Rolento, had this been simply a property crime, I would agree with you that the perp should not have been shot. However, he chose to make it clear, by his words and actions, that he had the intent to shoot. At that point in time, he bacame a credible threat to the innocents in the store. The BG didn't say,"Do what I tell you, and no one gets hurt". Rather, he said something to the effect of, "I'm gonna f@#$%^& kill you all."
I don't care whether I am on duty, or off, if someone assaults me with a weapon, I treat them accordingly (ie, neutralize the threat). There is no "just kidding" clause to threats with a deadly weapon- they are all taken seriously. As such, my desire to go home at night takes precendence over the BG's.
It's not a matter of killing someone for "stepping on your toes"; it is a matter of the law-abiding ciitizen's right to defend his or her own life, or that of others when a credible threat exists.
As for the death penalty, I'll merely go on record saying that I suppport its use. However, since this is a rahther controversial subjecct that could be debated forever, I'll just leave it at that. Interstingly enough though, England's crime rate actually rose just after the death penalty was abolished. However, this is attributable to their strict gun control, and not to captial punishment.
Finally, as to whether or not the BG's thought that their demise was a possibility of their actions, I'm sure that they didn't. Nearly everyone who commits a crime thinks that they will get away with it. Those who use a firearm in the commission of their crime, generally only thinkof one thing- getting away with it at any cost, even if that cost is an innocent life.
Karibou, getting a CCW in MI is a good choice to make. Now that we have joined the ranks of the "shall issue" states, county gun boards have to have a valid reason to deny a license. There are just a few changes that I would like to see made to the current law...1) abolishment of the ban on carrying into any establishment licensed to serve alcohol on premises. What I would instead like to see is a ban on carrying into establishments that derive at least 51% of their revenue from the ssale of alcohol. and 2) removing multiplex theatres from the list of restricted places, while clarifying what constitutes an "entertainment venue".
Just keep in mind that carrying is a tremendous responsibility. Find the gun that is right for you, and practice until you are proficient with it, and then practice some more. A very good resource for anyone here in MI is the
Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners. Even if you have just a passing interest in applying for a ccw, they're worth a look, especially the forums.
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Blaming guns for violence is like blaming spoons for Rosie O'Donnel being fat
