Orlando Sentinel backs citizens right to fight back against criminals...

[spin]

The editorial is found at

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed13109jan13,0,5388774.story

Recent events in the Orlando area are discussed including the Ocoee convenience store shooting where a customer saved a clerk who was being beaten by a robber.

We are not advocating vigilante justice. There's plenty of that in the movies, from Clint Eastwood's iconic Dirty Harry role to Jodie Foster in the role of a woman pursuing thugs who assaulted her, killed her fiancé and stole her dog in the psychological-drama The Brave One. Leave that visceral action for the cinema. There's no place for that in civilized society.

But if bad people with bad intentions are caught in the act, then citizens may certainly respond with force. People shouldn't live in fear, but they've obviously taken notice of the escalating violence and felt compelled to act.

Can you blame them?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Good. Citizens not only SHOULD, they should have the right to do so, too.

The police can't cover every square foot of space every second of the day, and they can't always get to a crime scene (assuming anyone in the crime scene is even in a position to contact the police) in time to be of any more use than helping the morgue guys tie up the body.

[razors edge]

2. 9-1-1

Government sponsored Dial a Prayer.

[iverglas]

3. not tourists??

Damn. One more reason not to visit.

[spin]

4. Tourists from some states can carry concealed firearms in Florida...

and we can carry concealed firearms in theirs.

PLEASE NOTE: The reciprocity information on this page is ALWAYS CURRENT. The Division of Licensing constantly monitors changing gun laws in other states and attempts to negotiate agreements as the laws in those states allow. This list was last updated on September 12, 2008, when South Carolina became the 33rd state to agree to honor Florida concealed weapon licenses.

************snip**********


FLORIDA'S RECIPROCITY STATES

Alabama (1,3,5)
Alaska (1)
Arizona (6)
Arkansas (1)
Colorado (1,4)
Delaware
Georgia (1)
Idaho (3,6)
Indiana (1,3,6)
Kansas (1,4)
Kentucky
Louisiana (1)
Michigan (1,4)
Mississippi (1)
Missouri (1)
Montana (3)
Nevada (1,6)
New Hampshire (1,3,4,6)
New Mexico (1)
North Carolina (1)
North Dakota (3,6)
Ohio (1)
Oklahoma (1)
Pennsylvania (1,6)
South Carolina (1,4,6)
South Dakota (1,3)
Tennessee (1,6)
Texas (1,3,6)
Utah (1,6)
Vermont (2)
Virginia (1,6)
West Virginia (1,4)
Wyoming (1,3)

Note: For an explanation of the numbers beside the states visit the link below.

Interesting detail about Florida's concealed carry laws:

(1) While Florida's law allows licensees to carry stun guns, knives, and billy clubs in a concealed fashion, the laws in these states allow for concealed carry of handguns or pistols ONLY, NOT WEAPONS IN GENERAL. Florida license holders are prohibited from carrying other types of weapons while in these states.
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html

Also interesting is that you don't have to be a resident of Florida to have a Florida Concealed Weapons permit. However Florida doesn't recognize non-resident concealed carry permits from other states:

QUESTION 5. I have a concealed carry permit from one of the states with which Florida has reciprocity, but I am not a resident of that state. Can I carry legally while visiting a Florida?

No. Florida, like Michigan and New Hampshire, has a residency requirement in its reciprocity law. Florida does not recognize non-resident concealed carry permits from other states. Note: from above link

But you can still carry a weapon in your vehicle:

QUESTION 6. I am planning a trip to Florida shortly. I do not have a permit from my home state nor do I want to obtain a Florida permit. However, I would still like to have a weapon with me for self-protection. What are my options?

Florida law does allow a citizen to transport a weapon in a private vehicle, even if that citizen DOES NOT HAVE a concealed weapon license. Note the following two key provisions in the law: Note: visit the above link for the provisions.

Overall, I would say Florida is very tourist friendly and we even welcome responsible honest armed tourists. Of course, to reach legally reach Florida, you have to abide by the laws of the states you travel through.

[iverglas]

5. OP: "citizens"

[iverglas]

6. and of course you do realize

"Fight back" and "carry a concealed firearm" are completely independent and unrelated concepts.

[spin]

7. Yes, but sometimes the "fight back" concept...

is greatly enhanced by the "carry a concealed firearm concept".

[ProgressiveProfessor]

8. Fighting back without a firearm can be a form of death by perp