From: erico@squirrel.pen.tek.com (Eric Oosterhof)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Self defense hypothetical
Date: 27 Jan 93 03:39:40 GMT
Organization: tektronix


#### clip  (doesn't apply in my case, at least not yet :-)  you should
#### "fingerprint-proof" your bullets.
##
##
##I would have to guess that the originator might mean a situation where
##perhaps the act *was* self defense, but the being-armed was unlawful.
#
#I can understand if from this point of view.
#
#     ** Another Scenario **
#     Say there is a large riot somewhere or just a general case of unrest in 
#society that makes you feel the need to carry your gun with you. You don't have
#the time or the money to get the proper permits to do so legally. On your way 
#to or from work, you are approached by some individuals who obviously intend to
#cause you and/or your family serious harm. What are you going to do?
#

 :::SNIP:::

#
#     C) Shoot the thugs, leave quickly knowing that the police will be looking
#for enemies of the thugs. There won't be any fingerprints on the brass to even
#make you a suspect.
#
#
#
#I know that this is probably straying from the charter but I would like to see
#what kinds of discussion come up.


	All right, let's think about this.  I'ma walkin' down the street,
let's say Main Street, USA, and I'm approached by some individuals who
obviously intend to cause serious harm to me and/or my family.  OK, I
shoot them and follow scenario C; I leave knowing that there won't be
any fingerprints.  What's wrong with this scenario?  
	First, while I'm not a lawyer, I've seen them on TV.  I would
suspect that this is not a Good Idea, and is probably illegal; you are
fleeing to avoid prosecution for illegally carrying a concealed
weapon, at the very least.  
	Second, suppose these thugs are 16 years old, have never done
anything like this before, and don't look like thugs.  It may appear
that someone, YOU, just up and shot these teens.  Even if they ARE 19,
HAVE records, and LOOK like thugs, it may very well appear that
someone, YOU, just up and shot these teens.  I would suspect that this
would be VERY BAD.
	Third, suppose you are witnessed shooting these thugs and
running.  This would also look VERY BAD.  
	Yes, true, this might work.  You might be able to shoot them,
run away, not be seen, and have the cops looking for the enemies of
the thugs.  Hell, the Hardy boys might even get into the act.  

	Have we caught a clue yet??  Speaking for myself, and others
here in rec.guns, we're supposed to be the Good Guys (TM)  That means
that we try to do things Right, as in moral, as in something we can
feel good about.  I can't feel good about shooting someone and leaving
them to die.  I can't feel good about trying to leave no fingerprints
on my weapon.  While I don't entirely trust the legal system in this
country, if I have to shoot someone, I will stick around and try to do
things Right.  
	It seems to me that the people put into these situations, who
DO stick around and tell their side of the story, aren't thrown in
jail for murder.  
	Maybe effort should be put into avoiding this situation.  Get
a license to carry.

Shoot safe, then straight...



-- 
Eric Oosterhof                "Gentlemen, I have the utmost confidence 
erico@tekig1.PEN.TEK.COM       in your ability to perform...
(503) 627-4329                 the impossible!"  Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
"Choosy mothers choose .gif"  Anthony C. Zable