Q]Apparently Mr Bush has never heard the term, "innocent bystanders". [/quote]
If you shoot to defend yourself or family against an attacker about to kill you, I understand that in most places you are responsible for making sure no stray projectiles you shoot leave your residence to harm others. This is done by using the right kind if ammo and with a low enough energy to keep it in the walls.
Before you condemn someone who wants to be allowed the protection of a gun, think about the alternatives. You can run and try to escape out a window with a cell phone (that's my first step) but if that's not possible or you need to help someone being attacked, you have only non-lethal weapons like pepper spray and tasers to defend yourself with. There is a reason no police force has given up firearms as a last resort after non lethals; as no non-lethal alternative has been found to be as effective as firearms at stopping attackers. They will probably still be able to shoot you after you have "stopped them". Non-lethals are also too easily defeated with thick clothes and goggles or face mask. Of course you also can try using scary harsh language but as Hudson in Aliens says, "What're we supposed to use, man? Harsh language?"
It's also naive to expect the police to always be where you are instantly to defend you; that is if you can even get to a phone in time. If you want to prevent yourself and family from becoming victims, it is practical to have a firearm available. Most home invaders don't want a gunfight and will leave after seeing or hearing you say that you are armed with a firearm. Essentially you can learn what the police would do if there and do the same yourself in their place until they arrive. If someone invades your home, I think the best action would be:
1) Grab home defense gun, cell phone and try to exit through close window; then call police.
2) If unable to escape also first call police and hide and wait. If you are approached by intruders, show and tell them you are armed and if they advance, discharge one round or blank in a safe backstop. They will likely flee but if they continue to attack with a gun or weapon, as a last resort shoot to protect yourself. It is always the first priority to have everyone walk away unharmed, including the attacker; just as the police try to do.
The alternative is:
1) Same as above.
2) If approached you use your harsh language and nonlethals and while doing so you are shot to death or overwhelmed (by many possibly) and stabbed or blugeoned to death.
Most would agree in the second scenario you are a helpless victim and in the first protocol you have a good chance of saving the lives of both you and the invaders.
If you really believe your negotiating skills will work, feel free to try it unarmed. My choice is to feel safer and far more effective by negotiating with a gun as last resort.