Using deadly force to defend yourself is not a desirable event. But its necessity makes it a good one, which is why you should carry concealed.
In a comment to one of my recent posts, reader “Woodsman” said:
“Violence, no matter how justified, will not advance what we consider good, but it allows those of us who do good, to survive.”
I think that is a profound and articulate statement of truth.
To use deadly force to defend yourself and those under your protection from lethal assault is not a desirable event. It’s actually a very horrible event, one made necessary by the possibility of a more horrible event initiated by someone else—someone who would do us harm for gain or amusement.
And before you think this argument rests in the lofty area of philosophy, I think it has some very practical benefits.
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In every CCW class I have observed, and in every crop of new rookies I have seen pass through the police academy, there are always one or two hot shot “crusaders.” They just somehow seem a little too eager.
Through comments, which run the gamut from subtle to blatant, they let it be known that they feel a duty through street justice to right the collective wrong of a culture that coddles criminals and fosters uncivil behavior.
Maybe it’s just me, but even when you take that sad cultural decline into account it seems dangerous for someone with such attitude and eagerness to put on a gun.
In the first place, it could cloud judgment when a sudden situation demands instant analysis of lethality of risk.
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And if you have to shoot, any reputation created by that crusader attitude could work against you in police reports, at the DA’s office and in court.
Violent criminal predators are bad people. But if they assault you, killing one of them is not a feel-good activity (ask any cop who has survived a gunfight).
My astute reader was right. Violence does not create good, no matter how strong the justification for it. But what it can do is even the odds, allowing those with the tools to do so to do the ultimate good—to survive.
Editor’s Note: Feel like commenting on this story or have a question for Joseph Terry about concealed carry not covered here? Log in and post your question in the comments below.
Recommended:
DVD: Make Ready with Massad Ayoob: Deadly Force FAQ
In this video Mas reviews the most often asked questions he has received over the years pertaining to the use of deadly force. Mas talks about what situations justify deadly force, disparity of force, castle doctrine, stand your ground law, presumption of justifiability, civil liability, the myths associated with defending yourself, and more. If you carry a firearm for self-defense or keep one in your home, this video is a must see.
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I agree with Old Soldier. I don’t go around looking for it. I really do NOT want to be put in that position. However, I refuse to be a victim of anyone who would seek to do harm, to me or those I love. I would even say for other innocents that I may happen to be around. It is one of the Tenets of the Delaware CCW application as taught by the instructor I had at the time of my class: “…for protection of life, person(s) or property, of myself, family or others”….
Most young troops out of training yearn for their turn in combat. It is amazing how most attitudes change after they survive their first firefight. Killing another human being, no matter what the circumstances, is a very terrible thing and the memory of which will never fade, unless one is so cold and jaded that they have lost their humanity. That being said, I would rather live with that memory than become a victim.