To Keep and Arm Bears…

I keep looking for the substantial difference between this from the Tribune (emphasis added)…

Fla. Tourists Warned on Deadly Force Law

By CURT ANDERSON
Associated Press Writer

October 4, 2005, 9:33 AM CDT

MIAMI -- Clark Ramm sees shades of the Wild West in Florida's new law giving greater legal protections to people who shoot or use other deadly force when threatened or attacked.
…

The leaflets begin with the words "An Important Notice to Florida Visitors" in bold red type by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

"Do not argue unnecessarily with local people," it says. "If someone appears to be angry with you, maintain to the best of your ability a positive attitude, and do not shout or make threatening gestures."

Florida's "stand your ground" law, which took effect Saturday, means that people no longer must attempt to retreat or defuse a threatening situation before using violence in order to later claim they were acting in self-defense. People already had that right in their homes, but the law now allows them to meet "force with force" in any place they have a legal right to be.

…

"There is no other state in the nation -- and no other civilized nation on Earth -- that has a law like this," said Brady Campaign spokesman Peter Hamm. "It could cause the most aggressive people in society to overreact."
…

"It's a little scary," said Melissa Vosberg, on her way home to the Chicago area after a cruise in the Bahamas. "It's 'shoot first, ask about it later.'"

…and this advice to campers and hikers on dealing with wild bears…

…
Bear attacks are extremely rare and by comparison a person is about 67 times more likely to be killed by a dog or 90,000 times more likely to be killed in a homicide. Bears are powerful and strong animals; they should always be treated with caution and respect.
BEAR ENCOUNTER GUIDELINES:

• if a bear approaches you, STAY CALM.

• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT RUN (running may elicit a chase response in the bear).

• pick up small children so they don’t run, scream or panic.

• gather the group together and restrain your dog.

• let the bear know you are human; talk in a soothing voice; lift arms overhead to look bigger.

• slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact with the bear.

• if the bear lunges, snaps his jaws, slaps ground or brush with paw, he feels threatened-you are too close.

• the bear may also suddenly rush forward and stop as a “bluffing” tactic to intimidate you to leave; momentarily hold your ground, then keep backing away and talking softly.

• don’t crowd the bear; leave him a clear escape route.

• retreat from the area or make a very wide detour around the bear.

• if he continues to follow you, stand your ground and yell, clap your hands, wave your arms, or throw something toward him - repeat until he leaves.

• as a last resort - drop something like a hat to distract him but avoid tossing him food or your backpack as he will quickly learn to confront other humans for food rewards.

…beyond the fact that bears are merely big, wild animals that are wired to operate only out of pure, ruthless instinct as opposed to the gun-totin’ supporters of this insane law. These lunatic citizens of Florida who, uh...

OK…

Never mind.