Alright... Question of Philosophy.

[Grapple]

For the second time since I moved into my new apartment, someone has walked right in and tried to steal something. The first time my stirring made them run away. The second time, my grabbing and pointing of my .45 aimed at their heart made them reconsider and run off. They picked the crappy lock I have on my door and walked in each time. Now last time, as I stared at the dark figure sprinting away from my sight, I considered the philosophical implications of taking that .45 right then and there, and stopping this person from stealing anything, from anyone ever again. Or invading a home or hurting anyone ever again.

I lowered my weapon and decided the matter warranted further consideration. I discussed it with a friend who simply suggested I get a better lock on the apartment door. By that same logic, however, me expecting them to come and invade my home and steal my belongings and having to prepare for it, the thief might consider that one who owns things and locks his home might shoot him if he tries to invade and steal. Which of us, really, should consider changing his behavior? Me, or the home invader?

I'm at a bit of a loss for what I should do next time this person comes into my home, if he is fool enought to do so. What do you all think?

[Trailbreaker]

For me, the best thing to do is find out who this guy is and have his ass arrested. And while you're at it, get a dead bolt for that door. No need to change your behavior.

[sora]

You don't have to change your behavior. But thieves might be fool enough.. they may not learn anything. In the worst case an intruder might become a robber. It never hurts to be careful, so I think it would be a good idea to have a better lock on the door too.

[uraydo]

Buy the damn lock. Bar the windows if you are in that bad of a neighborhood.

as for shooting the guy, I would if becomes a threat. If he didn't and I think it would be safe (for everyone but the robber) I would try to shoot him in the leg as he fled just to make it easier for officials to catch him.

But look, one thing you should not do, is put yourself in a position where you feel your gun is the only thing protecting you. That is the way of think that has gotten America into the trouble it is in with guns right now.

it seems everyone is just so damn ready to pull the trigger.

[sora]

Buy the damn lock. Bar the windows if you are in that bad of a neighborhood.

as for shooting the guy, I would if becomes a threat. If he didn't and I think it would be safe (for everyone but the robber) I would try to shoot him in the leg as he fled just to make it easier for officials to catch him.

But look, one thing you should do, is put yourself in a position where you feel your gun is the only thing protecting you. That is the way of think that has gotten America into the trouble it is in with guns right now.

it seems everyone is just so damn ready to pull the trigger.

That's the difficult point of those matters.. I actually don't think he should shoot the guy dead. What I can guess is that he (Grapple) needs to have a gun for his safety, in the environment and the circumstance so many people have guns.

But things don't differ so much, even in the country like Japan under the gun control. Robbers/random killers use knives instead of guns. It's more easily-available and easier to carry by criminals..

[uraydo]

That's the difficult point of those matters.. I actually don't think he should shoot the guy dead. What I can guess is that he (Grapple) needs to have a gun for his safety, in the environment and the circumstance so many people have guns.

But things don't differ so much, even in the country like Japan under the gun control. Robbers/random killers use knives instead of guns. It's more easily-available and easier to carry by criminals..

I meant to say "should not"

I do think America needs to really take a deep look at how we see guns, but I by no means want to get ride of them. I know it sounds cliché but our country was founded on the right to bare arms. We broke from Britain with guns.

And now our own government is trying to take away some of our rights under the guise of the "war on terror" (which I think was totally made up going further back than 9-11)

I could go on and on about how the gun is a symbol of freedom for me, but I won't

[raddimus]

For the second time since I moved into my new apartment, someone has walked right in and tried to steal something. The first time my stirring made them run away. The second time, my grabbing and pointing of my .45 aimed at their heart made them reconsider and run off. They picked the crappy lock I have on my door and walked in each time. Now last time, as I stared at the dark figure sprinting away from my sight, I considered the philosophical implications of taking that .45 right then and there, and stopping this person from stealing anything, from anyone ever again. Or invading a home or hurting anyone ever again.

I lowered my weapon and decided the matter warranted further consideration. I discussed it with a friend who simply suggested I get a better lock on the apartment door. By that same logic, however, me expecting them to come and invade my home and steal my belongings and having to prepare for it, the thief might consider that one who owns things and locks his home might shoot him if he tries to invade and steal. Which of us, really, should consider changing his behavior? Me, or the home invader?

I'm at a bit of a loss for what I should do next time this person comes into my home, if he is fool enought to do so. What do you all think?

Well; truth be told I have ran into similiar curcumstance...Fuck a gun it kills and implies a deadly threat to a non-victim...I used some five pound sai''s... Fuck the whole idea of invasion!!! take advantage...You come to my block I won't kill you, or even shoot you!!! I will break bones and just straight hurt you... In self defence of course...

[uraydo]

Well; truth be told I have ran into similiar curcumstance...Fuck a gun it kills and implies a deadly threat to a non-victim...I used some five pound sai''s... Fuck the whole idea of invasion!!! take advantage...You come to my block I won't kill you, or even shoot you!!! I will break bones and just straight hurt you... In self defence of course...

I'm amazed that my "shooting the guy in the leg" is a kinder solution than yours.

[Shadow]

First off the dead bolt idea is a good idea. Second if this person or persons is stupid enough to keep coming back and tring again and again then this person or persons just may be stupid enough to bring a weapon the next time to try and do you harm. Home invasion is nothing to take lightly and you will never know when someone may be breaking in to do you harm. If it was me and this is just me speeking... He would not be running away because I would have already put a round in his leg. Now thats just because he or they thought to break into my place in the first place. Now if i felt that my life may be in danger you better belive I would have any problems with shooting someone for his/their stupidity.

[xXRavenXx]

For the second time since I moved into my new apartment, someone has walked right in and tried to steal something. The first time my stirring made them run away. The second time, my grabbing and pointing of my .45 aimed at their heart made them reconsider and run off. They picked the crappy lock I have on my door and walked in each time. Now last time, as I stared at the dark figure sprinting away from my sight, I considered the philosophical implications of taking that .45 right then and there, and stopping this person from stealing anything, from anyone ever again. Or invading a home or hurting anyone ever again.

I lowered my weapon and decided the matter warranted further consideration. I discussed it with a friend who simply suggested I get a better lock on the apartment door. By that same logic, however, me expecting them to come and invade my home and steal my belongings and having to prepare for it, the thief might consider that one who owns things and locks his home might shoot him if he tries to invade and steal. Which of us, really, should consider changing his behavior? Me, or the home invader?

I'm at a bit of a loss for what I should do next time this person comes into my home, if he is fool enough to do so. What do you all think?

If it's a question of morals then obviously you shouldn't shoot the person since you brought this up in the first place.

You don't want to shoot someone, but the very idea that they are in your home is quite disturbing. You are a moral person, no question. BUT, what if things get worse, what if next time they burgal someone THEY have a weapon, or they walk in on a woman... how much further would they be willing to go. I say the way around it is by putting up a sign saying you will shoot on sight.

They ignore the warning... That is their own fault. But, a bullet from a .45 is very fucking hard to take back once you pull the trigger. I would also check out home protection laws. Just to make sure that a person cannot turn it around on you.

And yes I would get a new lock, keep the gun, get a sign, and weigh the outcome if you pulled the trigger. I personally in that situation would have no problem, because they very easily could have had other intentions in the future, or for all you know could have a weapon on them.

Long post summarized: To justify it to myself I would put up a sign. Then I could feel better with myself for pulling a trigger.