[Jeff Higgins]

Comp, I have no delusions or fantasies about firearms or their capabilities. I have grown up around them and have used them all of my life. As a life long hunter, I am also very aware of how and why they kill, and just how long that can take. My conclusions about their effectiveness are based upon a lifetime of use and first-hand observation in the killing of many dozens of game animals. Please do not try to defend your poorly thought out position by attempting to attack some one else's experience. Stick to the issues.

My position is that throwing your decoy wallet may get you home safe and sound and it may not. It certainly does nothing to help the next victim; but I guess you don't seem to care about that. As long as the mugger does not hurt you, the next guy is on his own. There are far too many cowards in this world that take that approach, allowing the criminal element to thrive, and to move on to their next target. I refuse to add to their numbers.

If one has time to retrieve their pepper spray and get it into action, there is also time to retrieve a gun and likewise get it into action. You have clearly missed this very important point. Yes, there will be cases where it is impossible to do anything at all but shut up and do what you are told. I agree. Every situation has to be guaged and an appropriate response formulated very quickly; to attempt to present one's weapon is a very important decision. If and when I'm faced with that decision, it will be a gun rather than pepper spray. That was the original point, not the wild tangents you took off on.

I could not dissagree more on the "vigilante justice" point. Vigilante justice is, by definition, a planned occurance carried out by an individual or a group of citizens without the authority of law. Self defense does not equate to vigilante justice in any way. Attempts have been made to link the two in the effort to convince people that defending themselves is wrong. What a shame that so many have bought into that rhetoric. It is our innalienable right to defend ourselves, loved ones, and yes, property in the face of criminal attack. It is also our duty as law-abiding citizens to fight back. Unlike the TV you assert I base my viewpoint upon, the cops do not magically appear to save your bacon at just the right moment. Ask any cop. While I am not personally an officer, there are several in my family. They will tell you they are no more than "janitors" that move in to investigate and clean up the mess after the fact. Your safety is up to you, not them. While I pray to God none of us ever winds up in a situation where pepper spray vs. a gun is a real issue, I sure as hell know which one I will choose.