*Warning: I am a minor*
I don't think anyone here was suggesting that minors carry any form of weapon in a school or anywhere where it wouldn't be legal? I know much better than to ever take a knife, OC spray, or even multi tool with me into a school zone, and I don't even go to a school every day. The idea of adults here suggesting that minors carry weapons in schools or anything purely unlawful IS scary- but I don't think that was the case here.
I don't think anyone here was discussing in-school violence. That is (typically) the exact sort of monkey dance thing that is usually and hopefully easily avoided. What Isaac is asking and most of us are talking about is true defense of ourselves and those around us every where else we go. Not taking daddy's knife to school to get revenge on that bully.
Wasn't going to rant on this, but I really have to. When people here say things that amount to, I am not really quoting anyone, it's just the message I get, "Minors just need to forget about defense until they are older" "Just run. You can avoid trouble" "Minors and weapons don't mix" "Minors are ALWAYS stupid irresponsible gangbangers with no brains and will never ever be in a situation where they have a responsibility to keep their loved ones safe" just absolutely ticks me off.
Yes. Many minors are irresponsible morons who shouldn't have a car let alone a weapon or heaven forbid a pocket knife. Yes. Many minors have gotten themselves stuck in drug and sex based gangs and will only ever use a tool for pure evil.
Yes. Believe it or not, some minors are reasonably responsible humans, who obey and truly respect the law, and are willing to use what force multiplier tools they legally can to defend those they love if they are absolutely forced to.
Crazy? I don't care. If me with OC spray and a knife is able to keep my girlfriend or sister from being kidnapped, raped, tortured, and killed, and me with nothing but my hands means I lay half conscious and beaten on the pavement watching some evil drugged up man run off with the person I love, so be it. And I'll have you know I'd die trying either way.
I'm a realist. We all have a sinful nature and evil exists. When my cousin was 9, a man broke into her basement and raped her. I KNOW first hand that evil exists. I accept this fact, and will use every thing I legally can to protect those I love. I understand the severity of these choices. Weapons are not toys. Nothing to show off to impress my gang buddy Al.
On another note, minors getting in trouble for having a folding knife, I have had one on my person all the time for years now, I work with a part time police officer, and not once have I ever had any trouble over it. Just today my youth pastor asked, "Does anyone have a good sized pocket knife to trim this branch so it'll fit into this hole for the Christmas decorations?" Boom. Folder "saves the day" again. I hope and pray that it'll never be more serious than trimming some knots off a stick, but if it is, you bet I'll do something about it.