The need for self-defense does arise

Mary Sanchez's April 11 column poses a question: “Have you ever faced a potentially dangerous, life-threatening situation?” I have on two occasions.

In the worst situation, I was in my place of business, the time was 11 p.m. and the odds were 5-1. The potential assailants' weapons of choice were neck-held liquor bottles. Without a firearm, I would have been a sure candidate for the emergency room or worse. The second situation involved a possible car jacking with us as the victims.

In neither case was a shot fired, for which I am thankful. In neither case was there a possibility to “retreat.” In the first case, to have retreated would have surely invited attack from the rear. I do not take the use of a firearm as light responsibility.

Unfortunately in today's society the need for self-defense does arise. Each case needs to be examined on its own merits. A jury can take days to decide while the potential victim may only have seconds. This holds true for law enforcement as well.

Robert H. Walters

Iowa City