Following the high profile mass shootings in Aurora, Colorado and Newtown, Connecticut the nation’s on-going gun debate has now moved south to Sanford, Florida. There, neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman is on trial for having shot and killed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin during a tragic confrontation on a rainy night in February 2012 at the Retreat at Twin Lakes where they were both in residence at the time.

In the wake of the violence and dislocation endemic to this nation, some have suggested we institute what we might call an “Old West” solution, arm everybody; that will give the “bad guys” pause.  Well, if you may have wondered what effect arming the general public might have on public safety, just look to the Trayvon Martin – George Zimmerman case. (more…)