Hillwilliam
Posts: 19394
Joined: 8/27/2008 Status: offline
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It depends on where I am. I've lived in large and fairly dangerous (for the US) places and I've lived in small towns. It requires a totally different mindset. In this town, even at oh dark hundred on a saturday morning, if I see a stranger, I wouldn't have a problem approaching him and asking "Can I help you?" while keeping an eye on his hands. In a place like miami, where I lived for 18 years, the mindset is totally different. Firstly, situational awareness needs to be ratcheted up tenfold if not more. If you notice someone purposefully headed your way, the first reaction should be to E&E. (Escape and Evade). EVEN IF YOU ARE CARRYING. Pop into a store, restaurant or bar. Find a large group of people. Don't be alone. If you are driving and think you are being followed, Dont go Home. Circle the block a few times and make sure you don't get boxed. Countless home invasions began with someone noticing they were being followed and they drove for what they thought was safety at home. Once in the driveway, the game is over. In an urban environment, tight clothes aren't a good idea. I don't care if you have biceps as big as your head and love to show them off. Tight clothes show that you aren't armed. You can have an Nth degree blackbelt in any martial art you care to name and bench 400 pounds but if some little fatassed punk with a gun wants to fuck up your evening, he can and will. In any armed conflict, 3 things are important. Numbers, firepower and terrain. In an urban environment, you probably have none of the above working for you. Even special forces with all their training and firepower hate urban environments because of that terrain thing. The most important thing you can have in an urban environment is attitude. Criminals prey on the weak and the lost. If you look like neither, your odds of being a victim go way down. Create doubt in the potential assailant's mind. Even if you ARE lost, walk with a purpose and a direction. Don't stop and stare and make it obvious you're trying to get your bearings. I've carried a weapon when I had to work in Liberty City and Overtown and noone ever knew about it except one police officer that was wondering what I was doing in that neighborhood at that time. I made sure he knew what I had, where it was, what I was doing and that I was allowed. Remember, the most important weapon you can carry is your brain. Don't make a firearm a replacement for your brain.
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Kinkier than a cheap garden hose. Whoever said "Religion is the opiate of the masses" never heard Right Wing talk radio. Don't blame me, I voted for Gary Johnson.
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