Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: Gun Control Poll: Most Americans Support Right To Use Deadly Force, Have Favorable View Of NRA [View all]spin
(17,493 posts)Let's suppose that you and I were in the same store in Florida. You would have absolutely no idea that I was carrying a concealed firearm. You probably wouldn't even notice me and if you did you might just see an overweight old fart with a bad limp. If we did have a reason to talk for a minute, you would find me polite and respectful.
Is it possible that you have formed the opinion that all people with concealed weapons are just like your husband? If so, I would question if your husband or his friends are truly representative of all who have carry permits in Florida.
I belong to the NRA and have for over 40 years. This organization does a lot of good for the shooting sports and also provides training for children, hunters, civilians and police. I do not donate to the NRA-ILA which is the political wing of the NRA and very little of my NRA membership fee goes to support this organization.
To be fair, I think that if you spend a minute you will realize that your statement "NRA = Macho Men Society" is at the best stereotyping. You are painting with a very broad brush. The NRA has 4 million members and while a few might fit your description, the majority (from my experience) do not. (I could be wrong and you might consider anyone who would use deadly force to stop an attack that would result in serious injury or death to himself or others as a Macho Man and a person who would merely passively submit to his attacker or watch despite having the ability to intervene as a rational man.)
If I am attacked on the street or in a place outside of my home where I have a legal right to be, why should I be required to retreat before I can use deadly force to stop an attack by a person who intends serious harm or to kill?
I don't put anyone's life at risk unless they attack me with such intentions. If I first feel that I am required to retreat in some situations it might offer my attacker a significant advantage. That doesn't mean that I can't retreat if I wish and the "Stand Your Ground" law also doesn't allow me to chase and confront another person and then shoot them if I feel "threatened."
Be very careful of anything the news media says about laws such as Castle Doctrine or Stand Your Ground. Many in the media have an agenda and are not willing to let truth interfere with their goals. It is possible that the Florida Stand Your Ground law should be reworded but to suggest that it gives a license for someone to start a fight with another person and kill them is false.
But I will agree with you that anyone who owns a firearm and lives with a significant other is wise to secure his/her firearms.
Arguments happen and even a couple of seconds to get a gun from a lock box might stop a tragedy. Also firearms can be very effective if a person wishes to commit suicide. If they have to open a lock box, there is a chance that the time required might allow them to reconsider.