Man you guys are scary and I’m worried about you. That sort of talk:
"Ill blast anyone who tries it with me."
"I'll carry a gun anywhere I want and I don’t care who see's it."
…Sounds good, but it is nutso, pure vigilantism. Hasn’t anyone ever heard that Discretion is the better part of Valor? I know you are angered by this sort of thing to one of our own. But, having a gun so you can shoot bad guys will get you more than you bargain for. Shoot a bad guy in some jurisdictions and that kind talk will have the DA down YOUR throat like fire.
Like it or not, this is a litigious society and if you fire your weapon you will be scrutinized. Hard. It happens to cops, it will happen to any citizen who uses a gun on a perp.
And don’t think pious arguments about “lawful use,” “peaceful pursuits,” or being “on the side of right” will make much difference. You will at least be examined and most likely end up in court. Not fun. Make it out on a justifiable, and you likely face civil suit. Most people love to say: “Better to be judged by 12 instead of carried by 6!” If that sounds like you, think twice. Let that get out in public, like on a forum, and you just made your DA’s case.
I’m VERY glad Sterling is alright and I’m sure he has much to think about. But please be careful, all of you, both in what you do and what advice you dispense.
Instead, keep your clam shut and go about your business in silence. Do what needs to be done, but keep it to yourself - and quit telling your own self such bravado crap. You gotta know when to hold em, and when to fold ‘em…. Kenny Rogers got it right. One person here made some good sense and you all might want to listen to it again:
“First off I've been a cop for 33 years and I rarely carry my firearm, only when detecting in bad areas, which I usually don't do.”
Point # 1: Being "aware of your surroundings" means more than seeing an attack coming. More importantly, it goes to threat avoidance and better strategic planning. I mean, the beach, alone, in the hotel district of a tourist area - late at night?! Where else would you imagine a decent clip thief to be lying in wait?
"This situation came out of nowhere…a gun would have done no good, you never would have got to them."
Point #2: Just because you have a gun doesn’t mean you have a shield or a death ray.
Others have suggested that you fire some warning shots, too. A real a no-no in urban areas. The gun is the last resort and may never be needed... if you plan well.
“Martial arts skills will do you no good unless you have practiced very long and hard. Most people don't realize what a street fight is like. It's not like in the gym and not like on TV, believe me.”
Point #3: We’re talking reality here and this is some excellent comment. Your average street thug is a hard-cored individual. Fighting, stabbings, drugs, beatings are all part and parcel of his world. They are not normal people, alas you are. If you are going to bank on martial arts, then you need to have more training than a few belt matches down at the dojo.
“Be aware, stay out of areas where there could be problems and by chance you are ever attacked, go crazy and use any weapon you have at hand to survive.”
Point # 4: Excellent summary
Get some real-life training and learn what you are really about, my friends. And Sterling, from me to you, I am sincerely glad you are okay.
Ivan
