Jim Macklin wrote:

The first Death Wish movie was well done and a good study in
human and political behavior. But even saying that, going
"looking for trouble" just so you can kill a mugger is
wrong. If you're out doing something legal, such as
shopping, going to the car wash, church, fishing or just a
walk in the park and you are attacked, you should be able to
defend yourself [or another person] with deadly force if
needed. But Trolling for muggers is a stakeout that the
police do and then they arrest.

If I am in a place where I can legally be armed and I am
attacked, I will defend myself. But my purpose is not to
punish the attacker or kill the attacker, it is to keep them
from injuring or killing me. If you kill someone and you
have justification you may still have a big legal bill to
pay and you may lose your home. If a burglar is in your
home and he wants your TV let him take it...if he wants your
wife or daughter, stop him. When he stops you quit and call
the police [if you haven't already- tip-get your gun and
flashlight, call 911 if you have time and leave the phone
line open so what happens and what is said is recorded] and
give medical attention. Call your lawyer too, you'll
probably be arrested in your own home unless the burglar was
bearded and about 30 years of age and you're female and 80.
Shoot a teenager or someone about your same age, and you'll
have to prove your innocence. That's why some states have
now passed "make my day" laws.

I generally agree with your recommendations here, but they do run
counter to what the County Sheriff told me when I got my first
protection permit (this was long before the co-called concealed carry
permits - I can carry mine openly if I choose). The Sheriff told me not
to go looking for trouble as you say, which is just plain old common
sense, but if I needed to defend myself and my family, he said to shoot
to kill. I asked him why and he said two reasons:
1. Killing the attacker is the most assured means of ending the attack
2. Dead men don't testify.


Matt