Word study: self defense
July 22, 2012
Word Study: Self Defense
Wikipedia defines self defense as:
“… a countermeasure that involves defending oneself, one’s property, or the well-being of another from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many jurisdictions, but the interpretation varies widely.”
The word defend comes from Old French of the 13th century and means to resist, ward off, protect, guard, allege in defense, to strike, push, kill.
Every violent crime that makes national news gives me pause to think about what I would have done in that situation. Every violent crime that makes national news also brings out those who advocate the elimination of self defense and those who argue to the contrary.
In mainstream media, you will not hear much about what actually happens in communities and countries in which self defense has been made illegal even though the crime statistics are dramatic. Withholding information is a form of gaslighting because it leads you conclusions based on manipulation not fact. In the context of home invasions, carjackings, theater shootings, etc.
The public discussions about the legality of stand-your-ground laws that erupted after Robert Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin have been handled likewise. Clearly, public sentiment is being manipulated to protect predators, tolerate the deviant and coddle the stupid.
The best self defense is avoidance, but when that’s not possible, when a criminal is storming your castle or your carriage, you should have unequivocal legal standing as well as self-evident moral right to defend yourself to whatever extent you deem necessary.
Most criminals are dumb, cowardly and lazy. Make your self and your property hard enough to get to, and they will go someplace else. Professor and social commentator John Lott‘s books are highly recommended.
Anna Moss
Join me
Towards DISCERNMENT for a better world.
Content copyright (c) Anna Moss unless otherwise indicated FIRST REPRINT RIGHTS ALLOWED WITH ATTRIBUTION ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED Image copyrights retained by their originators. Images shared for educational purposes as allowed by Fair Use, Section 107, US Copyright Act 1976
