^I arrested hundreds of people, first years, we didn’t even carry guns. I never had to shoot anyone, even ARMED people, to affect an arrest. Having citizens “playing cop”, with guns, and no sense of responsibility for their actions, is, sadly, fostered by “stand your ground”, especially when placed so poorly in the hands, so to speak, of such as Zimmerman.
In combat, guns were a different thing.
As a “civilian” I also had “encounters” with violent people, who STARTED the incidents, mostly because I WAS a G.I. in “their” town, and they resented the military, had nothing to do with ’Nam actually.
Walking in Portland with my boss one night, we came upon to “gentlemen” of a different race, who might have had ill intent. I just greeted them with a friendly smile, and said" Hi guys, how’s it going this evening." They both sat back down on the bridge rail, smiled, and said “just fine, man”.
My boss asked, “What would you have done if they’d tried to mug us?” I quite honestly (given experience and training, NOT a “tough guy”) simply said, “Thrown them on the freeway.” My boss just meekly said, “oh”.
So, there IS something to say that is NOT BS, and is of value for all people who may find themselves in “uncomfortable” circumstance. The best way to avoid becoming a victim, is don’t behave, or act like one!!! In dealing with cougars and bears, or “hostile” people, standing your ground (no gun needed), and watching your posture and demeanor to appear confident, and by effect, “bigger than your are”, IS a powerful defense!! I’ve seen 5’3" women effectively use this technique.
Of course, there’s also the fact that if you don’t go looking for trouble, you’re less likely to find it.
^I arrested hundreds of people, first years, we didn’t even carry guns. I never had to shoot anyone, even ARMED people, to affect an arrest. Having citizens “playing cop”, with guns, and no sense of responsibility for their actions, is, sadly, fostered by “stand your ground”, especially when placed so poorly in the hands, so to speak, of such as Zimmerman.
In combat, guns were a different thing.
As a “civilian” I also had “encounters” with violent people, who STARTED the incidents, mostly because I WAS a G.I. in “their” town, and they resented the military, had nothing to do with ’Nam actually.
Walking in Portland with my boss one night, we came upon to “gentlemen” of a different race, who might have had ill intent. I just greeted them with a friendly smile, and said" Hi guys, how’s it going this evening." They both sat back down on the bridge rail, smiled, and said “just fine, man”.
My boss asked, “What would you have done if they’d tried to mug us?” I quite honestly (given experience and training, NOT a “tough guy”) simply said, “Thrown them on the freeway.” My boss just meekly said, “oh”.
So, there IS something to say that is NOT BS, and is of value for all people who may find themselves in “uncomfortable” circumstance. The best way to avoid becoming a victim, is don’t behave, or act like one!!! In dealing with cougars and bears, or “hostile” people, standing your ground (no gun needed), and watching your posture and demeanor to appear confident, and by effect, “bigger than your are”, IS a powerful defense!! I’ve seen 5’3" women effectively use this technique.
Of course, there’s also the fact that if you don’t go looking for trouble, you’re less likely to find it.