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From: karl@osu-eddie.UUCP (Karl Kleinpaste)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas from the NRA
Message-ID: <42@osu-eddie.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 15-Jan-85 10:15:42 EST
Article-I.D.: osu-eddi.42
Posted: Tue Jan 15 10:15:42 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 16-Jan-85 05:34:07 EST
References: <2974@allegra.UUCP> <1912@sun.uucp> <297@desint.UUCP> <1931@sun.uucp> <318@ll1.UUCP>
Organization: You really don't want to know
Lines: 37

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> 	Ahh yes, the armed homeowner v.s. the unidentified intruder.
> 	Let's assume for the moment that it is an intruder, not your
> child, or a guest you forgot you had.
> 	Scenario number 1:  You shout "Freeze buddy, I've got a gun,
> and I'm making a citizens arrest!"  The intruder, also armed, given
> your kindly warning about your gun, turns and blows you away.
> 	Scenario number 2:  Not wanting to be shot, you shoot the
> intruder at first glance.
> 	Could you handle number 2?  Really?  Becasue it's the only
> way you'll get him.  He's prepared to kill, or he wouldn't be in
> your house with a gun.  Are you?  Really?
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We've gone the rounds on this one before, I think.

S#1: If you're stupid enough  to  stand where  you can be seen when you make
the statement, you deserve what you get. "Evolution in action," and all that.

S#2: No person trained in firearms  fires at anything until it is completely
identified.  Nor would he fire without provocation; the courts have  a  hard
time with that, and for good reason.

Go ahead, create such  scenarios.  All they  demonstrate is your own lack of
understanding  of the proper use of firearms, and they do not  detract  from
the validity of the arguments of those of us who do understand.

A better solution all around, given  the above conditions, is to hide first,
out  of  sight, then announce your intentions about arrest and such.  If  he
fires at you then (he'd be firing rather blindly since you're out of sight),
you  are entitled to return fire in self-defense. If he flees, so  much  the
better.  Suggestions for better solutions than this are certainly welcome.

If you're not willing to fire at  all, you'd  best not challenge any burglar
any time.
-- 
Karl Kleinpaste @ Bell Labs, Columbus   614/860-5107  +==-> cbrma!kk
                @ Ohio State University 614/422-0915  osu-eddie!karl