Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Advice: "Don't be a Hero!"

My friend and firearms instructor sent this dispatch:

"With the massacre of innocents that took place in a suburban Chicago
shopping mall in February still fresh on their minds, residents recently attended a
meeting with the local PD. Nervous attendees wanted guidance from their
police with regard to surviving the next such incident. What they received was
profoundly unhelpful! What they received was hollow, emasculate, let'
s-all-be-good-little-victims, perfidiousness. It is all too typical!

Victims in the incident had been herded into a back room by a gun-wielding
armed-robbery suspect and then coldly murdered, one-by-one. Attendees wanted
to know what to do when another such active VCA starts precipitously
murdering innocent people. They were told:

"We believe the best to do is be compliant..." "Conformity is safest..."
"If someone runs, it could make the robber madder..." " Do exactly as they
state..., and don't be a hero."

The political mood in Illinois is apparently so committed to the dogma of
learned-helplessness and compulsory-victimhood, that police themselves are now
actually advising citizens that it is their civic duty to passively allow
themselves to be murdered by violent criminals and take no action to prevent it!
If recent events are any guide, this "be-a-willing-victim"
strategy will
play right into the hands of murderous sociopaths, but none of this seems to
concern leftist bureaucrats. Even the concept of "being a hero" is now
denigrated and mocked as somehow unpatriotic!

Amazing that American Citizens are being officially instructed that there is
nothing worth fighting for, not even their own lives, not even the lives of

their families! ... and this "guidance" is being promulgated by public
employees, who, paradoxically, are all bearing guns Their deeds belie their
vacuous rhetoric! Their lives are apparently worth protecting. Ours evidently
aren't.
"Find out just what the people will submit to, and you will have found the
exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and
these will continue until they are resisted, with either words or blows, or
both.

The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they
oppress."

Fred Douglass

22 comments:

  1. GS - not (only) liberals' fault - it's all the TV dinners, malls, air conditioning, corn syrup, big screen TVs, etc. Most of America is in some kind of convenience induced daze - far to docile to step out of their "comfort zone."

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  2. I would still feel safer walking the dogs -- in Illinois!!! -- with a concealed carry in my pocket. Our lawmakers don't allow that here. I guess I'll have to let the dogs take care of me. (Or else be compliant!)

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  3. Slim,
    While I would never encourage anyone else to break the law, I refuse to be a victim or a statistic. While I was home this last time I got my carry permit; I'm finally legal to do what I've been doing for years. Not having that card in the past ever made me think that I didn't have a right to defend myself or that my only option was capitulation, even in Illinois.
    While the government would love for you to believe that they are capable of providing for your safety and well being, the bottom line is your personal welfare and that of your family is your responsibility.

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  4. While I acknowledge the absurdity of this particular "community outreach" publicity stunt,I would bet a paycheck that the policemen didn't want to participate in this bullshit exercise,but were ordered to by the bureaucracy.Politics is too involved in police work,nowadays.Every time they forcefully subdue some drug-crazed moron trying to be Billy BadAss,some flakes make it into a "cause",usually from a safe distance like Hollywood or college campus.Police aren't called until AFTER Bad happens-best to make sure Bad doesn't happen to you.Carry a gun or weapon,anyway-it is your life,not someone else's to take away,or give away with a piece of paper.

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  5. Once again,"alphadog" wrote it as I was thinking it.Literally,I would not be here today if I played it like the authorities wanted.Like Dylan once sang,"Sometimes you have to live outside the Law to be honest"-and still alive.I speak of idiot laws made by idiots to be followed by sheeple.

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  6. Another recommended author,if you aren't aware of,is Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels.Lotsa cool techo info on firearms within.The fact that Child is English is amazing,since he writes such a great fictional loner American Hero.

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  7. tjones,
    As I've stated in the past, there's the law and there's what is right.

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  8. The concept of "don't be a hero" isn't a liberal one. When I went into the military, one of the first things they drilled into us at basic training was to not be a hero.

    Doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of an opportunity if you have one, though.

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  9. Jag,
    If you're suggesting that Conservatives are responsible for my 'comfort zone', then I say thank you Conservatives. I like to be able to pre-program my coffee maker, loaded with Jamaica Blue Mountain, and have it available to me as soon as I get up.
    I like being able to go to Wal-Mart and buy any day to day item I need at a fair price. (Don't start with any rant about the oppression of W-M's employees).
    I like microwave ovens or the option to do ribs on my charcoal grill.
    I like getting back to my motel at night and having that first bit of libation, the air conditioner working, the internet available and a shower that blasts me with water at a temperature of my choosing simply at the twist of the handle.
    As the greatest country in the world, I believe Americans are entitled to enjoy every comfort and pleasure that we and our ancestors worked so damned hard to make possible and I make no apologies for my indulgences.
    How do you find fault with this?
    My complaint is with the premise that our omnipotent government is better able to care for me than I am able to care for myself. And when our government, through legislation, limits my ability to care for myself in a manner that I see fit, I stand opposed to that government.

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  10. Same all across the West, "be good little sheeple. Don't fight, don't resist. There's nothing to fear but raising your own hands against us. The New World Order is here and you'd better get used to it. It's all good, really, those screams are just your imagination. Go back to sleep, and let us worry about your future."

    Worry, that is, about how best to end it.

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  11. AD - nothing wrong with comfort in general (I certainly have AC, and a small TV, etc)... it's when it gets the better of people that it becomes a problem. What I mean is when you forget what's important in life, case in point standing up for what's right with violence if necessary, in favor of "comfort abuse" you become a craven sheep herded by all the promises of infinite security.

    I don't think it's a liberal/conservative thing so much as a symptom of wealth lacking discipline.

    (P.S. I don't like Wal*Mart because I'd much rather have all the little local stores back... not that I don't go there occasionally. Luckily we have very good local grocers around where I live.)

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  12. Jag..

    "Wealth lacking discipline" IS a liberal thing.

    In the Socialist (Liberal) world, things are given to you without your having to EARN it.

    That is what "Redistribution of Wealth" means:

    "People who earn it are forced to give it to slugs who don't."

    Almost no Jeffersonian Liberals (Conservatives) have a problem with over-docility! Remember who has all the guns! Not too many Conservatives are in a "convenience-induced daze"; they're too busy working.

    In fact, that's why you don't see big Conservative protest rallies; they're too busy working; or Conservatives living in trees, or rioting, or getting addicted to drugs in huge numbers, or on welfare...they're too busy working.

    It is most definitely a Liberal/Conservative thing.

    It is not Conservatives who encourage people to be sheep; they're too busy cleaning their guns. And it's not Conservatives who get sucked into such nonsense; they're too busy loading their guns.

    Jag...no offense, but I think you know too many Liberals...and assume they're "typical" Americans. I know I did.

    But, trust me, they're not. There is an entire world of people out there who are not docile, have never been docile, and have no intention of being docile.

    Ever.

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  13. Alpha and TJones:

    LEX MALLA, LEX NULLA

    "Bad law is no law."

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  14. Steve,

    "Don't Be a Hero" is Liberal when it means: "Don't fight back, don't defend yourself and your loved ones. Be meek, mild and submissive in the face of violence. You don't want to make the mean man mad."

    It's Conservative when it means: "Kid, no matter what you think, you're not immortal, don't be a complete jackass."

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  15. Gunslinger - with all due respect, it is you who are wrong. Conservatives don't work harder than Liberals - the income difference between them is almost zero.

    Also, most people in America are not "Jeffersonian Liberals." So that's not particularly relevant. Most Americans are relatively moderate.

    There are plenty of Conservative protest events (that's three links for you).

    Drug abuse? Let's not forget Rush. Or the alcohol problems in "red states" (psychotropics are a HUGE part of human history - practically everyone is on something, whether it be alcohol or pot, pain killers or crack).

    The problem is not being over-docile. The problem is not thinking for yourself and in many cases not thinking at all. Which is a large problem in America. Not just for Liberals.

    And I have no problems that my tax money goes to people who are in need of financial assistance for themselves and their children. Call it what you will, but they aren't "slugs."

    It would seem you have a very idealized view of the people who follow your own philosophy and an overly harsh view of people who disagree with you. That sort of attitude is going to kill America.

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  16. I meant to cite references for a few other things in that last one (not that I think anyone reads them).

    Alcohol abuse

    American political affiliation

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  17. Jag, you're being self-righteous and vague. I can't answer you because you haven't actually SAID anything, except that you're more generous and kind and giving and loving than I am. (eyes rolling back in my head :-)

    Some people ARE slugs. Or haven't you noticed? Some people think they have a RIGHT to what you have, just because they don't have it.

    Haven't you noticed?

    Some people blame everything and everyone else for their own failure to work hard, plan, economize, do without, delay gratification, and sacrifice.

    Haven't you noticed?

    People who are losing their homes in this "housing crisis", for example, are people who bought houses they could not afford. They ALL made financially irresponsible decisions. And now they want the government, that is, taxpayers, that is, you and me,to bail them out.

    People do not have a RIGHT to own a house...any house...and CERTAINLY not the big house on the hill that they cannot afford.

    They need to lose their homes, and get back to reality—that smaller house or that apartment that they can afford on their income...and where they should have stayed the whole time.

    All I can say is..."Too Bad, So Sad...don't be so stupid next time."

    Where were they when I didn't buy that big screen HDTV because I needed to pay my credit card bills?

    Where were they when I drove that old car until I could AFFORD to buy a new one...and bought a very economical model that was well within my price range and ability to pay—and paid it off in two years?

    Where were they when I did without luxuries, and fun new gadgets, and shopped at Target because that's all I could afford?

    Why didn't I just spend my way into bankruptcy...and then cry poor-mouth and whine and demand that they "bail me out" so I could keep all that cool stuff I bought even though I can't pay for it?

    C'mon, Jag. Who are YOU talking about? The POOR people who can't eat, clothe themselves or afford shelter in America?

    Of course we're all ready and willing to help those who are really needy...and there aren't very many of those.

    But there are a LOT who have come to believe that they have a RIGHT to have what other people have without doing what other people did to get it.

    And I have no moral qualms about telling them it's on them to get it for themselves. Just like I did—-working every day, doing without stuff I wanted, saving my money, living within my means.

    In this country you can do that if you're willing, no matter what color you are, what sex or whatever other "identity" group you belong to.

    Except for the very few truly incapacitated, there are just no excuses except laziness.

    America was founded and built by and for people who "did for themselves" and that's why it's so great. It's becoming the land of "do it for me" and that's what's going to "kill America".

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  18. Jag,
    Your point that Americans have become apathetic, cocooned in their comfort zone and willing to let the government provide for their well being is half right. Your contention that it is not a liberal/conservative thing is totally wrong.
    Big government is good government and the government knows what is best for you is a basic tenet of liberal philosophy.
    Research it if you doubt me, but all legislation introduced to undermine your right to keep and bear arms has been by liberals. The usurpation of the Second Amendment is the most heinous attack on the Constitution imaginable; it's the one amendment that guarantees all others.
    By doing this liberals have compromised your ability to defend yourself and your family against threats on your person by individuals, overbearing domestic government and foreign nationals. In essence, you are accepting the idea that your government will protect you; what a load of shit. Take a count of all the murders that have taken place in 'Gun Free Zones'. A place designated by liberals as a safe haven. A place where law abiding citizens comply and individuals bent on violence know that it's a safe haven for them.
    It's a fact that guns kill people. That's exactly why they are such a deterrent to evil doers.
    Conservatives understand this and spend one hell of a lot of time, money and effort defending the Second. Liberals take false comfort in believing that the world's a safer place because those who obey the law cannot legally carry a gun in a gun free zone.

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  19. Gunslinger - Really wasn't trying to be self-righteous :) (or to imply that you are less generous than me - I don't even know you.)

    I have noticed! Some people certainly are slugs, but the vast majority of people on welfare deserve help IMHO.

    My point was that the things you were saying about liberals a couple of comments back are just as relevant to conservatives. In fact, America has a lot of problems that are not divided by liberal/conservative, and this is one of them.

    Otherwise, we seem to agree - those who need assistance deserve it. Most people on welfare deserve it (I would be happy to see any evidence to the contrary... I can only do so much research, y'know).

    Back to the point, you had said that docility was a Liberal problem because of X reasons, and I said conservatives have the same problems and are also docile :) It's a problem in America for every "group!"

    AD - y'all on this blog have definitely made my ideas about gun control more solid. I don't feel I need one and don't have one, because I don't like them though. You better believe if I felt I needed one for some reason or another, I would have one ASAP. For now I feel plenty safe with my camping knife and whatever random objects are lying about to hit someone.

    I think... but I'm not sure, that it's better to avoid arming yourself with a gun until you need one (not last minute or anything... always know where the winds blowing).

    Pfft. This was a long day. I hope I am making more sense now, but who knows :)

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  20. Jag,
    A little more free advice my friend. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

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  21. AAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKK!

    Alphadog, I swear to GOD! I was just going to leave that VERY comment!

    Jag, why don't you like guns? Do you like hammers? Do you like steak knives? Do you like hand saws?

    What is the difference, exactly?

    A gun is tool. It is better at accomplishing a certain task better than other tools.

    Why use a flip-flop instead of a hammer to drive a nail?

    I don't know if you've ever tried to hit an armed man standing 10 feet away, with a lamp, but it's not really very effective as self-defense.

    Dude, the bad guys have GUNS.

    What is your aversion to being prepared to defend yourself?

    Are you going to wait until you're careening down the side of a mountain to put your seatbelt on...or buy car insurance?

    Are you going to wait until you're threated by an armed criminal to buy a gun?

    You might find it's a little too late at that point.

    By the time you notice which way the wind is blowing, the storm is already here.

    Jesus, Jag. Go take a course at your local gun range. Try it. You'll like it. It's fun. And it's good for your self-esteem.

    And then I don't have to worry about you.

    Gimme a break, will ya?

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  22. GS, I've shot rifles before, it is fun. I don't like guns because I don't like any weapons. Of course, if I felt I needed one to protect myself or would soon, I would get one. And, I am thinking of taking of getting courses and visiting the range - I'd like to know how to use one better.

    I guess my sentiment is that while you shouldn't bring a knife to a gun fight, you shouldn't bring a gun to a fist fight.

    We'll probably just have to agree to disagree on this one. And for the record, if you feel you need a gun I am glad you have one. Don't worry about me! I have more than lamps lying around my house and anyone who attacked me on the street wouldn't get much from me anyway (and they might find they lost a kidney).

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