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From: jimi@SCIRTP.UUCP (Jim Ingram)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Handgun control--one more time.
Message-ID: <239@SCIRTP.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 24-Jul-85 16:24:42 EDT
Article-I.D.: SCIRTP.239
Posted: Wed Jul 24 16:24:42 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 28-Jul-85 01:02:52 EDT
References: <3207@decwrl.UUCP>
Organization: SCI Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC
Lines: 54

> Lots of arguments for/against handguns.... 

> 
> 
>      By the way, Charles....Do you recall the incident in Boston a week or so
> ago, where a person called 911 to report a rape in progress?  The person was
> put on hold twice, and hung up on.  It was only by chance that a cruiser was
> in the area, and the subject was apprehended.  (This story has been all over
> the Boston Globe for a week.)  Remember that if the witness to the rape had 
> been carrying a handgun, one round would have prevented the crime.  And the
> taxpayers of Massachusetts would be spared the expense of warehousing
> another scumbag.

Unfortunately, another crime would have occurred, the shooting of the
alleged rapist. Depending on the locale, the charge could range from 
manslaughter to murder.

It really seems like the vigilantes of America are on this net. Does 
anyone know about due process, etc.? 

Suppose you are walking down the street and you see what appears to be 
trouble. Who among you would take the responsibility to determine:

1) that a crime is being committed

2) that deadly force is required

3) that you have the right to take another life

Probably a lot of the netters would answer affirmatively. So, how do
you differ from the criminal? Most criminals probably feel they have 
reasons to violate the rights and lives of their victims. If you would
shoot someone in cold blood as in the description above, you are no 
different.

If this country wants to become a shooting gallery ala Beirut, El Salvador,
or Nicaragua, so be it. I'll acquire lots of guns and live the survivalist's
life. Somehow, though, it would seem flawed. Laws, due process, the 
Constitution, etc. are what makes even NYC different from, say, San
Salvador. 
 
> >"The Church of Fred has yet to come under attack...."
> >        -Rev. Wang Zeep
> 
>      It would seem that the Church of Fred doesn't have a steeple to stand on.
> 
> --Don Black
-- 

	The views expressed by me are my own and do not necessarily
	represent the views of any other individuals or organizations.

Jim Ingram			 {decvax, akgua, ihnp4}!mcnc!rti-sel!scirtp!jimi
SCI Systems, Inc.   	   P.O. Box 12557, RTP, NC 27709            919 549 8334