This Person is a Member of the US House of Representatives

[Whacker]

Now I remember why I don't come back here that often. Serious reading comprehension issues.

Did I say the kid deserved to be shot? Bonus points for correct answer.

Did I say race was the only or main issue at hand? More bonus points for correct answer.

Did I say anything about the shooter being arrested or not? Wow! Amazing!

What I said was from what I read the kid was a thug, nothing more and nothing less. I said I'm sick and tired of the damn race card getting pulled constantly, this is a perfect example. Those of you who think race isn't the major issue here aren't paying much attention to the news, because that's what's plastered all over the major news sites and on the TV. Race race race. Do I agree that race is the core of the problem or even an issue? No, not at all, hence my disgust.

I'm completely undecided on whether or not lethal force was appropriate in this situation, hence why I will wait and see what comes out of the eventual trial.

To the "stand your ground" discussion. I am 100% in favor of being able to defend oneself with lethal force if the situation warrants. Specific to what happened, I have a few thoughts. First, I don't think the shooter was very smart to go out and confront the kid in person. Second, on the other hand, it's a well established fact that police response time can be way too late if at all, so I can at least sympathize in a way with a person's desire to keep their home, family, and neighborhood safe. This is the whole point of neighborhood watches. Third, I can't find any fault with a stranger simply asking questions of another stranger to the effect of "who are you and what are you doing here?" There is nothing inherently aggressive or dangerous with simply asking questions. If one aggressively confronts another person, that's a different story. I have no idea how the confrontation in question played out, hence why I said I will reserve judgment until the trail produces some results. But simply going out and asking someone questions on it's own is not inherently aggressive nor indicating a desire for physical conflict, ie. "asking for it". Lastly, I'm undecided on what constitutes an appropriate situation for use of deadly force for self defense, and don't think there's an easy answer.