Self-defense in Camden - A shooting not senseless

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 1/9/2005 | unsigned editorial

[John Thornton]

It is not an argument for the death penalty, either; the government, in a court of law, has an option that Ngoc Le in that urgent moment did not have: to lock the rapist away where he could hurt no law-abiding citizens.

This guy would *not* have been locked away for life. He would have had state paid attorneys (and probably the Mexican government) arguing for probation and rehabilitation. We would have heard how he was oppressed by society and deserved a "second chance."

[sure_fine]

I fail to see where "...properly certified..." fits into the equation.

I with you there

[Gondring]

I'm floored at this being in the Inquirer, too! The disclaimers were to be expected, and they got stronger down the page, but still...this is an amazing editorial. Funny that Feds are having to go there, rather than NJ getting more sane with its citizen gun control.

[John Thornton]

I agree with you--despite the disclaimers, this is a pretty amazing editorial. Usually, an editorial like this would be nothing but disclaimers: ("He should have called the professionals to handle this..." "What if he had missed...?" "What if he shot himself in the foot...?" "What if it was all a misunderstanding and the victim was found not guilty at trial...? "What if a child had found the gun before he was able to use it...?")

[Calpernia]

NJ ping. A hero gun owner in Camden!

[SauronOfMordor]

Give the reward to Ngoc Le

I can see where they might think that doing may be perceived as it being a bounty on the perp's death. However, I would say "go for it"

[Calpernia]

Speaking of money, there was a $30,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the serial rapist. Now that he's dead, the law firm that helped to put up the money has discussed donating the money to a battered women's shelter or a victims crisis center. Here's another thought: Why not split it among Reyes' victims, including Kelly Le?

BUMP!!!!!!! Why don't they do this!!!!!

[paul51]

Nice work Mr. Le. Another felon retired

[bc boy]

Great post...here,s another thought for you...why doesn,t the state and Camden pay the man and his wife at least 20% of what it would have cost the people to try,convict and incarcerate this perp for the next 30 years or maybe give them an all in tax holiday for the next 30 years...but,alas,won't happen because the bleeding hearts will cry that it will encourage crime...round up the sickos and send them to tsunami countries, under direct supervision by Clinton and Kerry and the other marxist vermin that are destroying America, to work as a gesture of goodwill to all people

[dirtboy]

Nice work Mr. Le. Another felon retired

And at minimal taxpayer expense.

[robertpaulsen]

"However, I would say "go for it"

Oh, I don't know. He did say that he was willing to release this serial rapist if the rapist would free his wife.

[Puppage]

Privately owned firearms, properly certified and used responsibly, serve a legitimate - and sometimes life-saving - purpose.

More like tens of thousands of times per year. Most of which go unreported to police, or media. One doesn't need to actually fire a gun in a life threatening situation to have it save your life.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

".380-caliber revolver in a drawer for protection."

Must be an interesting revolver, never heard of such a creature.

The wife owns a moderately priced .380 Bersa, all steel, model 85 (13 + 1 pre-ban) semi-auto. It is a Walther clone, but Bersa of Argentina went much further, it is twice the gun Walther is, much, much finer workmanship.

The newer aluminum framed Bersa Thunder has gotten outstanding reviews, ( http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_Thunder380.htm ) but I much prefer the earlier all steel model 85.

[Puppage]

properly certified..."

I believe they're refering to some states regulations that demand CCW holders to be certified (read, show competency) with their firearm.

[TERMINATTOR]

I'm with you there. It was a team effort really. The Mrs., Kelly, buckled her knees, and Ngoc shot the dirtbag. They both deserve the reward. They ought to throw in a box of whatever ammo he was shooting.

Must have been excelent shot placement, to kill him with a puny .380! Lots of folks say you need a caliber, that starts with a 4.

[dirtboy]

".380-caliber revolver in a drawer for protection."

Good catch. I doubt the Inky staffer who wrote this can tell an automatic from a wheelgun. But I'm not gonna bust on them too hard, given that they got a lot of the bigger picture correct for a change.

[dirtboy]

Must have been excelent shot placement, to kill him with a puny .380!

A .22 at close range to the head can be quite lethal. A .45 does no good if you don't hit what you're aiming at. At the end of the day, a well-placed shot is more important than the caliber that you're shooting - and the guy probably wanted a gun in the store that his wife could handle as well.

[painter]

Good catch. I doubt the Inky staffer who wrote this can tell an automatic from a wheelgun.

OH THAT IS FUNNY!!,and it's probably the truth.

[UnklGene]

[Dead Corpse]

Too bad reporters don't have to "show competency" before putting pen to paper...

Then again, not all Rights are Rights to our government....