Understanding Plaxico

I usually preempt any controversial arguments with a clarifying statement. This note will not be an exception:

I am not a fan of Plaxico Burress. I do not like the New York Giants. I feel that SOUND laws should be respected and obeyed and that status, money, and power should never allow a person to be considered above the law. I feel that those of you who have been quick to call him a "thug", "typical athlete", or my favorite, "if you feel you need a gun, you shouldn't go there" are a little misguided. (Side note: I believe that Plaxico Burress should not have been charged, prosecuted, and convicted of a felony but that is not my argument today. If you want to argue gun laws and/or gun control, please wait, that opportunity will come soon).

Some argue that if he didn't feel safe, he shouldn't go out in the first place. This makes sense because crimes only happen to those that hang out in bad areas or have a bad crowd around them (sarcasm). Tell that to:

• September 2007: Dunta Robinson's home was invaded as he and his family sat on the couch watching football.
• November 2007: Sean Taylor was murdered by would be robbers in his home.
• November 2008 (just two weeks before Plaxico's incident): Steve Smith (former teammate of Plaxico Burress) was robbed at gunpoint as he was returned home one evening.
• The issue isn't limited to the NFL as NBA stars Antione Walker and Eddie Curry both had their homes invaded within the past two years.

Some people say, if you don't start trouble, you'll be okay. I'm sure these NFLers agree:

• January 2007: Darrent Williams was gunned down in a limousine as he did what NFL security suggested when in an uncomfortable situation... get away from the trouble.
• September 2008: Richard Collier, was shot 14 times, is paralyzed form the waist down, and had to have one of his legs amputated as the result of an attempted murder as he left a club.

Mid-November 2008, ESPN the Magazine published an article titled "Living Scared." It was an article that focused on NFL athletes and their fears one year after the death of Sean Taylor. The article put the focus on why SELF-protection and security is such a concern for these high profile athletes. It highlighted the home invasion case of Dunta Robinson, why Clinton Portis no longer feels safe at home, and how some athletes fear for their family members' safety as a result of their success.

Unlike the CEO of Bank of America or the CFO of Intel, he is visible. Everyone knows who most of the high-profile athletes are. It is for these reasons, Plaxico felt the need exercise his 2nd Amendment right and carry a firearm for his protection because he knows the danger he faces everyday simply by being Plaxico Burress. It's for this reason (and the numerous ones listed above) that he and many athletes carry firearms.

Plaxico Burress is not stupid but yes, his actions were questionable:

1. He should have better understood his firearm. Like many handguns his has only one safety feature... the trigger. Don't pull it, it won't shoot.
2. He should have carried it in a proper holster and not in his waistband like a Crip.
3. He should have respected the unconstitutional laws of New York City and not had a firearm in his possession since that city feels legal citizens carrying one is a crime.

Please be careful as you throw around accusations about Plaxico's intelligence, sanity, or misunderstand the need for one to want to protect him/herself. Afterall, NOT asking for trouble will never guarantee it will not happen to you and pardon him for not wanting to take the Illinois State Police advice on what to do before defending yourself. <<---That is a MUST SEE link for women!!!

CDA2