Again, Mark Steyn gives a rundown of what it’s like to be the Monarch of your castle (or business) in the UK.
Four years ago, Shirley Best, proprietor of the Rolander Fashion emporium, whose clients include Zara Phillips, was ironing some clothes when the proverbial two youths showed up. They pressed the hot iron into her flesh, burning her badly, and then stole her watch. "I was frightened to defend myself," said Miss Best. "I thought if I did anything I would be arrested." There speaks the modern British crime victim. [SNIP]High rate of gun ownership in liberal New Hampshire? Whoda thunk it? Even here in the more liberal LA, one rarely sees a home invasion type burglary. Additionally, in my working/middle class South Central environs, the neighbors are very protective of each other and keep their eyes peeled for trouble. (Okay, there are security windows and doors all around, to boot.) And would-be armed robbers of fed-up American business owners and employees often find themselves on the wrong side--depending on your point of view--of the lead equation. If the crooks are well-armed, it only makes sense for the law-abiding contingent to be as well, as long as the government isn't permitted to hinder that.In New Hampshire [where Mr. Steyn lives], there are few burglaries because there's a high rate of gun ownership. Getting your head blown off for a $70 TV set isn't worth it.
As Mr. Steyn says, crooks are only stupid up to a point. That point ends where the barrel of Grandma’s well-maintained .38 begins.
(Thanks to Glenn)
UPDATE: Ugh! From Kim Du Toit, read this tale of a old man defending himself in Illinois. The ending is happy only in that the gentleman is still alive.
