I’m a Second Amendment absolutist. Once they’ve done their time, or before they’re convicted of a crime, I believe criminals have the same right to keep and bear arms as citizens without a criminal record.
I know this issue divides TTAG’s Armed Intelligentsia. I also know that criminals use guns — whether legally purchased and owned or not — to defend themselves from other criminals. Is that wrong? Here’s an example via Louisiana’s 710keel.com:
Shreveport Police are investigating an early morning shooting which left one man dead following an attempted home invasion.
It all started at about 4:30 Friday morning at a home in the 6400 block of Fairfield Avenue. Police were called to a reported home invasion. The first officers on the scene found a man laying on the ground suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper body.
Officers report the man was wearing what appeared to be a ski-type mask covering his face along with dark clothing and gloves. Additionally, he has a semi-automatic rifle with dozens of rounds of ammunition. He was rushed to University Health hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
And . . .
Shreveport Police Violent Crime detectives along with Crime Scene investigators arrived at the scene of the crime and began the task of gathering information into the incident . . .
. . . police did seize a sizable quantity of suspected marijuana following their execution of a search warrant there. Charges on the occupants inside the residence are pending as the investigation continues.
The debate continues. Should the suspected marijuana dealer have been unarmed?
Meanwhile, I caution anyone who uses marijuana that contact with a dealer puts you at a high risk of criminal predation, either by the dealer, his other customers or his competitors. Carry on.