Shooting Tourists for Fun and Profit

Florida is a big tourist trap for Americans, and apparently is pretty big with British travelers as well (something like 1.5 million a year). Now there's an anti-gun group in Britain which is running ads which warn British travelers not to go to Florida....or they could be killed!

But Florida's £30 billion tourism industry is under threat from a campaign launched by a gun-control group which warns visitors they could be killed.

A series of alarming adverts, to be placed in British newspapers, warns potential tourists about a new law allowing gun owners to shoot anyone they believe threatens their safety.

It means thousands of British families who travel to the Sunshine State are now caught up in the ongoing political row over gun control in the United States.

The Florida law, supported by the National Rifle Association, was approved by the state legislature in April.

The state's governor, Jeb Bush - whose brother is the US president - described it as a "good, commonsense, anti-crime issue".

Critics call it the "shoot first" law and say it allows gun owners to shoot if they engage in a simple argument in public. Supporters call it the "stand your ground" law and say criminals will think twice before attacking someone.

Previously, gun owners could only use their weapons if they first attempted to withdraw and avoid a confrontation, and were permitted to shoot threatening individuals only inside their home or property.

Now they can use "deadly force" if they "reasonably believe" that firing their gun is necessary to prevent a crime or serious injury. The law also effectively prevents civil legal action by victims of such shootings.

Of course Florida residents carry guns; after all they've got 5 foot tall rats running all over Orlando. Here are some of the advertisements this loony bunch is running:

"Warning: Florida residents can use deadly force," says one of the adverts. Another reads: "Thinking about a Florida vacation? Please ensure your family is safe. In Florida, avoid disputes. Use special caution in arguing with motorists on Florida roads."

Actually that last bit is pretty good advice anywhere you go. Oh, and by the way, be sure to drive on the right side of the road. Driving down the left side makes Florida drivers cranky. That might be all the excuse they need to take out a tourist.