I sure wouldn't dispute your right to *not* protect yourself. Part of the problem, as you've defined it, is that you have no control over what weapon the bad guy decides to bring to the situation. Most of us are good people, but unfortunately, some of us aren't.

I don't consider myself an expert by any means, though I was a cop in Oakland, CA for 10 years in the '70's - - I do know about bad guys, violence, and guns. Macho has nothing to do with it, I just refuse to be taken out by some punk on the street without at least having a reasonable chance of surviving to enjoy another day of grandkids, flying, soaring and bicycling.

Oh, and my ex-cop mentality would also have me stop and render assistance if I see you being mugged, so if you don't want a gun introduced you might consider wearing a T-shirt that say's "Professional Victim - - please don't help me".

I like the quote: "When seconds count, the police are just minutes away."

Again, you don't have to protect yourself, but you have no right to tell me I can't protect myself.

bumper