Posted on 08/11/2011 1:48:27 PM PDT by Celerity
Thank you for taking the time to read my Vanity post.
A lot of people here, and in my face-to-face world, have mentioned that the mobs, riots and looting that is occuring around the world would take a different path here in the US, in areas where people are allowed to carry firearms, and use them in accordance with both laws and sensibility.
And it's the Sensibility portion of that I would like to discuss.
Everytime I measure and imagine (Simulations!) my response to violent flash mobs or rioters, I come up snake eyes. Here are two of such scenarios that I play out in my mind:
#1 I'm in my local convenience store, buying .. i dunno.. Porn mags and stale cigarettes and gasoline. Suddenly the front door swings open and the place is rushed by 10 or more teens who are screaming, destroying the store and running out with items.
#2 I'm dropping off some things at the post office to mail out. Say, I dunno.. Porn mags and stale cigarettes. An orchestrated attacks begins throughout my downtown area. 50, 100, 200 people start throwing rocks through windows, molotov cocktails, bricks, porn mags or stale cigarettes through store windows, setting fires or what-have-you.
We have heard around these parts how the outcome would be different were an armed populace involved. Well, "Here I am" . Now what ?
At what point in these events will it be both legal, and importantly: Prudent to present a firearm ? In the convenience store example, I have seen as few as 3 people cause so much ruckus that a knife was drawn and a kid was stabbed almost instantly. The kid didn't even know he was stabbed in the chaos. In the riot situation, Hiding or just leaving is the important decision, but are there scenarios that change that play ?
I see innocent people being hurt in riots all the time. But when is it time to draw a firearm and use it? I don't see the immediate danger to myself (Unless I'm the target of the protest, such as at a Union rally).
Help me connect some dots and make a correct decision.
Thanks !
-> Steve
Bug out bag. However, for some, a BOB may be a good idea. Especially if it takes awhile for your husband to meet up at your alternate meeting spot if your home is gone and the bridges are out.
You had me at “carry firearms, and use them” ...
The self defense laws in Kalifornia are quite simple: you are NOT PERMITTED to harm a Democrat voter!
Do they make those with a radio/LED flashlight combo?
Well, if BOB is the man for the job. And a few laughs won’t hurt your feelings.
Never, ever pull a gun, rifle or weapon unless the situation necessitates its use AND you are willing to handle the consequences of that use.
A weapon is not to be brandished just to warn people. If ALL you want to do is give a warning, give a verbal warning but don’t pull a weapon. There is too much chance of the situation escalating. If you are not prepared to use it, then your antagonist might be and just might take it away from you.
Decide in your own mind under which situations you will use your weapon. If you are not sure, ask someone you trust & respect. Ask local law enforcement. Ask your lawyer. Ask your pastor or priest. Ask your spouse.
Think through the consequences LONG BEFORE you ever carry a weapon.
Full disclosure: I do not carry a weapon. I do not have CCW. I did spend a number of years in the USMC where I qualified EXPERT with the .45, .38. M-14 and M-16. I have carried & used weapons in combat. I have checked a .45 out of the armory in peacetime while on foreign soil in order to transport payrolls, classified documents and cryptographic codes off-base. Each time I was required to re-read the current rules of engagement, initial each and every paragraph and sign the document. Folks with far more experience and wisdom than I thought through all the ramifications and developed these procedures. I was grateful.
Drop the first and last one in and then start on the middle.
LLS
I don't want any part of what will happen in the large urban areas, it will be difficult for the cops to distinguish good guys from the bad, and the cops will err on the side of self preservation.
Better check Cali laws, fleeing Molotovs is a good idea anyway. In Florida one can shoot with any reasonable fear of life.
What I was referring to is a Bug Out Bag. A backpack that contains essential supplies to last 72 hours in the event off most nearly anything survivable.
"I was in fear of my families lives, and my own...."
Just a nit on #2 - it’s against federal law to carry a firearm on post office property.
Now I’ll finish reading your thread and the replies...
I work for the Border Patrol and have been in more riots than I can remember. One of the most problematic things about mass violence or rioting is the overwhelming chaos.
We already covered that fake war hero, and psychopathic killer.
Rule number 1:
NEVER PULL A GUN UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO USE IT
Rule number 2:
READ RULE NUMBER ONE AGAIN
LLS
1. You are directly threatened with bodily harm.
2. Someone in your company (I suppose it could be somebody in your immediate vicinity whom you do not know) is directly threatened with bodily harm.
Of course you can use a weapon to stop a physical assault to you or somebody in your direct company.
I believe it to be illegal to shoot somebody who is burning somebody else's property that you are not in.
However, if you are in a building and somebody throws a molotov cocktail at it, shoot the hell out of them.
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