amazingflapjack
US Veteran
The Elephant doesn't blink...
Hi everyone: I have been watching this thread from early on, and I have thought about it, and given some of the views stated here, as you can see from some of my likes, and the few brief comments I have made. I will refrain from referencing any particular poster, except to say that I identify with Captain Stuart the most. I am not going to go into what I would or would not do, except to say that when I decided to go armed there was some sobering considerations that I, as an individual, had to come to terms with before I took on the responsibility to carry at all times. So here are some thoughts on this scenario, or one similar to it.
Yes, if you fire at someone, it is required to expose yourself in order to do so, even if it is very little, and yes, there will be a muzzle flash. The hardest thing to do when receiving fire is to move, and return the fire. Some can't, and some won't. Much of this goes to personality type, much more so than training and experience, and no, my experience tells me that one can predict how he might react-even the "next time." In listening to the long menu of reasons or considerations from those in this discussion, it tells me that many have not thought through the responsibility that I mentioned earlier. It is extremely hard for a human being to bring deadly force on another human being, even when it is clearly justified, as in this case. In my view, the consideration of what would happen if... are unacceptable because action of some kind was required. There are things, again-in my view, that are worse than death, and our prayers are needed for the survivors of this massacre, especially those that may have had any means to intervene in the situation. The idea that "someone could be hurt" if one of the theater goers fired on this poor wretch is to me simply bizarre. The most elite hostage rescue units concede that innocents may die as a result of their fire, when in the process of liberating a group such as this. As far as the atmosphere in the theater, it is my view that the smoke, noise, confusion, and multiple targets would have made stooping this individual much easier, along with the fact that he is standing up on the stage, evidently, turning to the left and right as he randomly selected targets. As to what the guy would have done, well, he was already shooting at everyone, so... But we don't know, because no one did anything. If someone had gotten off a few rounds at him, he may have soiled himself and run out the door-but we don't know. These places where there is no expectation of resistance will continue to see these things happen until they are resisted when they try this stuff. We see the results, in a smaller way, in the internet cafe incident last week in Ocala, Florida. I didn't hear much from the media on that. This forum, and others are a good place to discuss these things, because it is a place for men (mostly) to respond viscerally as men, anonymously. It is a unique opportunity to interact on a subject that is unwelcome in many quarters. When my wife and I decided to take on the responsibility to carry 24-7, we prayed that we would never have to use our guns on another human being, but that, if we did, that The Lord would power us to employ them effectively. I hope this will be helpful, and I appreciate everyone's candor, including those who's views I do not agree with. Best Regards, Flapjack.
Hi everyone: I have been watching this thread from early on, and I have thought about it, and given some of the views stated here, as you can see from some of my likes, and the few brief comments I have made. I will refrain from referencing any particular poster, except to say that I identify with Captain Stuart the most. I am not going to go into what I would or would not do, except to say that when I decided to go armed there was some sobering considerations that I, as an individual, had to come to terms with before I took on the responsibility to carry at all times. So here are some thoughts on this scenario, or one similar to it.
Yes, if you fire at someone, it is required to expose yourself in order to do so, even if it is very little, and yes, there will be a muzzle flash. The hardest thing to do when receiving fire is to move, and return the fire. Some can't, and some won't. Much of this goes to personality type, much more so than training and experience, and no, my experience tells me that one can predict how he might react-even the "next time." In listening to the long menu of reasons or considerations from those in this discussion, it tells me that many have not thought through the responsibility that I mentioned earlier. It is extremely hard for a human being to bring deadly force on another human being, even when it is clearly justified, as in this case. In my view, the consideration of what would happen if... are unacceptable because action of some kind was required. There are things, again-in my view, that are worse than death, and our prayers are needed for the survivors of this massacre, especially those that may have had any means to intervene in the situation. The idea that "someone could be hurt" if one of the theater goers fired on this poor wretch is to me simply bizarre. The most elite hostage rescue units concede that innocents may die as a result of their fire, when in the process of liberating a group such as this. As far as the atmosphere in the theater, it is my view that the smoke, noise, confusion, and multiple targets would have made stooping this individual much easier, along with the fact that he is standing up on the stage, evidently, turning to the left and right as he randomly selected targets. As to what the guy would have done, well, he was already shooting at everyone, so... But we don't know, because no one did anything. If someone had gotten off a few rounds at him, he may have soiled himself and run out the door-but we don't know. These places where there is no expectation of resistance will continue to see these things happen until they are resisted when they try this stuff. We see the results, in a smaller way, in the internet cafe incident last week in Ocala, Florida. I didn't hear much from the media on that. This forum, and others are a good place to discuss these things, because it is a place for men (mostly) to respond viscerally as men, anonymously. It is a unique opportunity to interact on a subject that is unwelcome in many quarters. When my wife and I decided to take on the responsibility to carry 24-7, we prayed that we would never have to use our guns on another human being, but that, if we did, that The Lord would power us to employ them effectively. I hope this will be helpful, and I appreciate everyone's candor, including those who's views I do not agree with. Best Regards, Flapjack.
