Reply #106: so let's parse it

[iverglas]

Well, there's not much to debate there. I mean when someone finds a victim beat-down and raping better than the assailant dying, what can you say?

Let's try some other scenarios. In all cases, you are alone - no kids or pets to protect. Oh, and no little wife who needs her big strong hubby to do for her.


Someone armed with a baseball bat opens your car door and tells you to get out the passenger side door (i.e. evidently does not intend to harm you) so s/he can take your car.

Which is better:
- get out the passenger door?
- pull a gun and shoot the would-be carjacker?

What if the would-be carjacker looks to be about 12 years old?


Someone wearing a ferocious mask knocks on your front door, and when you open it, makes loud noises and tries to enter your home.

Which is better:
- run out the door to the neighbour's and call the cops?
- pull a gun and shoot the apparent home invader?

What if the apparent home invader turns out to be a classmate of your kid who mistook your house for the one down the block where the monster-theme party was happening?


Someone walks into your driveway and gets into your unlocked car and grabs your laptop computer.

Which is better:
- run out the door and give chase?
- pull a gun and shoot the computer thief?

What if the computer thief is your drug-addicted kid?


Someone walking down the street stops in front of your house, walks through the gate, and starts peeing on your begonias.

Which is better:
- walk out the door and yell at the peeer?
- pull a gun and shoot the peeeer?



Which bad guy do you feel entitled to off, and which bad guy would you feel good about offing?

Where, exactly, do YOU draw the line?

I draw it where civilized societies draw it. You don't, but I'm curious where you do. Feel free to invent some scenarios of your own.