What Do You Think?

I wrote this blog May 2012 after I attend an intensive training course from The Massad Ayoob Group , published it but didn't promote it.  In the current climate of gun control debates, this blog takes on a new point of view and discussion pathway: 

What do you think public opinion would be or what would you think if you were on a jury hearing a case on use of force/deadly force and this statement was entered in to evidence against a young woman:

I had 2 more miles to walk to get home, I knew that by how fast I could walk it would be about the same time he made bail and he would be looking for me.

When I got home I decided to load my shotgun and just wait for him.  I was nervous, and mad as hell that I allowed this to happen to myself.  He slapped me, he shook me, but not anymore.  He thinks he is a man, and thinks picking fights with me makes him a bigger man.  Well I am ready to give him a fight.  So I waited and smoked a cigarette.

He didn’t get there as fast as I thought he would, it got late so I started drinking bear.  One maybe two six-packs of beer.  All of a sudden I heard his truck.  I could tell how fast he was driving by the sound of the tires skidding to a stop on the gravel driveway.  He slammed his car door and was ready to let me have it, but he didn’t know I was waiting for him on the other side of the door with my shotgun.  His thought his fist was big, but my shotgun was bigger and it was over. 

I am guessing that public opinion would be somewhat harsh.  I would expect her to get an easier consideration by some because it is a woman, but none the less I would expect some outrage and distress. 

Whenever I hear the song by Miranda Lambert “Gunpowder and Lead” (lyrics below) I think about how this would play out in court… thinking that most likely the abused woman would be sitting in jail.  I also cringe just a little hoping that someone in that situation doesn't hear this song and think it is a good plan.  Now I love Miranda Lambert, and agree that the song has a beat you tap your toe to… but can’t help but feel that it is a poor example of someone using force/deadly force to protect themselves.  There are several musicians that are singing about shooting and killing unfaithful lovers, abusers, or rival gangs.  No matter how you package it (country, rap or pop) this is allowing people at some level to be desensitized on the seriousness of using deadly force.  That is until they hear about a case on the news and then criticize the victim for doing it. 

If you have not done so in the last 3 months, look up the chapters of Self Defense, Use of Force and Deadly Force of the penal code in your state.  I encourage people to read and reread this content every few months so it is always front and center in your brain on when you can and cannot act.  You also need to be able to explain what you did based on your understanding of the law and the circumstances in that moment.  In all fairness, I have never been a victim of domestic violence, and feel very strongly on empowering women, but waiting for your abuser at home with a loaded shotgun and drinking beer will mostly not end well for you.  If you need help please reach out to your local and national resources before it is too late. 

On the web:

Miranda Lamber and Chris Brown Grammy fued http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/02/chris-brown-and-miranda-lambert-twitter-feud-continues/

Also read comments from Miranda Lambert at  http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11635

" GUNPOWDER AND LEAD"

County Road 233 under my feet
Nothin' on this white rock but little ol' me
I got two miles till he makes bail
And if I'm right we're headed straight for hell

I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
He wants a fight well now he's got one
He ain't seen me crazy yet
Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man
I'm gonna show him what a little girl's made of
Gun powder and lead

Well it's half past ten
Another six pack in
I can feel the rumble like the cold black wind
He pulls in the drive
Gravel flies
He don't know what's waitin' here this time

Hey I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
He wants a fight well now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man
I'm gonna show him what a little girl's made of
Gun powder and lead

His fist is big but my gun's bigger
He'll find out when I pull the trigger

I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
He wants a fight well now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man
I'm gonna show him what a little girl's made of
Gun powder and gun powder and lead
Gun powder and lead