For John, BLUF: How to react to crime? Nothing to see here; just move along.
Last evening, at the Althouse Blog we have a post on people resisting robbers who point guns. Note that this is not about gun vs gun, but people telling people with guns to shove off. Note further, however, that this is The Bronx.
A trend in The BronxIs this the answer?“You get more resistance in high-crime areas than low-crime areas,” [said Rajiv Sethi, a Barnard College economist]. “People who would not resist have left the areas. Those who stay can’t afford to leave or to give up the little property that they have in their possession.”... “We are not under siege by the vigilantes and the criminals that come out at night,” said Andy King, a city councilman whose district includes the area. “The pride, the respect factor” takes hold, he said. “It’s a violation, and some people are at a stage in our communities that they will stand up for certain beliefs.”In the comments, someone from Cincinnati says:
I don't live in NYC and would never live in a city that prefers to allow armed criminals run free while disarming it's citizens. In the midwest city where I live, there were three recent attempted armed robberies. In all three instances, the robber got shot dead by the victim. No expensive trial or costly incarceration. Just dead criminals, each of whom was no stranger to the justice system....
Regards — Cliff
In a word, "Yes." This is not a symptom of some Wild West mentality as the anti-gun folks would have it. Instead, it is a symptom of very fierce independence, personal freedom, and self reliance. It is saying to the criminal element, "It's mine and you WILL NOT take it."
ReplyDeleteI have three loaded pistols and one very lethal shotgun in the house. I also have a note on the exterior doors (admittedly, partly as sick humor) that say in bold lettering, "This door is locked for YOUR protection."
People who violently invade the personal space of another are just that, violent and as such, sociopathic. If you submit, they will NOT quit. In NH, we've had several instances of late where an individual not only broke into a home, but then proceeded to rape the female occupant and beat the male occupant senseless. People who do this sort of thing are operating on the basis of some deep, animal need to completely dominate. You cannot pacify that sort of primal urge.
There is a very good reason that cities like Burlington, VT have such a low crime rate involving guns.....almost everyone is packing. Criminals do not like it when the odds are not completely in their favor. They prey only on the weak and defenseless.