Here's where I think many here haven't read what I've typed..
First off There's slim to no chance that I'd have my family or myself in an environment as described in the OP so there would be no need for punching anyone.
If we're talking about principle, then that's irrelevant.
Second, I don't live in an area, or travel, where it's necessary to even consider arming yourself for the purpose of self defense unless you're scared of deer or an occasional black bear.
If we're talking about principle here, it's irrelevant. I don't care what you do because you can't reasonably expect everyone to behave as you do, and there is nothing morally wrong with visiting places or packing heat.
If somebody is behaving in a manner that would warrant punching them in the mouth it's very likely I'd be late to the show, folks here-about are generally polite and respect one another and if somebody gets to acting out it never last for more than a couple seconds before they have several folks intervening, often with punches.
It still doesn't make it right. We're talking about the principle here, right?
The mere idea of living in close proximity to groups of people that you'd find it necessary to carry arms around is repugnant to me and everyone I know. Which leads me to draw the conclusion that the majority of people responding in this thread live in urban areas and view this type of behavior as somewhat 'normal'...
Cities are a natural development of human civilization. Not everyone could be a hermit, even if they wanted to. We're talking about the principle, not the logistics of living in populated areas. I don't even understand why you find this relevant to the discussion, honestly. It's just a fact of life. If you go around punching people for offending you, you could very well get shot. You should expect it, just like you seem to think people should expect retaliation for being an asshole. What's the difference? If people should expect retaliation for expressing their freedom of speech, then they should expect retaliation when they go around punching people for speaking in a certain way.
I am perfectly comfortable taking my family to motorcycle rallies, floating down rivers or camping anywhere within driving distance and never feel the need to bear arms.
So? How is this relevant? You're just getting farther and farther off track of the discussion. We're not talking about you, specifically here. Do you comprehend that fact?
There must be some alternate reality where many live, either that or the cities are way worse that I imagined.
It happens. It doesn't matter how often, but it does happen. If we're really talking about the principle, then even that shouldn't matter, but suffice it to say that it happens, and that's enough.
Read what I've written, not once did I defend the actions described in the OP, instead I've stated how I behave in my environment. I'm a peaceful man and although I'll not hesitate to strike another for insulting friend or family the idea of pumping another full of lead due to a fistfight is abhorrent.
I don't see why. If someone is beating you, you don't know how long it's going to last or what kind of damage they plan on doing to you. That's why these types of shootings happen all the time. The person fears for their life in a very real and legitimate way. Also, you haven't clarified what kind of sentence an asshole should receive. Is it acceptable, O judge, to beat them within inches of their life, just bloody them up real bad, or maybe several hard slaps across the face? Which is it, great arbiter?
I'm glad to live in the backwoods, after reading many of the posts in this thread, ya'll please stay put, I will too.
I live in a very small town of 1,000 people. Even if I were to never go to a city in my life, I am still aware of the kinds of interactions that occur and why. Trying to figure out how to cooperate with others isn't a city-folk thing. It's been going on since the beginning of civilization. That's why we have principles. We are trying to figure out the best way to live with each other while minimizing the risk and also not violating anyone else's rights like we wouldn't want others to violate ours. If I want to speak loudly and say things that are offensive in a public park, I'll be damned if any government is going to stop me, and the same applies for individuals who just don't like what I'm saying. To me, they're just as bad as the government because if they chose to violate my right to free speech, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between being beaten by them and being beaten by a police officer.
