Screwdriver for protection?

[Rodentman]

Here is the letter I wrote. I'm sure others could have said it better, but this is what I said. I tried not to dwell on the "pro gun" stance:

Dear Mr. Ruhr,

My wife and I recently completed a refresher course in the MHSRC Driver
Improvement Program. We found both the original course and the refresher to
be worthwhile and educational.

I am concerned, however, with a statement that appeared in a pamphlet titled
"Behind the Wheel Tips" which we received at the refresher session. On page
10, under "Tips for Driving Alone" is the bullet point: "Do not carry
weapons, they could be used against you. Instead use everyday items like
flashlights and screwdrivers for protection."

I have difficulty understanding the logic of this. The advice here seems to
be that we should use a flashlight and a screwdriver for "protection," which
in my view defines such items as (defensive) weapons. As you note, such
items were not designed as "weapons" and therefore using them as such would
be rather ineffective.

When stranded on the side of the road in the dark, if approached by people
intent on robbing you or stealing your car, or worse, a flashlight will
simply indicate your location, and a screwdriver will be totally useless if
such a person gets close enough for you to try using it against him.

If you do not desire to encourage Minnesotans to obtain a permit to carry a
firearm for defense, as many of us have done, at least do not give us bad
advise on how to protect ourselves. The participants in this program are
over 55 years of age. Many of us, including myself, are handicapped, and I
daresay we certainly do not have the strength and training to engage in
combat with a screwdriver. In fact on page 1 of the pamphlet we received you
make this very point by acknowledging that our optimal body functioning
begins declining at age 30.

Your point would be better made by saying: "Do not attempt to physically
fight with people who may accost you if your vehicle becomes disabled.
Attempt to flee the situation, and call 911." In fact, in another bullet
point you state: "If your vehicle becomes disabled, lock yourself in and
turn on the four way flashers until the police come." You should also call
the police so they will come instead of finding you on their normal patrol,
which may very well be too late.

I share your concern for safety. I am sure the other participants in the
class feel the same way. But advising people to defend themselves with a
flashlight and a screwdriver does not, in my opinion, foster a safe
environment.

Regards,

[cobb]

Per the TSA web site
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... items.shtm
you can carry a screwdriver on the plane as long as it is less than 7 inches in length.

[elmerfuddem]

For traveling seniors with flashlights, and screw drivers under 7".
Constitution Arms says its Palm Pistol will aid seniors with arthritis who would otherwise have trouble pulling the trigger. The device allows individuals to shoot by squeezing with their thumb.

senior gun.jpg (7.04 KB) Viewed 647 times

[Rodentman]

I have not received a reply to my email to Mr Ruhr. Guess I won't get a response.....