Charles L. Cotton wrote:For reasons I explain in my classes and seminars, I very rarely post what I would or would not do in a given scenario. Often times it simply because there are too many unknown variables to able to respond, but there are also times when I know precisely how I would react. I know there many people on both sides of the issue of whether or not to intervene in an assault on an unrelated third party, and I respect those opinions as they are purely personal in nature. Perhaps the gentleman's comment was poorly worded, or perhaps he meant precisely what he said.
As a general observation, I believe his mindset was once commonplace in Texas, but it is disappearing as generations pass. I believe that is both a pity and shameful. While none of us want to see a CHL acting like a COP want-to-be, going to the aid of someone so clearly in mortal danger isn't an action I would place in that category. As the old saying goes, some people hear gunfire and run away, while others run toward the gunfire. Both responses are entirely normal; the former is not a coward and the later is not foolhardy. The former acts to protect himself, the later seeks to go in harms way for the benefit of others. LEOs and firefighters aid others because it is their duty and we appreciate and respect them for doing so. How much more should we respect, admire and hopefully emulate the private citizen that places his life in danger not to protect his family or friend, but for a woman and child he never saw before in his life.
I tip my hat to this man and I long for the days when the response to his actions was, "why, of course he did."
Chas.
Very nicely put Chas. And I
to him as well.