College Students Think You'll Mindlessly Gun People Down

I shouldn't be surprised that some eddukated guy at Michigan State University doesn't understand self-defense (self-defence for my British readers).

I mean, the guy goes to State, so you know there is a problem to begin with. According to this guy writing for The State News, Michigan's new Castle Doctrine promotes violence. How?

The bill allows people to use deadly force without needing to retreat if a person believes they could be physically harmed, killed or raped. This is granted in any situation he or she has a legal right to be in — on the street, in the store or in the classroom, for example...

Whether you like it or not, there is a difference between the intentions of a burglar and those of a rapist.

How do we judge in which situations a life is really in danger?

The guy goes to college, so he must know what he is talking about. I mean, just because a criminal breaks into a house doesn't mean that he has ill will. It isn't like breaking and entering, larceny, etc. is a violation of law already and justifiably makes a homeowner afraid. It isn't like a criminal thug forces the homeowner to respond to a criminal threat. Because Mr. College Boy Elitist doesn't think so. So there.

Honestly, is this the state of "higher education" nowadays? Wait until you hear your window shatter at 2am, buddy. Will you spend your time debating the intentions of some thug?

If, in a situation of self defense, the aggressor is killed, it should be obvious that the other person involved was only doing what was necessary to protect his or her life. There is no need to encourage violence. If there really is no other option, the line between self defense and murder should be pretty clear.

Actually, no, it wasn't pretty clear. Hence the need for the Castle Doctrine legislation to codify that it is legally permissible to defend yourself and your loved ones in the event a lawless person breaks into your house or attacks you in your car. And the plethora of cases against those engaged in self-defense is proof. I realize, by the way, "plethora" is a big word for Michigan State people. It means "superabundance." That is also a big word. It means "lots and lots and lots." I know studying English vocabulary violates your 1st amendment rights and you probably think it implies English is better than any other language in the world, so I won't use any more difficult words.

While we are at it, the Castle Doctrine doesn't allow people to kill. It allows people to engage in self-defense. I wish these liberal boneheads would read the freakin' legislation, for crying out loud. It allows people to defend themselves, and also clearly describes situations when lethal force may not be used. Got that, College Boy? You can't shoot a guy unless there is a threat to your life or a threat to your loved ones. It still isn't legally permissible to shoot a burglar if you find the TV set in his arms - so there isn't any "encouraging of violence."

There are no Cliff's Notes for this legislation. Sometimes you have to read this stuff for yourself. Sure, it isn't as fun as reading a two paragraph blurb on the X Games, but as a college student, once you start it, you may find reading is a useful skill. You may find this amazing, but reading even helps you use your mind - something desperately needed in today's collegiate atmosphere. I mean reading something other than Al Gore's book or The Communist Manifesto.

I don't know if they teach this at Michigan State, but generally, when someone breaks into your house, that person has already shown a strong tendency to ignore the law. Granted, that person may not be there to kill you... but that person is there to harm you and violate you in some way. A homeowner has a right to feel, at the very least, somewhat threatened when someone breaks into his house. A person broke the law to get into a place they don't belong - and that makes them a criminal. Hence, there is a threat. Maybe the threat will escalate into a complete self-defense scenario. Maybe not. Let's remember, little liberal students and liberal elitists alike: self-defense doesn't necessarily mean lethal force.

There. Useful information and you didn't even spend tuition money learning it.