Monday, June 1, 2020

Folks - Whether You Believe It Or Not...

...this whole George Floyd protest bugaboo, as of late, has morphed into a full swing insurrection - at least as far as I am concerned. I can only speak for myself when I say I have taken precautions. I suppose you could consider what I am doing as also being prudent recommendations for all to follow during these explosively violent times:

I know I am not a hero nor do I want to become one.

I know that avoiding a fight is often the best way to remain alive and unharmed. If it is reasonably possible to avoid it without putting myself at greater risk, I will avoid confrontation.

I am at and will remain at a higher level of situational awareness than regular for me. I have been keeping myself at condition orange instead of my normal condition yellow and will remain at that level until the national situation has calmed completely.

My car radio is tuned to a talk/news station and I check the news several times daily on the radio and or online for the latest developments.

I try to avoid known & suspect troublesome neighborhoods and areas.

I try to avoid areas where I see large crowds or any ongoing commotion. 

I would rather be a good witness than a dead or jailed hero.

I have been making sure my cell phone remains charged.

I have a first aid kit in my vehicle.

I have a gas mask and filters in my vehicle.

I carry spare water and food in my vehicle.

I have above a half tank of gas at all times.

My head has been on a swivel to maintain situational awareness.

I always carry a flashlight. 

I change the batteries in my flashlight before they need replacement.

I go armed - virtually everywhere. 

I carry back-up arms - note I did not say that in the singular but in the plural sense.

I carry spare ammunition, more than I think I might ever need.

I carry weapons other than only firearms. 

My vehicle can become, in essence, a guided bullet with me at the wheel if I am surrounded by rioters who give me probable cause to believe they are attempting to block or stop me and seriously harm or kill me.

I am of the absolute mindset that I will defend my lifenad family members' lives, if threatened with imminent death or serious bodily harm. I have done so before and will do so again if so threatened.

I may or may not go to the defense of all others but you can safely bet that should I see an evidently innocent young child being so threatened, or an innocent elderly person in a like situation, I probably will respond to their assistance in some way, shape or form regardless of race, color, sex, creed, citizenship, nationality or political affiliation.

I will not interfere with a Law Enforcement Officer carrying out just & constitutionally lawful duties; however, should I see a LEO breaking the law, I will be a damned good witness against the officer. 

I likely will assist a LEO in distress while the officer is carrying out lawful duties, in most cases.

I know how to get to the local hospitals (2 with Level I Trauma Centers) and urgent care centers, just in case. 

If I had someone to go out and about with, I would go out with them by my side for everyday tasks. I do not; so, I take my dog with me, as often as practical and possible, as a potential deterrent to violence from others. 

I do not want to get into a confrontation, neither non-violent or violent, but I do know how to handle myself and am prepared if either cannot be avoided.

All the best,
Glenn B