What do you do (or not do) that is considered risky behavior.
I, for instance, stop for motorists on the side of the road. Some people think you'd have to be crazy to do that and others deem it necessary.
So what do you do, walk through the neighborhood your gut tells you not to? Help strangers?
And why is it that you do such things? For me I just put myself in their shoes, yeah it could be a trick but what are the odds.
Risky Behavior
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longtooth
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Just because the hood is up does not mean I stop.
Last time I did so was for a couple. The boat tire was flat. She was about to have baby. Bad place on the hiway. Nearly dark.
Intentionally risky
I just dont do it.
Last time I did so was for a couple. The boat tire was flat. She was about to have baby. Bad place on the hiway. Nearly dark.
Intentionally risky
I just dont do it.
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
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G.C.Montgomery
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I generally try to avoid risky behavior. I don't drink or go to late night clubs. I certainly have no use for the world's oldest profession. Other than that, my evening shooting club tends to hang out in our regular restaurants until closing time. Some times, one or two of us will hang out as late as midnight yapping in the parking lot of said restaurants but then we bolt straight home.
Still, being out after most retail establishments close is usually what leaves us in a place to see some of the weird things I've seen. The domestic assault my buddy and I witnessed last year would be an example of probably hanging out too late. But, we accept those risks in favor of fellowship that our lives don't otherwise allow. Fact is, some of us only see each other when we shoot and the occasional weekend that wives, kids and jobs don't demand of us.
I also generally don't stop to help strangers, give to beggers or offer directions. Occasionally there is an apparently obvious need for help such as a leaking body on the ground or someone otherwise appearing to need medical attention. The default answer for directions is two blocks up and one block over, even if it's wrong. Additionally, I generally don't allow complete strangers to get inside my personal comfort zone. I maintain a reasonable interview distance that lets me keep a wide field of view and my head up. It's not twenty-one feet but, it's further than most people can reach and gives me at least a split second to get off the 'X.'
And the classic line I've heard that intiated robberies is "Hey, Let me talk to you." Folks, as a married man, youngest son and little brother I can tell you that I have NEVER heard anything good come after a conversation that began with any of the following lines:
"Hey, let me talk to you..."
"We need to talk..."
"I have something to say to you..."
"Is there anything you want to tell me?..."
So, when some complete stranger opens a converstation with similar lines, I know it can't possibly be any better than the disasters that usually follow such openers with loved ones.
Still, being out after most retail establishments close is usually what leaves us in a place to see some of the weird things I've seen. The domestic assault my buddy and I witnessed last year would be an example of probably hanging out too late. But, we accept those risks in favor of fellowship that our lives don't otherwise allow. Fact is, some of us only see each other when we shoot and the occasional weekend that wives, kids and jobs don't demand of us.
I also generally don't stop to help strangers, give to beggers or offer directions. Occasionally there is an apparently obvious need for help such as a leaking body on the ground or someone otherwise appearing to need medical attention. The default answer for directions is two blocks up and one block over, even if it's wrong. Additionally, I generally don't allow complete strangers to get inside my personal comfort zone. I maintain a reasonable interview distance that lets me keep a wide field of view and my head up. It's not twenty-one feet but, it's further than most people can reach and gives me at least a split second to get off the 'X.'
And the classic line I've heard that intiated robberies is "Hey, Let me talk to you." Folks, as a married man, youngest son and little brother I can tell you that I have NEVER heard anything good come after a conversation that began with any of the following lines:
"Hey, let me talk to you..."
"We need to talk..."
"I have something to say to you..."
"Is there anything you want to tell me?..."
So, when some complete stranger opens a converstation with similar lines, I know it can't possibly be any better than the disasters that usually follow such openers with loved ones.
When you take the time out of your day to beat someone, it has a much longer lasting effect on their demeanor than simply shooting or tazing them.
G. C. Montgomery, Jr.
G. C. Montgomery, Jr.
1. My wife and I picked up an elderly man 2 weeks ago. I had seen his car and then about 1 mile down the road he was hitching for a ride. My wife did not want to, but I just did not want to leave him. He was out in the country and it was cold. - I do not do this often. In fact this has been the first in a a few years.
2. I pick up strangers EVERY Sunday Morning for Church. I think this could be dangerous, but I consider it necessary for me.
3. I am out sometimes very very late. - I think this is not good, but comes with my territory sometimes.
All three of these I guess would not be so bad, but I do not drive much anymore, so my wife in my chauffeur.
2. I pick up strangers EVERY Sunday Morning for Church. I think this could be dangerous, but I consider it necessary for me.
3. I am out sometimes very very late. - I think this is not good, but comes with my territory sometimes.
All three of these I guess would not be so bad, but I do not drive much anymore, so my wife in my chauffeur.
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Venus Pax
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I probably partake in more risky behavior than I should, but I don't believe in locking myself in the house simply because there are evil people in the world.
I don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for stranded motorists. If I see a stranded motorist, I call 911 and report it. LEOs are trained to deal with situations, and their presence would probably put decent people down-on-their-luck at ease. They also know the best way to fix the situation--I don't.
Dh & I occasionally go out with friends to the club district in downtown Houston to share Jesus with the party-folk. We generally stake out corners/areas in front of clubs and we stay in groups. We do meet up with a lot of homeless folk; they're usually the most intersted in talking to us since they don't have much going for them. We make it our policy not to give money, but several of us carry food items. One guy brings an ice chest with sandwiches & bottled water. We send them his way if they're hankering for something more than a pack of cheese crackers.
I keep my gun handy on such outings. I'm also more watchful than normal, especially given our surroundings.
I also deliver Angel Food to the elderly and shut-ins once a month. Three of my stops are at apartment homes. One in particular is in a bad part of town and known for its crime. I just keep my gun handy. I've made the decision that if I'm bothered, I drop the box while drawing the gun.
I won't quit living. I'll do what I can for myself, and trust God to do what I can't.
I don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for stranded motorists. If I see a stranded motorist, I call 911 and report it. LEOs are trained to deal with situations, and their presence would probably put decent people down-on-their-luck at ease. They also know the best way to fix the situation--I don't.
Dh & I occasionally go out with friends to the club district in downtown Houston to share Jesus with the party-folk. We generally stake out corners/areas in front of clubs and we stay in groups. We do meet up with a lot of homeless folk; they're usually the most intersted in talking to us since they don't have much going for them. We make it our policy not to give money, but several of us carry food items. One guy brings an ice chest with sandwiches & bottled water. We send them his way if they're hankering for something more than a pack of cheese crackers.
I keep my gun handy on such outings. I'm also more watchful than normal, especially given our surroundings.
I also deliver Angel Food to the elderly and shut-ins once a month. Three of my stops are at apartment homes. One in particular is in a bad part of town and known for its crime. I just keep my gun handy. I've made the decision that if I'm bothered, I drop the box while drawing the gun.
I won't quit living. I'll do what I can for myself, and trust God to do what I can't.
"If a man breaks in your house, he ain't there for iced tea." Mom & Dad.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
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quidni
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Instead of calling 911 for a stranded motorist, contact Texas Roadside Assistance at 1-800-525-5555. They dispatch the Courtesy Patrol state-wide. (the number is on the back of your driver license if you forget itVenus Pax wrote:I don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for stranded motorists. If I see a stranded motorist, I call 911 and report it.
)TSRA / NRA
KA5RLA
All guns have at least two safeties. One's digital, one's cognitive. In other words - keep the digit off the trigger until ready to fire, and THINK. Some guns also have mechanical safeties on top of those. But if the first two don't work, the mechanical ones aren't guaranteed. - me
KA5RLA
All guns have at least two safeties. One's digital, one's cognitive. In other words - keep the digit off the trigger until ready to fire, and THINK. Some guns also have mechanical safeties on top of those. But if the first two don't work, the mechanical ones aren't guaranteed. - me
I am known for helping motorists on the side of the road especially fellow bikers but I don't let them in my vehicle and try to keep my eye on their hands and around my truck to ensure that it is not an ambush and of course I keep my gun handy. For bikers I usually loan them my cell phone to call for help if they don't have 1 or it's not working and give them a bottle of water while they wait. I also work at night which leaves me out at odd times and lets me see some wiered things on occasion but I am like most people because I won't let the bad people of this world stop me from enjoying my life and helping others when I can. I just take reasonable precautions to ensure my safety because at 28 I have seen 2 other family members become victims of violent crime and refuse to become a victim. My 97yr old great grandmother was beaten to death in her bed in lubbock in 1989 and about 4 yrs ago my sister was raped so I know how sick some people can be in this world.
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TX Rancher
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Risky behavior…lets see, I do the following:
Drive a car. If you trust the statistics, this is risky.
Eat high fat foods occasionally at fast food joints (you can practically hear your arteries clog)
In the summer I do custom hay work. You would be surprised how many folks get hurt by bailing/cutting equipment each year. Having your arm ripped off is not a good idea.
Work my ranch. In general, agriculture is not on the top of the safest professions list.
Several times a week I work cattle from horse back. The statistics on horse related injuries indicate there are safer things to do then get on a 1,100 lb animal with a small brain and a highly developed flight reaction. That’s not to mention what a mad bull can do to you in the confined spaces of a sorting pen.
My point is, all those represent statistically risky behavior, and none of them will be alleviated by carrying my firearm, taking self defense courses, or carrying my folder. In other words they don’t require me to protect myself against bad guys.
For me, I don’t consider picking up an elderly guy whose car broke down any more risky then the actions listed above, probably less. It’s the same for stopping and helping someone change their flat tire. Sure things could go wrong. The old guy could be mentally deranged, the flat tire person could jack you car. But 2 years ago my wife broke her back when an irate horse bucked her off and she landed wrong…a friend of ours daughter barely escaped death in a car accident…and several years ago a local teenager got caught in a baler and died.
Life is full of risks, and you are going to lose. As far as I can tell, no ones made it out alive yet, and I doubt any of us will be the first.
What I can do is balance risk against living my life. To me, that’s taking reasonable precautions that don’t have unacceptable impacts on my lifestyle and who I am. I err on the side of living my life, not on the side of avoiding my life.
And what’s on the top of my risky list? Joking with my wife when she’s in a bad mood...I never should have taught her how to shoot
Drive a car. If you trust the statistics, this is risky.
Eat high fat foods occasionally at fast food joints (you can practically hear your arteries clog)
In the summer I do custom hay work. You would be surprised how many folks get hurt by bailing/cutting equipment each year. Having your arm ripped off is not a good idea.
Work my ranch. In general, agriculture is not on the top of the safest professions list.
Several times a week I work cattle from horse back. The statistics on horse related injuries indicate there are safer things to do then get on a 1,100 lb animal with a small brain and a highly developed flight reaction. That’s not to mention what a mad bull can do to you in the confined spaces of a sorting pen.
My point is, all those represent statistically risky behavior, and none of them will be alleviated by carrying my firearm, taking self defense courses, or carrying my folder. In other words they don’t require me to protect myself against bad guys.
For me, I don’t consider picking up an elderly guy whose car broke down any more risky then the actions listed above, probably less. It’s the same for stopping and helping someone change their flat tire. Sure things could go wrong. The old guy could be mentally deranged, the flat tire person could jack you car. But 2 years ago my wife broke her back when an irate horse bucked her off and she landed wrong…a friend of ours daughter barely escaped death in a car accident…and several years ago a local teenager got caught in a baler and died.
Life is full of risks, and you are going to lose. As far as I can tell, no ones made it out alive yet, and I doubt any of us will be the first.
What I can do is balance risk against living my life. To me, that’s taking reasonable precautions that don’t have unacceptable impacts on my lifestyle and who I am. I err on the side of living my life, not on the side of avoiding my life.
And what’s on the top of my risky list? Joking with my wife when she’s in a bad mood...I never should have taught her how to shoot
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Venus Pax
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Very well put.TX Rancher wrote: What I can do is balance risk against living my life. To me, that’s taking reasonable precautions that don’t have unacceptable impacts on my lifestyle and who I am. I err on the side of living my life, not on the side of avoiding my life.
"If a man breaks in your house, he ain't there for iced tea." Mom & Dad.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
I agree completely.Venus Pax wrote:Very well put.TX Rancher wrote: What I can do is balance risk against living my life. To me, that’s taking reasonable precautions that don’t have unacceptable impacts on my lifestyle and who I am. I err on the side of living my life, not on the side of avoiding my life.
I never knew that.. I even had to check my license just to make sure.. and you are correct.. I learn something new everydayquidni wrote:Instead of calling 911 for a stranded motorist, contact Texas Roadside Assistance at 1-800-525-5555. They dispatch the Courtesy Patrol state-wide. (the number is on the back of your driver license if you forget it
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cloudcroft
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I err on the side of helping others...my life comes second.
Really though, I'm taking very little risk stopping to help someone...I'm aware, armed (!) and if need be, I'll use it very efficiently.
Besides, if I do get killed, it's time for me to go...it's God's call. I don't worry about it at all.
But maybe, that's just me.
-- John D.
Really though, I'm taking very little risk stopping to help someone...I'm aware, armed (!) and if need be, I'll use it very efficiently.
Besides, if I do get killed, it's time for me to go...it's God's call. I don't worry about it at all.
But maybe, that's just me.
-- John D.
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Liberty
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I've always known that I am mortal, and that my time will come sometime. If it should happen while doing good, well thats a good thing.cloudcroft wrote:I err on the side of helping others...my life comes second.
Really though, I'm taking very little risk stopping to help someone...I'm aware, armed (!) and if need be, I'll use it very efficiently.
Besides, if I do get killed, it's time for me to go...it's God's call. I don't worry about it at all.
But maybe, that's just me.
-- John D.
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Glockamolie
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It's also on the back of your state inspection sticker, so you don't even have to pull out your wallet.quidni wrote:Instead of calling 911 for a stranded motorist, contact Texas Roadside Assistance at 1-800-525-5555. They dispatch the Courtesy Patrol state-wide. (the number is on the back of your driver license if you forget itVenus Pax wrote:I don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for stranded motorists. If I see a stranded motorist, I call 911 and report it.
- Brandon
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Will938
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I must of issued over 2000 stickers and I never noticed that.Glockamolie wrote:It's also on the back of your state inspection sticker, so you don't even have to pull out your wallet.quidni wrote:Instead of calling 911 for a stranded motorist, contact Texas Roadside Assistance at 1-800-525-5555. They dispatch the Courtesy Patrol state-wide. (the number is on the back of your driver license if you forget itVenus Pax wrote:I don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for stranded motorists. If I see a stranded motorist, I call 911 and report it.