Sometimes the enemy is us

[Dragonbreath]

Pogo was right; "we has met the enemy, and they is us". For those of us who carry firearms legally, this can be having the wrong state of mind. If we are puffed up and proud of our skills - "bring on the bag guys, I'll mow 'em all down" thinking, then we can actually push borderline situations into violence be being too aggressive. As the saying goes, a true Karate master is humble, and ALWAYS tries to avoid a fight, even when he can easily finish it.

Personally, I try to focus on being humble, calm, firm and steady in opposing evil when I find it. I try to be as unemotional as possible, since strong emotion is the enemy of good decision-making. I remember that it's not about me being a hero, it's about letting BGs know that I'm a "sheepdog" and the only way they are getting to the sheep is that they have to get past me first.

I'm 63 years old, and I'm not a fast nor as strong as I used to be. I don't train as much as I should, don't exercise enough, and I'm overweight. Still, I couldn't live with myself if I stood by and did nothing when I or others are threatened with violence. If there's a LEO available, or a younger and stronger man, I'll gladly step aside and let them handle it (and be there to back them up). But if I'm all there is between the BGs and the good people, I WILL step up and do my best. I owe it to myself and others - if I won't defend others, then I have no right to expect others to defend me. So, for me, it's the Bible's Golden Rule in real time.

 

[TC1926]

Great post. Something for everyone to keep in mind.

TC

 

[ironmike86]

That was me 25 yrs ago. And still see affects of my stupid actions. This may actual help a youngster now if they pay attention.

 

[tuts40]

Good thoughts there Dragonbreath. I'm not much of a 'sheepdog' though, but if it's my family or friends then yes become involved directly. If it's someone I do not know tho I'd likely do the '911' thing and observe as much as possible as we don't always really know what the situation is. Could be a victim that actually turned the tide on the BG and if that's the only part of the interaction we see we could assume the one dishing up some hurt is the BG, you know what I mean. Anyway, my family and friends are going to get my direct involvement in any and all assistance, the rest will likely get LEO help when it arrives, depending on the circumstances of course. Too many possibilities, too many what if's and situations I suppose for me to throw a blanket statement out there.

Oh, in regard to your statement that a true fighter is humble and always tries to avoid a fight... Spot on and well said, dragon.

Keep up the practice, get some exercise (even "just" fast walking or such), and stay in condition yellow my friend.

 

[Mobuck]

I have mixed thoughts about getting into someone else's problem BUT I wasn't raised to let a kid, woman, or old person be abused. There would be some qualifiers to this statement depending on the specific situation. I have put myself between possible threats and a person I felt was in danger or who was being intimidated by a 3rd party. I've not had to make a distinction of good vs bad since each occurance was obvious and unquestionable.
Would I shoot if the situation warranted? I hope it doesn't reach that level but it wouldn't be my first incident. Would it be in my best interest? Probably not but sometimes you have to do what's right and deal with the fallout later. There are some people who I would probably not physically assist. They are the ones who would like to take my 2nd Amendment rights and the ones whose only response is"call 911" rather than try to help themselves.

 

[Hoganbeg]

Keep in mind that often all that is needed is a show of force meaning someone else to stand up with the victim and say this person is not alone. Most bullies are cowards when the odds aren't in their favor. Still, you never know where the confrontation will lead and you must be prepared to back up your stance.

I was trained that I will never know what I will do in any given situation. I know what I'm capable of and what I might do but it is only at that moment of final decision that I will know my options.

 

[Providence Ranch]

Great post. Love the explanation of the karate master.

I am interested, though, in what exact Golden Rule you speak of from the Bible? Is there a verse?

If I had one to offer, being more the sheepdog type than some (but no mall ninja or CCW badge displayer) it would be John 15:13 NASB...

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."