My comment on the WTHR FB page:
I dislike the phrase "packing heat," which borders on the pejorative and is a short step away from demeaning those who would defend their own lives or the lives of others as cartoonish "Wyatt Earps."
Likewise, it is misguided to characterize the immediate defense of life as "taking the law into your own hands," which is by definition "being outside of the bounds of law." Indiana law considers use of deadly force to be justified in the prevention of serious bodily injury or death. Defending against an armed assailant during his commission of a felony is not "outside of the law."
Author Steven Pressfield notes that "Some say the instinct to self-preservation is the strongest instinct of all, not only in humans but in all animal life. Fear of death. The imperative to survive. Nature has implanted this in all living creatures."
Acting to protect one's own life is thus instinctual, part of our evolutionary makeup, and justified in natural law. Of all the "unalienable rights" endowed upon men by "their Creator," the FIRST as written by the Founders in the Declaration of Independence was the right to "Life."
Acting in the face of mortal threat to protect the life of another is recognized in our culture as an act of high valor. We recognize these acts of valor with awards that have names like "Silver Star," "Navy Cross," and "Medal of Honor."
Not only should Elijah be recognized for his actions to preserve the life of another, we all should recognize and embrace our own right to take the responsibility to defend ourselves against evil, when it appears.
My comment on the WTHR FB page:
I dislike the phrase "packing heat," which borders on the pejorative and is a short step away from demeaning those who would defend their own lives or the lives of others as cartoonish "Wyatt Earps."
Likewise, it is misguided to characterize the immediate defense of life as "taking the law into your own hands," which is by definition "being outside of the bounds of law." Indiana law considers use of deadly force to be justified in the prevention of serious bodily injury or death. Defending against an armed assailant during his commission of a felony is not "outside of the law."
Author Steven Pressfield notes that "Some say the instinct to self-preservation is the strongest instinct of all, not only in humans but in all animal life. Fear of death. The imperative to survive. Nature has implanted this in all living creatures."
Acting to protect one's own life is thus instinctual, part of our evolutionary makeup, and justified in natural law. Of all the "unalienable rights" endowed upon men by "their Creator," the FIRST as written by the Founders in the Declaration of Independence was the right to "Life."
Acting in the face of mortal threat to protect the life of another is recognized in our culture as an act of high valor. We recognize these acts of valor with awards that have names like "Silver Star," "Navy Cross," and "Medal of Honor."
Not only should Elijah be recognized for his actions to preserve the life of another, we all should recognize and embrace our own right to take the responsibility to defend ourselves against evil, when it appears.
Actually, while I agree that it was probably inappropriate to show his home, especially if they gave or showed the street address, maybe any would-be revenge-seekers might think twice about it. He's obviously not afraid to defend himself (which is as it should be!). Then again, to people like the one that was committing the crime, life is cheap, and his "friends" may not care enough to seek revenge.I was just watching Fox 59 News at 10pm, and I did not think it was cool at all to show the Kroger employee's home during the story. They actually showed his house with a security guard posted in an SUV and stated that he was not at home during the time of the filming. As if the bad guy's friends won't wait until the rent-a-cop moves onto another post. That is so irresponsible.
I told my wife, robberies are going to continue until something like this happens. Maybe, just maybe, this will make the next perp question whether he wants to rob a particular store or not. Maybe this employees actions saved another store clerk somewhere in the future, from getting him or her shot in the face for a cash register full of money.
Criminals are a cowardly lot who prey on the weak, and if this is the kind of cruel justice it takes, so be it.
So how about an OC event at this Kroger????