License to kill?

[struggle4progress]

Virginia shouldn't emulate a Florida self-defense law that encourages the use of deadly force.

The Roanoke Times

<snip> The so-called “stand your ground” bill removes the pesky requirement from Florida’s laws that prohibits shooting someone in self-defense if it is possible to escape a threatening situation. <snip>

“Whether it’s trick-or-treaters or kids playing in the yard of someone who doesn’t want them there or some drunk guy stumbling into the wrong house, you’re encouraging people to possibly use deadly physical force where it shouldn’t be used,” Miami Police Chief John F. Timoney told The New York Times.

Police officers, who go through extensive training, too often make mistakes when using deadly force. Untrained citizens should not be encouraged to start blazing away if there is a feasible and safe alternative. <snip>

If every life were truly sacred, Florida politicians wouldn’t encourage ordinary citizens to become judge, jury and executioner except in situations where they are left with no other choice. <snip>

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials\22957.html