# Ok, if I shouldn't \_shoot\_ the intruder, then...? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 19, 2009, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060 "2009-01-19T23:15:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 23
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/441 "2009-01-21T21:07:58Z")
So, the whole ‘hacking the thief’ solution is acceptable? Ivan? How do you feel about three feet of steel and a hairy naked man? It works on Jehovah’s Witnesses… ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/442 "2009-01-21T21:11:05Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > And it took 10 to 20 minutes for one to come check out who I, Bloodthirsty gun tooting and gun shooting BILL, WHO HAD SOMEONE CALL THE COPS, was shooting at. > > This call the cops thing is mostly theorectical crap until response times are virtually guaranteed to be VERY short period of time. > > If YOU wanna wait. Good luck. I’ll do what I have to until the calvary arrives. And I sure as heck won’t pass judgement on someone else does as well. So no one showed up in a timely manner. Did you shoot anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/443 "2009-01-21T21:12:25Z")
> [@Cuckoorex](#): > > … > > Does he keep the spare tire for the car in the garage under lock and key as well? What does that have to do with owning a gun? ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/444 "2009-01-21T21:13:38Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > There are these things called Patrol Cars. Not everyone lives in an area where patrol cars go. My grandparents live in the **country** , heavy emphasis intended. There is 1 police officer in their area, and he works the day shift. He lives a solid 50 miles away from them. > [@Kalhoun](#): > > I’ve managed to live 53 years without owning a gun, and the guns my husband has are locked up and unusable in an emergency. And I’ve managed to live my entire life without chemotherapy, c-section, amputation, etc. Does that mean that those shouldn’t be options for people who are in a situation where they might be warranted? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/445 "2009-01-21T21:15:29Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > I’ve NEVER ever OWNED a gun. So? And I believe in capping someones ass if neccessary. I think I am standing on higher moral ground than you. You can think that, but it doesn’t make it true. ---
**Author:** ![Jolly\_Roger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/91b2a8/32.png) [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/446 "2009-01-21T21:17:00Z")
At what point does the criminal bear any responsibility? I mean, its all the fault of the victim some seem to think. So the victim gets robbed, beaten, threatened or whatever and the criminal is supposed to be rewarded with a Tivo because the victim had a shitty lock or an open window? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/447 "2009-01-21T21:19:29Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Not everyone lives in an area where patrol cars go. > > My grandparents live in the **country** , heavy emphasis intended. There is 1 police officer in their area, and he works the day shift. He lives a solid 50 miles away from them. > > And I’ve managed to live my entire life without chemotherapy, c-section, amputation, etc. > > Does that mean that those shouldn’t be options for people who are in a situation where they **might** be warranted? Operative word bolded. Anything _might_ happen. But plugging a burglar because he _might_ rape your womenfolk (even when he’s making no moves to indicate he wants to) is what we’re talking about here. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/448 "2009-01-21T21:19:56Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > So no one showed up in a timely manner. Did you shoot anyone? At em? Hell yes I did. They got lucky that I wasn’t aiming particularly hard and wasn’t a good shot. Both bullets probably whizzed by within a few feet of their body. Unfortunately they were “serpentining” at the time. I had only fired a shotgun a handful of times in life before that, and I had never fired a handgun. I kid about the serpentine part. If they had unfortunately died? meh… ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/449 "2009-01-21T21:25:04Z")
> [@Jolly\_Roger](#): > > At what point does the criminal bear any responsibility? I mean, its all the fault of the victim some seem to think. So the victim gets robbed, beaten, threatened or whatever and the criminal is supposed to be rewarded with a Tivo because the victim had a shitty lock or an open window? We’re talking about two separate issues here. The right for the burglar to take your shit (he has no right…whether you lock up your shit or not) and killing someone who is stealing your shit but intends or attempts no bodily harm. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/450 "2009-01-21T21:27:29Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > We’re talking about two separate issues here. The right for the burglar to take your shit (he has no right…whether you lock up your shit or not) and killing someone who is stealing your shit but intends or attempts no bodily harm. Well, when that perfect Intentometer comes in you let us know. Meanwhile, I’ll bone up by reading “Tell Reading Criminals for Dummies” ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/451 "2009-01-21T21:28:16Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > So, the whole ‘hacking the thief’ solution is acceptable? Ivan? How do you feel about three feet of steel and a hairy naked man? It works on Jehovah’s Witnesses… Not sure what the 1st part means? I think I get the 2nd question though, and yes, a hairy, naked man with a bat would certainly put off all but the hardiest petty criminal, nevermind one of the god squad . ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/452 "2009-01-21T21:30:48Z")
FTR, the one time I did have a burglar enter my home while I was there, I was in the shower at the time. He ended up getting very badly beaten by a naked, dripping wet man. I did my very best to beat his chemically altered ass to death, but he escaped through the same door by which he had entered. The only reason I didn’t use a gun was because he was between me and where I stored the only gun I owned at that time. The very next day I went out and bought a bathroom gun.\* \*-One made from stainless steel and synthetics so as to resist corrosion. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/453 "2009-01-21T21:30:58Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Well, when that perfect Intentometer comes in you let us know. > > Meanwhile, I’ll bone up by reading “Tell Reading Criminals for Dummies” You’re the one with the gun. You’re the one that needs the Intent-o-meter. Unless you’re a bloodthirsty thrill-seeker. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/454 "2009-01-21T21:31:38Z")
Actually, I was referring to my comment of having a sword, then referring to Master Wang-Ka’s assault on a group of J-W’s with same. … bat? CLEAVER. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/455 "2009-01-21T21:33:54Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > FTR, the one time I did have a burglar enter my home while I was there, I was in the shower at the time. He ended up getting very badly beaten by a naked, dripping wet man. I did my very best to beat his chemically altered ass to death, but he escaped through the same door by which he had entered. The only reason I didn’t use a gun was because he was between me and where I stored the only gun I owned at that time. > The very next day I went out and bought a bathroom gun.\* > > \*-One made from stainless steel and synthetics so as to resist corrosion. Wouldn’t it be easier to move to a better neighborhood? ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/456 "2009-01-21T21:34:32Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > You’re the one with the gun. You’re the one that needs the Intent-o-meter. Unless you’re a bloodthirsty thrill-seeker. Well, if mines broken (like many SDMBers i have mild aspergers syndrome) then I guess Mr Tivo is outa luck then. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/457 "2009-01-21T21:37:30Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > The very next day I went out and bought a bathroom gun.\* > > \*-One made from stainless steel and synthetics so as to resist corrosion. I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond for the after Chrismas sale. In the NRA section they had Guns N Soap on a Rope. Gun on end of the rope, soap on the other. Soap makes you feel squeeky clean and you smell like freedom and justice! ---
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/458 "2009-01-21T21:37:54Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > Wouldn’t it be easier to move to a better neighborhood? MOVING is now easier than purchasing a gun? Have you ever moved?? ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/459 "2009-01-21T21:39:32Z")
You may find it casually easy and trivially inexpensive to move. I do not. Thus, I refuse to be driven out of my own home by thieving shitbags. If he’d stayed out of my home, Mr. Hopped-Up-On-Goofballs burglar wouldn’t have got beaten like a gong. I didn’t go looking for him. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060/460 "2009-01-21T21:39:40Z")
> [@Cuckoorex](#): > > MOVING is now easier than purchasing a gun? Have you ever moved?? Sure I have. Moving might be harder than purchasing a gun, but it’s infinitely easier than killing an unarmed drunk with a VCR under his arm. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-if-i-shouldnt-_shoot_-the-intruder-then/482060.md?page=24)