Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. A Thousand Times Wrong

Bill Cosby blames 'The Gun'

"Without a gun, I don't see Mr. Zimmerman approaching Trayvon by himself," Mr. Cosby explained. "The power-of-the-gun mentality had him unafraid to confront someone. Even police call for backup in similar situations."

"When you carry a gun, you mean to harm somebody, kill somebody," he said

There is a great deal of responsibility that comes with legal concealed carry of a weapon, it weighs heavily on you. If anything, you are less likely to confront a person, much more likely to let bygones be bygones. This is true for the vast majority of concealed permit holders. Concealed carry permit holders do not WANT to shoot anyone but they understand that there are people out there that do. Bill Cosby is wrong about this.

From a commentary on self-defense from Warrior Talk:

I teach my students that they should seek "distance from disorder" in their lives, and unless something shocks the consciousness of humanity, to mind their own business. Now I will also tell you that there is a vast gulf of difference between a suspicious black kid walking around the neighborhood, and an active shooter killing people in a restaurant. One is none of your personal business and more of a job for the police, the other...if you happen to be there, is in fact your business and your action can save many lives.

The difference between the two extremes is also one of timing. In the former, nothing has happened. In the latter, the bad guy has already opened the game. In one you are not certain of what is really happening, but with the other it is as clear as a slap in the face.

The power-of-the-gun-mentality does exist though - mainly in the minds of gang bangers and other assorted criminals.