- Be aware of your surroundings. Don't have your face down in your Smartphone or your book. Observe what's going on around you and look for things that are out of place.
- When something makes you nervous, it's probably for a reason. If the little monkey in the back of your head starts gibbering and wants to run up a tree, be smart enough to at least look closely at whatever it is that's spooking it.
- You do not have to make strangers happy. It is okay to be brusque, even rude if necessary, if someone is making you uncomfortable. It is okay to say "No, I am not going to get into your windowless van because you give me the creeps and don't you take one step closer."
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
When your spider-sense tingles...
Kit has a great post that's like a primer on How To Not Have To Shoot Somebody:
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19 comments:
Reminds me of the "Gift of Fear" ...
Situational Awareness is just how to be in public.
Nit picking
"because you give me the creeps"-
Never explain, to them it's just a new basis to talk to you and inside your own mind it's seeking justification.
Like a breakup, or firing someone, or quitting a job you hate. No good can possibly come to you from explanations.
Just "NO".
I always assume everyone is an asshole, waiting for an opportunity to mess with me. Everyone.
And anyone calls me Francis, I'll kill them.
Be polite, be professional, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet. - Gen. Mattis
One of my favorite quotes and attitudes ever.
But when its time to hit the "Go" button, do it with 110% commitment.
As John Farnam says, shooting people is expensive. Try not to do it.
Gerry
http://www.iowacarry.org/forums1/index.php?showtopic=23516
This was originally on ar15.com. Everyone that carrys a gun should read this. The man makes a lot of good points.
I sadly recognize that I'm not good at being un-civil to strangers, especially saying things like: "Show me your hands!" or even using the "Command Voice."
Maybe being a parent would have prepared me for that behavior, but I'm not and I really stumble when I try it.
Og,
Good point.
and Oh....
Lighten up Francis. ;}
Too many people walking around in conition "white". You have to pay attention folks...
since i am surrounded by libtards i see this every day...
they think everyone is of their 'love, peace, good vibes, spare change' mindset...
they can't believe it when the 'oppressed turdwurld immigrant' pulls a knife or a 'glock 4tay' and
does a number on them...
we warn them of the 'no-go' areas and they ignore us and call us 'waithist' and other pc catch-phrases...
if only their stupidity could be fatal, all the time, every day, without exception...
i guess that's too much to hope for...
But what if the strangers have CANDY?
Good call on the "Gift of Fear", Julie.
Always amazes me to see the little college bumpkins bopping down the street with their pony tails bouncing like a deer butt, headphones stuffed into their ears, heads down texting...all while jogging down the same street where I pull over for guests to take pictures of the bears and mountain lions.
It never hurts to be reminded.
As for those who will not understand what we are talking about before something happens - well, if you can;t do anything else you can serve as the good example. Please have who to notify/where to send the remains pinned to your underwear when you go out - cops love it when they don't have to carry an open J. Doe file for decades.
stay safe.
The thing is, the best way to not have to shoot someone is to be aware and confident, and it has nothing to do with seeing them and being able to plan as they approach what you are going to do. The fact is, if you're aware and confident - if you're walking with your shoulders back, your head up, and telegraphing a "don't mess with me" attitude, they won't approach you in the first place. They'll just wait for easier prey to come along.
Not always.
A friend was walking in Denver with his wife. They were talking. He noticed a young man subtly change direction to coincide trajectories with them. When they came closer, he was watching the guys eyes, and didnt like what he saw there. Friends hands went to lift his shirt and put hand on pistol there, young man looked slightly away from him, friend looked behind, there were 5 guys approaching from behind, first guy warned them off. Friend hadn't seen them coming. Friend is large, and not the slightest bit meek looking, but was chosen anyway.
Friends wife continued the conversation, completely unaware of the turn of events.
This is the point I usualy pimp Rory Millers books, because he such a good read.
Thank you, as a hell of a coincidence, I read your post, her post, and the linked ARFCOM post and just yesterday had to apply the knowledge to a couple of scumbags in a public laundry. No shots fired, but a nerve wracking hour and 15 minutes of strategizing and moving. I seriously contemplated abandoning the comforters and paying Kim back later. even called 911 to alert authorities to the perceived threat. long story. long hour. Thanks again.
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