Ever see the original [silent film version] of the Phantom of the Opera?
The one with Lon Chaney?
Posted on 10/19/2002 10:14:13 AM PDT by forest
Really, I'm writing this with a straight face . . . sort of. Yeah, sure, I did laugh. But, I stopped laughing before starting to write this article -- mostly, anyway. . . . .
It's just that this is the safety advice from public servants to the citizens of our nation's capital -- a city that actually beat out Detroit for the title "Murder Capital USA."
Except for politics and lobbying government, Washington’s primary industry is tourism. Actually, it's tourism and a healthy dose of lawbreaking, both in and out of the halls of government.
In 1991, when the homicide rate for the U.S. was 9.6 per 100,000 population, it was 80.6 in our nation's capital. Which means, tourists always had to watch their step there. Michigan, by the way, had a murder rate of 9.6 then and Kentucky was down to 6.6 per 100,000 population.
Anyway, back to the D.C. Police Department's advisory: their seven "Tips for Staying Safe" while in Washington -- with, of course, just a little commentary offered to spice things up some. These were published (without my comments, of course) on October 16 by the Washington Post:
** "If you must remain in one place in an area where you feel vulnerable, select the darkest part of the area to sit or stand in."
That's cool. Everyone hide! That'll make the tourists -- and armed federal officials with itchy trigger fingers -- feel really, really comfortable.
** "When moving outside, walk briskly in a zigzag pattern."
Cool again! Citizens of Washington, meander. Work like government employees and don't be direct about anything. Never mind if that makes you look something like the most interesting target in a shooting gallery, zigzag.
** "If you must stand outside, try to keep some type of protective cover between yourself and any open areas where a sniper might be located. For example, if you are fueling your car, stand between your vehicle and the gas pump and bend your knees to lower your profile."
Right. Hide. Actually, though, standing between the car and a gas pump would offer some protection from the winter wind, too.
** "If you are fired on in an open area, drop to the ground and roll away from where you were standing. Look for the closest protective cover and run toward it in short, zigzag dashes."
Drop and roll, drop and roll -- just like Army training. Then, acquire your target and kill. Except, good citizens in D.C. are not allowed to have guns. That's why only crooks and government agents have them. So dropping, without getting behind something, actually only provides the shooter a longer target.
** "Be constantly aware of your surroundings while outside. Note any suspicious vehicles or activities, move away from them and report them to the police."
That'll work. Pay attention. Move in an unorganized manner to cover -- while, at the same time, watching the suspects and taking mental notes.
** "Remember that a sniper with the right equipment can shoot accurately from about 500 yards away, the equivalent of five football fields."
But, any observer to the side or behind the shooter is relatively safe and has plenty of opportunity to observe and compile useful information. And, if they are armed, put an instant stop to that foolishness -- insuring the perpetrator is still there when the army of police get to the area.
Of course, any good citizen shooting that perpetrator in D.C. will probably themselves get arrested for being armed.
Also helpful last week was Maryland's governor, Parris N. Glendening. Just at the opening of the muzzle- loading deer-hunting season, what does this bright light do? The governor suspended all recreational shooting, except at approved firing ranges, in a four-county region where there was sniper fire -- until the sniper is caught. "We don't want our officers chasing false alarms of shots fired," explained Doug Duncan, the Montgomery County executive.
Sure. Instead of getting more good citizens armed, they suspend practice for those who have the means of self protection. Typical liberal claptrap.
Police -- even an army of police -- cannot be everywhere. They usually show up after the fact. The best deterrent to violent crime is an armed citizenry. An armed citizen may not have stopped this sniper -- yet. But, they certainly have made a desirable difference in hundreds of other situations.
Is this safety advice for real?
In 1991, when the homicide rate for the U.S. was 9.6 per 100,000 population, it was 80.6 in our nation's capital.
Maryland's governor Glendening suspended all recreational shooting, thus further disarming citizens. Typical liberal claptrap.
Police -- even an army of police -- cannot be everywhere. They usually show up after the fact. The best deterrent to violent crime is an armed citizenry. An armed citizen may not have stopped this sniper -- yet. But, they certainly have made a desirable difference in hundreds of other situations.
L-O-freaking-L!
Serpentine! The writer must stop watching old Peter Falk movies!
Ah yes, a fine society we have built.
Ever see the original [silent film version] of the Phantom of the Opera?
The one with Lon Chaney?
Yes, the first couple of weeks nary a flag could be found. Now everything is red/white/blue. If something interests me, I'll pick it up and see where it was made. If China, forgetaboutit I won't buy it.
You are right on about the sheeple parking in dark corners. NEVER a good idea, especially with the crime rate around DC. Idiots. Although I must confess, if I lived there *I think* I'd wear a motorcycle helmet to fill up the gas tank. I live so far out in the sticks I've forgotton what it's like to live in the war zones.
1. Remember personal safety comes first. If you hear the sound of a gunshot -- get down, and/or seek cover.
2. Look in the direction of the sound -- make a mental note of persons or vehicles in that area.
3. With regard to people, remember that some facts and characteristics are permanent and some are temporary.
* People:
- * Temporary
- * Clothing/color
- * Hairstyle or color, facial hair -- beard or mustache
- * Glasses
- * Permanent
- * Height/Weight/Build
- * Complexion
* Vehicles:
- * Temporary
- * Color
- * Tag Number
- * Dents/primer
- * Lights on/off broken/burned out
- * Permanent
- * Make
- * Model
Some temporary characteristics can be altered more easily than others.
Commit what you saw to memory. Have a pen available on your person; if paper is not available, write what you just witnessed on your hand.
Remain on the scene, in a safe place, until police arrive.
DO NOT allow another witness or media to contaminate your memory.
DO NOT compare or discuss what you saw with another witness.
Remember that your safety is paramount -- but your assistance in this case is also necessary.
This will also help to avoid attracting sandworms.
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