Do I have a moral obligation to retreat from a threat if I can do so safely?
For me, that answer is yes.
While I have a moral and contractual/oath-based obligation to defend against all threats, I also have an obligation to my family for their physical and financial well-being.
If there is sufficient time and opportunity for me and mine to retreat safely, then we will retreat. I am not in a financially fortunate position of being able to finance a years-long legal battle when other options are available. To speak nothing of the moral gravity of taking another life; something I wish upon no person.
However, if there is no other option; I will use all available force to stop the threat with any and all means necessary to secure the safety of my family and myself.
There's been a lot of chest-thumping and such so far on this thread. Might I remind my fellow TFL members that we do not have the authority or obligation of being judge, jury, and executioner. We carry firearms to protect ourselves and our families; we do not carry firearms to enforce laws even if we think it's the right thing to do. Yes, I understand that the "BG" may harm someone else later on down the line, but are you willing to risk the physical and financial well-being of your own family in order to prevent the possibility of harm to an unknown stranger?
I am not, and I don't believe that any of you are willing to take that risk either. So let's get back to basics; if you can safely retreat from the threat, then do so, call the police, and be a good witness.
If you can safely retreat, you have removed the threat from yourself. In many cases, this will only leave your possessions to be plundered. Fine, take my stuff, that's why I have insurance. Everything I own can be replaced, even "priceless" heirloom guns handed down throughout my family. My wife and children cannot be replaced, nor can I be replaced as a husband, father, and provider if I am convicted and sent to prison. If I must shoot, I want to know in my heart of hearts that it was the only option available to me to save the life of my family or myself. Period.
For me, that answer is yes.
While I have a moral and contractual/oath-based obligation to defend against all threats, I also have an obligation to my family for their physical and financial well-being.
If there is sufficient time and opportunity for me and mine to retreat safely, then we will retreat. I am not in a financially fortunate position of being able to finance a years-long legal battle when other options are available. To speak nothing of the moral gravity of taking another life; something I wish upon no person.
However, if there is no other option; I will use all available force to stop the threat with any and all means necessary to secure the safety of my family and myself.
There's been a lot of chest-thumping and such so far on this thread. Might I remind my fellow TFL members that we do not have the authority or obligation of being judge, jury, and executioner. We carry firearms to protect ourselves and our families; we do not carry firearms to enforce laws even if we think it's the right thing to do. Yes, I understand that the "BG" may harm someone else later on down the line, but are you willing to risk the physical and financial well-being of your own family in order to prevent the possibility of harm to an unknown stranger?
I am not, and I don't believe that any of you are willing to take that risk either. So let's get back to basics; if you can safely retreat from the threat, then do so, call the police, and be a good witness.
If you can safely retreat, you have removed the threat from yourself. In many cases, this will only leave your possessions to be plundered. Fine, take my stuff, that's why I have insurance. Everything I own can be replaced, even "priceless" heirloom guns handed down throughout my family. My wife and children cannot be replaced, nor can I be replaced as a husband, father, and provider if I am convicted and sent to prison. If I must shoot, I want to know in my heart of hearts that it was the only option available to me to save the life of my family or myself. Period.
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