I was handed this letter by a co-worker. I actually felt a connection to what was written.
http://hobbes.ncsa.uiuc.edu/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html
Wow. Another "9=11" story. The world was sooooo peachy before 9-11
Lt Col Grossman is a friend of mine. If you can ever attend one of his lectures, do so...he will keep you spellbound. No falling asleep during his presentation. He is very dynamic----no boring powerpoint stuff here.
He authored a few books worth getting...."On Killing" "On Combat" "Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill"
He lectures for the military and law enforcement.
Good info
I read this before. Since I have retired, I had become sloppy in my usual habit of always carrying a weapon when I went out. After reading this essay, I now never fail to be ready for an armed confrontation.
I carry a weapon unless I know it is prohibited, AND I know I will be searched.
Beyond simply carrying a weapon, one has to maintain tactical alertness, and constantly plan for contingencies. My wife whines that I never look at her when she talks, but that is usually because I'm always watching people around me. For the same reason, I never sit with my back to an outside door in a restaurant.
Leaving Wal-Mart one night, I saw some people loitering in the parking lot. Without even thinking, I guided my wife to my left side, put my hand in my pocket and gripped my .38 in readiness. She didn't even notice the precaution, and did not see any threat. I, on the other hand, had already made a plan to kill the loiterers if they had chosen us old people as targets for their attack.
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on November 29, 2007, 02:20:05 PM
My wife whines that I never look at her when she talks, but that is usually because I'm always watching people around me. For the same reason, I never sit with my back to an outside door in a restaurant.
I understand completely. A few years ago when I first became a cop, my wife would complain about my carrying a concealed weapon
everywhere I went. In the past few years of hearing story after story of incidents I have either been involved in or taken a report on afterwards, she seems to be forming somewhat of an understanding. She is finally starting to come around to my suggestion of receiving training and carrying legally herself.
The sheep analogy has been around for a long time, but always rings true. Denial is a dangerous thing. I personally had never read this essay, but thanks CadetProgramGuy for sharing it.
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on November 29, 2007, 02:20:05 PM
...I, on the other hand, had already made a plan to kill the loiterers if they had chosen us old people as targets for their attack.
Never mess with old people...LINKY (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/news/nationalnews/ex_marine__70__kills_tour_thug_nationalnews_brigitte_williams_james_and_joe_lopez__post_wire_services.htm)
Quote from: jimmydeanno on November 29, 2007, 03:09:08 PM
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on November 29, 2007, 02:20:05 PM
...I, on the other hand, had already made a plan to kill the loiterers if they had chosen us old people as targets for their attack.
Never mess with old people...LINKY (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/news/nationalnews/ex_marine__70__kills_tour_thug_nationalnews_brigitte_williams_james_and_joe_lopez__post_wire_services.htm)
Sweet. I love a good story!
Quote from: Smokey on November 29, 2007, 01:44:15 PM
Lt Col Grossman is a friend of mine. If you can ever attend one of his lectures, do so...he will keep you spellbound. No falling asleep during his presentation. He is very dynamic----no boring powerpoint stuff here.
He authored a few books worth getting...."On Killing" "On Combat" "Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill"
He lectures for the military and law enforcement.
Good info
He was my TAC for Platoon attack at Advanced Camp, many moons ago...
(and yes, that was the genesis for the sig line....)
When I was first married, my wife used to complain about my carrying a gun. Now when we go out, she will ask me if if I have my "little friend" . After years of being around me, she has not become a sheepdog, but she sure as hell has become a lot more of a heads-up sheep! I like her that way. Not everyone can or should try to be a sheepdog. I remember a quote, but not the author: " God does not choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen".
Major Lord
I'm a sheepdog who wears a sheepskin coat.
I'll admit that my sheepdog-ness has lessened in the past two years, the consequence of living in the safest metro area of the country (voted 3 times in the past 10 years according to crime stats).
I had this discussion on another martial arts board, about the fact that I'm not really into the combat aspect of MA anymore and more into the physical "art" aspect. One thing that came to me during this discussion, though, was that as an older "sheepdog", I have a responsibility to help train a new generation of sheepdogs to take over. I have 5 children who are growing up in a more dangerous world than I did. That means that my duty is to help them to not be sheep, and if they want, to prepare them to be sheepdogs. So every once in a while, I'll teach a self-defense course, or do some boxing with the boy scouts. My two oldest and I are going to be enrolling in a new MA school later this spring (gotta' clear some time on the calendar first).
I think the that cadet program, while not focusing on the combat arts, is a great preparation for upcoming warriors and guardians.
Quote from: Major Lord on November 29, 2007, 03:52:23 PM
When I was first married, my wife used to complain about my carrying a gun. Now when we go out, she will ask me if if I have my "little friend" . After years of being around me, she has not become a sheepdog, but she sure as hell has become a lot more of a heads-up sheep! I like her that way. Not everyone can or should try to be a sheepdog. I remember a quote, but not the author: " God does not choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen".
Major Lord
Mod edit: Inappropriate. - MIKE
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on November 30, 2007, 02:49:48 PM
Quote from: Major Lord on November 29, 2007, 03:52:23 PM
When I was first married, my wife used to complain about my carrying a gun. Now when we go out, she will ask me if if I have my "little friend" . After years of being around me, she has not become a sheepdog, but she sure as hell has become a lot more of a heads-up sheep! I like her that way. Not everyone can or should try to be a sheepdog. I remember a quote, but not the author: " God does not choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen".
Major Lord
Mod edit: Inappropriate. - MIKE
(http://www.atomicarchive.com/History/coldwar/images/tmi.jpg)
Quote from: JCW0312 on November 29, 2007, 02:58:59 PM
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on November 29, 2007, 02:20:05 PM
My wife whines that I never look at her when she talks, but that is usually because I'm always watching people around me. For the same reason, I never sit with my back to an outside door in a restaurant.
I understand completely. A few years ago when I first became a cop, my wife would complain about my carrying a concealed weapon everywhere I went. In the past few years of hearing story after story of incidents I have either been involved in or taken a report on afterwards, she seems to be forming somewhat of an understanding. She is finally starting to come around to my suggestion of receiving training and carrying legally herself.
The sheep analogy has been around for a long time, but always rings true. Denial is a dangerous thing. I personally had never read this essay, but thanks CadetProgramGuy for sharing it.
Very Welcome. I haven't decided if I have yet coverted from the "Head's Up Sheep" or the Sheep dog. I am happy to anncounce that my Wolf days are long over.
Be thankful your wife isn't like mine. She is the classic sheep. She doesn't think anybody should carry a gun "just because". She has even said that if police officers aren't required to carry off duty, they shouldn't. She believes that whatever happens, was supposed to happen. We have fought over this for years. If I carry concealed with her, I have to do so without her knowledge. So, usually I don't carry, just to keep from having an argument. No amount of trying to convince her will work. Most of the time she doesn't even want to discuss it.
The ironic thing is, I work at the only uranium enrichment plant in the country as a Security Police Officer and I carry a Glock and M-16 on duty. ??? Go figure.
Quote from: brasda91 on December 02, 2007, 12:56:54 PM
So, usually I don't carry, just to keep from having an argument. No amount of trying to convince her will work.
Unfortunately, in situations like this, you might not be the one to convince her. A "wolf" will have to do it. If you're lucky, that day will never come for either of you.
Another fact for the claimed statistic...
Violence against illegal unreported immigrants is reported and does count for the statistic while the victims aren't counted into the number of US residents, thus, there are MANY more residents in the US than 300,000 and since so many of these aliens are crime victims, there is less crime being committed against actual, legal US residents.
My mother in law is the same way. It is a result of her complete denial of how evil people can be. She lives in her little community in San Luis Obispo Ca. (Nice area by the way) and goes to her art classes and to her walks along the beach. I dont think she wants anyone shattering her peaceful view of the world she lives in.
I have often said that there are few people who have earned the right to see the world for what it is.
You know, I am glad I can help her live in her world. She knows the deal, she just chooses to look the other way. She has made comments about me carrying my off duty gun, which I always do, and my wife shuts her down every time.
Quote from: brasda91 on December 02, 2007, 12:56:54 PM
Be thankful your wife isn't like mine. She is the classic sheep. She doesn't think anybody should carry a gun "just because". She has even said that if police officers aren't required to carry off duty, they shouldn't. She believes that whatever happens, was supposed to happen. We have fought over this for years. If I carry concealed with her, I have to do so without her knowledge. So, usually I don't carry, just to keep from having an argument. No amount of trying to convince her will work. Most of the time she doesn't even want to discuss it.
The ironic thing is, I work at the only uranium enrichment plant in the country as a Security Police Officer and I carry a Glock and M-16 on duty. ??? Go figure.
Not directed at your wife, just the sheep mentality...
People like that scare me when it comes to voting and juries for obvious reasons.
Off-duty cops and any person legally carrying are all part of what is "supposed to happen". If they weren't, we'd all be victims.
Quote from: Flying Pig on December 03, 2007, 01:01:32 AM
My mother in law is the same way. It is a result of her complete denial of how evil people can be. She lives in her little community in San Luis Obispo Ca. (Nice area by the way) and goes to her art classes and to her walks along the beach. I dont think she wants anyone shattering her peaceful view of the world she lives in.
I have often said that there are few people who have earned the right to see the world for what it is.
You know, I am glad I can help her live in her world. She knows the deal, she just chooses to look the other way. She has made comments about me carrying my off duty gun, which I always do, and my wife shuts her down every time.
The thing about the denial is that these "sheep" are not only unprepared victims physically, but even more emotionally. As a cop in the most violent metro area (per the FBI's computations - http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/sep/27/memphis-leads-us-in-violent-crime/ ), it amazes me how many people still have their heads in the sand. When you respond to a robbery or carjacking and the victims cannot believe it has happened to them. Yes, folks... it can happen to you.
Don't get me wrong, I know it is a traumatic experience for anyone, but you cannot keep telling yourself it will never happen to you. Wolves don't look for other wolves to prey on. They look for sheep. People who aren't prepared. The sad thing is, there are so many of these sheep who will never believe it unless it happens to them.
My wife is starting to come around, but she still has a ways to go. I guess when your husband comes home week in and week out and tells you about this sheep being robbed, this sheep being raped, etc. it slowly starts sinking in.
If the majority of law abiding citizens were to wake up to the problems in this world and go about arming themselves legally, violent crime would decrease dramatically. If a wolf knew that 6 or 7 sheep out of 10 were expecting him and had something waiting, he would think twice about his line of work. If he didn't, he wouldn't have a very long or successful career.
Fight fire with fire...
^ OK, but when everyone is looking for a confrontation around the next corner, that leads to what was known as pre-civilization. The whole "I have to get him before he gets me, is a ruination of our western society. We need sheep, we need things to eat the sheep. Crime is part of culture, how we stop crime is to curb it early in the life of the son or daughter. Also, get rid of the crack, it really is getting bad out on the streets.
Oh and stay in school kids.
Quote from: mikeylikey on December 03, 2007, 03:18:47 AM
The whole "I have to get him before he gets me, is a ruination of our western society.
For most of us, it's as simple as "Don't pull your gun or knife on me and say 'gimme your money' and I won't shoot you first". Complying with a criminal will not always cause him to spare your life. Statistically, you probably won't be murdered this year. but it could happen, and you're highly unlikely to receive a post card in the mail a month ahead of it warning you to prepare.
From my personal experience, most violent criminals carry a weapon at least some of the time. Most law-abiding citizens do not. We, as individuals, have the power to save ourselves. I don't believe crime MUST exist. I believe it
will always exist, but not that it is required to exist.
One of my instructors when I was in the police academy made a very true statement that I have not ever forgotten (nor will I ever forget it). "The only reason any of us are alive is because no one has decided to kill us yet".
I'm not a proponent of a paranoid 5 pistol, 12 knife toting public (you know those guys), I'm just wishing people would wake up and see what's going on around them and realize that they might be able to stop something bad from happening to themselves in the future.
Quote from: mikeylikey on December 03, 2007, 03:18:47 AM
Also, get rid of the crack, it really is getting bad out on the streets.
True. And meth. It's gotta go. Everyone who uses crack or meth had to start at some point, and I just don't understand how. We've all seen crack heads and pictures of meth addicts. Who says "That's who I want to be"?
^OK....I see your view. It is similar to others here that I read. I just don't get that if we always had the "when is someone going to try to kill me" hanging over our heads......would life be worth it.
Our society faces much worse than homicides in the next few years. Terrorists are not even going to be a factor in the future......it will be the third world war. The Sheep people against the Chinese.
Quote from: JCW0312 on December 03, 2007, 03:40:57 AM
Quote from: mikeylikey on December 03, 2007, 03:18:47 AM
Also, get rid of the crack, it really is getting bad out on the streets.
True. And meth. It's gotta go. Everyone who uses crack or meth had to start at some point, and I just don't understand how. We've all seen crack heads and pictures of meth addicts. Who says "That's who I want to be"?
It really starts out of boredom and pressure. I never understood it either. What is the appeal?!? Its like waking up and deciding to take a freaking baseball bat to your own face each and every morning. Good God, why don't we actually start the "War on Drugs" with a war. We know there are drugs being imported from Mexico and the wastes that are below Mexico (mostly Venezuela) and bomb the crap out of them. Reagan started the War on Drugs, If I am elected PREZ.....I would push for the eradication of all the growing fields in the south American countries were they exist and the mass (Gitmoesque) roundup of all the bad drug people in those countries. Heck.....just wheel it into the whole "War on Terror". Might as well.
Quote from: mikeylikey on December 03, 2007, 03:43:54 AM
The Sheep people against the Chinese.
We're not worried. There's only about 6 trillion or so Chinese. :-X
Personally, I'm in favor of gun control . . .
sight picture,
sight alignment
trigger squeeze
breath control
Quote from: Redbird Leader on December 03, 2007, 03:44:44 PM
Personally, I'm in favor of gun control . . .
sight picture,
sight alignment
trigger squeeze
breath control
Awesome! :D
Quote from: Redbird Leader on December 03, 2007, 03:44:44 PM
Personally, I'm in favor of gun control . . .
sight picture,
sight alignment
trigger squeeze
breath control
tee shirt (http://www.chopperstickers.com/Gun-Control-Is-Being-Able-To-Hit-Your-Target-pr-94.html)
As a cop for almost 36 years I wish every good citizen were armed. After all the bad guys are. Point in case for carrying if you can...
Lubleys Cafeteria in Texas some years back.....A woman who had a concealed carry permit went for lunch with her parents. She left her gun in her car. A crazy gunman started shooting up the place. She did her best to try to get her parents out of the way.....however her dad was shot and killed by Mr Crazy. Had she not left her gun in the car, her father may have survived the incident along with the others who were slaughtered.
San Ysidro, CA...circa 1980 another crazy shot up a McDonalds killing many including an infant....if only an armed citizen were there to stop the carnage.
As Lt Col Jeff Cooper once said...."An armed society is a polite society."
Currently before the US Supreme Court is the issue if Washington D.C. (murder capitol) can continue to ban the ownership of handguns as they have for the past 30 years. A spokesman for the city said the ban must be kept in place because something like 70% of the murders in D.C. are done with handguns!!!!! HUH........They banned them 30 years ago, so how come so many folks are being killed with handguns still........OH yeah, criminals are really worried when they MURDER someone that they might be in violation of a ban to have a handgun. That's real logic......
Blaming guns for crime is like blaming spoons for Rosie O'Donnell being fat.
Quote from: Smokey on December 03, 2007, 09:25:13 PM
As a cop for almost 36 years I wish every good citizen were armed. After all the bad guys are. Point in case for carrying if you can...
Lubleys Cafeteria in Texas some years back.....A woman who had a concealed carry permit went for lunch with her parents. She left her gun in her car. A crazy gunman started shooting up the place. She did her best to try to get her parents out of the way.....however her dad was shot and killed by Mr Crazy. Had she not left her gun in the car, her father may have survived the incident along with the others who were slaughtered.
San Ysidro, CA...circa 1980 another crazy shot up a McDonalds killing many including an infant....if only an armed citizen were there to stop the carnage.
As Lt Col Jeff Cooper once said...."An armed society is a polite society."
Currently before the US Supreme Court is the issue if Washington D.C. (murder capitol) can continue to ban the ownership of handguns as they have for the past 30 years. A spokesman for the city said the ban must be kept in place because something like 70% of the murders in D.C. are done with handguns!!!!! HUH........They banned them 30 years ago, so how come so many folks are being killed with handguns still........OH yeah, criminals are really worried when they MURDER someone that they might be in violation of a ban to have a handgun. That's real logic......
Blaming guns for crime is like blaming spoons for Rosie O'Donnell being fat.
Jeff Cooper (RIP) also said " It's a good thing there were no armed citizens inside the (San Ysidro) MacDonalds, otherwise someone might have got hurt!" He had a gift for truth and clarity.
Major Lord
Quote from: Smokey on December 03, 2007, 09:25:13 PM
Lubleys Cafeteria in Texas some years back.....A woman who had a concealed carry permit went for lunch with her parents. She left her gun in her car. A crazy gunman started shooting up the place. She did her best to try to get her parents out of the way.....however her dad was shot and killed by Mr Crazy. Had she not left her gun in the car, her father may have survived the incident along with the others who were slaughtered.
That young lady was obeying the Texas law of the day which prohibited carry in a restaurant. She subsequently got elected to the Texas legislature and was instrumental in re-writing the state concealed carry laws.
Much work is yet to be done.
Quote from: aveighter on December 03, 2007, 09:48:46 PM
That young lady was obeying the Texas law of the day which prohibited carry in a restaurant. She subsequently got elected to the Texas legislature and was instrumental in re-writing the state concealed carry laws.
Much work is yet to be done.
Here she is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAO9PogAlo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAO9PogAlo)
Quote from: JC004 on December 04, 2007, 12:36:19 AM
Quote from: aveighter on December 03, 2007, 09:48:46 PM
That young lady was obeying the Texas law of the day which prohibited carry in a restaurant. She subsequently got elected to the Texas legislature and was instrumental in re-writing the state concealed carry laws.
Much work is yet to be done.
Here she is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAO9PogAlo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAO9PogAlo)
Thanks for sharing that.
Like the old saying: "If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns".
God Bless Jeff Cooper.
His commentaries should be intergrated into the Moral Leadership program.
http://www.molonlabe.net/Commentaries/jeff1.html