[net.legal] Personal Defense at its Ultimate

trio@idis.UUCP (04/11/85)

A while back, I said:
>>Tactical Nuclear Devices are out of the question; how do you keep from 
>>injuring an innocent bystander?  :-) :-)

And then, nyssa@abnji.UUCP (James C. Armstrong, Jnr.) said:
>Well, Ole Dinnsy said that there was no such thing as an innocent bystander.
>If you disagree with him, we'll be around looking for you!
>-- 
>James C. Armstrong, Jnr.  ihnp4!abnji!nyssa


Oh SH*T!  I see an old Sherman tank pulling up in front of my house now!

Well Dinnsdale, I refuse to be victimized by criminals any longer.  Since I
feel my life is threatened, I have no choice but to defend myself and my home
from your treachery, rape, pillage, and plunder (not to mention the tank 
treads on Mrs. Jones' yard).

Suprise!  I have a LAAW with your name on it (I did get a permit for it, even
though it's classified by the Buereau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as a
destructive device, so I can carry it concealed).  Then, I'm going to see
if you prefer "flame-broiling" with my backpack-mounted flamethrower, spewing
burning napalm all over your green monstrosity (which would possibly turn that
Sherman tank of his into just that...a broiler).

As another criminal falls to the valiant citizen who is protecting himself, 
the police show up to find out what happens.  The next thing I find is myself
hauled before a judge to defend what I did (I already decided that if I don't
get off, I shall appeal to Judge Moriarty and the ***STUPID PEOPLE'S 
COURT***).

Dinnsdale's family's lawyer (DF, for short): "Your honor, it seems that this
                        crazed madman before you went after our sweet, 
                        lovable Dinnsdale for no apparent reason.  
                        Obviously, the man is prejudiced against
                        those who drive around in tanks.  I beg the 
                        court to consider the loss to this family
                        (as they shake down the baliff).

Judge:  Well, why did you do it?

Plaintiff:  It was quite justifiable.  Why, hell, the scum had a tank cannon
                        aimed right at me and I had no opportunity to
                        retreat.  I, exercising my rights to bear arms
                        and to protect myself, did so.  As you can see, I
                        only used the amount of force necessary to protect
                        myself.  The police can't be everywhere.  How is one
                        to survive and not be a criminal's victim in this
                        society without the means to protect himself?

DF Lawyer:  If the situation was so bad, why didn't you call the police?

Plaintiff:  With a tank cannon staring me in the face?



I LEAVE IT UP TO THE OTHER READERS TO DECIDE THE OUTCOME OF THIS SITUATION
(AND PERHAPS WRITE SOMETHING WITTIER).

(p.s. Please no crap about gun control and other impossibilities)

-- 
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Nick Trio                         -If you don't like the answer,
Grad Student - Sociology            don't ask the question-
U. of Pittsburgh
 ...{decvax, ihnp4, duke}!mcnc!idis!trio
---All of these views are mine and no one else's.  So What?---