Stealing books is bad...but really...

So here is the story in brief: a woman leaving a public library in Anderson County, SC sets off the alarm. The security guard chases the woman who is now running to her car. He *claims* the car's bumper brushed his leg as she pulled out. Regardless, he fired his handgun into her door.

She left the scene and it is unclear whether she is bleeding somewhere, clutching her ill-gotten book to her chest. The library director has asked that the guard not return as, "no one should be hurt over a missing library book."

Several thoughts pop to mind (in no particular order): First, I had already felt that Smiley got off easy, now I think he got off *really* easy; Second, what the hell was this guard thinking shooting at anyone over a book; and Third, I have to admit a sort of low level respect for anyone willing to get shot to possess a coveted book (sarcasm here...please don't bother emailing me...if you are going to email me nasty notes, have it be for "oh, they have libraries in SC?!?").

I hope they catch her (and arrest the guard, too) and it turns out that the book was at least "worthy" of getting shot over...it would be extremely sad to have been shot at for, say a Nicholas Sparks or John Grisham. This, of course, begs the question, "What book would you be willing to be shot at to possess?" None really leap to mind for me (though I might take a small caliber round in a non-vital area for a pristine copy of the asbestos edition of Fahrenheit 451). It is interesting, actually, while I love *many* books and covet more than I care to admit...I really don't care a great deal about "possessing" them. I rather like having them for a little bit...and then finding someone else who will covet them. I suppose this is a good trait for one whose livelihood revolves around actually selling lovely things.

Anyway, I look forward to following this story as it evolves. I will update if and when the need arises.