Whoa!

Tony Martin used a gun to defend himself (I believe) and has now been convicted of murder.

The problem is one of the perceived freedom to coerce. It starts with the ability ot coerce through words and social pressure. THat creates the need to "coerce" right back. THen it moves on to economic pressure. You'll never work in this town again buddy. THen it moves on to physical violence - touch my wife and I'll kick you to pieces - stop telling me what to do or my frineds and I will kick you to pieces. THen it moves on to weapons.

If you are not right in what you are doing then it should not be acceptable to coerce. But our whole society is built on the opposite premise and justifies resonable force in self defence.

Like at Columbine High, the greater (yes I mean it - ask enyone who has been systematically bullied) crime - of destroying a person's self respect because they are not in the group with power - is so often one step back.

Power destroys - and creates the need for a countervailing power.