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What's your personal short story on why you carry?
05-17-2015, 11:20 AM, (This post was last modified: 05-17-2015, 11:21 AM by bradberry.)
#1
What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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#1
I got this idea from reading Dutz's blog on "Leveling the field".

So lets start off with one from Dutz: Here is the link to Dutz's: https://rdaforum.com/thread-1411.html

So lets start off with one from Dutz: Here is the link to Dutz's: https://rdaforum.com/thread-1411.html
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05-17-2015, 07:16 PM, (This post was last modified: 05-17-2015, 07:41 PM by Karl B.)
#2
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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#2
The extremely short story is, because I can.

My mom found out I carry last week. She asked, "Why do you feel the need to carry a loaded gun all the time around here? It's a safe area." I countered with my go-to question, "Why do you wear a seat belt? Are you expecting to get into an accident every time you drive your car?" She said, "No. It's a safety precaution in case I do." Then the expression on her face changed and she said, "Okay, I get it now."

Basically, I don't know if a normal trip to the store is going to turn into something much worse. If that does ever happen, I want to be able to protect myself and my loved ones. I'm sure most everyone here would agree when I say I hope I never have to draw my gun for self defense purposes, but should the need arise, I want the option.

I don't have a personal story like the ones Dutz mentioned, but I've read enough stories about bad things happening to unarmed good people to make it personal enough.

My mom found out I carry last week. She asked, "Why do you feel the need to carry a loaded gun all the time around here? It's a safe area." I countered with my go-to question, "Why do you wear a seat belt? Are you expecting to get into an accident every time you drive your car?" She said, "No. It's a safety precaution in case I do." Then the expression on her face changed and she said, "Okay, I get it now."

Basically, I don't know if a normal trip to the store is going to turn into something much worse. If that does ever happen, I want to be able to protect myself and my loved ones. I'm sure most everyone here would agree when I say I hope I never have to draw my gun for self defense purposes, but should the need arise, I want the option.

I don't have a personal story like the ones Dutz mentioned, but I've read enough stories about bad things happening to unarmed good people to make it personal enough.
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05-17-2015, 07:46 PM,
#3
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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#3
I agree with the first part of your answer and loved the comment on the second part.

For myself....well I don't want to be a statistic.

Two short ones.
First one is with the family heading to my parents from Bakersfield to Ventura and we noticed the traffic on I-5 south was at a stand still. I then noticed Sheriffs and CHP in full riot gear all along the freeway. As we got closer to our connecting freeway we noticed that the freeway was being over run with AA's rocking cars, and intimidating people as you drove down the freeway. Apparently there was a rap concert at Magic Mountain in Valencia that sold out. People were pissed so they started rioting and it spilled out of the park and onto the freeway. Sure glad I had my Ruger Security Six under my seat.

I was heading to a meeting in Long Beach for the company I worked for (Prime Equipment) and as I got closer to the area I noticed that the directions were not quite clear. So I stopped at a payphone to call the corp office to verify the address where I was going. While I was on phone a load of gang bangers in their low rider pulled up and started to roll the windows down. At that point I pull up my shirt to reveal my conceal carry. Nice and shiny SS ruger 357. At that point the windows went up and they drove out of the parking lot. When I got to my destination we all sat down for the meeting. I was feeling a little uneasy since I am sure it was against corp policy to have a gun. The RVP started the meeting by saying, first of all lets all take our guns out and set them over in the locker so we can be more comfortable. I was surprised when all twenty persons at the table unholstered a gun and locked it up in a locker. The sad part is that our LB office was right next door to the Sheriffs office. This was in the early 90's.

I carry because I can and feel the need to protect myself and others if the need arises.

For myself....well I don't want to be a statistic.

Two short ones.
First one is with the family heading to my parents from Bakersfield to Ventura and we noticed the traffic on I-5 south was at a stand still. I then noticed Sheriffs and CHP in full riot gear all along the freeway. As we got closer to our connecting freeway we noticed that the freeway was being over run with AA's rocking cars, and intimidating people as you drove down the freeway. Apparently there was a rap concert at Magic Mountain in Valencia that sold out. People were pissed so they started rioting and it spilled out of the park and onto the freeway. Sure glad I had my Ruger Security Six under my seat.

I was heading to a meeting in Long Beach for the company I worked for (Prime Equipment) and as I got closer to the area I noticed that the directions were not quite clear. So I stopped at a payphone to call the corp office to verify the address where I was going. While I was on phone a load of gang bangers in their low rider pulled up and started to roll the windows down. At that point I pull up my shirt to reveal my conceal carry. Nice and shiny SS ruger 357. At that point the windows went up and they drove out of the parking lot. When I got to my destination we all sat down for the meeting. I was feeling a little uneasy since I am sure it was against corp policy to have a gun. The RVP started the meeting by saying, first of all lets all take our guns out and set them over in the locker so we can be more comfortable. I was surprised when all twenty persons at the table unholstered a gun and locked it up in a locker. The sad part is that our LB office was right next door to the Sheriffs office. This was in the early 90's.

I carry because I can and feel the need to protect myself and others if the need arises.
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05-17-2015, 11:28 PM, (This post was last modified: 05-18-2015, 02:45 PM by AcilletaM.)
#4
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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For me, it is about being prepared like wearing a seatbelt, having airbags, or a fire extinguisher. I've never been in the situation where I've needed one and it's not my goal to be but if it does happen I want to be prepared.
  • I went to a small private nerd school in downtown Milwaukee where most students preferred Dungeon's and Dragon's to parties. The perception that the school sold was this was where all of the top people in your high school class went. I found out pretty quick it was more along the lines of whoever could pay the tuition. A couple of my physics lab partners were paying their way through school by selling drugs.
  • One of guys on my dorm floor delivered pizza and was robbed several times and it wasn't the "bad neighborhoods" where it happened.
  • For a few months after I graduated I lived in a squatter house with 5 other people. It was on the eastside of Milwaukee and was on one of the streets that a lot of homeless people travelled as they went back and forth from the lakefront and downtown. We couldn't leave anything outside on the decks that we didn't want stolen. A few months after I moved out somebody came in the front door while my roommates were home and stole what they could grab from the living room including a decent-sized TV.
  • When I first moved to Illinois I lived in an apartment complex on Green Bay Road in Waukegan. A friend who lived in the building next to me was questioned by police because a body had been dumped in the wooded area in front of her apartment. She was not a suspect, they were just hoping she saw something.
  • Same apartment complex, had a neighbor who was a suspect in a robbery of the Hobo on 120 and also of selling drugs. He wasn't quite right - I was helping the friend from the previous point move out and while we were carrying stuff to the truck the guy was outside randomly yelling and goose stepping. Another time I made the mistake of loaning my phone to a person who said her friend wasn't answering the door and wanted to leave a message. Turned out to be him. Called me for the next couple of weeks asking who I was and why my number was on his phone. He was eventually arrested and evicted.
  • As I was moving out of that apartment there was a doctor from the Ukraine moving into the apartment across the hall from me. I sold him most of my furniture and stuff. Nice guy. To park in this complex you were required to have a street parking permit from Waukegan. He was mugged as he left city hall after buying the parking permit.
  • Since I've lived where I am now there has been a home invasion and a man-hunt with helicopters within blocks of me and I live in what is supposed to be a nice area.
  • I went to a small private nerd school in downtown Milwaukee where most students preferred Dungeon's and Dragon's to parties. The perception that the school sold was this was where all of the top people in your high school class went. I found out pretty quick it was more along the lines of whoever could pay the tuition. A couple of my physics lab partners were paying their way through school by selling drugs.
  • One of guys on my dorm floor delivered pizza and was robbed several times and it wasn't the "bad neighborhoods" where it happened.
  • For a few months after I graduated I lived in a squatter house with 5 other people. It was on the eastside of Milwaukee and was on one of the streets that a lot of homeless people travelled as they went back and forth from the lakefront and downtown. We couldn't leave anything outside on the decks that we didn't want stolen. A few months after I moved out somebody came in the front door while my roommates were home and stole what they could grab from the living room including a decent-sized TV.
  • When I first moved to Illinois I lived in an apartment complex on Green Bay Road in Waukegan. A friend who lived in the building next to me was questioned by police because a body had been dumped in the wooded area in front of her apartment. She was not a suspect, they were just hoping she saw something.
  • Same apartment complex, had a neighbor who was a suspect in a robbery of the Hobo on 120 and also of selling drugs. He wasn't quite right - I was helping the friend from the previous point move out and while we were carrying stuff to the truck the guy was outside randomly yelling and goose stepping. Another time I made the mistake of loaning my phone to a person who said her friend wasn't answering the door and wanted to leave a message. Turned out to be him. Called me for the next couple of weeks asking who I was and why my number was on his phone. He was eventually arrested and evicted.
  • As I was moving out of that apartment there was a doctor from the Ukraine moving into the apartment across the hall from me. I sold him most of my furniture and stuff. Nice guy. To park in this complex you were required to have a street parking permit from Waukegan. He was mugged as he left city hall after buying the parking permit.
  • Since I've lived where I am now there has been a home invasion and a man-hunt with helicopters within blocks of me and I live in what is supposed to be a nice area.
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05-18-2015, 07:43 AM,
#5
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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I refuse to be a victim. I seriously believe the USA is going to experience a collapse as the socialist elements attempt to take over. I prefer to be armed. Let the lambs be led to slaughter. I truly believe in the Constitution, and intent to defend it, let the chips fall where they may.
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -Col. Jeff Cooper
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -Col. Jeff Cooper
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05-18-2015, 10:04 AM,
#6
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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Just like what appears to be most of you guys thankfully, I haven't been directly involved in a confrontation that was too bad. Sketchy, but nothing crazy. I've always been self conscious of personal safety, and taken marital arts classes ect. As mentioned, I have it just like wearing the seatbelt. Just in case. But we're all surrounded by evil day in and day out. When it decides to rear is ugly head near me, I'd like as many options as possible!
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05-18-2015, 11:03 AM, (This post was last modified: 05-18-2015, 06:12 PM by Overtrim.)
#7
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?

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When I was 18, I carried and instead of having a permit, I was issued a special deputy card by the local sheriff. The time frame was the beginnings of the civil rights movement and tensions were high in the south. As the tension eased, I did not feel the need to carry as much and stopped.

Now there is no part of town or country that seems to be safe. I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their cloak and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.

I carry because it is my responsibility to protect my loving wife of 54 years from harm. I carry for myself because I am too old, too feeble and too stubborn to run, and I do not intend to take a butt whipping from anyone.

Now there is no part of town or country that seems to be safe. I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their cloak and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.

I carry because it is my responsibility to protect my loving wife of 54 years from harm. I carry for myself because I am too old, too feeble and too stubborn to run, and I do not intend to take a butt whipping from anyone.
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05-18-2015, 11:24 AM,
#8
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 11:03 AM)Overtrim Wrote: I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their clock and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.

I can answer that question. I do trust God. And when He saves me from drowning after falling out of the boat I expect Him to ask, "BTW, why didn't you learn how to swim?". And when he saves me from bad guys shooting at me, I expect him to ask, "BTW, why aren't you carrying a gun?". Or when He heals my rotten teeth, I expect him to ask "Why don't you ever brush?"
(05-18-2015, 11:03 AM)Overtrim Wrote: I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their clock and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.
I can answer that question. I do trust God. And when He saves me from drowning after falling out of the boat I expect Him to ask, "BTW, why didn't you learn how to swim?". And when he saves me from bad guys shooting at me, I expect him to ask, "BTW, why aren't you carrying a gun?". Or when He heals my rotten teeth, I expect him to ask "Why don't you ever brush?"
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05-18-2015, 12:25 PM,
#9
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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#9
Good call dutz. I'm going to remember that for sure. My mom was being grilled by her coworkers about me carrying. which is retarded if you ask me.. She has no control over what I do... Even though I do tend to listen her most the time. Either way, she just told them it was my choice, but it would have been good to have said something more along those lines!
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05-18-2015, 12:30 PM,
#10
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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Which, by the way, the verse he was referring to is Luke 22:36 I believe.
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05-18-2015, 02:42 PM,
#11
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?

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#11
(05-18-2015, 12:30 PM)Ringo3632 Wrote: Which, by the way, the verse he was referring to is Luke 22:36 I believe.

It is and I apologize for failing to reference the verse. Thanks
(05-18-2015, 12:30 PM)Ringo3632 Wrote: Which, by the way, the verse he was referring to is Luke 22:36 I believe.
It is and I apologize for failing to reference the verse. Thanks
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05-18-2015, 03:29 PM,
#12
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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I carry to be prepared. I have never been involved in a conflict to where I would need a weapon. But with what happens everyday, I want to be prepared to protect my family and myself. I don't think you can just say I live in a good neighborhood anymore. You have to go out sometime. And even people who live in good neighborhood get burglarized or worse.
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05-18-2015, 03:39 PM,
#13
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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Over 3 decades ago, my Dad used to own a couple gas stations. In the 70's, I was robbed once. I was young and just did as instructed, even though I was pretty sure the robber still had the safety on. About a month later a bakery down the street was robbed, and they shot the baker and his wife. They later caught the guy and it was the same punk that robbed me. The lesson was never lost on me. I will not be a victim again.
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -Col. Jeff Cooper
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." -Col. Jeff Cooper
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05-18-2015, 03:45 PM, (This post was last modified: 05-18-2015, 03:46 PM by Karl B.)
#14
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 03:39 PM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: Over 3 decades ago, my Dad used to own a couple gas stations. In the 70's, I was robbed once. I was young and just did as instructed, even though I was pretty sure the robber still had the safety on. About a month later a bakery down the street was robbed, and they shot the baker and his wife. They later caught the guy and it was the same punk that robbed me. The lesson was never lost on me. I will not be a victim again.

I hate hearing stories like that, but we need to. We need to be reminded that the "it won't happen here/to me" way of thinking is flawed. Evil isn't contained by zip codes or neighborhoods. It can rear it's head anywhere at any time.

Better to be prepared if it does.

Anyone here familiar with Mary Shepard's story? If not, look her up.
(05-18-2015, 03:39 PM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: Over 3 decades ago, my Dad used to own a couple gas stations. In the 70's, I was robbed once. I was young and just did as instructed, even though I was pretty sure the robber still had the safety on. About a month later a bakery down the street was robbed, and they shot the baker and his wife. They later caught the guy and it was the same punk that robbed me. The lesson was never lost on me. I will not be a victim again.
I hate hearing stories like that, but we need to. We need to be reminded that the "it won't happen here/to me" way of thinking is flawed. Evil isn't contained by zip codes or neighborhoods. It can rear it's head anywhere at any time.

Better to be prepared if it does.

Anyone here familiar with Mary Shepard's story? If not, look her up.
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05-18-2015, 04:06 PM,
#15
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 03:45 PM)Karl B Wrote:
(05-18-2015, 03:39 PM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: Over 3 decades ago, my Dad used to own a couple gas stations. In the 70's, I was robbed once. I was young and just did as instructed, even though I was pretty sure the robber still had the safety on. About a month later a bakery down the street was robbed, and they shot the baker and his wife. They later caught the guy and it was the same punk that robbed me. The lesson was never lost on me. I will not be a victim again.

I hate hearing stories like that, but we need to. We need to be reminded that the "it won't happen here/to me" way of thinking is flawed. Evil isn't contained by zip codes or neighborhoods. It can rear it's head anywhere at any time.

Better to be prepared if it does.

Anyone here familiar with Mary Shepard's story? If not, look her up.

Mary is why we can have this conversation in Illinois. Shephard vs. Madigan.
(05-18-2015, 03:45 PM)Karl B Wrote:
(05-18-2015, 03:39 PM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: Over 3 decades ago, my Dad used to own a couple gas stations. In the 70's, I was robbed once. I was young and just did as instructed, even though I was pretty sure the robber still had the safety on. About a month later a bakery down the street was robbed, and they shot the baker and his wife. They later caught the guy and it was the same punk that robbed me. The lesson was never lost on me. I will not be a victim again.

I hate hearing stories like that, but we need to. We need to be reminded that the "it won't happen here/to me" way of thinking is flawed. Evil isn't contained by zip codes or neighborhoods. It can rear it's head anywhere at any time.

Better to be prepared if it does.

Anyone here familiar with Mary Shepard's story? If not, look her up.
Mary is why we can have this conversation in Illinois. Shephard vs. Madigan.
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05-18-2015, 04:19 PM,
#16
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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Bingo. She is one of the sweetest women on the planet who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It can happen to anyone.
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05-18-2015, 04:28 PM,
#17
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 07:43 AM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: I refuse to be a victim. I seriously believe the USA is going to experience a collapse as the socialist elements attempt to take over. I prefer to be armed. Let the lambs be led to slaughter. I truly believe in the Constitution, and intent to defend it, let the chips fall where they may.

DITTO!
(05-18-2015, 07:43 AM)BelieveIn308 Wrote: I refuse to be a victim. I seriously believe the USA is going to experience a collapse as the socialist elements attempt to take over. I prefer to be armed. Let the lambs be led to slaughter. I truly believe in the Constitution, and intent to defend it, let the chips fall where they may.
DITTO!
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05-18-2015, 04:29 PM,
#18
RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 11:03 AM)Overtrim Wrote: When I was 18 I carried and instead of having a permit, I was issued a special deputy card by the local sheriff. The time frame was the beginnings of the civil rights movement and tensions were high in the south. As the tension eased, I did not feel the need to carry as much and stopped.

Now there is no part of town or country that seems to be safe. I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their clock and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.

I carry because it is my responsibility to protect my loving wife of 54 years from harm. I carry for myself because I am too old, too feeble and too stubborn to run, and I do not intend to take a butt whipping from anyone.

Good for you brother!
(05-18-2015, 11:03 AM)Overtrim Wrote: When I was 18 I carried and instead of having a permit, I was issued a special deputy card by the local sheriff. The time frame was the beginnings of the civil rights movement and tensions were high in the south. As the tension eased, I did not feel the need to carry as much and stopped.

Now there is no part of town or country that seems to be safe. I spoke to a friend about renewing my carry permit and was asked why, "Did I not trusted God to protect me?" Jesus told His disciple (follows) to sell their clock and purchase a sword before beginning their journey.

I carry because it is my responsibility to protect my loving wife of 54 years from harm. I carry for myself because I am too old, too feeble and too stubborn to run, and I do not intend to take a butt whipping from anyone.
Good for you brother!
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05-18-2015, 07:10 PM,
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RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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I have a shotgun in my bedroom because of stories like this


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05-18-2015, 08:21 PM,
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RE: What's your personal short story on why you carry?
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(05-18-2015, 07:10 PM)ThePinkLady Wrote: I have a shotgun in my bedroom because of stories like this


Thank for sharing that one. To be the victim is never good but to be able to level the situation out with Mr. Barker is the best way to survive an attack. Situational awareness and vigilance along with training and practice followed up with more training and practice. The message is clear as day...but some prefer to be the victim and the number in the stats.
(05-18-2015, 07:10 PM)ThePinkLady Wrote: I have a shotgun in my bedroom because of stories like this


Thank for sharing that one. To be the victim is never good but to be able to level the situation out with Mr. Barker is the best way to survive an attack. Situational awareness and vigilance along with training and practice followed up with more training and practice. The message is clear as day...but some prefer to be the victim and the number in the stats.
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