FL tourists warned that locals could shoot them

[Qun Mang]

Does anyone know more about this? Makes me not want to go back to Florida if this law is anything like the article says it is. I mean, I'm for gun rights as much as the next American, but doesn't this go just a bit too far?

Florida tourists warned that locals could shoot them

ALASTAIR JAMIESON

IT IS Britain's most popular transatlantic holiday destination, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors a year with its sun-drenched beaches, theme parks and wildlife.

But Florida's

[Giaour]

As a citizen of Florida, I can tell you that what you hear is just the anti-gun people trying to disarm residents.

They are trying to scare people with false ideas about us.

The law is strictly for self defense.

The anti-gun people are lying to tourists, telling them not to argue with floridians or they can shoot you.

It pure stupidity.

[kodischild]

Florida! I can only imagine the size weapon my grandma could have hidden in her giant purse!

Glad to hear it isn't true.

Edited October 1, 2005 by kodischild

[Giaour]

Marion Hammer, president of Unified Sportsmen of Florida and a former NRA president, said the fearmongers are off-base. She said the new law seals the existing right of residents to protect their homes by shooting intruders, a concept known as the Castle Doctrine that dates back to the 1400s. But it extends that right to public places if people feel threatened with death or bodily harm.

The law was needed, she contends, because Florida prosecutors and courts have imposed a duty to retreat on law-abiding people who are attacked by criminals.

"When they take away your basic rights and freedoms, every once in a while you have to take it back. No law-abiding citizen should be forced to retreat from an attacker ... in their homes or any place they have a legal right to be," Hammer said.

"Under existing law, you have a duty to try to run and maybe get chased down and beaten to death," she added. "Now, if you have a knife, firearm or pepper spray, you can use force to protect yourself."

[Gerioke]

Marion Hammer, president of Unified Sportsmen of Florida and a former NRA president, said the fearmongers are off-base. She said the new law seals the existing right of residents to protect their homes by shooting intruders, a concept known as the Castle Doctrine that dates back to the 1400s. But it extends that right to public places if people feel threatened with death or bodily harm.

The law was needed, she contends, because Florida prosecutors and courts have imposed a duty to retreat on law-abiding people who are attacked by criminals.

"When they take away your basic rights and freedoms, every once in a while you have to take it back. No law-abiding citizen should be forced to retreat from an attacker ... in their homes or any place they have a legal right to be," Hammer said.

"Under existing law, you have a duty to try to run and maybe get chased down and beaten to death," she added. "Now, if you have a knife, firearm or pepper spray, you can use force to protect yourself."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The east implements the code of the west

[nebula]

it allows gun owners to shoot if they engage in a simple argument in public.

That article is so stupid!

Anti-gun folk - gotta love 'em.

Edited October 1, 2005 by nebula

[Qun Mang]

That's good to hear that it is blown out of proportion. I could just imagine Smith shooting Jones and then lying to police, saying, "I thought he was going to hurt me," knowing full well a dead Jones couldn't argue.

What are the real limitations of this law?

[refugepsa91]

I'm not sure about all the ramifications of that law in Florida, but I can tell you that here in Michigan. This was before we bought the property we live on to build our house. The man who owned this property was shot and killed by his neighbor.

Now the man shot was a notorious bully, very cruel indeed. People were actually scared of him and kept a wide berth around him. He had been arrested numerous times for assault on his wife, children, sister and other people, including his neighbor. He wanted to buy the 20 acres out back of his property (an L shaped parcel) that he always thought should be his He approached this neighbor and "demanded" he sell it to him, the neighbor was scared to death of this guy so he agreed. Several months later (after planting his corn in the neighbors field) he wanted the property signed over to him, the neighbor refused because he still hadn't gotten even a down payment.

Long story short he told his neighbor he was going to kill him. He went home and proceeded to get drunk then at about 3:00am he went over to his neighbors house and kicked the door in (he had a gun by the way) the neighbor shot him out of fear for his own life. By the time the police got there it was over.

Now this neighbor went through the calls to police and the police going over and warning him to stay away. It didn't work. Guess what? The neighbor got 8 years in prison for it...he served I believe 3 or 4. This is the people that this law should protect.

Just my opinion,

Love and Blessings,

Angel

[Leonard]

"Better judged by 12, than buried by 6."

Hey if you think it's bad for tourists in Florida, you oughtta' go to Arizona. When I lived in Phoenix, I remember there were always articles in the newspapers and on TV beginning in about October, that should have scared away ANYBODY wanting to visit Arizona! DID YOU KNOW THEY HAVE A 'TOURIST SEASON'!!??!!

[waygate]

I think that's a pretty rediculous law anyway. There are alternatives to using deadly force, such as pepper spray, etc... I don't think it is just anti-gun people scaring, there is an amount of legitimacy to their claims. You break into my house, you have tried to kill me, armed or otherwise, especially if family is inside you know? It would be better if they repealed the law and left it as is, or took the time to write a better one.