Missouri 'stand your ground' bill is dangerous

[SecularMotion]

Nearly 3 1/2 years ago, I found myself on a path I did not choose, fighting a battle I did not start, advocating to change dangerous gun laws I never knew existed.

My son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed at a Jacksonville, Fla., gas station on Nov. 23, 2012, in what has been deemed the nation’s “loud music case.” My son died senselessly, shot by a man empowered by lax gun policies — like SB 656, currently being considered in the Missouri Legislature — that encourage armed vigilantism by ordinary citizens. In that moment when Jordan was shot and killed, I became a member of the club that no one wants to join.

Each time I learn of another shooting and each time I meet another family that has been torn apart by gun violence, I’m brought back to the heartache, the tears and the sorrow, which never go away. And I’m reminded once again of the phone call I received about my son’s death. Too many other mothers and fathers have received that same phone call. It’s every parent’s worst fear.

And each time I learn about another legislature putting special interests ahead of public safety, each time I learn about another bill — like SB 656, which encourages individuals to shoot first and ask questions later — I’m brought back to the reasons why I have dedicated my life to advocating for sensible gun laws. And I am reminded of why my fight for Jordan is never over.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/missouri-stand-your-ground-bill-is-dangerous/article_99deb23c-0bbb-5c52-b526-4a4e1ed09d52.html

[gejohnston]

1. SYG or duty to retreat isn't a gun law

it is a use of force law. UK has had SYG before Florida. Come to think of it, I can't think of a country outside of the US that has duty to retreat.
Davis was murdered, it has nothing to do with SYG. Duty to retreat is uniquely American.
http://stthomaslawreview.org/articles/v27/1/prince.pdf

An emotional appeal from a mother of a murdered son tugs at the heart strings, but should not be considered when it comes to making public policy, especially since this op ed contains several factual errors. SYG only removes the duty to retreat. It does not encourage people to "shoot first and ask questions later".
Once again, the biggest problems with SYG is politicians and the media's inability or unwillingness to explain it honestly and competently.

[flamin lib]

2. Oh but it does! The one who lives is innocent and the one who dies can't tell his story. nt

[gejohnston]

3. forensics and witnesses tell the story

if it were just between the two individuals, the deference is given to the accused because reasonable doubt would be built in.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

16. The man who killed Jordan Davis was sentenced to life plus 90 years.

The shooting -- and subsequent trial and sentencing -- took place in Florida where SYG was in effect at the time.

Your assertion doesn't seem to bear out.

[Eleanors38]

8. "...media's... unwillingness to explain (SYG laws) honestly and competently." That is CLEAR.

MSM's agenda of anti-gun propaganda is thoroughly recognized by ALL sides.

[CompanyFirstSergeant]

4. New York

Is a 'duty to retreat' state.

I have no problem with that.

[jonno99]

5. Agreed. It is only logical - retreat as long as you are able - and when you can no longer

retreat, well...

[gejohnston]

11. so does Wyoming

the only problem I have is the definition of "reasonable". I think trying to retreat is human nature, or cultural, I don't know know if it should have the force of law because of cases of prosecutor abuse.

[beevul]

13. My view, is one of common sense.

Nobody is in a better position to determine whether or not retreating makes sense, than the person faced with that decision. Nobody is ABLE to be in a better position, or even an equally informed position, since the variables vary from instance to instance.

The notion of limiting the options of the person faced with that choice, is therefore the absolute height of stupidity, and frankly, it is equally insulting.

[beevul]

6. "Duty to retreat" is absolutely uncivilized. N/T

Last edited Tue May 10, 2016, 06:56 PM - Edit history (1)

[Eleanors38]

7. "Vigilantism:" The murderer got at least 60 years....

No one is under any illusion about these laws. Doesn't California, with its dean's-list grade for gun control laws, have a similar version?

[pablo_marmol]

9. SM -- If you truly cared about the victims of gun violence you'd call out Kamala Harris

http://213ajq29v6vk19b76q3534cx.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Special-Feature-K-Harris.pdf

[ileus]

10. How dangerous is it?

[theatre goon]

12. It is so dangerous...

...that if I were eating a meal in a restaurant and a state passed a similar law, I would run away without even paying my bill.

It is just that dangerous!

[ManiacJoe]

14. Given the author, I am not surprised

by the level of nonsense in that article.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

15. The man that shot Jordan Davis was sentenced to life plus 90 years.