“The right to punch ends at the other person’s nose”.
This is a common saying among us freedom-loving types. And I get it. It’s succinct and demonstrates the principle well. But I’ve always had a problem with it.
Doesn’t that imply that my right to block ends at your arm? Or that I am violating your fundamental human right if I assume that you fully intend to land it on my nose, and therefore lay you out before you even get there?
Or, to put it in 2nd amendment terms, does my right to do violence to a would be invader end when I pull the trigger?
Not that I have a better saying.
2 replies on “A few thoughts on the right to self-defense”
My saying is:
Breaking and entering is a dying occupation.
I have a better saying: “Leave me the hell alone and stay away from what is mine, and we won’t have a problem.”