FOXBARON

STAYING ALIVE

2009-10-30T22:16:00.003-04:00

Sit down, clear your mind for a few minutes and listen up.

Walk with me through a scenario that may well occur in your lifetime.

Close your eyes and picture this in your mind.

You are sitting at home relaxing with your family and doing the normal stuff you and your family do on any given weekday.

You are watching your favorite program and suddenly the network breaks in with an emetrgency bulletin. There has been a natural disaster in your area. There has been a terrorist attack in your area. There has been an incident in your area that will have long term lasting effects and your average day, as you knew it, no longer exists.

Everything has been turned upside down. There is no social order anymore. There are riots in the streets. There are maurading gangs roaming your area. All civil order is gone and it's every man for himself.

There are no Police or Emeregncy Services available as they are all tied up with whatever the emergency is. You can not depend on anyone coming to your aid.

You are on your own.

Now what?

If you have never considered this scenario it is time you did because it can happen in the blink of an eye and you had better be prepared.

You have to understand that in this type of a scenario, normal life is suspended. You can not go the gas station to get gas. There is none, or the electricity is off and the pumps won't work.

There is limited food at the grocery store. What they have is all they got because there will be no more deliveries anytime soon.

You will not be able to refill your subscriptions for life saving drugs.

There will be no medical help available and no Police response avaiable. You are on your own and so is your family and they are dependent on you to protect them, no one else will.

So what do you do?

All you can do is prepare for just such a scenario as best you can. Stockpile food and water if you can. Stockpile emergency equipment like first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, water treatment tablets and weapons and ammo.

Be prepared to use deadly force if necessary and get trained on the weapons of your choice. Pray you never need them but be prepared in case you do. If possible train all members of your family in the proper use of the weapons of your choice.

Stockpile food and water but don't tell anyone about it. You don't want anyone else knowing of your stash. Camoflauge it from normal visitors to your home. You don't want anyone outside your family knowing what you have. Caution family members about telling others about it.

Develop an action plan for your family. What will they do? Who will be responsible for what? What will their duties be? What will they do if you are not home at the time or can't get home. Set up a rally point for everyone if your home becomes unsafe to stay in. Have a secondary place to meet. If you control the secondary rally point, stock it too.

If society, as you know it, completely breaks down than people will revert to their survival instincts which means they will intend to survive even if it means they have to take your supplies and/or your life to do so.

Everything I speak of goes back to AWARENESS. Be aware of what is going on around you and the potential of could occur and be prepared ahead of time. Only you can prepare you, no one else will do it for you and if it hits the fan there is no one available to assist you and show you what to do. All those that teach this stuff for a living will be doing exactly what they teach, for their families, they will have no time for you, you are on your own. You are responsible for you and you are responsible for YOUR family. YOU are the only help available. PREPARE OR PERISH.

BEWARE THE PARKING LOT

2009-10-13T23:36:00.003-04:00

Pay attention folks the Holiday season is creeping up on us. Pretty soon you will all be out there hitting the malls and looking to get a step ahead of the Christmas rush. BE CAREFUL.

The bad boys will be out there doing their Christmas shopping too. Only problem is they seldom shop in the stores. They like to shop at the mall too but usually they do their shopping in the parking lot.

They also like to shop in other parking lots, like at the Metro Stations, Sports Complexes and any place where there are large parking lots, medium parking lots and even small parking lots like at strip malls. They have their shopping list too.

AWARENESS, it is your best defense. Be AWARE of who and what is around you. Look around before you get out of your car. Look around before you approach your car. Don't even think of going to your car if someone is hanging around near it. Doesn't matter if they look harmless, don't trust them. Better safe than sorry. Wait a few minutes and see if they leave the area. If they don't go back in the mall and ask one of the security guys to escort you to your car.

Don't park in unlighted areas or near bushes or large stanchions (poles), people hide behind them. Carry mace if the law allows it or have your keys in between your fingers pointing out so you can use them as a weapon if necessary. The bad boys may want more than just your money, packages or your car. Assume the worst and be prepared to react against it.

Keep in mind that everybody is hurting this season and there may well be more folks out looking for a quick buck than in normal times. People are getting desperate and there is no telling what they may do these days, especially at a time of year where they are expected to bring the kids home some presents.

Don't dress real fancy. Dress down. Don't give people the impression that you have money. Don't drive the Mercedes to the mall take a different vehicle if you have one. Don't do or act in any way that draws attention to yourself as one of means, you will invite an attack. People are frustrated, scared, broke, and unemployed; and those are the nice people.

Be prepared when you go on your shopping spree and go in groups if possible. Rent a van if you have to. It's the lone shopper that gets targeted more than anyone else.

Don't take your normal purse when you go shopping. Leave it at home. Buy a cheap purse for your make up or whatever but keep your cash and credit cards in your pockets. Put a few dollars in the purse just to make Mr. Bad Guy happy. If they grab for your purse, let them have it. If your cash, credit cards and identification are in your pocket than you lose nothing. Its called a bait purse, give it to them if they want it. You could even put some nasty stuff inside for their enjoyment; what you put in it I'll leave up to you. Just use your imagination, have a little fun with it.

Enjoy shopping, just be careful out there.

Now go read the other safety and securuty tips on this blog to see what to do when you get home with all the goodies.

AWARENES, AWARENESS, AWARENESS

2009-07-12T16:54:00.002-04:00

Have you looked over your shoulder lately?

Is anyone following you? How would you know?

Have you ever looked over your shoulder? Your life may depend on it. It is called AWARENESS of what is going on around you, and yes, behind you. Threats don't normally come from the front.

Start looking behind yourself once in awhile.

Does the same person seem to be behind you on more than two occasions? Is the same vehicle behind you everytime you make a turn?

Are you even aware of what is going on behind you? Has it ever occurred to you that someone may be following you just looking for an opportunity to get you alone?

Think about it, expect it, prepare for it. It could happen to you.

Not all bad guys are opportunists. Some of these guys actually plan things. Some of these guys are very well organized. It is their profession and they are professionals at it. They plan their work and they work their plan just like you do. Do not underestimate these people. They are very good at what they do.

It is up to you to screw up their plans. Only problem is you have no way of knowing if you have been targeted.

So what can you do? How am I supposed to plan for an attack if I have no idea one is coming you ask. Well, you can't. The whole idea behind their plan is that you have no idea it is coming so you can't make a plan.

But you can have a stategy. It is called AWARENESS. Know what is going on around you, all the time, not just occasionally. Consider yourself a potential victim that circumstances haven't caught up to yet.

Develop a strategy that makes it harder to become a victim. How do you do that? Simple. Look around, all the time, everytime, no matter where you are or how safe you think you are.

Look for the same person or vehicle constantly showing up where you are or going in the same direction you are going.

Look for behavior patterns in people that doesn't seem to fit the behavior of others in the area. Are they acting differently than everyone else? Do they avoid eye contact? Do they go in the opposite direction if you look at them and then show back up where you are?

Have they attempted to contact you in a "very" friendly manner? What did they ask you and why?

Is their clothing appropriate for where you are at? Are there any bulges in their clothing?

What do their eyes tell you? Are you comfortable with what you see in their eyes? Are their eyes constantly searching the area around them and you?

Does anything at all about them make you uncomfortable? Doesn't matter if it makes sense or not this is your sixth sense telling you something is not right. Trust your gut instinct. It is a survival tool.

Practice, Practive, Practice until it becomes a habit that you unconciously do. It may well save your life.

YOUR SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU.

2009-05-28T18:09:00.004-04:00

The world is in turmoil. Unemployment is rising. People are losing their homes. Crime is increasing. People are scared. How will you react?

You can HOPE the government will protect you and you can also play the lottery. You have a better chance of winning the lottery.

IT IS UP TO YOU, to protect yourself and your family. DO NOT depend on the Government to be there when you need them.

Now is the time to learn some self preservation. The average person does not have the physical ability to be able to protect themselves let alone their family. Most folks don't have the physical ability to engage in hand to hand combat with the predators out there.

With the current economic climate do not be suprised if the states start letting criminals out of jail, enmass. The states can no longer afford to feed and house these people. That means they will let more predators back out on the streets to prey on you and your family. The majority of these guys have no prospects whatsoever of getting a job and have no other option but to prey on the innocent.

It is time to arm yourself appropriately and get trained in the use and deployment of arms. You must know under what circumstances you may use deadly force and then you must know how to employ it when needed.

At an absolute minimum you need a handgun and a shotgun. A rifle would be a good idea too because it allows you to reach out and touch someone a lot easier.

With the Government's current attitude on guns it may be soon that you find you will no longer be able to obtain weapons for your protection. The time to prepare is now.

You can no longer expect your representatives in the state and federal government to protect your second amendment rights. The want and intend to do away with your right to keep and bear arms. They do not want guns in the hands of the citizens. It makes it harder to control us.

They no longer care if you become a victim, it's not their problem. These are the guys that have government appointed security personnel or can well afford to hire their own. They are already protected, but what about you and your family?

You MUST make the decision to step up and assume the responsibilty for your own protection, do not leave it up to someone else.

If and when it all hits the fan you may well find yourself standing alone. Don't be standing there unarmed.

PERSONAL SECURITY

2009-03-19T21:53:00.003-04:00

PERSONAL SECURITY - #5

The bottom line is this. It’s your bottom. The way things are today there is no guarantee your assailant won’t hurt you anyway, so make him work for it.

Can you get seriously injured or killed by resisting? Yes, you certainly can. SO CAN HE.

Don’t bother to resist however if your not willing to fight with everything you have and to fight to the death, preferably his.

Like I said; it’s not a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. If you’re willing to you can.

Resistance to an attack doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical confrontation.

There are numerous articles on the market that can be purchased for twenty dollars or less that do nothing but make noise.

These items are meant to be carried on the person and emit loud piercing sounds at the touch of a button. The noise itself may scare your assailant away because it also attracts the attention of others in the area.

However it is nice to know that you have numerous items that you carry around with you everyday that can be converted to a weapon if necessary.

You may never have the opportunity to use them in the initial confrontation but it’s nice to know that they are available for future use if the opportunity presents itself.

Such as your assailant turns his back, goes to sleep or leaves you alone for a period of time.

Remember, you are not totally vulnerable unless you choose to be.

CHOOSE TO SURVIVE, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. BE AWARE OF YOUR OPTIONS.

2009-03-19T21:52:00.001-04:00

PERSONAL SECURITY -#4

Now let’s look in the girls’ purses and see what we find.

Hairspray! Boy is this great.

Sprayed in the eyes it’s sure to blind the guy.

Spayed up his nose and he won’t know what happened.

Used in conjunction with a BIC lighter you can have a barbecue and your assailant gets to be the main course. Just be sure to carry a can that’s at least half full. Don’t want to run out of fuel halfway through the cookout.

Now if you use this technique only spray in short bursts so the flame doesn’t come back and blow you up with the spray can. This is a very dangerous technique, use at your own risk.

What else is in there? Aha! Perfume spray.

Try spraying in his mouth and eyes. It may make him sick enough to let go and will also makes him easy to identify by smell.

If he doesn’t like your brand of perfume he may leave you alone to begin with.

If he likes it, well, then you’ve got a problem. So, reach for something else.

At least you’ll be having a good smelling fight going on.

What’s this, a wad of money? Throw it in the air away from you.

If he wants your money he’ll let you go, if he wants you then reach for something else.

Credit Cards. What woman is without them?

Held between the thumb and fingers you can charge him.

Rake it across the bridge of his nose or eyes. Don’t worry about breaking it. If it breaks it just makes a better weapon because now it has jagged edges. Besides, you can always get a new card reissued.

Hat Pins. No one carries them anymore except little old ladies about ninety-eight years old or your grandmother.

GET ONE.

Put it in your purse where you can easily reach it. Stab the sucker anywhere you can with it. It will get his attention.

Letter openers are just a larger version of the hat- pin trick.

Cellular Telephones. Probably one of the greatest safety inventions ever conceived. Aside from the fact that it’s one more item you can bounce off the guy’s head you can also use them to call for help, PRIOR to being attacked.

Assuming you see it coming. (AWARENESS) Cell phones can also be used to summon help or medical assistance in the event you become a victim.

2009-03-19T21:50:00.002-04:00

PERSONAL SECURITY - #3

Go through your pockets and purses and inventory the items you carry with you everyday. Almost any item you have is a potential weapon to the unsuspecting assailant. The most effective weapon in close confrontations is the one least likely to be considered a weapon.

Keys . Everyone has a set of keys. If held protruding between the fingers they make an excellent weapon for poking an eye out or raking across the face or other exposed body parts.

Shoes. Usually everyone wears them. A kick in the shins with a hard toe shoe can be very effective, especially if you happen to be wearing steel toe safety shoes.

If it takes effect, kick the other shin as hard as you can and then run like hell. This doesn’t work well with soft-toed shoes, sandals and bare feet. But, if that’s your attire at the time you can always go for the kneecaps or stomp on top of the bad guy’s foot.

While we are on the subject of lower anatomy, don’t forget your knees. Brought up hard and fast into the right body parts can sometimes be effective.

Men usually carry a fair amount of change in their pocket. Loose change isn’t much of a weapon but it can be thrown at the assailant’s head and may have some effect.

Maybe one of the coins will hit an eyeball.

But, if you take that same change and roll it like a roll of nickels, it fits nicely in your hand when you make a fist and makes your punch that much harder; plus you can always throw the roll at the guy.

After you lose your roll of nickels in the first few minutes of the fight don’t forget that you still have fingers attached to that hand.

Use them. Poke at the eyes, grab the scrotum and squeeze and twist with everything you’ve got.

Use the heel of the palm of your hand with an upward thrust to your new friend’s nose or chin.

Slap him on the side of the head on both ears like your clapping for the best Broadway show you ever saw.

Flashlights. Always carry a flashlight with you at night. Make sure it’s a metal flashlight, not a cheap plastic one.

Not only can you use it to see, you can use it to momentarily blind your assailant while you beat his head in with it.

If you can’t reach their head go for their wrists, kneecaps, ankles, elbows, fingers or any part of the body that might momentarily incapacitate them.

You can even poke him in the face with it, it can be very effective, I know this works, I’ve been hit in the face with a metal flashlight before and it hurts, it hurts a lot.

It makes you actually see stars. Did I mention it hurts?

2009-03-19T21:50:00.001-04:00

PERSONAL SECURITY - #2

Which now brings us to how can you defend yourself if you do become a victim? After all, no security system is fail- safe.

Defending oneself is a personal decision and many factors affect that decision.

One of the main factors is your physical condition. If you are an elderly person or suffer from other physical disabilities you may feel unable to defend yourself.

Never, ever, let anyone tell you that you are incapable of defending yourself.

You are capable regardless of what physical condition you are in, even if you’re confined to a wheelchair, on crutches or use a walker. The only thing that prevents you from defending yourself is you.

Now, having made that statement let me explain further. The decision to defend yourself is made with your mind, not your body. If you make the decision to defend yourself, you will find a way, no matter what your physical condition.

Most security experts caution you against carrying any type of weapon that could potentially be used against you if the assailant can get it away from you. I say carry whatever weapon you are comfortable with, whatever it might be. Just be damned sure you know how to use it and are willing to use it or it will be used against you.

Most states have laws against carrying concealed weapons such as guns and knives although more and more states are issuing concealed carry permits to its citizens.

This is a personal decision you have to make on whether to obtain a permit.

However, keep in mind that the courts have ruled that the Police do not have a duty to protect you the individual, their duty is to the community as a whole.

This means that you are on your own.

However if your personal decision is not to carry a gun or knife there is still

2009-03-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

PERSONAL SECURITY - #1

What’s the first principle of security? AWARENESS.

If you are aware of the area you are in and the goings on around you, you are less likely to be a victim of assault because you will recognize a situation before it becomes a situation.

Never allow yourself a false sense of security because you happen to be in a good neighborhood or an upscale shopping center. That’s where the money is and criminals tend to gravitate towards money.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go around paranoid all the time it means keep yourself aware of things around you even if you do it subconsciously; which is the ultimate goal of what I want you to do.

I want you to develop a security awareness that becomes second nature to you. The sixth-sense.

Once you develop this, your subconscious will take over the job. You will automatically “check things out” without even being conscious that you are doing it.

You will automatically “scan” a crowd and be able to pick out someone who doesn’t belong. You will automatically look for exits or other avenues of escape if it becomes necessary.
These are skills you will develop that not only can prevent you from becoming a victim and may well save your life some day in a natural disaster or other dangerous situation.

PRIVATE DETECTIVE - IS IT A CAREER FIELD FOR YOU?

2009-03-13T22:56:00.003-04:00

So, you are thinking about whether a career as a Private Detective is the right choice for you.

Well, let's see if you are up to it. Let's see if you are willing to do what it takes to be a Private Detective.

What are the qualifications to be a Private Detective? Basically it comes down to what your state's requirements are to be registered as a Private Detective. These qualifications vary from state to state. Some states have no requirements whatsoever, other states require a minimum of so many hours of classroom training and or on the job training or field work.

None of these state requirements, no matter how in depth they are, actually qualify you to be an investigator. Oh sure, you can get a certificate that says you are a private detective and you can be licensed in your state or multiple states but it still doesn't mean you really are one.

What makes you a private detective is what is inside you. You have to not only want to find answers to things but you must also be willing to do whatever it takes to get them. Now this doesn't mean breaking the law to get information it means being willing to stick with something until you find the answers.

Sometimes this means long hours, inconvenient hours, uncomfortable working conditions, mean and nasty people, being cold, being hot and uncomfortable, being scared, being hungry, being verbally abused, being threatened, being mad as hell, being frustrated and being awake when most normal people are in bed sleeping soundly.

It can be an exciting business and it can be the most boring and frustrating occupation possible. It all depends on the type of case you are working at the time.

Some people specialize in only certain types of cases but if you truly want to be a private detective you must be willing to work any type of case, anytime, anywhere.

The majority of the time you are involved in mundane tasks like researching records, reviewing documents, or conducting telephone interviews. You may be photographing accident scenes or crime scenes or collecting evidence for analysis. You may be interviewing people and taking statements. You may be conducting surveillance operations. Each case is different and requires different skills. It all depends on what the focus of the investigation is.

You do different things almost every day which makes it interesting. Some days however you do the same thing over and over again which leads to complete boredom and makes you wonder why you picked this profession in the first place.

What you must realize if you pick this as your profession is that you will have no personal life. Nothing you do will be done at your convenience. Everything you do is done at your client's convenience or request or is dictated by the case requirments, which seldom allows you to plan things around your personal desires.

It is not a convenient business. You do not get to go home at 5:00 PM like most folks, even though you may have been working since 5:00 AM. You have to work when the case requires it, especially surveillance work. You do not get to pick the hours, the case requirements pick them for you and you must be willing to work the hours necessary when necessary. Sometimes this means you don't get to go home, sleep or even eat for two to three days at a time. It is just the way it is. If you are not willing to accept that then this is not a career field for you.

How do you feel about using a coffe cup, coffee can or an empty plastic bottle as your own personal bathroom facilities?

Sometimes this is all you have available for days at a time and you have to use it inside your own vehicle because you can't take the time to go find a "real" bathroom.

Are you willing to live this way? Are you willing to live like a pig for several days at a time because the case requires it? If not, this is not for you.

Are you willing to go hungry and be incredibly bored for days at a time? If not, this is not for you.

Are you willing to stare at a door or street location for hours on end with no relief in site for 18-20 hours without reading a book, watching T.V. or otherwise distracting yourself? If not, this is not for you.

Can you stay alert and think on your feet after 15-20 hours on a surveillance and respond immediately when activity occurs? If not, this is not for you.

Usually, if you work as an agent for an investigative company you generally get paid ONLY for those hours that are billable to a client. Some agencies do pay based on a regular 40 hour work week but not many unless they have insurance contracts or something. If you are working for a full service agency (meaning they do anything) they can only pay you for billable hours worked and it is anyone's guess when those billable hours will be available.

It is not uncommon to have to work 60-100 hours in one week. It is also not uncommon to be lucky to get 10 hours of billable time in one week. It is difficult to have any type of personal budget to pay your own bills because you never know from one day to the next let alone one week to the next how many billable (read, you get paid for) hours that you can count on.

If you are the owner of the agency not only do you have to deal with paying your agents but you must also deal with collecting payments from your clients on time so you can pay your agents. If a client stiffs you, your agents don't care, all they want is their paycheck come payday. Kinda hard to pay them if you haven't been paid, which is why you always get as much money up front as possible. (This, in itself could fill an entire book on client relationships)

It takes a certain type of individual to be a private detective. You gotta be willing to live on the edge so to speak, not only professionally but in your personal life too because you never know what is going to happen next, if anything.

But, it does have its rewards. Especially when you are able to right a wrong against an innocent individual. When your efforts result in good trumping evil. When your efforts uncovers the truth. When your efforts makes a significant effect in the life of a child. When your efforts saves someone from significant harm, physically or financially. When your efforts and your efforts alone, are the deciding factor in whether your client wins or loses.

And, occasionally you get to travel to some really nice places in the world and stay first class on the client's dime. Not often, but enough to almost make it all worth while.

Now, do you still think you have what it takes?

HOW ATTITUDE AFFECTS SAFETY

2008-10-14T23:33:00.002-04:00

How does attitude affect safety?

It has everything to do with safety. If you do not have a level of AWARENESS of what is going on around you then you are a victim waiting to be taken advantage of.

You develop this level of AWARENESS by developing your attitude about you and how much you value you and your loved ones.

You have to have the right attitude to be able to develop a level of AWARENESS. Either your safety and that of your loved ones is important to you or it isn't.

You must have an attitude that you will not be a victim. That you will fight back. That you will know what is going on around you, at all times. That you will take whatever measures necessary, within your abilities, to limit your vulnerabilities.

Attitude is the difference between being a victim or not. If you develop a system of AWARENESS by your attitude you are less likely to be a victim because you will not put yourself in a position of being a victim or you will recognize a situation as one you need to get away from immediately.

Attitude is the willingness to train yourself in this system of AWARENESS. Attitude is what makes you practice AWARENESS until it becomes a habit and is second nature to you. Attitude develops AWARENESS which develops your sixth sense which may well keep you alive some day.

If you have an attitude that you are invincible, that it can't happen to you, that you are in a safe place, that no one wants to hurt you, than welcome to the victim category, it is only a matter of time before you are one. Hopefully you survive without too much damage.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEAD WHEN EVERYONE IS LOSING THEIRS.

2008-10-14T22:39:00.002-04:00

How do you keep your head when everyone around you is going into a panic mode because something horrendous just happened?

It can be anything from a natural disaster to and armed terrorst attack to an explosion to a crazed gunman. What can you do? What do you do? How do you keep your wits about you?

The honest answer is, you don't, you can't; if you are like 90% of the other people walking around. Why is that? Simple, really, no one prepares themselves for just such a scenario.

How do you keep your head when everyone else is losing theirs? You prepare for it. You practice for it. You run simulations in your head. If this happens, I'll do this. If this way out of town is closed, I'll go this way. If I am somewhere where an armed intruder starts shooting I will do this. You develop a plan A, then a plan B, and then a plan C and a plan D, if necessary.

Figure out how you want to react to just about any type of scenario you can think of because today anything can happen anywhere at anytime.

You stockpile, weapons and food and water as you feel necessary and you have them all in containers or "bug out" bags in case you have to take it on the road.

You drill every member of your family on what they should do and where they should go. You develop a meet up location. If something happens, we all meet at such and such a location and if you are not there by such and such time we then all meet at location #2. (You may not be able to get to location #1) and even have a location #3 if possible.

There is a reason why military people , cops, fireman and other emergency personnel do well in emergencies. Do you know why that is? They prepare for it. They train for it. Over and over and over again so that when it happens they do not even think about what they will do they just automatically do what they were trained to do.

Now, the average person doesn't necessarily have the time or wherewithall to train like the professionals, but fear not, there is something you can do to prepare yourself.

For starters read my previous articles on personal safety, home security and vacation travel and develop your own sense of AWARENESS.

It is this AWARENESS that will save your life. It will put you in a position of reacting before anyone else and may be the difference between you getting out in time or not.

Develop this level of AWARENESS and you will know where your weaknesses are and you can reduce your vulnerability.

Develop a plan of AWARENESS on what you will do in an emergency. Where you will go. Where will you retreat to that is a safe place that you can protect from outsiders? What will you need to exist there for an extended period of time? How many people can you accomodate? How will you repel invaders?

Are you willing to use deadly force to protect yourself and loved ones? Make that decision now and under what circumstances you will employ it. Run it through your brain, now, not at the time it happens. Play war games with your own head. What will you do and how will you do it and what are you willing and capable of doing?

Plan for anything and everything at anytime, anywhere. We no longer have the luxury of if, nowadays it is when.

Don't think it can't happen to you. It can, anywhere and anytime. Just develop your sense of AWARENESS of what is going on around you and you will be the one prepared to act while everyone else is standing around scratching their heads wondering what happened, just before they die.

AWARENESS is the best weapon in your arsenal.

GUN CONTROL - #2

2008-08-28T02:41:00.003-04:00

Learn how to comfortably carry a concealed weapon so others do not know you have it.

Learn that there is no such thing as warning shots. If you shoot do it with the intent to kill before they kill you.

Learn to say to the Grand Jury, "I was in fear of my life".

Learn to live with the fact that you may have to kill another human being.

Better you kill them than they kill you.

Learn that you are responsible for your own protection, the police can not always be there.

Just ask the victims of the latest school shootings or street robbery. Oh, that is right, dead people can not talk.

Do not be a dead people.

Yes, gun control really, really does matter.

GUN CONTROL - #1

2008-08-28T02:39:00.001-04:00

Now that you have gone out and bought that neat little handgun you now have to do the following.

You have to fire that little puppy enough times so that you are familiar with the amount of recoil you can expect and you need to be familiar with the sound it makes with and without earmuffs.

You need to know what to do if it malfunctions.

You need to learn how to reload quickly. You need to learn how to do a combat load, under stress. You need to learn how to count your shots so you don't suddenly get surprised by an empty gun.

You need to learn how to shoot while moving. You need to learn how to seek cover and shoot from cover.

You need to know where to place your shots for the most effective results.

Head shots are great but you have to be good, real good, to consistently hit a head shot, so first learn how to hit the main torso then work on being able to effectively deliver head shots.

Learn to point shoot because in battle on the streets of our fair cities you are probably going to be up close and personal anyway. Most confrontations are within seven to fifteen feet.

Learn how to shoot without extending your arm completely forward. Learn to shoot from the hip because there is a good chance that is as far as you will be able to pull your weapon before having to use it.

GUN CONTROL – INTRODUCTION

2008-08-28T02:36:00.002-04:00

Gun Control: Does it really matter?

It absolutely does matter.

If you can not hit what you are shooting at you may as well be throwing rocks.
Gun control comes with practice, practice, practice. Do not buy a gun and then never go to the range.

Learn everything you can about that gun. You do not have to become a gunsmith but at least learn how to use it, carry it, store it and clean it safely. Anything less will get you killed and probably by your own hand.

So get thee to an NRA approved range and get trained by an NRA certified instructor.

Do not trust your neighbor or your buddies you go drinking with to train you properly unless you know for a fact that they are proficient with firearms.

Even if they are, still get your training by an approved certified NRA instructor.

It may come in handy for your defense when you get sued or prosecuted by the state for invoking your right to self-defense.

FIRST-AID TRAINING - #2

2008-08-28T01:56:00.002-04:00

It is time we start teaching things to our kids that will have some value to them as well as others.

And, while we are at it let us also teach them how to balance a checkbook, use credit, invest their money and save for their future. Let us teach them skills they can actually use when they get out in the world.

If you start first-aid training when they are young it becomes second nature to them after awhile.

It is easy to panic when you have not been trained to react.

First-Aid training teaches you to react in a simple and methodical manner.

It teaches you how to do triage, so the most seriously injured are treated first.

If you are screaming your head off in pain, chances are you are still alive, but what about the one who is unconscious?

He may or may not be more seriously injured than you, triage figures this out real quick so you get the aid you need as soon as possible.

You may have to be the one to make these decisions and then live with them afterwards, therefore you will want to have some proven technique to fall back on when this occurs.

First-Aid training is what gives you that confidence to act when others will not or can not.

FIRST-AID TRAINING - #1

2008-08-28T01:53:00.002-04:00

How about the young mother whose child is severely injured or choking?

If she remembers her first aid, and does not panic, she may well be the sole reason her child lived and did not die waiting for help that may or may not get there.

Would it not be a comforting feeling to know that every person you are working with has the training and skills to save your life if you are unable to render self-aid?

Maybe you will panic at the time but hopefully at least one person standing there staring at you will remember their first-aid training and will do something for you or your loved one.

It is the one thing our educational institutions can do that will have an immediate and long lasting effect on society.

It is a skill they can teach that their students actually will use at some time in their life to the benefit of themselves and others.

FIRST-AID TRAINING - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-28T01:51:00.000-04:00

First-Aid training should be taught in our schools from day one.

It is the one skill we can teach our children that will one day save their life or the life of another.

Age appropriate training should be started in kindergarten and all through elementary, middle school and high school.

Upon graduation from high school the majority of our students would probably be trained well enough to become para-medics.

Now imagine the amount of help that would be immediately available during another terrorist attack, a natural disaster or your everyday common car accident.

Minutes can be the difference between life and death.

EMERGENCY KIT - #3

2008-08-27T00:29:00.003-04:00

Of course one of the best things you can take along is knowledge.

Take the time to get certified in basic FIRST-AID and CPR. Not only can you save the life of your loved ones but you can save others as well. Knowledge eliminates panic. Panic kills.

You may or may not be able to save a life but at least you will know you tried while others stood there because they had no idea what to do.

Now let us look at a few other things you may want to carry around in the trunk other than some of your relatives.

We mentioned blankets before. Carry at least two of them. They are nice to have if the heater goes out in the car or you run out of gas or have to sleep in the car for some reason.

They also have other uses. They are very effective in treating an injured person because they can aid in the prevention of shock, which kills more people than the actual injury itself. Wrap it around the victim or lay them on top of it and put the other one on top of them.

You can improvise a tent or lean-to with a blanket.

It can be used as a wind- break.

If you get desperate enough you can burn it for heat or as a signal fire.

You can trade it for whiskey.

You can use it to make smoke signals.

You can have a picnic on it.

You can do other things on it, which most of you probably have at some time in the past, but I will not mention what here.

Blankets are neat; they are versatile. Get a blanket, have some fun.

These items are a minimum of what you should have with you. You should be able to survive 90% of the situations you encounter out there with them.

You do not need to carry a complete survival kit with you, but, then again, it would not be a bad idea.

Think of what items you would like to have along or think of what items you wish you had had with you the last time you got stranded or delayed, then pack accordingly.

Add to it as you see fit. Most of the items I recommend you can probably fit in a small suitcase or duffel bag. Do not get too carried away because you may have to unload your trunk to get to your spare if you have a flat.

Remember, the life you save could be mine.

EMERGENCY KIT - #2

2008-08-27T00:22:00.002-04:00

Here is a short list of things you should carry in a small bag in the car at all times. Just in case.

Medications:
If you take the same medications on a daily basis get your doctor to write you an extra prescription(s) and carry an extra months supply with you.

If you get stranded it may be difficult or not possible to get medications refilled.

If you can not get out of the situation you are in or help can not get to you within a month do not worry about it, you will probably be dead by then anyway.

Also keep a list of medications you are taking as well as a list of any allergies you have. Include a photocopy of your health insurance card and a list of all your doctors, their telephone numbers and an emergency notification card for next of kin.

First Aid Kit:
You can buy these kits already made up at most drug stores or camping supply stores. I recommend the camping supply stores; they have more complete kits plus a whole lot of other neat stuff you may like to add to your kit.

Make sure you include in your kit, a mirror, small knife and a scissors. Or, make up a kit yourself. Go to your local fire department, talk with a paramedic and see what they carry. Get suggestions from them. They can even show you how to use different items.

Personal Items:
Be sure to include an extra pair of glasses or contacts, even if they are the cheap dime store magnifying glasses.

Throw in a few favorite snacks, at least a quart of drinking water and a collapsible cup. And don’t forget a comb and brush so you can look pretty for the nice rescue people.

Other Items:
Get a good metal flashlight that requires 4-5 batteries. Not only are they durable but they can be used as a weapon if necessary. Also get extra batteries and if possible a battery operated lamp.

These are some of the minimum supplies you should carry in the car at all times.

Seriously, go make a trip to a camping store or an Army-Navy Surplus Store. They have everything from packaged drinking water to freeze dried foods, all in small convenient, individual packages that can be stored in a minimum amount of space.

EMERGENCY KIT - #1

2008-08-27T00:17:00.002-04:00

So, what am I talking about here?

I am saying that anything can happen, anytime, anywhere so prepare.

In other words, be AWARE. There is that word again. AWARE. Getting tired of seeing it yet..

If you have read the previous articles it seems like I keep repeating myself.

I am, on purpose.

AWARENESS is the whole theme of these articles.

Be aware of what can happen, not what may not or probably will not happen.

If an emergency develops you will probably get through it better than most people because you are prepared, you sort of have a plan or at least you have a few things with you where you can improvise a plan.

EMERGENCY KIT - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-27T00:11:00.001-04:00

Most people have some type of emergency kit in the trunk of their car, especially those that travel frequently.

Besides the normal stuff like battery cables, flashlights, tools and minor repair kits keep in mind your personal comfort.

Include things like a couple of blankets, drinking water, maybe a change of clothes or a couple of sweatshirts or sweaters and an extra pair of shoes and socks.

You never know when you might need them. You do nOt have to be on a trip somewhere to have an emergency.

It sure is nice to have a set of dry clothes to put on if suddenly you get soaking wet for some reason.

You do not always have time to go home and change. Anything can happen out there.

Weather, traffic accidents, natural disasters, mother-in-law coming to visit; these things can be scary sometimes.

VACATION TRAVEL - #4

2008-08-27T00:02:00.003-04:00

You are having a good time you want to be friendly with everyone. You want to trust people. You’re vulnerable.

You probably aren’t carrying a weapon because of the conflicting state laws on concealed carry or you never carry a gun anyway.

But you do not have to be unarmed…………….. not if you take AWARENESS with you. You can still have a great time without feeling threatened or becoming a victim.

AWARENESS is nothing more than a common sense approach to where you are and who and what is going on around you.

Recognize the fact that you are probably someplace you have never been before. And even if you go to the same place every year when was the last time you got a crime update on that area.

Most street crimes are crimes of opportunity. If the opportunity presents itself someone will take advantage of it.

It is one of the reasons there are police departments throughout every state, county, city, borough, township, hamlet and everywhere else you can think of.

It may only be a one-man department, but it exists for a reason. The same reason why resort areas, country clubs, motels, hotels all have their own security personnel. There is a need for them.

Crime can and does occur anywhere, anytime, anyhow.

Your job is to make it not worth the effort or risk to target you. It is real simple; do not leave motel or car doors unlocked. Do not go places you should not.

Do not flash large amounts of cash. Know who is around you.

Now go have a good time but keep in mind that criminals are not dumb. They know that even if they get caught the likelihood of your coming back to testify against them is pretty slim; especially if it is halfway across the country.

A little common sense and AWARENESS of places and people around you can be the difference between a great vacation; or the one you would rather not remember.

Hey, have fun. Bring me back a souvenir.

VACATION TRAVEL - #3

2008-08-26T23:56:00.003-04:00

Now, the rest of you who decided to stick around listen up.

The guy with his suitcase in the trunk is right. If you can not see his suitcase you probably would not know he was on vacation. But………………sooner or later he has to stop at a motel somewhere. Then he has to take the suitcases out of the trunk. Of course at this point the suitcases become irrelevant because the mere fact that his car is parked at a motel tells everyone he is traveling somewhere. Of course you can always stay with friends or relatives instead of a motel. But do not ever leave the state.

Why? Because the second you cross the state line you are marked. How, you ask?

Well I’m going to give you a test to show you how. Ready?

Okay, the next time you stop for gas, get yourself a pen and piece of paper and walk to the rear of your car.

Now, write down on the paper the state you are now in.

Now next to it write down the name of the state displayed on your tag number.

They should be different.

You are now a foreigner with a conveniently displayed sign on the rear of your vehicle that tells everyone within sight that you are not from these parts.

Now how vulnerable do you feel? You are a rolling advertisement that you are a potential victim.

As a matter of fact you make a better victim than someone who lives in that state.

Why? Because you are less likely to return for prosecution and the criminals know this.

You’re not familiar with the area. You are probably carrying more cash than most people because you are on vacation.

You are out having fun you are not paying attention. IT’S VACATION TIME!!! ROAD TRIP!!!!!YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PARTY, PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VACATION TRAVEL - #2

2008-08-26T23:47:00.002-04:00

Here is why.

Although you may live in the worst neighborhood in the world, it is your neighborhood.

You know it. You know the people in it. You know when a stranger is present. You know when something is not right. You know whom you can depend on in your own neighborhood. You know what streets are safe to walk down. You know what avenues of escape are available to you. You know what is going on around you. You did not survive living in your neighborhood this long by accident.

When you go on vacation you only think you are getting away from danger. Actually you may be increasing the danger to yourself. How is this possible you ask?

Vacation time is supposed to be fun. Vacation time is where you leave all these worries behind. Vacation time is where you go someplace nicer than where you are. Unless you intend to walk throughout your vacation you are marked the minute you leave home. How?

Simple, by the fact that you are loading suitcases in the car it tells anyone who sees you that you are getting ready to leave on a trip. Usually this is not a problem unless the people watching you load the suitcases intend to follow you out of town or plan on robbing your home while you are gone.

You probably figure that it is pretty unlikely that anyone is going to follow you out of town and you are probably right. You also probably figure that the suitcases are in the trunk where no one can see them therefore no one even knows you are going on vacation. You are right again.

As a matter of fact you are probably wondering why you are wasting your time reading this article anyway, you could already be on the road.

So, quit reading and head on out, have a great time. Be sure to bring back photos of where you have been. Be sure to bring back photos of the nice people you have met. Like the nice police officer that took the report from you and the nurses at the emergency room who helped treat you.

Hey go, have a good time, SEE YA, SEND US A POST CARD.

VACATION TRAVEL - #1

2008-08-26T23:41:00.002-04:00

If you have been paying attention to the previous articles you have already started to develop a “sense of awareness” that should be becoming second nature to you by now.

The nice thing about it is you do not have to pack it, you do not have to stop so it can go to the bathroom, you do not have to buy it a ticket, feed it or get it its own room. It does cost you a penny. As a matter of fact it actually pays you to take it with you because it can keep you from getting hurt or getting in trouble.

By keeping you out of trouble it saves on medical expenses and lost property. It gets expensive to get your head sewed up or bullets surgically removed. Not to
mention the additional expense of getting home after all your money is gone and your vehicle too.

Going on vacation can be more dangerous than staying at home; even if you live in a high crime area.

How do you figure this you ask? I am getting away from an area I know is dangerous. I know this because I live there you dope. Anywhere I go on vacation is better than where I am.

……………………Not necessarily……………………….

VACATION TRAVEL - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-26T23:35:00.002-04:00

Once again I say to you; what’s the first principle of security?

AWARENESS

You say; I am going on vacation you idiot. I am going away to get away from the normal grind of day to day living. I am going away to relax. I refuse to worry about anything. I am tired of worrying all the time about security and safety and bad guys and break ins and robberies and shootings and muggings and all the other bad things that happen in my neighborhood and city. I am going away to get away from these things. I am going to have a good time if it kills me.

Well, then; go………………………………………. Hopefully it will not kill you. Have a good time.

Forget your worries just do not forget your………………..AWARENESS.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY - #4

2008-08-26T23:20:00.004-04:00

If you want suggestions on what items you should carry in your car refer to the articles on EMERGENCY KIT.

The idea here is to get you thinking about what is going on around you, at all times, not just when you feel threatened.

Usually people are totally unaware of what is going on around them. That is one of the reasons they become victims. They are not even remotely aware that they are walking into a situation that is a threat to them.

If you practice this state of awareness you are less likely to become a victim because chances are you will see it coming and can get out of the way or take evasive action.

Most street crime is of a hit and run nature. Hit the victim and get away as fast as possible.

Criminals are predators and you are the prey. They usually watch their victims prior to an attack. They size you up first. They do not want to take on someone who might fight back or might be prepared. Surprise is their weapon.

If they lose the element of surprise they usually will pick another target; someone who is not paying attention to them or anything else going on around them. If they know you are aware of them you have just taken away their element of surprise. You just screwed up their game plan.

You have ruined their day. GOOD JOB.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY - #3

2008-08-26T23:06:00.004-04:00

This awareness of what is going on around you does not only apply to when you park your car.

You need to use your newfound awareness also when you are driving. Be aware of who is around you. What type of vehicles, how they are being operated, the condition of the driver and passengers? Where are these vehicles in relation to your car? Do any of them seem to be following you?

You need to be looking around all the time. Be aware of what is going on around you, all the time. Try to leave yourself some maneuvering room between your car and the one in front. Especially when you come to a stop. Do not allow yourself to be “boxed in” between the car in front and the car behind you. Always try to give yourself a route of escape.

Constantly plan in your mind what you would do if the car in front suddenly stopped or had an accident. What would you do if someone approached your car while you were stopped at a light? Plan ahead. Practice different scenarios in your head. Being aware gives you the edge. Being aware of what is going on ahead of time gives you the opportunity to avoid a confrontation.

Now let us look at some other areas. What do you do if your car breaks down? Plan on it. It happens. It will probably happen to you, somewhere, sometime.

One of the greatest inventions has been the cell phone. Get one. It can save your life. Not only can you call the police but you can also call a tow truck, your family, order a pizza or your sister in Kentucky. Just knowing that you have the ability to call someone in an emergency can be comforting.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY - #2

2008-08-26T22:58:00.003-04:00

We have touched on the awareness of having a working vehicle now let Us go on to other aspects of awareness. Awareness of where you are and what is going on around you.

Just because you are in familiar territory does not mean nothing can happen to you.

What do you do when you drive through an area you know is dangerous? You lock your doors, do you not? You look at everybody in the area, especially when you stop at a light.

You are aware that you are in an area that could be a potential threat to you. You act accordingly; you take some measures to ensure that you get out of that area alive.

So how come you do not do this every time you go out? The reason you do not is because you are comfortable with the areas you are familiar with and frequent most often. You do not perceive an immediate threat. If you do not perceive an immediate threat you will never see it coming.

Most crimes, robberies and assaults are crimes of opportunity. You do not have to do anything wrong, all you have to do is just be there at the time. This is why you should be just as aware of what is going on around you on your home turf as you are in unfamiliar areas.

Look around before you get out of your car. If someone or something does not look right, move. Park somewhere else or come back later.

Develop the habit of looking around all the time. It does not matter how many times you may have been to the same place. Take a second before you get out of your car. What is going on in the parking lot around you? Can you see into the store you are about to enter? Are the employees acting normal? Is anything out of place?

Use them eyeballs. Oftentimes they are your first line of defense.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY - #1

2008-08-26T22:45:00.003-04:00

Now what in the world does awareness have to do vehicle safety & security? Everything. You can not fix it if you do not know what is broke.

First off you have to know what kind of shape your car is in, in the first place.

If you can find an honest mechanic take your car to him and pay him a few bucks to inspect it and give you a list of everything wrong with it and those items that absolutely, positively have to be fixed in order to operate the car safely.

If you can not find an honest mechanic than go to a State authorized inspection station and see if it will pass the state’s minimum standards for operation on the highways.

Now at this point I have to start making some assumptions or I will not be able to finish this article. So, let us assume that you now have a car that is in operable condition and that it will not blow up and kill you on the way to the grocery store.

Let us also assume that your car is in reasonable enough shape that it does not require a new engine or transmission and that it will run reasonably well but probably could use things like tune-ups, oil changes, maybe a headlight or mirror or something.

Now, how does this relate to awareness?

Simple, if you are aware of your car’s shortcomings you can then prioritize them and get them fixed as necessary.

The reasonable thing to do is look at your lifestyle. If you only drive during the daytime maybe you can get by with only one headlight. Maybe tires are more important at this time. You have got to make those decisions for yourself.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-26T22:34:00.005-04:00

Most articles about vehicle safety have things like having your car tuned up, the tires checked, the oil changed regularly, etc., etc.

While these things are all necessary and a darn good idea to have done on a regular basis not everybody can afford to have these items done on a regular basis. So sometimes you gotta pick and choose depending on your financial situation.

But which ones are more important than others? Which ones should be done first? The answer is nobody really knows for sure. It depends on the shape the vehicle is in and the depth of your pocketbook. What you are using your vehicle for, how often you drive and who else drives your car.

So, if nobody knows the answer then you may ask, what is the purpose of this article?

Good question.

The vehicle safety/security I am talking about does not really have anything to do with regular maintenance of your car. Common sense tells you to do that. What I am talking about here takes us back to the main theme of these articles.

AWARENESS

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - #5

2008-08-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

Hey, how about this one. Do both things.

Help people individually, person to person and set up a slush fund in your local bank for community projects or just in case of natural disasters.

Think about what could be accomplished in your community if everybody did this. Think about what could be accomplished throughout the country if every community did this.

Is it possible that someday we could do away with some of these government programs? Is it possible that maybe we could cut taxes? Is it possible that more people would actually get help, when it is needed.

Is anybody out there listening? What was the point of this article anyway? Oh yeah, mail fraud and telemarketing. Got a little carried away there.

Hey, the whole point here is to make you start thinking about these organizations and people who want your money to supposedly help those in need. You do not need them to show you where these people are. They are all around you.

Would you rather give to one of these organizations and see maybe twenty-five cents on the dollar going to help the individual or would you rather give the whole dollar to the individual? The individual knows what their needs are better than the organization.

If you still have an overwhelming desire to give money to an organization then give it to me. I have needs too. I’ll even share it. Get twenty thousand or so of your friends and send me five hundred bucks each and I’ll go help a whole bunch of folks person to person. I’ll even make it a full time occupation. Send your cash, checks and money orders to my house. My address is…………………………..

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - #4

2008-08-24T21:36:00.000-04:00

If you do not want to get directly involved with another person because this requires somewhat of an emotional attachment then give to a local volunteer agency in your area.

The humane society, your local search and rescue units, local fire departments, hospitals, schools, any agency that helps people, locally. Keep your money in your local area.

Not only does it help people in your immediate area but you benefit from it with a better community, a better neighborhood.

You can not possibly help everybody in the world. Help those in the immediate area of your influence and then you can see the results. If you don’t like the results then support a different person or agency.

Keep in mind though that the best help is person to person.

Think about this for a moment. If everybody in your local area took all the money they normally give to these faceless organizations how big of a pile of cash would you have at the end of the year?

Suppose, in the course of a years time you gave $500.00 to all these various organizations. What if 20,000 people in your local area each gave $500.00? Do the math. That’s $10,000,000.00 (ten million bucks).

If you all got together and invested that money through a local bank you could spend a million dollars a year on projects and never touch the principal. You could give on million dollars a year to local projects forever. Do you think this might make a difference in the community? I think so.

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - #3

2008-08-24T21:34:00.001-04:00

What about the other veterans? I want to help as many as I can, that is why I give to a particular organization. Then get your friends to “ADOPT A VET”. What if all your friends started adopting vets? What if a bunch of you got together and adopted a couple of them? Don’t you think that would have more of an impact?

No, you can not help them all, but what if others followed your example? There are a whole lot more people like you that would like to help than there are disabled vets. If everybody got in on the act how long would it take to adopt all the vets?

You think we owe them something? You’re darn right we do. We owe them our respect, admiration and thanks for being there when needed. They could have very easily have gone the other way, enough did. And while we are at it let us not forget the families of those who never came home. They need help too.

How about the Police Officer or Fireman’s widow and kids. Fortunately there are not as many of them as there are vets. But there are enough. Could they use some help? I am sure they could. Do we owe them? You bet, and do not forget the one’s disabled in the line of duty. Go “ADOPT A COP”, “ADOPT A FIREMAN”. And do not forget any other group of individuals that die or become disabled in the line of duty. Do not tell me you can not find someone near you that needs help.

If you do not like any of these ideas go find a family in your area that needs help and help them. Stop giving to organizations and start giving directly to people. Get a bunch of your friends together and make it a group project. You will actually see the results. You can even remain anonymous if you want, but you can still chart the progress of your project. You can make it a long-term project or help several people and have multiple projects.

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - #2

2008-08-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

Well, here is a thought. Do not give them any money.

Now wait a minute, you say. I want to help these people and animals and stuff. I can not turn my back on them. What is the matter with you? Are you a heartless, insensitive person?

No, I am just cynical; I do not trust any of them.

Okay heartless one, you told us things that are wrong with these organizations but you have not told us how to figure out which ones are real and which ones are not.

Well, the answer to that is, you probably can not for the most part, unless you investigate each and every one of them.

Well, you have told us the problem insensitive one, now tell us the solution. Well, okay.

Now, what can you do to satisfy your need to give; your need to help those more unfortunate than you? What can you do to make yourself feel all warm and cuddly again?

Well folks, there is enough misery, poverty, unfairness, cruelty, disabled veterans, police widows and stray cats to go around. I’m not sure how many of them damn burros are out there though. They’re on their own.

THINK ABOUT IT. Do you have to send your money halfway across the country or around the world to a post office box somewhere you have never been to in order to help?

If you want to help people, I mean really help people in need then GO LOCAL. Put your money where you are. Put your money where you can actually see it help.

Are you going to tell me that you can not find a disabled veteran near you? Would it make more sense to give your money directly to that veteran or his family than to give it to some faceless organization that will spend the majority of your donation to cover “administrative costs”?

Have you ever drove down the highway and seen a sign that says “Adopt a Highway”? The hell with the highway, “ADOPT A VET”.

Let the State, County or City worry about the highway that is one of the things you pay taxes for.

Go to one of the Veteran’s Hospitals, meet some of the disabled vets, develop a relationship, get to know them, get to know their families, get to know their situation. Find out what they really need, find out what their family needs. Then give directly to them not to a post office box. You can do more for them one on one. You can have more of a direct impact on their life and their family than you ever will, sending your money to some organization.

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - #1

2008-08-24T21:32:00.001-04:00

Do you realize that with this wonderful computer age we have that every time you buy something, subscribe to a magazine, answer a survey, fill out a warranty card, or express an interest in anything at all your name goes on a mailing list?

These mailing lists are then sold to various companies that make the items that you have expressed an interest in so that they can then target individuals most likely to buy their products.

This is a legitimate marketing technique and perfectly legal and ethical. But others also can order these lists; they are for sale to anyone.

If you buy cat food do not be surprised to receive a mail or telephone request for a donation to the “Aid to Dependant Cats” or some other such wacko entity. They will send you a picture of a starving cat or a burlap bag full of kittens floating in the water so they can pull at your heart strings. They are going for that “emotional hook”. How can you not save those precious little kittens? How could somebody be so cruel?

What about the veteran in the wheelchair? Do you not just feel sorry as all get out for him? Or the poor police widow whose husband was shot by robbers and now she has to raise the kiddies all by herself? And how about that damn burro that’s homeless? Poor baby has to live outside. Is it not a shame? It is hard not to want to help these people and animals. Your heart goes out to them.

One reason people contribute to these causes is because they are darn glad it’s not them in that situation and they would hope that someone would help them out if they were. The only problem I have is; how do you know which ones are legitimate? You pretty much don’t. So what can you do?

MAIL & TELEMARKETING FRAUD - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-24T21:30:00.001-04:00

Are you finally getting fed up with telephone calls and mail solicitations asking for money for some worthwhile cause?

I sure am. It seems like I get ten to twenty letters a month and at least several telephone calls a week. It is everything from disabled veterans to injured and abused animals to police widows, children and homeless burros.

It never stops. Why is that? Well, I think I have figured it out. It’s because they get a heck of a lot of money by these solicitations.

Now, I’m not knocking charities. It is great that we have them. They help a lot of people and animals.

I am not saying you should not donate money to these organizations if you support their ideals; but when was the last time you actually saw something that was actually done with your donations.

Do you know how much of your donation actually went to the cause? How much of each dollar that you gave actually went to that disabled vet, the police widow, the children, the injured and abused child and that damn burro?

Chances are you have not got a clue. I sure do not. How much of each dollar was “eaten up” by “administrative costs”? Probably, most of it. How many of these organizations are legitimate? It’s really hard to sort them out.

HOME SECURITY - #6

2008-08-23T17:57:00.001-04:00

Handguns; these are great equalizers. Are they dangerous to have in the home? It depends on the ratio of idiots to handguns in the home. If you are going to employ a handgun as a means of protection than it must be loaded at all times.

If you are not going to have the weapon loaded than do not waste your money on buying one, go out in the back yard and get a big rock, it will be about as effective. An unloaded locked up handgun does not help much if it is needed immediately. If you have time to load it, then you are lucky.

Actually, a short -barreled shotgun is a great home defensive weapon because it is usually easier to load and you do not have to aim much. Just point it in the general direction of the bad guy and you will probably hit him.

Having any kind of a firearm in the home is a scary proposition if you are not trained in the use and safe storage of a weapon; especially if there are children or teenagers about.

However, even if you are totally against handguns or any firearms I would still recommend having a few around, along with an ample supply of ammo, even if you have them locked away in a super duper commercial size Wells Fargo safe.

You never know when social disorder will occur or where. You may well be the only line of defense you or your family can count on. Remember the Los Angeles riots? Remember the Korean businessmen on television with their guns? Remember that the Korean businesses were about the only ones left standing? Remember how the Police could not/would not help them. Having those weapons is the main reason they are all still alive and still in business.

Having firearms is a serious decision. If you elect this means of protection then you must get training and you must practice with the weapon. You must be familiar with the operation of the weapon and its lethal capabilities. The best place to go for training is to an NRA certified instructor. They are the most knowledgeable individuals on handgun safety and education.

One last thing on home safety if you are out in the backyard, do not leave your front door unlocked. You do not want to walk into your house and find a complete stranger standing inside.

Quite a few home burglaries and assaults occur simply because an attacker walked in through an unlocked front door. It is also a good idea to keep your front door locked even if you are home and inside, even if it’s the middle of the day.

You can not monitor who is coming in if you can not see the front door. If you can not see it, you can not control it, so lock it.

HOME SECURITY - #5

2008-08-23T17:55:00.003-04:00

Another outstanding security system for the home is a dog, the bigger the better.

If you do not like big dogs a small one is fine as long as it makes noise every time someone comes near your home.

Whatever size or breed you choose it is highly suggested that you have it obedience trained. It is well worth the time, effort and expense; especially if the dog is bigger than you.

I said obedience trained, not attack trained. An attack trained dog is like a loaded gun if you are not trained to use it you will just hurt yourself and probably your guests.

If you want an attack-trained dog then get one but just be aware of the responsibility of having one. Most dogs are pretty defensive of their home turf and usually their barking dissuades bad folks from coming in. Not always, but usually.

It is not that the bad guys are necessarily afraid of dogs, regardless of the size of the dog; it is the noise they do not like. The noise attracts attention. Plus, if they get in the dog will usually take your side in the fight. Even small dogs can hurt when they bite. They also leave identifying marks on people and, if you live alone, you have someone to talk to that will not give you any backtalk.

The only downside to a dog is you have to clean up after it and take it for a walk once in a while. When you take it for a walk remember the first principle of security,

“AWARENESS”.

Be aware where you are walking and who is around you. Do not walk the dog late at night if you can help it. Try to keep these little jaunts restricted to daytime hours so you can see what is going on around you. Also try to get a friend to walk with you if possible.

Not only will you be safer but the dog will get to know your friend and your friend will get to know your dog and then you can rope your friend into dog sitting for you because, after all, your dog and they are now friends, and you would not want to leave the pooch with someone he does not know and your dog seems to like them and it could be emotionally damaging to your dog to leave your poor doggie with a stranger or put him in one of those cold heartless kennels.

After all this, if your friend will not dog sit for you; find a new friend. It’s easier to replace a friend than it is to replace a good dog.

HOME SECURITY #4

2008-08-23T17:52:00.002-04:00

Windows. Here are your choices. If you do not already have them go out and buy new windows with security locks already installed or………………………………...improvise.

Get yourself a drill and some regular old ten-penny nails and drill holes through the top portion of the lower inside window into the lower portion of the upper outside window.

Don’t drill all the way through to the outside, just through the inner portion of the upper window. Then stick the nail in the hole.

This prevents anyone from opening the window from the outside. To open the window, simply remove the nail. You can also move the inside lower section of the window to various heights and drill additional holes in the outer window through the initial hole.

This allows you to leave your windows open for ventilation or fresh air and to still maintain security. Just remember not to make it high enough that a person, child or small-framed adult, can crawl through. Generally 5-6 inches allows plenty of room for ventilation.

Do the same thing to your garage door as you did to your window. When you close and lock your garage door there is a bar that extends out through the openings in the metal frame. Simply drill a hole through each end of the bar that extends out and insert a nail. Anyone defeating the lock will not be able to open the door because the bar will be locked into the frame.

Chimneys. Other than putting a grate of some sort to keep animals out, leave the chimney alone. Santa Claus has to get in some how. You would not want to wake up Christmas morning hearing profanity emanating from your fireplace, would you? Besides, you do not want to have to explain to the rest of the children in the neighborhood why they did not get any presents because Santa could not get to their houses because he was stuck in your chimney. Do you?

Lighting is the most important feature of any home security system. Ensure that all outside lights are in proper working order. Also purchase a motion detector light and have it installed high enough that a person can not reach it. These gizmos are great.

When you are trying to sneak up on a house through the dark and suddenly you are lit up like a deer caught in the headlights of a car it tends to ruin your day. Not too many guys stick around when they thought they were being slick and are suddenly lit like a Christmas tree.

It messes up their whole game plan. In addition to the lighting on the outside of the home it is a good idea to invest in a few timers. These timers can be installed in various rooms throughout the home and set at different times of the day so that lights will come on and off throughout the home even while you are away.

HOME SECURITY - #3

2008-08-23T17:50:00.002-04:00

Now let us get back to the doors, again.

There are lots of doors on the market, some pretty, some ugly and some pretty ugly.

A front door on a home can reflect your personality so you do not want to install an ugly door. So get a pretty one, a pretty solid one that is, either hardwood or metal.

Then install a single-cylinder deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw and case hardened insert. Do not worry if you do not know what this means, most people do not, but the guy at the hardware store will know as well as any competent locksmith.

Most sliding glass doors come with what is known as a “Charlie Bar”. That is the metal bar in the middle of the door that you put down to keep the door from being opened. Do not bet your life on this one bar.

Get an old broom, preferably the one your wife normally hits you with, and cut the broom handle to fit in the track when the door is closed. This prevents the door from being opened if the “Charlie bar” malfunctions and it also makes it harder for your wife to hit you with the broom when all that is left is the bristle part.

You may also want to attach a strip of wood or metal along the top section of the sliding portion of the door on the inside. This prevents the door from being lifted out of the track. As far as the bristle part of the broom that’s left over?

Convince your wife to use the bristles in some sort of Christmas or Halloween decoration. You have now just secured your sliding glass door and have protected yourself from disciplinary action from your better half.

What a deal!

HOME SECURITY - #2

2008-08-23T17:48:00.002-04:00

Now, let us go back and look at the doors.

What are they made of?

Is there glass in the doors that can easily be broken out where one can reach inside and unlock the door?

Is there a peephole in the front door?

Is it located so that even a child could look out of it?

What type of lock does it have?

Does it require a key to unlock it from the inside?

Will the lock hold if someone tried to kick in your front door?

One thing you have to keep in mind here is that whatever measures you take to keep the bad guys out will also keep fire and police personnel out.

But do not worry too much about that because in an emergency they will get in, they have tools and people trained to do this and they are not afraid of getting caught.

It may just take a little longer to get to you.

HOME SECURITY -#1

2008-08-23T17:46:00.004-04:00

The whole idea here is to make it harder for them to get to you or your stuff. If you make it difficult enough maybe they will go away or not even bother.

But guess what folks? This takes us back once again to the first principle of security.

AWARENESS

You first have to be aware of what your vulnerabilities are.

So, the first thing you must do is to go on a tour of your home.

Let us start on the outside. Go stand out in the middle of your front yard and look at the front of your house.

How many windows can you see and how many doors are visible from the front? Are any of the doors or windows fully or partially blocked by bushes, trees, or furniture?

If you can not see the doors or windows because some object is blocking the view of them then neither you nor anyone else passing by, such as the Police, can see an intruder hiding behind these obstructions. They can easily be breaking into your home or hiding in wait for you.

This same drill goes for the sides of the house as well as the rear of the home. Now you may be reluctant to cut down bushes or trees near your home because you like the way it is landscaped but that is a decision you have to make.

Stealth and concealment are the bad guy’s stock in trade. Without it they are vulnerable. Without it they may leave you alone.

HOME SECURITY - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-23T17:43:00.002-04:00

Home security is one of the biggest moneymakers of all times.

All these alarm companies that try to sell you their systems are not really trying to sell you an alarm system they are trying to sell you fear.

And they do a pretty good job of it. But then again, fear is why you are reading this. Fear of assault or theft of your property is something that everyone thinks about. No one should have to live in fear, but they do. The question is, why?

Well, here is the answer. People live in fear because they can not control the actions of others and they know the Police can not be everywhere.

What is the solution to be able to feel secure in our own homes? Why, buy an alarm system of course. Short of hiring an off-duty cop to hang out at your house twenty-four hours a day an alarm system is the best recommendation I can make.

Thanks a lot you say. If I could afford one I would already have it and I would not be reading this.

So what does one do if they can not afford a security system because they live on a fixed income or just do not make a lot of money? What does one do if they can afford a security system but they do not feel capable of operating one, or they are not comfortable with them because they are confusing or they are afraid of setting off false alarms?

You do what any true American would do; you do what your forefathers did. You do the one thing that we Americans are noted for worldwide, that one thing that built this nation into the great super power that it is; you improvise. And you use little or no duct tape to do it.

PRINCIPLES OF SECURITY - #6

2008-08-22T18:38:00.004-04:00

Now let us review what you have learned:

KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU

By becoming more aware of your surroundings and activities occurring around you and persons present, you are in a better position to react to a situation or possibly avoid placing yourself in a position from which you can not retreat. Being aware means being prepared.

LOOK & LISTEN

Use your senses; all of them. As you develop your new habit you become aware of how your senses can alert you when something is out of place. Learn to pay more attention to what your senses are telling you; they are seldom wrong. They are a survival instinct. Develop them.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GUT FEELING

If you have a “gut feeling” something is not right; IT IS NOT. This gut feeling comes from using your senses and your experiences in life. You hone this 6th sense by developing your security awareness.

BE PREPARED TO ACT, AT ALL TIMES

Think ahead of time of what you will do in various circumstances. Plan your responses ahead of time.

As you develop this “awareness” it becomes second nature to you. You will be doing it subconsciously without any effort at all.

Suddenly you will find yourself more aware of what is going on in the world around you. Your mind becomes more active, your life becomes more interesting and you learn to live without constant fear.

You discover that you can control events in your life because you know what is going on.

YOU ARE AWARE

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SECURITY - #5

2008-08-22T18:35:00.010-04:00

Now that you have survived getting out of the parking lot let us see what happens after you get home.

You pull into your driveway; now what?

What else; LOOK AROUND. Do this before, you turn off your engine or get out. Same drill as before, look for what is out of place, or who or what does not belong.

Now look at your front door. Is the outside light still on that you left on? Are there any other lights on within the home that should not be on? Is there anything unusual or out of place about your home? If anything, I mean anything, is out of place or does not seem right.

DO NOT ENTER THE HOME. Back up, drive away or go to a neighbor’s home and call the Police.

Let the Police check the premises for you; that is what they are there for. Do not worry about bothering the Police you will be doing exactly what they would want a member of their own family to do in similar circumstances.

Are you starting to get an idea of what you are doing?

You are starting to develop an awareness of what is going on around you at all times.

Now do this day in and day out and soon it becomes second nature to you. You have developed a habit. You are also fine-tuning that 6th sense, that “gut feeling” you have heard so much about.

Awareness is the building block, “the rock” on which you build your own personal security system.

Once you become aware of things around you, from a security standpoint, you will be better able to judge your need for other security devices, such as alarm systems, etc. You are also less likely to be sold something you do not need or want.

You will be better able to evaluate your own individual security needs.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SECURITY - #4

2008-08-22T18:33:00.003-04:00

Now, let us assume you have arrived at your destination and are ready to park your vehicle. If you park in a garage try to park as near to the elevators as possible. Do not park in a corner or dimly lit area. Find a different garage if necessary. If valet parking is available, use it. If parking in a parking lot, park as near to the attendant’s booth as possible or as near to the building entrance as possible. Do not park near the perimeter, especially if it is landscaped with bushes or trees. These are great hiding places for bad people who wish to do you harm.

If you are shopping be aware of who is around you. Watch for the same people showing up in the same stores you are frequenting; male or female. If you are in a mall and the person leaves behind you, immediately turn around and go back inside and seek out security personnel. Tell them your suspicions and ask for an escort to your car. They should be happy to help you, that is why they are there. If security refuses to give you an escort and you get attacked going to your car; upon release from the hospital, get yourself a good lawyer. You’ll probably become the new owner of the mall and you can fire the security guy who was too busy or too lazy to help you when you needed it.

If you are at work be aware of who is coming into your office as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to question their presence. Never go to a restroom alone, especially if it’s located outside the office. Be aware of where your purse is at all times. Do not just put it in a drawer, lock it in. If you must work late, alone, lock yourself in and do not let anyone in unless you are expecting them.

You have finished your workday, your shopping, errands or whatever and are now headed home. You approach your car in the parking lot or garage. Now, do the same drill you did this morning when you left home. LOOK AROUND.

Be aware of who is in the area; what activities are occurring in and around your vehicle. If you see something or someone that does not seem right, just does not seem to fit in the scheme of things or you just do not feel right about something but you can not really put your finger on it;

GET OUT OF THERE, LEAVE, BACK UP, DO NOT PROCEED.

You can always come back later or come back another day for the car. If you feel it is okay to approach your car then do it with the keys in your hand ready to open the door. Once inside the vehicle, immediately lock your doors and start the engine before you do anything else.

Why start your engine immediately? So you can drive off immediately, if necessary. Oh yeah, you forgot to look in the back seat before you got in the car. Learn to do this as you approach the car, it only takes half a second.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SECURITY - #3

2008-08-22T18:30:00.004-04:00

So, how do you get started in this self-training program?

Well I am going to walk you through it.

The next time you leave the house look around:

Who is present in the neighborhood?

Are there any strangers nearby?

Any strange cars in the area?

Anybody sitting in the cars?

Are they looking at you?

Are they trying not to look at you?

Are they intentionally avoiding eye contact?

Are your neighbors acting normal?

Are the neighborhood activities consistent with the time of day and weather?

IS ANYTHING OUT OF PLACE?

Is there anyone hiding in the back seat of your car? Look in the back, on the floor, before you get in the car.

Okay, so everything checks out and your ready to go.

Now turn around and look back at your house. Look at your front door, look at your windows. Are they all secure?

Do you have an exterior front light near the front door? Is it turned on or is it on a timer or does it have a photo-sensitive cell that turns the light on automatically at dusk?

ASSUME it will be dark when you return home; therefore turn the outside light on before you leave. This way you do not approach a darkened doorway when you return home.

Did you leave an interior light on that is visible from the street? If you did, note which room it is. When you get home you will know immediately if someone turned a light on in another room while you were gone.

Now look again at the entranceway you normally use.

Is there anything blocking your view of the door? Is there anything such as bushes, furniture, etc., that is in close proximity to the front door that a person can conceal themselves behind? If so, remove it if possible or use a different entrance.

Be aware of your physical surroundings.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SECURITY -#2

2008-08-22T18:28:00.003-04:00

A personal security program should not just stop an assault or intrusion it should also prevent or reduce the risk of occurrence. All security starts with awareness, so let us get started.

There are four basic principles that pertain to all aspects of your life; at home, at work, while traveling, while shopping, or even while on vacation.

PRINCIPLES

1. KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU.
2. LOOK & LISTEN.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GUT FEELING.
4. BE PREPARED TO ACT, AT ALL TIMES.

Now this does not mean you have to walk around in fear all the time. What I am saying is develop a system of awareness you are comfortable with that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle so that these techniques become second nature to you. Make them a habit.

Here is a test you can do to understand what I mean. TAKE A COP TO DINNER. When you get to your table let them sit down first. Nine out of ten times, if they have a choice, they will try to position themselves facing the door.

They do this out of habit. They do this because they do not like surprises. Police Officers usually react to events. They very seldom preempt them. They’ve learned from experience that if they are aware of what is going on around them they are able to react quicker and it gives them a second or two to make a decision on what their response will be depending on the threat level they are about to confront.

While you are having this pleasant meal with the cop of your choice, pay attention to their eyes. They will be looking all over the place and checking everyone coming through the door or entrance to the room as well as looking at the other patrons. How do you think they get stains on their ties and shirtfronts? It’s because they pay more attention to whose around them than they do to what they are eating.

Are they being rude by doing this, maybe? Is this an unconscious habit of theirs? Yes. Do they realize they are doing it? Probably not because it is part of their daily routine; it is a habit they have acquired which may one day save their life.

It is where the cop’s “gut feeling” comes from. Police develop this “gut feeling” over a period of time by constantly dealing with people in all types of situations.

They unconsciously study people’s habits and reactions every day which is why a cop will usually be aware of something happening or about to happen, before anyone else in the crowd has a clue that something is going on. This habit also makes them feel in control of their personal lives because they are aware of what is going on around them at all times.

Now, how can you develop this trait when you do not have the benefit of the training a police officer has? You do it the same way the police officer did it; you teach it to yourself.

This is not something that can be taught in a classroom or from a textbook. You learn it best by physically doing it.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SECURITY - #1

2008-08-22T18:26:00.003-04:00

Millions of dollars each year are spent on security techniques, equipment and personnel. People install security alarms, video cameras, guard dogs, uniformed security personnel and some even employ bodyguards.

Why do they do it? It is done out of a sense of fear. Fear of physical attack, fear of having their property stolen, fear of having their privacy invaded, a desire to feel safe and secure in their own homes.

While these security measures are nice to have and make sense, not everyone can afford them. Sooner or later you have to leave the house and you can not necessarily take these security systems with you unless you can afford a bodyguard, which most people can not.

Anytime you leave home you increase your vulnerability. So, what do you do? How do you protect yourself when you have limited funds or no funds available to spend on security measures and techniques? Most of these techniques require considerable amount of money or training. Do you have the time and/or money to learn them? Are you physically able to perform them?

Fortunately there is one technique that you can use that costs little or nothing to implement, works probably 99% of the time, can’t be stolen, requires no wiring or electricity, is not affected by the weather, and you will not forget it and leave it at home. It’s called ……………………………………….

AWARENESS

Awareness is the most important security system you can possess. You can not buy it or rent it. It is not for sale. You develop it, all by yourself.

PRINCIPLES OF SECURITY - INTRODUCTION

2008-08-22T18:21:00.004-04:00

For the past thirty years I have seen way too many people become victims of crime. The majority of them could easily have avoided the situation that led them to become a victim if they had just followed the principles laid out in these articles.

Most of you are aware of the principles; it is just that you are not aware, that you are aware. I am going to fine tune what you think you know and teach you a few things you either do not know or just never thought about.

These days we not only have to worry about the criminal element but now we have to add terrorist attacks to the mix. If you learn nothing else in life at least learn this; “You are the one responsible for you and your family; it is not the Police, not the Government, not your neighbor; IT IS YOU.”

You should know by now there are not enough police out there to be everywhere and the Government only has so many resources available and who trusts the Government anyway?

What are you going to do if another terrorist attack occurs near you? What happens if the police are too busy to respond to your call for help? What if the criminal element in our society decides to take advantage of the confusion and lack of available law enforcement personnel to respond to other emergencies?

We are pretty much on our own. You need to prepare yourself for just such a scenario and other emergencies whether natural or man-made. You need to think ahead of time what your response will be. Like the Boy Scout motto says, “Be Prepared”.

I am going to help you do just that because it is based on good old common sense and affordable techniques that are available to anyone and can be used by anyone, regardless of age, physical ability or available funds. It will cost you little or nothing to avail yourself of these techniques and it may well save your life.

It is up to you to put these techniques to use but they are surprisingly easy to do, but you have to be aware of what they are first.

THE FUTURE OF GUN RIGHTS IN AMERICA

2008-08-20T21:37:00.008-04:00

The future of gun rights in the U.S. has been and always will be under attack by those individual who do not live in the same world as the average citizen.

Generally, people fighting against a citizen's right to "keep and bear arms" are politicians or rich folks who either do not live in bad neighborhoods, do not walk the same streets that "we the people" do or have their own security or their own bodyguards.

Seldom are the gun control advocates victims of a violent criminal assault. But "we the people" are and "we the people" have an absolute god given right to protect ourselves and our families.

I'm an ex-cop, I have seen way to many people become victims who would probably have never been a victim had they been armed. As a cop I never had a problem with citizens being armed, lawfully or not. I did not care, because I knew there was not enough of us cops to be able to be everywhere.

As a cop, I assumed that everybody I came in contact with was probably armed and I acted accordingly to ensure my own safety and that of any other officer with me.

What mattered was what were the circumstances under which I had contact with that particular citizen. If they were utilizing a firearm in an inappropriate action then I would take action. If they just happened to have a weapon on them but it had nothing to do with the nature of the call I was on, I dismissed it as if the fact that they were armed never occurred.

It did not matter to me if they were armed. You see I took this oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, which also includes the 2nd amendment. As far as I was concerned they didn't need "no stinking permits."

I carry a gun every day, because as a Private Investigator I get to have permits to do so. But permits or not I would probably carry anyway because I refuse to be a victim.

If your state allows concealed carry then get a permit so you can carry too and get trained also.

As far as I am concerned there can not possibly be too many armed citizens. There are too many armed criminals out there as well as terrorists that mean you harm.

The more armed citizens out there the more likelihood that criminals will be stopped in their tracks. The more armed citizens out there the less likelihood that your government can control you by tyranny.

We are the government. The government is not us. The government is an institution we the people created to protect us from foreign invasion and civil unrest. We did not create the government to prevent us from protecting ourselves.

If the "government" ever bans guns then I can guarantee you that I, along with hundreds of thousands of other "Americans" will find ways to get guns and get them we will.

Right now, most of us have handguns and shotguns and hunting rifles. Let the government ban all guns and we will start buying automatic weapons, mortars and grenades because at that point we will know that our government is no longer of the people, for the people, by the people. It will no longer be "our" government founded for individual freedoms. It will be time to be seriously considering an overthrow of the government and a return to the original Constitution our Government was founded under.

The Second Amendment is what keeps the Government from trashing all the other amendments. It is "the amendment" that actually keeps us all free.

Lose the Second Amendment and you will lose all the others because you the citizen will then have no means by which to hold the government accountable.

The very existence of this Country depends on the existence of a Second Amendment.

WHY CHOOSE A HANDGUN FOR SELF-DEFENSE?

2008-08-20T21:34:00.004-04:00

Well, it sure beats a rock or a knife or a call to 911.

But, if you decide to go for that gun you darn well better get trained with it and then you have to make a conscious decision that you are willing to use it. Then on top of that find out under what circumstances you can use it. Know what the law is.

You can not just shoot someone because they insulted you or your wife, kicked your dog or drove over your front lawn. You must be in fear of your life or the life of a loved one and even then you will probably get arrested and prosecuted.

Our society is so paranoid of guns that most people think those with a weapon are crazies. Funny how the gun grabbers do not want to talk about how every state in the union that has passed concealed carry laws have seen a drop in serious crimes like rape, murder, felony assaults, etc.

People need to realize that the police WILL NOT BE THERE FOR YOU and they have no legal obligation to protect you. Their legal obligation is to society as a whole, not you the individual. YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.

The most dramatic example of this is the LA Riots. The only businesses that did not get burned to the ground were the Korean businesses. Why, because they had guns and they used them. What the idiots in the riot did not know was that a lot of those Korean business men were also former members of the South Korean Army, they were well trained, well disciplined, and are some tough little buggers. But they made a decision to protect themselves, were willing to do it and knew they could not count on the police to show up.

If you are going to get a gun also get a mindset. A mindset that says, no matter what, I and my family will survive. I will do whatever it takes to protect myself, my family and my friends. If this requires that I kill another human being then so be it. I will not lose sleep over it nor will I feel guilt about having to do it. This is a matter of survival, mine and my family's. Nothing else matters.

If you are not able or willing to adopt this mindset then get a rock because you are only going to hurt yourself or others if you get a gun. A gun is serious business and not for the faint of heart. You absolutely must be willing to take a human life and then live with the fact that you did.

You cannot look to others for your justification for using it, it must come from within and then you must live with the consequences.

Just do not ever let a gun cause other parts of your anatomy to get bigger than what they actually are.