No, he didn't. Had a police officer told his dispatcher "I'm going to kill them" over the radio prior to arrival, and then gunned down the burglars, that officer would most likely be in serious legal trouble.

What bothers you, Eric? That people criticize Mr. Horn for his premeditated killing of two unarmed, fleeing criminal suspects, or the fact that Horn got his bones, but you've not yet had the opportunity to gun down any unarmed, fleeing suspects?

You don't need to answer me - that question is more for your own personal reflection.

__________________
De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum

As far as I know, burglery is not punished with death. I believe that is the point most are making. The burgulars are, indeed, criminals. But the neighbor does not have the credentials to be a judge nor a jury (he hadn't taken an oath yet nor been screened yet for the jury). The cops could have taken, and should have been given enough time to, take care of it.

__________________
I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American. ...a tradition

But would you kill them if you didnt have to?

__________________
Jesus was a communist!

What bothers me is the attitude many have that I should simply accept criminal behavior and the theft and/or destruction of my property, eat the expense and go on knowing that the criminal, if he is actually caught, faces little to no jail time.

It wasn't that long ago even in this country that NOBODY would have criticized Horn for what he did. It would have been seen as nothing more than a criminal getting what he deserved.

__________________
In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

I'm all for protecting myself and my property but I think what Horn did was nothing more than vigilante justice. I definitely don't consider shooting someone in the back heroic and frankly, I think Horn should be arrested for it.

__________________


"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

Thats what I would be affraid of as well. There must be a clear distinction between cops/the justice system and ordinary citizens. It is absolutely essential, and one of the cornerstones in a civilized society.

There must be something that the federal government can do to stop this anarchy.

__________________
Jesus was a communist!

The private citizen is not bound to the same restrictions as the state. He saw the crime being committed, he stopped it. Tough shit for the criminals that it was a permanent end to their life of crime and violation of others rights.

__________________
In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

You say "vigilante justice" like it is a BAD thing.

Wasn't too long ago that this was exactly how criminals were dealt with all over this country.

When the state stops doing its job and the people have to do it for them, the people tend to take more effective and efficient measures.

__________________
In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

If you're not violating another's rights, you have nothing to be afraid of.

There IS a clear distinction. If it isnt yours, dont fuck with it. If you get shot while fucking with someone else's property, thats your problem.

__________________
In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

So this is the famous "Southern Hospitality" I've heard so much about? I'll ignore the fact that it's presumptuous of you to pretend to speak for the entire state.


So we can expect Mr. Horn to be convicted and executed then?

__________________
Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

Wow it's a good thing the neighbors didn't set up an elaborate plot involving a simulated robbery.

__________________
Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

No offense, but the southerners certainly have no monopoly on hospitality nor on manners, based on my experiences living in the south, north, east, west, and midwest - rural or urban. It's a term that lost any relevance with respect to geographical location some time ago.

__________________
I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American. ...a tradition

I'm really not for vigilante justice in everyday life. That opens up too many doors for cold-blooded murders. But it's not to say that I don't believe that one shouldn't be able to protect himself and his property. If someone broke into my house, yes, I would definitely shoot them but it would be out of fear for my person not my personal effects. I did see a guy break into the house across the street from me one time...I called the police and let them handle it because there was no immediate threat to human life. In Horn's case, there was no threat to him and he didn't allow the police time to get there, instead he became judge and jury and I can't support that decision.

__________________


"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

What if I am out walking in the beautiful Taxas nature, and some land owner who forgot to set a "No Trespassing" sign up blow my brains out with his shotgun?

__________________
Jesus was a communist!

Hospitality goes both ways. If you're breaking into a home, you deserve no courtesy.
Nope. He broke no law, hence, he's not a criminal.

__________________
In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.