While reading this interesting thread I'm reminded of a person that was "featured" on the crap A&E's Guns In America series. This person, a woman in Chicago, worked as a pizza delivery driver. One night she had a delivery in a very bad area--guess what, nobody was home, and as she was going back to her vehicle 3 armed thugs attempted to rob her. She pulled her illegal revolver and fired, I'm unable to remember if she hit any of the BG's but she was sucessful in protecting herself as the 3 BG's fled.
Now the interesting part. She, as any normal law-abiding person would do, called the police--who arrested her for her illegal firearms carry. She initially went to court without representation; whereupon, the Judge advised her to get representation as she might end up in jail for a long time. At this point the NRA came into the picture with help and a lawyer. She was found not guilty.
In Chicago I believe it is difficult to obtain a CCW. She, a young mother who worked nights to help support her family--husband worked during the day--didn't have the money, friends, or connections to obtain said CCW in order to continue to earn money for her family. Seeing as how she was unable to obtain any other type of employment, after she was found not guilty she went back to her delivery job. While she didn't come right out and say it, I was left with the impression that she continues to carry illegally. I think her story represents the idea that it might be better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6.
I don't carry legally or illegally, and I don't advocate illegal carry--however, I think I know what I'd do in her place.
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RKBA!