Recent video of a man with PVC pipe attacking people on Denver’s 16th Street Mall stunned me. The surprise wasn’t the attack. It was that not one person was willing to stop him from hurting others. Americans traditionally defend others. Something has changed.
I believe in life on other planets. The Creator clearly loves diversity, so I’m playing the odds.
I believe in motherhood, apple pie, and–okay, Honda. (Chevy ain’t what it used to be.)
I also believe strongly in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Note that I haven’t said I believe in guns. Guns are a tool. Like cars, they can be used for good or evil. But the real key to the Second Amendment is the will of the people to defend themselves and each other.
Ted Noyes, “Sensei Ted”, understood the right use of force. Inventor of his own martial art–Tsu Jido–meaning “Way of the Way” or “Way of the Street”, he led the Denver Chapter of the Guardian Angels and had over 1000 arrests without any being thrown out due to misconduct. He also valued gun rights. His mindset was never to cause trouble, but to stop it.
As ISIS and other Islamic Fundamentalists continue attacks on anyone who disagrees with their interpretation of Islam world-wide and as more disturbed people become violent, each individual must choose whether to fight or submit. Will you choose to allow slaughter or plan with others a response to save lives?
The odds of needing to do this are very low. But failing to acknowledge this possibility will cost lives. It’s like pretending a fire or tornado can’t strike. The aftermath becomes much worse.
A situation may call for any number of responses. We still need to defend the innocent. Learn what you need to do in a crisis before you are in one.
I see no evidence of the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and reserve judgment on Santa. But Islamic Terrorists are real. Disturbed people are real.
I will respond carefully, but I will not submit.