Gun law critics fear state will become O.K. Corral

Sarasota Herald-Tribune ^ | 10/2/05 | Latisha Gray

[hemogoblin]

Joe Brower says everyday life is like "Wild Kingdom." It's survival of the fittest. And in his world, criminals don't attack people with guns; people with guns are the strong ones.

If some criminal mistakes him for prey, as of today, a new law gives him the right to shoot with the gun he keeps at his side.

"A lion out in Africa doesn't go for the strongest zebra," said Brower, a 44-year-old software engineer. "It goes for the weakest. Human predators do the exact same thing. If you are armed, that makes you stronger."

The "Stand Your Ground" law says instead of running, people who fear for their lives have the right to defend themselves -- no matter where they are.

Gun owners like Brower say the new law will make criminals think twice before they attack. But others who feel uneasy about the legislation say it could turn Florida into the Wild West.

One national group, The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, is warning tourists to stay away from Florida for their own safety. Visitors to the state get wide-eyed when they hear about the new law.

[hemogoblin]

This Brower guy in the lede seems vaguely familiar ... :-) I wanted to post this to the Bang list; is putting it in the Keywords enough? I'm not exactly a power-user here.

[Rebelbase]

"But others who feel uneasy about the legislation say it could turn Florida into the Wild West."

And the problem is?

[cripplecreek]

We're working on a similar law here in Michigan.

[xcamel]

http://www.joebrower.com/

[gogeo]

NO hyperbole here.

[goldstategop]

These are the same gun banners who wildly predicted back in 1987 that Florida's adoption of shall issue CCW would result in a "Wild West" atmosphere and the streets running red with blood. The Democrats controlled the state then and in the 18 years since nothing happened that validated their scare talk. With regards to the new self-defense law, they're trotting out the same arguments they employed back in 1987. I'm betting nothing will change after today. You would think these people were capable of embarrassment; apparently not. Its amazing how common sense makes some people take leave of their mental faculties.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[ncountylee]

"The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, is warning tourists to stay away from Florida for their own safety."

Joining the ACLU as an anti-American organization.

[Hat-Trick]

putting "BANG" and "BANGLIST" as keywords gets it done.

Joe - Keep fighting the good fight!

[paulcissa]

Congratulations Florida! Today is ANOTHER Red-Letter day for the Florida Constitution that respects rights of law abiding citizens.

Gosh, I hate living in NJ. :-(

[glock rocks]

we could ping him.

[wolfpat]

You're right.
They keep saying that you should leave your personal safety in the hands of the police. Well, the police can't be everywhere I am at all times. My gun can.
The only way their solution will work is if there is one policeman assigned to every person to ensure their safety (and to immediately cite the person for every infraction). Imagine a nation where half the population is police.

[Dan from Michigan]

This law is now being pushed in Michigan. I'd get on my rep's case about supporting it, but he's already on board as a sponsor.

[glock rocks]

[umgud]

I'm leaving the house in about an hour to go practice gun control. Varmints beware!

[zipp_city]

The colt 45 the worlds greatist equilizer, makes the old as strong as the young.

[Bar-Face]

"Gun law critics fear state will become O.K. Corral"

After the headline, I didn't bother reading the "news" story.
Apparently the idiot writer or headline writer thinks history started when he/she/it was born and did not bother to check. The gunfight at the OK Corral took place when the town law enforcement officials attempted to arrest the Clanton faction for carrying weapons in violation of the town ordnances. An arrest! Cops against the perps! Not just a couple of gangs going at it as they do in most major cities now. In the 21st century!
For craps sake, is there anything in newspapers that can be believed?

[NautiNurse]

WooHoo! Good work, Joe!

[Bar-Face]

Oops.
An arrest!
Should have read "an arrest gone bad".

[Fzob]

But others who feel uneasy about the legislation say it could turn Florida into the Wild West.

The "others" are baboon brained boobs.

[floriduh voter]

http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=2014492005