If not a 'firearm' then?

Jentine, I don't even know how to respond to that. At least not reasonably. Just suffice it to say, I disagree.
I would not deny where I am from, even if I was not proud of the actions that certain of my fellow countymen have taken. After all, I can hit my brother, but you can't. I wonder , by Jentine's comments, where do you draw the line? It is OK to shoot intruders on your boat, OK, I'll buy that, but what if it is a 13 year old kid?
Michael, you make the point well. Brains over brawn. It really is that simple.
Liberal? I suppose I am.For the most part.

[CaptainK]

I understand what you mean BC Mike C.

Brain over brawn is a very good approach.

20 years ago. I just would've beat the crap out of the assailant.

And if I were outnumbered. I would B*S* my way out of it. And get them one on one later.

But nowdays. A fight is not a fight no more. Nowdays, if you get involved in a fight. You might be unarmed. But the assailant is armed. Answer: you'll get shot.

That's why nowdays, I carry pepper mace. And other things. I dare not mention here on the forum.

[BC Mike]

I can agree with both of you. Reasonable people making reasonable decisions will ultimately win. But many folks and many societies do not do that until all other forms of provocation have been exhausted.
Michael

[CaptainK]