Spring Break
MAIL CALL
By: Rachel Gertson
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Opinion
"Imagine an age of nonlethal weapons." If this age will ever exist - it is no time soon. Let's be realistic, whether or not citizens are possessing firearms in homes, people on the street are. I am sure a nonlethal round or tear gas is quite frightening to the mass murderer who just burst into your home to kill your entire family. Bearing arms is a simple issue of self defense. People have the right to protect themselves when necessary. The forefathers created the second amendment to safeguard this right - not have it replaced by a nonlethal alternative.
Subsequently, I do understand and agree with the use of nonlethal weapons by police and military in preventing the number of civilian causalities. A nonlethal weapon is obviously the best choice in breaking a riot or dealing with a hostile chaotic crowd.
However, the issue is simple, people have the right to defend themselves. Nonlethal weapons are great when it's a decision between too much and too little for police officers, but what happens when a civilian is at home and it is too little?
Subsequently, I do understand and agree with the use of nonlethal weapons by police and military in preventing the number of civilian causalities. A nonlethal weapon is obviously the best choice in breaking a riot or dealing with a hostile chaotic crowd.
However, the issue is simple, people have the right to defend themselves. Nonlethal weapons are great when it's a decision between too much and too little for police officers, but what happens when a civilian is at home and it is too little?
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