Falkenberg: Property outweighing people in Horn case

The Houston Chronicle ^ | Dec. 12, 2007, 10:58PM | LISA FALKENBERG

[the_devils_advocate_666]

lisa.falkenberg@chron.com

She's getting pummeled in the posts to her article at the source.

[Jacquerie]

Texas has some terrific laws. Horn should walk.

[dsc]

“Human life is worth more than property. It seems like a universal truth.”

Does it, now?

It seems like a universal truth to me that when you set out to commit a crime, you assume the risk that someone may shoot you for it.

BTW, Lisa, sweetie, does that apply to the unauthorized use of your genitals? They are, after all, your property. Should we indict you if you shoot a man rather than let him use your body?

[BradtotheBone]

ROFL !

[Onelifetogive]

"My sense is that the reason, not just Texas, but other states have been enacting statutes more and more like this is because politicians are afraid to vote against them," said Steven Goode, a law professor at the University of Texas.

"They don't want the next attack ad to be one where they are criticized for voting against someone's ability to protect themselves in their home."

"In a calmer and less politicized environment we might have different laws," Goode said.

If those DAMNED citizens would just keep their noses out of this, we could protect the illegals stealing us blind!

[Major Matt Mason]

The law of our land seems to place more value on the property being stolen — even if it belongs to a neighbor — than on the life of the burglar stealing it.

The burglers are breaking and entering on private property, you idiot. They have no right to be there. If something bad happens to them, oh well. Granted, I probably would have called the police and left it at that. But I don't have a problem with the neighbor taking action.

[tx_eggman]

To many of us, Horn's preoccupation with stopping the crime and recovering the stolen property — "a bag of loot," as Horn described it — seemed irrational and vengeful rather than heroic.

Property versus human life Human life is worth more than property. It seems like a universal truth. But apparently not in Texas, or other states with similar laws.

What a steaming pile of crap. My property isn't worth my life in the sense that I wouldn't risk going back into a burning house to retrieve it .. but I'll damn sure arm myself an do what is required to keep a criminal form walking off with it.

The person who decided that their life wasn't as valuable as my property is the thief, not me.

[Anonymous Rex]

Personally I’m glad two more thieving illegals are dead. If the guy winds up having to set up a defense fund I’ll be contributing.

[sitetest]

The benefit of the doubt should accrue to the innocent homeowner looking to be safe and secure in his home and neighborhood.

[pandoraou812]

Now, one might argue that, since the dispatcher told Horn that police were on their way, Horn should have reasonably believed authorities would nab the bad guys.

Hmmm but so many time the authorities don't nab the bad guys...Maybe Horn was just sick of seeing the crooks win again. I like the guy & hope he walks & stays safe.

[jiggyboy]

Even if they don't indict him, it doesn't mean Horn's actions were morally right. He chose to kill; he didn't have to.

It doesn't logically follow, that's true. But we're not playing the vague implication game today -- his actions were indeed morally right.

[steve-b]

Human life is worth more than property.

A distinction without a difference. Stealing property is the same as stealing the portion of my life I spent working to get the money to obtain it.

If Horn doesn't get indicted, don't blame the grand jury. And don't blame Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.

Why on earth would I "blame" anyone for a good thing? ("Damn you; it's your fault I won the lottery!" "You idiot, it's your fault the police radar malfunctioned when I was going 15 MPH over the speed limit!")

The fact that they were on his yard may provide Horn with even more protection.

As well it should.

He chose to kill; he didn't have to.

They chose to burgle; they didn't have to. It's on their heads.

The same law that may protect Horn from indictment could also protect someone who, in the dark of night, discovers a group of teenage girls wrapping his front yard trees with toilet paper.

Your straw man offends my sinuses.

[lepton]

"Ain't no property worth shooting somebody over,"

Obviously the thieves thought the property was worth more than their lives.

[TexanByBirth]

Over the past week, I've researched the Texas Penal Code and discovered some provisions that were surprising even to this fifth-generation Texan.

Well this former journalist and fifth-generation Texan would love to this bed-wetting liberal reporter leave this state immediately!

Her ancestors are definitely spinning in their graves!

[dragnet2]

People that crazy enough break into your home will kill you too.

I support Horn.

America has a belly full of crime and illegal aliens.

The only way Horn is convicted by a jury, is if Johnny Sutton takes the case, changes the venue to Colombia, and stacks the jury with drug smugglers and other criminals.

[mewzilla]

Now, one might argue that, since the dispatcher told Horn that police were on their way, Horn should have reasonably believed authorities would nab the bad guys.

Snort.

[Uri’el-2012]

My email to Lisa:

Lisa:

Great fair and balanced reporting
except the last four lines.
There you are editorializing.

Your elitist, collectivist, statist views are very clear.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!

[Uri’el-2012]

Lisa's reply:

Thanks for writing. I'm a metro columnist, which means I mix news reporting with commentary.

Lisa Falkenberg
Metro Columnist
Houston Chronicle
Office: 713-362-6479
Fax: 713-362-6806
Please note new cell phone: 832-367-7123