LetJusticePrevail" says:
February 4, 2014 at 8:45 am

I have to wonder if Mr. Sonnenberg mistakenly thought that the mere possession of the firearm would protect him, or that he was reluctant to use it? (That’s one of my biggest arguments against “Open” carry, as opposed to “Concealed” carry.) If a perp has knowledge that you are armed, his attention shifts to acquisition of the weapon, and he hides his motives until he sees an opportunity to grab it (unless he believes you won’t use it). Much better to have it concealed, and maintain an element of surprise, or (better still, in the case of being inside your own home) have it already in your hand, ready to fire, if needed. Naturally, the best choice is to not open your door to strangers (follow the advice of Ayoob Masad-tell them you will call police for them).

But, in regards to the comparison to the Zimmerman case, the biggest criticism that many people (I’m NOT one of them) had of George was that he may have fired prematurely. For some (I’m STILL not one of them) that was a lingering doubt even after all the evidence was known, and after the acquittal. I believe it’s quite possible that TM would have done exactly as this Goon did (that’s goon with a G, use intentional) and that it was only George’s willingness to follow the advice given by nearly every firearms instructor:

“Don’t draw a weapon unless you are mentally prepared to fire it. Otherwise, it’s quite likely that it will be taken away from you, and used against you if you hesitate”

Mr. Sonnenberg may not have had the heart to do so, which is very regretful. I would much prefer to see a world populated with Thomas Sonnenberg’s, than a world populated by Devon Parkers.

elvischupacabra says:
February 4, 2014 at 1:45 pm

Too many folks saw what Zimmerman went through for shooting a thug who was straddling him and pounding his head into the ground and are hesitant to use deadly force. In this case, if you let someone in your house, there is a reticence to then pull a firearm on them, especially if they might be an innocent victim themselves. A normal, reasonable person asks him/her self, “How will that look?”

It’s possible to be a victim of your own humanity.