I wonder whether I'm being investigated by the blog police for having nothing to say about the Trayvon Martin case. Well, over at the Powerline blog the philosophers are on the job and you can just put me down for a NOT at the end of all their inane commentary. Here is John Hinderaker being dopey:
Note that from the earliest accounts, Martin has consistently been described as “unarmed,” as though that somehow negated any need for self-defense. But of course it didn’t. A weapon is the means by which a smaller, weaker person who is less skilled in fighting can defend himself. Women are generally in this position, but men often need a weapon to defend themselves against an “unarmed” opponent, too. Trayvon Martin was four inches taller than Zimmerman, and considered himself an expert fighter.
You have to want to believe this bilge. I love the way the hulking Zimmerman steps into the role of the poor, defenseless woman who needs a gun. He was four inches shorter than Martin! Yes, John, that is why in boxing the fighters are placed in divisions according to height.
We should all be thankful we live in a country that allows women and short men to carry around loaded guns for self-protection. Unfortunately it seems that some taller men have begun carrying, to protect themselves from women and short men. I suppose it is their right, too. But soon everyone will be packing. I have an idea what women and short men are to do then. More guns! It's the solution to every problem. It's remarkable that all the guns haven't yet limited gun violence in America to levels we observe in countries that don't love freedom.