neck of the woods that conclude that there is never an appropriate time for the use of force by a private citizen?" That really beats the band with a strong lack of common sense.
Are there people out there that really think it is fine and dandy for someone to break into my home uninvited, and use me as a target of opportunity? And in addition to this, while they are robbing me of my very right to live, I should just play along. Or tell them they shouldn't do this, or watch them kill my wife and child? Let me just understand the premise? Am I getting it?
Why would I want to live in a place that would allow a citizen to tolerate this? Why would anyone? Wait for the police? Isn't it common knowlege that the police only have the responsibility to protect the public AT LARGE? Not private individuals. Anyway, how many minutes do you want to be waiting while being tormentedÂ…? 2? 6? 19? 37? What number works for you?
I agree with the fact that you should make all attempts to avoid confrontation and to make safe exit where possible. But how would you know that there are no accomplices waiting outside your home. Escape to where? Do what?
Sadly, the people that make these vain arguments that we live in a modern society with laws to protect, really do not get it. Dodge City (someone wrote)? I don't think we have come all that far from the Wild West. Just look around you. What makes a carjacker different from an outlaw that overtook a stagecoach or a train for that matter? Oh, I know - people just don't do that anymore.
I have no disrespect for people who think differently than me. I wouldn't want a world full of "me." I also don't sit around my house waiting impatiently for the next criminal to break in and play a game of cat and mouse. I'm busy and have things to do. I love camping, RV'ing, bicycling, reading, walking and seeing new things. However, I just had to stop and respond because I was RIVETED by the posts to this site. I don't understand people that are happy to say "there is never a time that extreme force is justified." Never? That is an absolute - and there are no real absolutes in this world. I am positive that the day before the World Trade Center went down, people were ABSOLUTELY SURE that those buildings would be there at the end of the next business day.
I'm a schoolteacher on a summer break. I am not the frog that has been slowly boiled to death in a pot of water (if you don't know that one, it's a great story). I don't respect nor do I pay attention to the gestapo media. Through my lifetime I have seen that our government does want us to forfeit our rights - slowly and deliberately - in the name of "the public good." Hey, you either see it or you don't. 9/11 was a litmus test with that. Federal and State beaureaucrats are happy to have you give up your rights - AND THAT'S WHEN I took an interest in owning firearms. To confiscate (if you will) the very last of human dignities one can have- to protect yourself.
I was not meaning to be harsh to anyone. I do enjoy firearms for target shooting and I now am looking to get into defensive pistol. I like to shoot. Some people like to sit on their sofa and watch other people exercise. I find that kind of hobby relaxing - except for the fact that I can't stand the cleaners that are presently available to use after a day on the range. They do make me a bit nauseous.
Please don't hide behind religion. I've never quite understood the concept (although I am Jewish by default) of paying to be controlled. Here's the concept: people happy to relinquish control of their own being and free will AND pay for the privilege because they don't yet feel comfortable with facts like THE EARTH IS NOT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. I'm not one for mind control - doesn't even figure into the equation. It's almost as insane as worshipping movie stars or people of notoriety. Now, all kidding aside, can't you tell I'm just a plain ol' simple liberal boy from MA? Actually I'm one of the 19 registered Libertarians in the state - and LOVING IT!
Regards and Peace
The Daveman
