deege

I’m not attempting to challenge the point about a jury trial or its hypothetical outcome.

But there are serious risks to returning fire and lots of questions (even for legal firearms owners) so it’s not without peril. More importantly it may be morally irresponsible to return fire in many situations.

I say this as a firearm owner.

Let’s play a hypothetical scenario out.

In this scenario I somehow have easy access to loaded firearm at home and my home is in a residential neighborhood (this is the first sign of a possible issue but we’ll come back to that).

The article was light on the details so I picked a location that excludes remote or rural area as that simply applies to far fewer Canadians. Rural life is also the source of a number of exceptions, including safe storage requirements.

So back to my story.

I somehow have a loaded firearm. I’m under immense stress. I’ve been under pressure from an extortion attempt and now I’m under fire. I’m not trained for this situation, though I own a gun and go to the range to practice regularly.

I fire at those firing at me.

This is highly irresponsible of me.

Even my .22 could kill someone if I fail to hit my target. My hunting rifle would absolutely be able to penetrate a wall or car of an adjacent or neighbouring home.

I am absolutely morally (and possibly legally IANAL) responsible for any negative outcome that arises from my decision to return fire. I’m not allowed to shoot at a human as a civilian in Canada. I can choose to of course, but that there might be an investigation, even if I did so while under attack, is not entirely unreasonable.

Again this isn’t about a jury trial. But if I randomly kill or injure someone else, someone innocent, yes I am responsible and it’s reasonable to investigate the use of any legally owned firearm that clearly contravenes existing regulations and laws.

Owning them legally doesn’t absolve me of any of the duties I have as a result of taking on that responsibility.

Aside from a few well-known exceptions, it’s also strange that someone would have a loaded firearm at the ready as that goes against the requirements for safe storage.

Again, there are questions here and I think it does legal firearm owners a disservice to ignore the concerns of their use; or worse to make concerns of their use a problem.

We live in a time where legally owned firearms are indeed under attack - and often maliciously for political gain - but we should be willing to have our use of them scrutinized, especially when that use is not one that’s normally permitted.

That must have been some doll.

For sure.

I meant it more in that it’s not just “I lost it I need a new one” but your point is well taken.

I’d like to argue with you because when this race started I was all in on Heather. I heard her on Canadaland following the national election and she was all fire and brimstone while also being eloquent. I also think and NDP-er from Alberta is a good vibe from a province in a bad place.

And then she announced intentions to run for leader and it’s as you describe: vapid.

I got a note today (since members get all the candidates communications) about policy except there was no policy to be had. Just more platitudes.

Heather does seem to have great empathy for others, and while I think that’s admirable I don’t think that’s the only metric for a leader of the party that wants to be the official opposition.

Avi has indeed been the more impressive of the two and I’ve found his message to be the most concrete - if a little over-rehearsed. At least he has some ideas and is willing to put them out to there.

Loosing your passport is a pain. Getting it replaced requires that you go plead an oath and have that oath notarized by a notary public or lawyer. Time and money but mostly time.

I found that damned thing a year later.

I’ve been playing very close attention to the leadership race. Avi’s been surprisingly straightforward and plain spoken about the issues facing Canadians - and the terrifying turn the liberal government has taken in abandoning climate action and embracing corporate welfare all while cutting public services.

I was originally hoping Heather McPherson would get the job (before I heard Avi’s positions and platform) but it’s nice to see a number of great candidates.

Also many of the workers were unhappy with the way the strike unfolded and there was some disagreement amongst the members - solidarity within the union was either lacking or waning.

Most folks don’t realize the pain they’re in for when all their communication is funnelled through a corporate profit machine - and one where they’re likely the thing being sold.

Canada Post is a common good. It doesn’t need to turn a profit or even break even and I’m happy to pay my taxes to have it around even if I’m not the one benefiting from it. One day I might need it.

Like healthcare.

Speed cameras are a regressive tax until the fees are proportionate to net worth (income is too easy to cheat with here in Canada).

Same with parking tickets.

I do wish Canada’s public restrooms were locally owned and operated.

It’s sooo good - the local references were almost always on point and made the show even better. From the “Springfield” (anywhere USA) to the very specific cultural milieu of Québec, watching the Simpsons in Québec is a joy.

Lisa: J’y vais à UQAM. (It’s Harvard in the original version). lol.