LAW: Stand your ground - wisely

Thirty states have passed “Stand Your Ground” laws. It is a good law, if not abused. However, over the past few months there has been a string of killings under the “Stand Your Ground” law, which is nothing more than bad judgment resulting in murder.

As an NRA Life Member, I applaud this law, but if people keep using it to murder, states will repeal the law.

The purpose of the law was to protect a person or family being threatened. Too many persons use a weapon when no such threat exists.

A man in Missoula set a trap in his garage and killed a young exchange student. In Reno, a person shot and killed one person and wounded another simply because they entered an unoccupied dwelling he owned. Another walked down the street and shot a person because the music was too loud.

If you or your family is threatened, arm yourself; go to a safe place if possible; call 911, and use deadly force only if there is a real and imminent threat.

Taking a human life is truly a life-changing experience that you don’t want. Stealing your TV, or playing music too loud, or making obscene gestures is not worth that experience.

Consider buying non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray. If you make a mistake, you won’t face life in prison.

Always be aware of your surroundings so you won’t be caught in a lethal situation.

Above all, be armed and be safe.

DAVID MORRILL

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