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I have seen and dealt first hand with "survivors syndrome" for many years. The worst cases I have ever seen involved those who had the opportunity to help and did not. The psychological damage is frequently, in their own words, worse than death itself. I would agree that charging into the middle of a two-sided gunfight might indicate a lack of reason and result in a disaster. However the scenario I am speaking of is usually more clear cut. Watching helpless and defenseless people being slaughtered in front of you is a psychological brutality that many would rather not survive.

There are things worse than losing your money, home - even losing your own life or family. Doing absolutely nothing when such a situation presents almost always results in that condition. I have stood with Vietnam vets who have been traumatized with "survivors syndrome" and they, almost to a man, describe recurring nightmares forty years post event that make life almost unbearable. One described the experience as like "losing your soul."

So, I understand the reasoning for being a good witness. I also understand that if you only do that, you should be clear that there might be consequences more severe than you imagine. I wish we could think more of Flight 93 and less of Batman. As always, my opinions.

"Does the CHL make me a soldier or LEO?" For me, that isn't the right question. Obviously the CHL gives me no more obligation to act than anyone else. The real question is, "Does the CHL make me any less responsible than anyone else?" Can I, in good conscience, watch others die if there is a possibility I can prevent it? The CHL gives me no special obligation to help, but it does grant me a powerful means to help, if feasible.

Surely all the questions arise in such a moment in our minds, "Should I get involved?" "What if??" They are myriad and somewhat confusing. But I am convinced that having a CHL means I did not pick up a firearm only to lay down my humanity. Even without the weapon, I will try to do something. Even if I fail to help, at least I tried. I pray earnestly that I never have to.

I think the question needs to be clarified. For me, just the sound of gunfire might not bring any aggressive response. But if I turn the situation a bit and see people being shot 20 feet from me, execution style by that gunfire, am I still just going to sit on my hands and smugly say "It is all for me and mine and all the rest just burn"? For me the answer is a resounding no. I will try and stop it. Being alone, the cost may be higher than I would like, but the cost of a lifetime knowing I might have made a difference for those who did not survive would be worse. As in war, you probably won't be able to answer the question until you actually face it. Charles is correct.