Are a dime a dozen.  You can get stun guns (which rely on two prongs making contact with skin, they are basically an extension of the hand, you need to get real close to someone to use them) at gas stations everywhere.  A true Taser (which relies on compressed air to launch a barbed projectile you need to be within about 10 feet or so optimally ) is a bit pricey and are generally found in quality gun shops, pawn shops, and of course the internet.

If this is going to turn into an "OMG I can't believe ANYONE can buy XXXX" thread, I'm bowing out.

I had hoped to generate some conversation about situational awareness and what any person can do to lessen the risks of being attacked or mugged.   An aware person is much less likely to get attacked.  An aware person with a defensive tool they know how to use is much more likely to foil an attack.  

 You'll notice I made as big an issue out of simple awareness as I did the tools for protection.

Anyway you teach your kids violence isn't cool, and I'll teach mine the same thing but let them know it is okay to use it to protect themselves and see which ones get victimized.

Seriously I'm all for nonviolence.  I'll avoid a violent encounter whenever I can, but if I can't I'll use whatever force I have to in order to protect myself from harm.

I don't think your noble ideals can be instilled in 100% of the human race.  We aren't wired that way.  

You need to differentiate between unjust violence and just violence.  

Surely you don't subscribe to the "roll over and take it" school of thought when it comes to attacks? 

 My touchpad is giving my fits today, and I keep losing the message I typed.  Let me boil it down.

The minimal force needed to end a situation is just that.  What is needed to end it.  Be it a blast of pepper spray or a blast from a gun.  You must view a lot of external circumstances, behavior, inherent threat, presence of a weapon, multiple attackers, etc...

My copy of Ayoob's book is gathering dust.  I am more than happy to let you use it for as long as you want.  This will give you a strong foundation in understanding minimal force.

As a general rule (although like every rule there are exceptions) meet unarmed force with non lethal or less lethal force (pepper spray or stun devices) and if the bad guy has ANYTHING that can be used as a weapon against you, even pepper spray, meet them with a lethal weapon.  If they can incapacitate you, they can kill you.  I AM NOT A LAWYER.  Consult with a civil rights attorney for a better understanding of Washington State defense laws.  This is a stand your ground state.  You are not obligated to retreat if you feel threatened.  Remember the "reasonable person" test.  Would a "reasonable person" agree you were at risk of being killed or severely harmed?   I could go on and on, but IANAL.  I am happy to discuss this publicly, through PM's or even face to face with any interested parties.   

What do you care?  You bash The Olympian every chance you get.  The Olympian is not the only source for news in the South Sounds, is it?  The story below was published yesterday.

http://www.theolympian.com/localnewsfeed/story/410642.html

 I'm glad to have given the nudge.  I need to get another one.  I have a friend who is a in Lacey and she called me wanting a gun, pepper spray, light artillery, air support, whatever I had laying around.  We're working on the gun bit, but she bought my Angel from me.  Easy enough to replace.  

"Beware the person who would take your guns. That person is your ENEMY."