Florida is facing renewed calls for the reform of its “stand your ground” law, following another controversial trial in which a majority-white jury failed to convict a white man who shot dead an unarmed black teenager. Michael Dunn, 47, got into an argument with four teens on a petrol forecourt in November 2012 over what he called the loud “thug music” playing in their vehicle. When they refused to turn it down, he sprayed the car with bullets, killing Jordan Davis, 17. Dunn claimed he had seen a gun in their car, but his fiancée disputed the claim and no weapon was found. Despite convicting Dunn of the attempted murder of the boy’s three friends, the jury failed to reach a verdict on the murder charge. (The Week)
Epicurus would have stood up for justice, and in this case justice was definitely not done. I can’t say I like that music either. I have to endure it in the gym, but nothing would induce me to kill somebody because of it. One is starting to believe that there is a moral lacuna in the heart of the the gun-owning American public. If they have any moral fiber they should protest this injustice and demand a re- trial. Gun owners have to understand that the outcome of the trial reflects upon them all. Their silence is telling.
The gun culture has undermined a right of passage for many young people – traveling around the United States by hitch-hiking. I hitch-hiked in the early 60s and visited 48 States, with only a single violent incident that had nothing to do with travel. I was given rides by kind people who solely wanted to be helpful and hospitable. Now no one would dream of hitch-hiking for fear of being robbed, or worse, at gunpoint. Thus, one Constitutional “right” destroys a chance for young people to see the country, have an adventure and stand one their own feet without having to ask parents for an air fare. Fear now prevails.