The situation in our cities is getting completely out of hand. If you’re not one of “them” – whoever they might be – it’s open season. Just like the angry wasps, they don’t care what color, race, sex you might be -- if they get angry you’re a target. And, like the wasps, there’s no reasoning with the mob mentality.
Step one to stay out of trouble, regardless of the source, is avoidance. You learn where the wasp nest is, and avoid that area. Same tactic applies to violence. “Oh,” I hear, “I never go to the bad part of the city.” Except now it’s a little more difficult because the “bad” part of city is getting larger –like a cancer – and hotspots can pop up anywhere, especially the “nice” part of town, where there’s lots of good loot to pilfer. The key is awareness. Monitor the environment from afar, stay in touch with what’s happening and put that trip off to another day.
When avoidance doesn’t work, or the danger detonates with no warning, escape is in order. Again, it’s important to stay aware of the environment. I highly suggest reading Left Of Bang, by Van Horne and Riley. This is an incredible book, based on the Marine Corps Combat Hunter Program, and it’s all about identifying a possible problem before the “bang.” Paying attention to your environment and the people it contains provides cues to danger, allowing you to escape prior the trouble. The best way to win the fight is to not be involved; avoidance and escape are the easiest path to victory.
And what about when the wasp nest empties out on you? You’re outnumbered. Sure, it’s fairly simple with one or two attackers, as long as you maintain control. But, not even John Wick can deal with several dozen or hundreds of angry, active attackers. So, put your brogans into action, and get lots of ground between you and them with alacrity. You get somewhere safe, where you can position a barrier between you and them. At this point you deal with any that slipped inside the “wire,” and start triaging to determine what the damage is.
We’re six months into the Roaring Twenties, and learning, or relearning that personal defense is an individual responsibility. Except the chances of being involved in a violent situation are increasing, especially in larger urban areas, and the odds are stacking up against you. Avoid, escape and if needed position yourself where you can protect against an assault. A good position – think “fatal funnels” – will allow you to defend against a much greater force. Just keep in mind, if it comes to this, you must commit fully.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.
