" I doubt there are many places in Texas where this would have happened without those kids getting arrested,"

I think the problem here was that these kids are the children of local cops, who willingly turned a blind eye.

People in Texas are allowed to have guns. NY not so much.

Just ONE adult with a shiny chrome .45, 1911 frame or shotgun would have stopped all of this in its tracks.

EDIT to add: "An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life." -- Robert A. Heinlein

As a gun owner and advocate of gun rights, I feel the need to call this out as an example of an inappropriate time to use or display a firearm. Vandalism and misdemeanor battery are not cause to threaten someone with deadly force. To do so is highly irresponsible and usually criminal.

Please have another look at the article and notice that they were throwing rocks in some cases, and caused the shutdown of a couple of buses due to damage, as well as throwing items at people not inside cars, including someone out with their child in a stroller.

From the article: "An older man in his late 60′s was driving along Gerritsen Avenue when his car was hit by eggs, when he exited the vehicle he was pelted by dozens of eggs, rocks were thrown, chucks of brick, and someone tossed a hammer."

I read it. I consider it borderline at best. While these objects could cause serious injuries, they probably won't under those circumstances, and a retreat is probably a better option than brandishing a gun. I believe you should never brandish a gun unless you're prepared to kill somebody, and I'd be very hesitant to kill somebody for throwing rocks.

Most places would not consider this to be a weapon-brandishing situation. Furthermore, New York State has more restrictive gun laws than most states.

In Baltimore anyone dumb enough to do that deserves the bullet they'll get in their head.

<i>"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life." -- Robert A. Heinlein</i>

And how's that been working out lately for you Americans?

Quite well, actually. States with "shall issue"[1] laws have seen a significant reduction in violent crimes. I believe Florida is the one with the longest data.

Much like the repeal of the national 55mph speed limit, the arguments against were all FUD. Neither resulted in bloodbaths.

[1] A law which requires the state to issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon, except under specific disqualifying circumstances, which the state bears the onus showing.