The Florida State House of Representatives passed legislation, which had already been passed by the State Senate, addressing citizens' right to self-defense:
The bill essentially extends and codifies a right Floridians already have in their homes or cars, saying that there's no need to retreat before fighting back. People attacked in their homes generally don't have to back off. But in public spaces, deadly force can only be used after trying to retreat.
As usual, the proponents of victim disarmament and empowerment of criminals are incensed:
Opponents said the idea will legalize shootouts in the streets.
"This bill creates a wild, wild west out there," said Rep. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.
The "wild west" argument has been used every time a state or local government has made it easier for citizens to carry and use weapons for self-defense. And every time it has been proven groundless.
They're also making the obligatory flawed analogy with other recent events:
The sponsor, Baxley, also led the failed legislative effort to keep Terri Schiavo alive by blocking the removal of her feeding tube - and decried a growing "culture of death."
"For a House that talks about the culture of life, it's ironic that we would be devaluing life in this bill," said Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "You are telling people when they are in the midst of an emotional moment ... you can stand your ground until death happens."
No, dumbass, we're telling people that they don't have to accept their own maimings or deaths at the hands of assailants just because we don't want to violate the rights of said assailants. By initiating violence against another, an attacker violates the rights of his victim and thereby forfeits his own right not to have violence done to him. This bill doesn't devalue life, it affirms the value of the lives of law-abiding citizens and their right to self-defense.
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