WTF?!? People are getting aggressive these days......

[tnphil]

I went to a lawyer in Flint and he locks the door to the building (a renovated house).

I had trouble finding his office and pulled into a parking lot of a shuttered business to call and there was a dark skinned male walking around talking to himself or something I couldn't see.

Yeah, I had my little metal friend with me, but I have gotten complacent about making sure I have it on me before I walk out the door.

I'm going to strive to be better at making sure I have it before venturing forth.

I went to an accountant for initial meeting for guidance about dealing with an estate. Nice section on outskirts of town, nowhere near ghetto or Section 8 areas. Upscale business area. Door was locked, had to ring bell to get the assistant to let me in. This has become a lot more prevalent.

 

[cat killer]

Sig 365,238 and usually a baby Browning just cause I like it.

 

[ginnie6]

I’ve been trying to be much more conscious of my surroundings and carry whenever I go out. That especially includes church.
There’s a homeless shelter right across the road from us and while
Most of those guys are probably harmless we don’t know. We had a women’s event the other Saturday and a couple of them got there early. They didn’t realize they had completely unlocked the door and a homeless guy walked in on them. He wanted food, they were there for decorations. They finally gave him a drink and walked outside till he left. I got there right after that. Neither of those ladies carry. From now on I’ll be there early.

It also doesn’t help that two counties on our borders are now bussing their homeless in for meals.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Baggies are way more than $40 these days.

Depends on what the baggies hold. A couple of pills can go for that. A piece of crack to get them through to the next score, etc.

$40 is a common "can you spare" at the gas stations and in certain areas of town, so it is the going rate for something.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

I’ve been trying to be much more conscious of my surroundings and carry whenever I go out. That especially includes church.
There’s a homeless shelter right across the road from us and while
Most of those guys are probably harmless we don’t know. We had a women’s event the other Saturday and a couple of them got there early. They didn’t realize they had completely unlocked the door and a homeless guy walked in on them. He wanted food, they were there for decorations. They finally gave him a drink and walked outside till he left. I got there right after that. Neither of those ladies carry. From now on I’ll be there early.

It also doesn’t help that two counties on our borders are now bussing their homeless in for meals.

flatten the tires!!

 

[Kathy in FL]

I don't think he did. We are a tax office and one of the few places open on a Saturday..... I think he was casing the situation and may be part of the reason he backed down.....

We do get cash, but few know that, normally it is cc and checks.

Few businesses will take cash these days. Crime is one of the reasons. That's why the ones around here case the parking lots of places where people still do spend cash. Sometimes they walk around with a really small gas can.

 

[LYoung8]

Always remember your ABCs Always Be Carrying.

 

[tnphil]

Few businesses will take cash these days. Crime is one of the reasons. That's why the ones around here case the parking lots of places where people still do spend cash. Sometimes they walk around with a really small gas can.

I've had people pull the "gas money" scam on me. I'm generous enough to fill up a small gas can for them, or even put $10 of gas in their car. Cash? Nope.

 

[The Traveler]

Pulling a knife or gun isn't the answer. Start thinking, rather than reacting. Walk in his shoes and you will easily find the answer. On that Saturday morning, you're just as broke as he is, which is the only thing he will understand. He'll just walk away looking for money from someone that has it.

How did you make it this far in life, without thinking?

WTF did I just read? No I dont have to walk in his shoes. That person is not entitled to my hard earned cash no matter how important he thinks he might be. The question is how did you make it this far in life? Just asking for a friend.

 

[naegling62]

When I still lived in Tn working as a Medic we made trips to Nashville with patients all the time. At the I-40 off ramps on both sides at broadway, there were always people begging for money this 20 years ago. The local news got involved and did a story on some of these people who were racking in 40-80000. a year begging for money.

Yep, one of my business associates made the mistake of offering them a job. I think the fake homeless guy was making more than him.

 

[bracketquant]

WTF did I just read? No I dont have to walk in his shoes. That person is not entitled to my hard earned cash no matter how important he thinks he might be. The question is how did you make it this far in life? Just asking for a friend.

I agreed, that the person is not entitled to your cash, as giving should not be compulsive.

Perhaps a web search for a "cheerful giver" will enlighten your heart, or your friend's heart?

A tremendous opportunity was lost in not helping that man in need. Was his true need $40 to pay a bill? Who knows? Not I. I often give to the street beggar, letting them know that I'd be a bit disappointed if they said they needed it for one thing, and turned around and bought booze or drugs with it. I'd hope that they would be honest with me, and tell me if it was for another use. Perhaps a stranger showing compassion and interest, to their well being, will be the trigger for a change in their life. There is always going to be a spiritual message that I also give, which to many of them is the far greater need. Even if the rare person admits it's for booze, I'll still give them the money, and tell them that I truly hope that they think about what I've said, with every sip of that bottle. I hope that I've at least reached a few people,

I am that cheerful giver. I made it this far in life, turning 65 in a couple of weeks, with NEVER being threatened with bodily harm or theft, by another person, in my entire life. I must be doing something right, no?

I consider others superior to me, giving towards their needs, but also looking out for my own. (that is a rough quote from a certain book filled with instructions on how to live a righteous life). I choose selfless rather than selfish. Treating others kindly has gone a long way towards my interactions with those around me. And, I rely on a far superior power than a mere hand gun.

Is that enough answer for your friend?

 

[moldy]

It's a fine line to walk. However, Paul also said, (terribly paraphrased) "If ya don't work, ya don't eat." The man didn't ask for a job - he wanted cash.

 

[Blacknarwhal]

It's a fine line to walk. However, Paul also said, (terribly paraphrased) "If ya don't work, ya don't eat." The man didn't ask for a job - he wanted cash.

Very true. But what someone does with your gift is up to them. You get credit for the giving, not for the end result.

 

[Wildwood]

Truth ^^^^^

I did the same thing once, but by God’s grace, nothing bad happened, so I got one of these…its the
very least thing I’ll go out of the door with…

View attachment 466652

I've always wanted one of those but DH is afraid I'll shoot myself in the hand with it...he has big hands but mine are small. He heard about someone doing that very thing.

 

[bracketquant]

WTF is your problem then? Condescending AND completely meaningless response? Did an AI write your post?

Meaningless? How about explaining an easy way to deescalate what could have gone very wrong?

 

[OldArcher]

It seems that it’s now time for me to change out my loads, after much thought and study. My primary loads had been WIN9MHSC/M1152 Active Duty 115gr Flat Nose Ball, which is 10% hotter than NATO. Now, due to the increasing attacks at close range, under 7yds, I’ll be going back to my Federal 124gr HST +P. Penetration of the HSTs is much less, commensurate to FBI standards, and expansion is on par with same, though less than the WIN9MHSC loads. If I do my part, danger to innocents is less with the HST loads. If I run into a situation that needs to be barrier blind, I’ll still have a couple of magazines with the WIN9MHSCs, as counterpoints to the HSTs.

Just something to thing about…

OA

 

[Kathy in FL]

There are nonlethal self defense tools. One is made by Byrna.

 

[Great Northwet]

wax worse and worse

Mattis' rule
Be kind and courteous to everyone. Always have a secret plan to kill them if necessary. (Paraphrased slightly)

"If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right".

Efficient self-defense would be top o' the list.

I believe that was "Mad dog" Mattis: Be nice to everyone, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

That is the type of person that I want in charge of our military.

 

[Tex88]

Meaningless? How about explaining an easy way to deescalate what could have gone very wrong?

I’ve got beat up by Gypsies as a very small child. Which taught me two things: damn gyppers can’t be trusted, and always carry the biggest tool of self defense you can bring with, because there is no such thing as overkill: escalate fully and early.

 

[Luddite]

I believe that was "Mad dog" Mattis: Be nice to everyone, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

That is the type of person that I want in charge of our military.

Yes. Him.

We're agreed in general. As long as he/she follows the Constitution and the duly elected civilian leader.

 

[20Gauge]

Pulling a knife or gun isn't the answer. Start thinking, rather than reacting. Walk in his shoes and you will easily find the answer. On that Saturday morning, you're just as broke as he is, which is the only thing he will understand. He'll just walk away looking for money from someone that has it.

How did you make it this far in life, without thinking?

I did just fine without..... must have been some of that thinking I am lacking????

Yeah pulling a gun / knife isn't the smartest thing as it leaves only one good option after that.....

Yet having them ready is a good thing and it involves some of that thinking I seem to be lacking.....

No I wasn't broke, but I also wasn't going to be hustled / pressured into giving up my goods for someone who wasn't trying in life......

As to how far I made it in life, it was due to hard work, ignoring for the most part ihits who think life is pleasant / soft / and people are nice. They are not. PERIOD

Go to a 3rd world country and live their lives for a year or two and you will begin to understand just how hard and mean people are and that the world as a whole is unjust in nature as the smartest and strongest survive...... I have been put to those tests and survived.

I am betting you have never had that happen to you. All you really know is the glowing golden age of America in its peak prosperity......that leaves you lacking... in many aspects....

 

[20Gauge]

Meaningless? How about explaining an easy way to deescalate what could have gone very wrong?

I did deescalate you may nor may not have read.....there were no bodies or any injuries. Unless you consider hurt feelings and frankly too bad about that one.

 

[CaryC]

I did just fine without..... must have been some of that thinking I am lacking????

Yeah pulling a gun / knife isn't the smartest thing as it leaves only one good option after that.....

Yet having them ready is a good thing and it involves some of that thinking I seem to be lacking.....

No I wasn't broke, but I also wasn't going to be hustled / pressured into giving up my goods for someone who wasn't trying in life......

As to how far I made it in life, it was due to hard work, ignoring for the most part ihits who think life is pleasant / soft / and people are nice. They are not. PERIOD

Go to a 3rd world country and live their lives for a year or two and you will begin to understand just how hard and mean people are and that the world as a whole is unjust in nature as the smartest and strongest survive...... I have been put to those tests and survived.

I am betting you have never had that happen to you. All you really know is the glowing golden age of America in its peak prosperity......that leaves you lacking... in many aspects....

I think you did good.

Any time you can deescalate is a good thing.

However I would recommend keeping a pistol on hand. You might watch "True Lies" and the girl/secretary guarding the door to the secret room. She keeps her hands on a pistol the whole time, under the desk.

Just for when people won't take no for an answer. And there are more and more of those around.

 

[Voortrekker]

The GTR only asked for $40 because he was "working" on that day hustling any number of people for money.
Don't you white people get that? Some work for their money! Sarc/Off

 

[The Traveler]

I agreed, that the person is not entitled to your cash, as giving should not be compulsive.

Perhaps a web search for a "cheerful giver" will enlighten your heart, or your friend's heart?

A tremendous opportunity was lost in not helping that man in need. Was his true need $40 to pay a bill? Who knows? Not I. I often give to the street beggar, letting them know that I'd be a bit disappointed if they said they needed it for one thing, and turned around and bought booze or drugs with it. I'd hope that they would be honest with me, and tell me if it was for another use. Perhaps a stranger showing compassion and interest, to their well being, will be the trigger for a change in their life. There is always going to be a spiritual message that I also give, which to many of them is the far greater need. Even if the rare person admits it's for booze, I'll still give them the money, and tell them that I truly hope that they think about what I've said, with every sip of that bottle. I hope that I've at least reached a few people,

I am that cheerful giver. I made it this far in life, turning 65 in a couple of weeks, with NEVER being threatened with bodily harm or theft, by another person, in my entire life. I must be doing something right, no?

I consider others superior to me, giving towards their needs, but also looking out for my own. (that is a rough quote from a certain book filled with instructions on how to live a righteous life). I choose selfless rather than selfish. Treating others kindly has gone a long way towards my interactions with those around me. And, I rely on a far superior power than a mere hand gun.

Is that enough answer for your friend?

Thank you for your response and hope you stay safe.

 

[lisa]

I agreed, that the person is not entitled to your cash, as giving should not be compulsive.

Perhaps a web search for a "cheerful giver" will enlighten your heart, or your friend's heart?

A tremendous opportunity was lost in not helping that man in need. Was his true need $40 to pay a bill? Who knows? Not I. I often give to the street beggar, letting them know that I'd be a bit disappointed if they said they needed it for one thing, and turned around and bought booze or drugs with it. I'd hope that they would be honest with me, and tell me if it was for another use. Perhaps a stranger showing compassion and interest, to their well being, will be the trigger for a change in their life. There is always going to be a spiritual message that I also give, which to many of them is the far greater need. Even if the rare person admits it's for booze, I'll still give them the money, and tell them that I truly hope that they think about what I've said, with every sip of that bottle. I hope that I've at least reached a few people,

I am that cheerful giver. I made it this far in life, turning 65 in a couple of weeks, with NEVER being threatened with bodily harm or theft, by another person, in my entire life. I must be doing something right, no?

I consider others superior to me, giving towards their needs, but also looking out for my own. (that is a rough quote from a certain book filled with instructions on how to live a righteous life). I choose selfless rather than selfish. Treating others kindly has gone a long way towards my interactions with those around me. And, I rely on a far superior power than a mere hand gun.

Is that enough answer for your friend?

I will give food sometimes...not cash except on very rare occasions. The crack heads that lived in front of one of our church buildings actually kept an eye on our building and would clean up in front of it. They were too ashamed to come into the building so we would open the doors wide so they could hear the music and sermon. Nothing like hearing a bunch of crackheads playing card together and singing church songs lol. A couple got saved and clean.

Is it dangerous...you betcha. Will I maybe die from it?...maybe one day. But then it isn't really how you die that matters... it's how you lived.

 

[33dInd]

This is an interesting thread
102 valid comments
And one simple mind pacifist

I learned my lesson at the start of Covid lockdowns
I never leave home without it except that day
Now I’m retired cop so carrying was second nature
Went to grocery store You remember. Follow the lines don’t get close etc
Had several items in the cart and had to back track so I left my cart
Came back and a GTR she male was commandeering my cart and throw stuff out
I told her that was my cart and my stuff
And she flipped out and pulled a box knife on me
I back up and told her I was mistaken about the cart
The look in her eyes told me I was real close. You can tell

Dennis chastised me for not having my pistol. He was right

Point being
You never ever know when. If. How that attack will come
And yes I been shot at. Stabbed and pummeled
So……………
Head on a swivel

 

[Sacajawea]

Bracketquant, don't you realize you're being guilted into giving by those panhandlers? Sure, I get your selfless motivations... but there are other ways to give and have a positive impact. Try leaving a very generous tip at a restaurant; or buying someone's groceries while you're in line.

All you're doing by participating in this behavior is rewarding and reinforcing the behavior of mooching instead of doing something productive.

 

[Voortrekker]

"Head on a Swivel" is an outdated Infantry term for jungle warfare. 360 degree awareness is the modern instruction. Not eyeballing 360, but sensory and perceptionary awareness, sensing someone inside of an alley before you get to the alley type of awareness.

When I teach a handgun class I tell them the Six Reasons to Never Draw a Firearm

1. To Scare Someone: Nobody is afraid of you, nobody is afraid of your gun. Nobody is afraid of you with your gun. If you draw and don't fire they'll kick your ass and take your gun. Now you've put a gun on the streets in the hands of a criminal and we have no idea whom he is going to shoot.

2. Joking: This always ends in tragedy. Guns are serious business and no joking matter, use a mime gun, never a real gun for humor.

3. Getting a Parking Space: If you need a firearm to get a parking space you need to stop carrying a firearm or Stop Driving!

4. Winning an argument: If you need a firearm to win an argument you need to stop carrying a firearm or Stop Talking to People!

5. Making a Political Statement: Only Communists do this and they use an AK-47.

6. Warning Shots: See reason number one and the Five Principles of Firearm Safety. It is irresponsible on so many levels and that projectile is going to embed on an unknown backstop. That backstop could be any innocent person.

 

[CaryC]

Just for informational purposes, and will even qualify it a bit more to mean in our area.

As a general rule blacks won't take no guff off of a white person.
As a general rule blacks to not mind taking money from white, legal or illegal.
As a general rule blacks are very generous to other blacks. with money, housing, cars, property, etc.....

So if a black person really is in a bad situation money wise, they need to ask their black family members for help who will freely, and generously give to them. The generosity they exhibit towards each other is really amazing.

So why are they asking it from whites?

 

[helen]

I will give food sometimes...not cash except on very rare occasions. The crack heads that lived in front of one of our church buildings actually kept an eye on our building and would clean up in front of it. They were too ashamed to come into the building so we would open the doors wide so they could hear the music and sermon. Nothing like hearing a bunch of crackheads playing card together and singing church songs lol. A couple got saved and clean.

Is it dangerous...you betcha. Will I maybe die from it?...maybe one day. But then it isn't really how you die that matters... it's how you lived.

One of our family houses faces a dealer house. One of the residents in the dealer house is mentally handicapped. He mows an old lady's yard for free, and she lets him use her mower to make money. He mows the yard when we're gone too long, and we pay when he sees us. I locked him out of the yard a while back because I had to lock everyone else out. I paid him anyway, just for watching over us.

The cops won't do anything even though they followed a blood trail there from a stabbing victim of a deal gone wrong. I figured all my bitching probably got us a surveillance camera. I went over there with my arms out, hands open, and twenty floating in a pincer grip. Called the guy to come out into the yard, handed him the twenty, and walked back with arms out and fingers spread. Because it looked like a drug deal and I know who will get busted.

I know the Bible says we won't go to heaven for good works, but I gotta try.

 

[Hermantribe]

I’ve got beat up by Gypsies as a very small child. Which taught me two things: damn gyppers can’t be trusted, and always carry the biggest tool of self defense you can bring with, because there is no such thing as overkill: escalate fully and early.

My dad loved to threaten to sell us to the gypsies, in a joking voice. I didn’t know they were real! Lol

 

[Countrymouse]

Just for informational purposes, and will even qualify it a bit more to mean in our area.

As a general rule blacks won't take no guff off of a white person.
As a general rule blacks to not mind taking money from white, legal or illegal.
As a general rule blacks are very generous to other blacks. with money, housing, cars, property, etc.....

So if a black person really is in a bad situation money wise, they need to ask their black family members for help who will freely, and generously give to them. The generosity they exhibit towards each other is really amazing.

So why are they asking it from whites?

That's their way of "working the streets."

Since they won't get a real job.

And with this 'job'--no taxes.

 

[psychrn]

This is an interesting thread
102 valid comments
And one simple mind pacifist

QFT

 

[tech]

5. Making a Political Statement: Only Communists do this and they use an AK-47.

I think the Founding Fathers would take exception to being called "Communists."

 

[Voortrekker]

I think the Founding Fathers would take exception to being called "Communists."

Wasn't their statement a Declaration of Independence?

 

[Blacknarwhal]

I know the Bible says we won't go to heaven for good works, but I gotta try.

Bible says you won't go to heaven for good works. Bible DOES say you do good works BECAUSE you're going to heaven.

 

[Signwatcher]

Exactly! And that's also why I drive with my car doors locked and my windows either all the way up or just open a tiny crack. There are also some intersections that I avoid. I'm sorry that it's come to that. Many places around here used to be a lot safer.

The Ex always got mad at me when he would get out of the car and I remained inside because I automatically locked the door after he shut it.

There are safety habits that you need to live by and in my estimation that's one of them.

I've seen too many carjackings where the doors were unlocked and it didn't end well for the occupants of the vehicle.

I also carry my souvenir Detroit baseball team mini bat to show (close up and personal) to perps if I have to.

There are things that can't be undone. I don't want to let that happen if I can avoid it.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[Signwatcher]

Very true. But what someone does with your gift is up to them. You get credit for the giving, not for the end result.

Which goes back to the life lesson I have learned: You can't help people that don't want to be helped and you can't save people who don't want to be saved.

Most of these folks want anyone to give them what they want for the moment and move on to the next enabler for the next moment.

Personal experience in trying to help people (including taking a few into my home) has enlightened me on this type of individual.

 

[pauldingbabe]

I also carry my souvenir Detroit baseball team mini bat to show (close up and personal) to perps if I have to.

Bats are great to keep around. They burn quickly as well.