Thursday 1 January 2004

High Noon

The British people have spoken and their message is clear:
A proposal to allow homeowners to use "any means" to defend their homes, has topped a BBC poll on the bill people would most like to see become law.
So can we expect the Tories to back the public?

Not likely:

Tony Martin's MP, Conservative Henry Bellingham said it went too far by suggesting homeowners should use "any means" to protect their property.
Mr Bellingham's views are shared by other members of the elitist establishment:
But leading criminal barrister John Cooper warned that the idea was dangerously flawed.

He said: "The law as it stands at the moment, despite its critics, is functioning. If you are in your house and you are attacked by someone or threatened by someone, you can use proportionate force.

"We do not live in the wild west. This legislation that is proposed effectively may well turn us into that."

I advise Mr Cooper to read a bit more widely before spouting off.

The "wild west" was actually very peaceful, especially compared to modern Britain:

The West during this time often is perceived as a place of great chaos, with little respect for property or life. Our research indicates that this was not the case: property rights were protected and civil order prevailed. Private agencies provided the necessary basis for an orderly society in which property was protected and conflicts were resolved.
Where's Marshall Will Kane when we need him? The voters want a lawman who will run the likes of Henry Bellingham and John Cooper out of town. We want justice for people like Tony Martin.