For me, the simple truth is that I can't determine another person's intent above and beyond the situation that they are in my house, uninvited.

I deal with people every day who've had a break-in or even a home invasion. My customer today had a home invasion 2 nights ago while they were in their bedroom. When a person breaks into your home, while you are home, I wouldn't think they are there to bake cookies.

Talking on a daily basis with people who've survived a home invasion puts things in a different perspective for me. Probably 90% or more of the people in the US think they are safe in their own home, but thinking that nothing bad can happen to you there is just living in denial.

My life and those of my family and friends are worth the minor hassle of me keeping a gun either on me or within arms reach. Due to what I hear every day from people who've been there, I'll never be one of those people who thinks you should just whip out the phone, dial 911, and smile knowing help is on the way.

I may be a little verbal about my opinions, but I believe strongly in my right to provide for the safety and security of anyone who I invite into my home.

I do not question your motives, your methods, or your resolve. I do not disagree with a single word in your last post.

The only point I was trying to make is that we should prepare for the legal battle as much as the gun battle as both are seriously dangerous.

Your first post could have been read by someone motivated to paint you as a deranged vigilante in a potentially negative light. I understand that you are not and are what I call a "sheepdog", a term I use with honor.

In this crazy PC world we live in, we need to be prepared for the fight after the fight. The first step is to recognize that the second fight exists. That's my only goal with what I have said here.

Your loved ones are lucky to have someone like you protecting them and I wish you well.

I just have a tendency to be quite verbal about something I believe in very strongly. And my line of work and seeing what I see at work a lot of days leans me toward not taking crime lightly. I see so many situations that could have went very differently if some situational awareness were used, or a means to protect oneself were available.

Both in the military and in the civilian world I've gotten in a little trouble a few times for the fact that I always speak my mind. That's something that's not very common noawadays when everything is going all PC and touchy-feely.

Of course my girlfriend says I'd never actually have to shoot anyone or even draw a weapon, I'm that scary-looking.

And there is something to be said for that. Speaking your mind, when someone speaks forcefully and with depth on a subject it tends to lend credence that that person is 'nutty' for the exact reason that they are unafraid of standing up for an idea.

There was more then likely more going on in this situation then the New Times reported or knew about... the "charges' comment may not have ANYTHING to do with the victims defending themselves...


Just sayin'

Having been in law enforcement for eight years in the military, and two years in Oklahoma at the county level...

I am SIMPLY SHOCKED at what I learned constitutes a legal or "good" reason to shoot someone here in Texas......

Once the threat has been stopped, it is a legal responsibility to render aid and call for help. As far as I know, that is universal in all 50 states.

My lawyer told me once the threat is neutralized I have two calls to make:

1) 911 to request (in this order) EMS and Law Enforcement. I am to say my name, location, and I have had to shoot an attacker. I am to tell the dispatcher I need EMS and LE. Then I am to ask the dispatcher to tell me when Law Enforcement arrives so that I may disarm and exit the structure (or whatever). This allows me to ensure a safe arrival for the LEO's, EMS, and me.

2) The second call is to my Lawyer. I am to tell the LEO's RESPECTFULLY, that I want legal representation and have nothing to say until it arrives.

During the time I am waiting for LE/EMS to arrive, I have a legal responsibility to ensure the subject is no longer harmed, and to render reasonable aid according to the levels of my current training.

Then, like myself, you are going to have to learn when to temper your words.

I have been working on this task for almost 39 years, and I figure I am about one third of the way to completion.............

+1--Needs to printed and carried in the wallet...or engraved on the weapon.

Yeah, I know. 40+ years myself.

All joking aside, unless I can clearly determine 100% for sure that the person I've drawn down on is someone who is not supposed to be inside my house, I'm not pulling the trigger.

I've been in that exact situation years ago when I was married. My in-laws were staying with us, and went out of town for the weekend. They returned a full 24 hours earlier than they told us they were going to without bothering to call. I drew down on the silhouette in the doorway at 3am and demanded to know who they were and what their purpose was in being in my house.

If I drew down on a bad guy I'd call 911 and keep the person at gunpoint, whether I have shot them or not, until the police arrive. If they make a run for it, I'm not about to shoot them in the back and get myself into a world of trouble. I have no medical training to provide much aid for the damage that a gunshot would cause. I would not be shooting them with a .22, so I have no doubt it would do major damage.