On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs

[The Rabbi]

And how would I feel when one of those little children stood up when he should have sat down and took one right in the chest, either from me or the BG? I'm as confident with my handgun as anyone, but crowds and people are unpredictable.
No, I don't have hero fantasies. I have fantasies of living to an old age with my family, freedom, and wealth intact.

 

[Phillips7609]

From The Rabbi: I don't have hero fantasies. I have fantasies of living to an old age with my family, freedom, and wealth intact.


Me too! You make a good point about unpredictable crowds. I wasn't saying shoot from one side of the place to the other. And it may be a situation where you can do absolutely nothing. There's no shame in that. I'm just saying If the opportunity presents itself I sincerely hope that I have the guts to do all I can. I've never been "tested" either.
I'm not trying to gain some kind of moral superiority over you, I hope you don't take it that way.

I also agree with family first as I said in one of my previous posts.

 

[The Rabbi]

When guns come out things become unpredictable. And the best intentions in the world won't protect you from a DA or plaintiff's attorney intent on infringing on your freedom and wealth. That's why the gun is a last resort.

 

[Phillips7609]

When guns come out things become unpredictable. And the best intentions in the world won't protect you from a DA or plaintiff's attorney intent on infringing on your freedom and wealth. That's why the gun is a last resort.

Okay, I think we're on the same page with most of the issues; on the others, lets just agree to disagree.
If we go any farther with this discussion we're just gonna wide up repeating things we've already posted.
I hope you didn't take anything I said the wrong way, I never meant for anything to sound disrespectful or derogatory. I understand and respect your right to your opinion.

 

[jgrazjgraz]

see that? settled without a gun

 

[RDak]

It's been my experience that alot of people, who start off as sheep, turn into sheepdogs or wolves after experiencing violence.

That's how I was. It was funny how quickly I changed. Like someone threw on a light switch. I think alot of sheep are like that once they experience violence.

ETA: I wonder how many of those Columbine kids turned into sheepdogs after their terrible experience? I'd bet quite a few have changed. And have changed for life.

 

[Phillips7609]

It's been my experience that alot of people, who start off as sheep, turn into sheepdogs or wolves after experiencing violence.

That's how I was. It was funny how quickly I changed. Like someone threw on a light switch. I think alot of sheep are like that once they experience violence.

ETA: I wonder how many of those Columbine kids turned into sheepdogs after their terrible experience? I'd bet quite a few have changed. And have changed for life.

I'd bet you're exactly right. I'd also bet that some of them feel guilty for not doing "something" even though they were completely powerless. Sad.

 

[jgrazjgraz]

headlines tonight

A shooting at an LA Fitness gym in Collier, Pennsylvania, killed five people and wounded up to 15, a local official says

 

[BarbC]

Interesting - he shot only women.

 

[Phillips7609]

Interesting - he shot only women.

That is interesting.
I read all of his journal entries from the months prior to his rampage and he didn't sound like he had any more disdain for women than he did men. In fact, he just sounded like he was aware of the fact that he didn't "fit in". No real reason for killing anybody (besides himself).

Who knows? That's why we all need to carry. Too many unpredictable crazies out there that, on the outside, appear to be normal.

 

[The Rabbi]

I dunno.
The article mentioned something about a Latin dance class. Does anyone need a reason greater than that??

 

[Glock 'em down]

Being a sheepdog is more than just packing a gun to protect you and yours. As a sheepdog, your responsibility is to all mankind - not just your family.

I became a sheepdog at an early age. I was always the guy that stood up to the bully picking on the new kid in school...I always let folks go ahead of me in the check out line and I always hold the door open for ladies.

Being a sheepdog means always being on the lookout for the wolf, but it also means having a little more heart and compassion for your fellow man thru daily activities like helping a stranded motorist on the side of the highway, approaching a soldier, offering a handshake and thanking him/her for providing you with your freedom or buying lunch for those "will work for food" guys you see on the corner.

There's lots more to being a sheepdog than just packing a gun and being vigilant.

 

[willy]

I can't figure if I'm a wolf or sheepdog???
I carried concealed way before it was legal.
I been in way to many situations that I could have just walked away from.
Many times I helped the wolf when he had a good reason for doing what was right.(Even though it may have been wrong,in the eyes of the law)
I have left the scene a few times before the real sheepdogs arrived.
And I've had the sheep protect me from the sheepdogs by describing me as someone that looks nothing at all like me.
It all comes down to-
I never thought of myself as a sheep
I never thought of myself as a wolf,
I never thought of myself as a sheepdog,
A lion
A tiger
A bear ,or any other animal.
I never seen a need to compare myself to some animal that was above the lesser animals.
I tried to be what my Dad taught me to be.
A MAN!
Nothing more and nothing less.

Why do some people seem to think of themselves as braver? stronger? higher morals ? more heroic?
then others?
I've seen a few heros in my life and it didn't have anything to do with the job they were paid to do.

 

[walnutred]

Maybe there is some subtle mental difference after all. Sunday morning I'm setting in my usual spot in church and a couple sets down beside me. He turned to me and said: I bet you like setting in this spot for the same reason we do? I laughed and said: I doubt that. He explained that they liked sitting there because it was directly under an AC vent. I just smiled but I was thinking: I'm set here because if the worst happens I have a clear field of fire covering the entrance doors and up the main aisle.

 

[Glock 'em down]

Maybe there is some subtle mental difference after all. Sunday morning I'm setting in my usual spot in church and a couple sets down beside me. He turned to me and said: I bet you like setting in this spot for the same reason we do? I laughed and said: I doubt that. He explained that they liked sitting there because it was directly under an AC vent. I just smiled but I was thinking: I'm set here because if the worst happens I have a clear field of fire covering the entrance doors and up the main aisle.

I've actually pissed off hosts/hostesses at restaurants because I've argued with them about sitting me and my family in the back of the establishment with my back against the wall. They always wanna put me in a booth in the middle of the place.

Nope. Not gonna happen.

I don't like folks sneaking up behind me and I like to see EVERYTHING going on in front of and all around me.