defensive living manifesto
TRANSCRIPT
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The Defensive Living Manifesto
By
Dr. Martin Wooten
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The Defensive Living Manifesto
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction1.1 Evil and Violence on the Increase1.2 Importance of the Right Mindset1.3 Ask The Hard Questions!1.4 Face The Truth!1.5 One Step at a Time
2 Who is Dr. Martin Wooten?2.1 Ranch Life2.2 Iron Work2.3 Early Childhood2.4 EducationalBackground2.5 My Recommendations
3 Proactive Efforts for Curbing the Spread of Evil and Violence4 Three Basic Components for Secure and Safe Living
4.1 Personal Conviction4.1.1 You Are Your Primary Defense.4.1.2 Personal Conviction in a Practical Scenario4.1.3 First Things First4.1.4 What Does Personal Conviction Look Like?
4.2 Educated Preparation4.2.1 Define Your Perimeters.4.2.2 Offset the Strength of a Threat.4.2.3 Study the Rattlesnake.4.2.4Assume the Worst.4.2.5 Why Take the Risk?4.2.6 Principle of Avoidance
4.3 Determined Implementation4.3.1 Fortify Your Inner and Outer Perimeters4.3.2 Step-by-Step Implementation
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1.Introduction:A short time ago, in a small southern town, an elderly couple was
enjoying a quiet evening watching TV. Someone banging on the back
door startled them, and the husband got up to see who it was. A man
was at the back door shouting, banging on the door, demanding tocome in.
The husband told the intruder to go
away assuming he was a drunk at
the wrong house. After the man
began to break the door in, the wife
called 911 while the husband tried
to persuade the man to just leave.The police were on their way, but it
would be a few minutes.
After the intruder had broken
through the outer door, he began to
break through the screen door. The
husband went to his room and
returned with a loaded shotgun. Heagain warned and even pleaded
with the intruder not to come in. As
the man was about to come
through the screen, the husband
shot twice, point blank range into
the intruders chest. He died
instantly.
In an inner city neighborhood, a teenager, his sister and mother hearda window break in the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen they saw a
large man trying to climb through the window. After calling 911, the
teenage boy retrieved the family gun, warned the intruder to go back
out, and when it was obvious that his warnings went unheeded, shot
twice killing the man.
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The Defensive Living Manifesto
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These are true stories documented on the 911 tapes.
Did the shooters do the right thing? Should they have waited for the
police, run out the front door to a neighbors house or driven away in
order to save the intruders lives?
What would you have done? Ever thought about it? Are you ready?
Unfortunately, most of you are not. You and your family are wide open
targets.
1.1 Evil and Violence on the Increase
Serial killers, drug addicts,
rapists, thieves, and violent
gangs are threatening oursocieties in unprecedented
ways.
Our society is in constant
danger from murderers,
kidnappers, gangsters, and
other sublevels of human
depravity. Every parentcringes at the thought of
the potential violence in
our childrens educational
institutions.
And the irony is that even with the sincerest efforts of psychologists to
understand this depravity, our society grows in its curiosity and
fascination for the suspense associated with the complexities of the
horror.
What should be regarded as violent and unacceptable in our world has
been transformed into something fascinating; something upon which
movies, realities shows, and documentaries are focused. We honor
serial killers and pay tribute to their legends with our preoccupation
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with their lives. Our fascination is like pouring water on parched and
dry land only to witness the growth of weeds: The more water the
more weeds.
In bad economic times particularly, it's understandable for people to
worry more about the security of their homes and families. With police
departments across the country forced to cut their budgets,
homeowners should feel anxious about the safety of their
communities.
If your interest in this paper is due
to a need to find better ways to
protect yourself and your family,
then I strongly recommend youread on. There are many positive
steps you can take.
Unfortunately, whatever security
level most people believe they have
is nothing but an illusion or wishful
thinking.
You cant think in terms of what would prevent you from getting into a
residence as the standard for keeping someone else out. Why?
Because if you arrive home, find the front door locked, it is normal to
assume that the door and lock are pretty much intruder proof. I mean if
you cant even get into your own house, how is someone less familiar
with it going to get in, right?
Consider the security surrounding the President of the United States.
The monetary cost for the security of President Obamas Inaugurationwas the most expensive in the history of the United States.
Sadly, this heightened security was due to Presidents skin color or a
perceived threat from some terrorist group.
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Yet, the more fundamental justification is the haunting reality that evil
and violence are on the increase in the religious, political, and social
arenas of life.
Think about it. If someone is willing to kill over race, as a gang
initiation, for money, or for the mere fun of watching someonesuffer, then what options do you have against such bigotry and random
acts of violence?
This paper and my blog,Defensive Living,are a result of the conviction
that all people have the inherent right to live safe and secure. If certain
principles and procedures are implemented secure living can be
achieved.
1.2 The Importance of the Right Mindset
Lets talk about mindset. Without a defensive way of thinking you
remain vulnerable to the threats of evil people. You must make some
important decisions or violent people will make the decisions for you.
Let me use the example of the President again as I raise this question;
Why do you think the President is the most secure and safe person in
the world?
Because of the sophisticated security systems and the highly trained
security personnel that surround the President?
Partly, it is always good to have the bigger gun. The primary reason is
the defensive mindset and resolve of the people overseeing and
operating the sophisticated weapons and security systems. These
people have the deep conviction that no one has a right to kill the
President. No one is going to kill the President. And heaven help
anyone who tries.Because of a personal friend who worked as an assistant to the
President, I was able to visit the White House a few years ago.
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The President was out of town so I got a
pretty in-depth tour, met the FBI
Director, and was even able to step in the
Oval Office. Only a step, but at least I got
in.You know, like Neal Armstrong taking his
first step on the moon; One small step
for Man, one giant step for Mankind.
In my case, my one small step meant nothing for Mankind. It was all
about me I must admit, and I did get a rush from it.
The White House is incredible. You really need to give it a visit. It has a
comfortable warm feel about itnice carpets, quiet historical rooms,serene and picturesque grounds, pretty Rose Garden and all.
But one hint of violence, the white gloves come off, and the area will
turn into a war zone in a matter of seconds.
All neatly tucked and hidden away are more security sensors, weapons,
explosives, video cameras, laser detectors, fire, smoke, and poisonous
gas detectors, and escape routes than you could ever imagine, as well
as the best trained military personnel in the world.In fact, when I stepped
into the oval office, I was
probably the focus of the
best security team in the
world. Imagine that!
Fame! All those people
fixed on me.
It reminds me of Jason
Bourne in Bourne
Identity. Everywhere he
went the cameras and
sophisticated GPS tracking devices followed him all over the world.
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Okay, I realize I wasnt enough of a threat for the secret service to even
break much of a sweat, or more truthfully, to break a sweat at all, but
for that one small fraction of a split second, I had their undivided
attention. Cmon, we all need to feel the spot light at least once in our
lives, even if for only a very fleeting moment.
1.3. Ask The Hard Questions!Okay, no more kidding around. Lets get back to you, the Reader. I
want you to seriously consider this question. Who is paying for your
personal security and safety? Is there anyone who cares enough to do
something?
Well, dont we pay taxes for police and fire protection? Let me
rephrase the question. Who makes sure no one is in your house whenyou get home or is there to protect you if someone does get in?
Misplaced pride will always limit your potential, so you have to be
honest and ask yourself these hard questions; what plan have you
enacted for your security and safety; a rusty dead bolt, flimsy window
locks, and generally unused peep hole in the front door?
To be honest with you, most people dont put up much of a fight, and if
they do they are terribly ill-equipped; about like trying to stop aspeeding train with a golf club or a grizzly bear with a BB gun.
I hear this all the time; All I can do is lock the doors and windows at
night, but you know if someone really wants to get in I guess theres
not a whole lot you can do.
Well, guess what? You can bet your life savings that there is someone
out there who reallywants to get in.
He just needs to find people who have thrown up their hands, givenup, and believe that the bad guy will always have a greater
determination than they do and always able to outsmart those trying
to keep them out.
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I know that there are people in my community that reallywant to break
into my home, so my response is that I really do not want them to
break-in. My really will just need to be stronger.
You need to envision yourself
capable of attaining more resolveto protect yourself than an intruder
has to harm you. That vision is the
foundation for a defensive way of
thinking.
More hard questions: What about
smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide
detectorsdo you even have any,and if you do, are they the right
kind, properly placed and powered;
will they really work?
And who have you appointed
responsible to insure that your
children are always safe from predators and what they play on is secure
and safe?
Are your parents or other elderly family
members secure? Why not? Whose
responsibility is that? Who really cares?
Perhaps you genuinely care, but dont
know how to implement a plan.
Well, we just have to trust that my
parents are safe and that no one will try to
break in. Let me be blunt, if I may; if thatis your attitude, then trust me, your
parents are not safe. If someone tries to
break in, they will. And if your parents
dont have what the intruders want, youll
probably be attending their funeral.
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You might say, Well, were not at risk because were not high profile
people, or; I dont really have anything that anybody would want.
You might as well put a bulls-eye on your chest. That kind of thinking
just makes you an easy target.
I cant help you unless you are willing to help yourself. If you consider
your destiny to be that of a victim, then you can either change your
perspective or continue to view yourself as someones doormat.
Im quite sure that you are not on a top ten hit list of some terrorist
group, but that does not mean you are of no interest to anybody else.
It matters little if any, what your profile level in society is or how many
valuables you actually have; you represent something that somebody
else does not, and you have something that somebody else does not,
whether its money, your body, or your children. Murderers seek what
they dont have. And you have a lot of things they dont have.
Do you realize that there are people out
there kidnapping others and selling their
body parts for cash on the black market?
Even if you have no money, your body is
worth a great deal.
Besides, an intruder has no idea what you
possess before he breaks in.
Often times, violence occurs because of
the intruders frustration over not finding
the valuables or cash that he needs.
All serial killers, thieves, drug addicts,
child abductors, and rapists have evil,twisted, and dangerous desires, and are seriously preoccupied with
their fulfillment.
They are deceitful, manipulative, cunning, determined, and violent.
Remember, they are predators and predators must eat.
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A predators strength depends on the weakness and defenselessness of
its prey and the element of surprisean opportunity to hunt where his
presence is unsuspected.
Hell be there when you least expect him.
What he wants most is for you to thinkhe has no reason to be there at all.
1.2. Face The Truth!Have you ever noticed how surprised
people are when interviewed after
murders and robberies? It is almost
beyond belief that something actually happened to them, a relative, or
a neighbor.
Lets discuss some normal responses.
I cant believe theymurdered him; he was such a good boy.
I hate to be blunt again, but why do we say such stupid things in times
of crises? You would think that we would step up and put our best foot
forward at critical moments. Are we that out-of-touch with the world
around us?
Since when does good have anything to do with being a murder
victim? Do you think criminals prey only on evil people? Oh, dont
shoot him, hes good!
Evil people are not intimidated by good people for just being good.
Lets all tell our elementary school children that they can walk home
from school in the dark and all they have to do is be
good and no one will ever hurt them.
That type of security fantasy costs so much
needless death, pain, and suffering.
I hear this one all the time; Im just shocked that
this kind of thing could happen in this
neighborhood.
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Have you ever watched the news and heard that reaction before? I hear
it all the time. And so have the people who end up saying it.
So why do they themselves repeat it?
Many think they live in some type of Wonder Land for only the
chosen, comfortable, well-to-do, and well-adjusted.
The swirling, glimmering winds of goodness somehow just gather
these kinds of people into their Pleasantville villages of joy. Family
Neighborhoods, they call them. All of that wonderful goodness is like
one of those sonar pest-repellent devices. Just turn it on and all those
unwanted critters will just slither away.
The fact is, the more Wonder Land you look, the more Wonder you
create. Criminal eyes Wonder at the possibilities that you, your
home, and family
affords; like a three-
year-old eyes the candy
at the candy counter.
Remember, evil hates
good, because good
always has what evillacks. Evil is envious and
resentful of good and all
that good possesses.
Rapists and predators
are enticed by the innocent sweet little ones in your neighborhood.
To the drug addict, burglar, or murderer, where there is community,
friendly neighbors, good wholesome people, there is also a lot of blind
cluelessness, naivet, stupidity, and of course the real prize, moneylots and lots of money.
Shocked people always have lots of money. Why not keep it at home,
because were so safe here in Wonder Land.
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Keep in mind; rapists want the women they could never have without
raping. Its all about the conquest and the perverted sexual fulfillment
associated with it. Wonder Lands have the kind of exciting potential
that predators live to experience.
And then finally this response; Nothing like this ever happens in thistown.
Well, it just did. Nothing like this ever happens at the White House
either, and you know why? Trained and prepared personnel are never
shocked and surprised by potential threats, like naive people who
never seem to face reality.
Forgive my bluntness, but isnt
being surprised by the obvioussomewhat indicative of mental
incompetence, or perhaps more
accurately, intellectual disconnect?
Am I being a bit harsh?
Regarding a toddler surprised by
the splash of water, yes, but not on an adult who is bewildered at the
pain when putting his hand in boiling water.You really have to wonder about someone who would do that.
When a person is
shocked after ample
warning, clear evidence,
and the obvious, it is
followed usually with a
defensive response suchas; Well, I would have
never thought . . .
The annoying problem
with stupid is when
stupid defends its
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stupidity. If something is stupid, how can any defense of it be made? In
other words, is it possible to make stupid less stupid?
The phrase; I would have never thought, reflects a concerning level of
stupidity.
Well, I would have never thought, though I have heard about these
happenings in many other places, have listened to interviews with victims
and their families, and even have a sister who was raped in Chicago, that
something so horrendous would happen in our town.
Am I off base here, or is that just plain stupid?
Instead of a defense of stupidity, perhaps an explanation as to why
something is stupid would be a better idea.
You know, how it got stupid;
who came up with the stupid
idea; how could we be so
stupid to hire such a stupid
guy with unbelievably stupid
ideas?
All of that discussion is based
on the premise that stupid isstupid.
People can be stupid about a
lot of things that will never
have any affect on their lives.
Im stupid aboutknitting,
architecture, engineering, and
cooking for example.(Dont worry, my wife is an
awesome cook, one of my
daughters is a chef, and my
son is saving up money to go
to culinary school, so I think
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Ill be okay in the food department).
But to be stupid about issues of personal defense and security is a
stupidity that can cost you your life.
If you are taken back a bit by my frankness, let me reassure you it is not
without purpose; either I have offended you into some level of honest
self-evaluation and action, or perhaps I have jolted you into
recognizing the seriousness of your situation.
Either way is fine with me, just as long as I have you moving towards a
more secure and safe life. If you have read this far then lets keep going.
1.3. One Step at a TimeIt is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at the challenge of moving aheadtoward a more secure, safe, and defensive way of life.
It is important to understand one very important point:Anything worth
doing is always a step-by-step process.
If it was easy you would have already done it, right? The purpose of this
paper and my Blog is to provide you the steps. You just have to take
them. If you do you will save lives, if you dont, lives will be
unnecessarily at risk and even lost.Imagine yourself looking up at a stairway; each step you take adds
safety and security to you and those you love. It is amazing with just a
little effort how much more secure and safe you and your loved ones
can be.
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Who is Dr. Martin Wooten?
Before moving into the contents of this paper, let me share a little
about my background and qualifications to further substantiate why I
strongly recommend you take to heart the information in this paper
and on myBlog.
2.1. Early Childhood
My interest in home security and personal safety has been a fascination
of mine for as long as I can remember. This longevity, I am confident, is
an outcome of moving frequently from place to place in the United
States and abroad.
Always being the new kid in school plays havoc on the insecurities ofa scrawny little kid with nothing but with fear written all over his face.
In addition, each new house came with its own contribution to the
many variations of creaky and ghostly sounds.
I spent six years of my childhood
in the outskirts of London,
England. As a successful business
man, my father traveledinternationally most of the time.
For my mother and the rest of
my siblings, he bought an old,
large, English Manor type of
house with three stories. My two
sisters had bedrooms on the
second floor and my older
brother and I stayed in two
separate bedrooms on the dark
and eerie third floor.
In my room was the door to the attic, which I was warned never to
open because of the potential dangers therein. Im quite sure my
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parents were concerned about the threat of broken glass, nails,
spiders, and the like.
But, on a windy, rainy, and fogging
London night those legitimate
parental concerns did little to curb
the imagination of a little boy
sleeping alone in an old, thick-wood
paneled room with a door to a
forbidden realm of shadowy
ghostly figures who had been stirred
by the howling winds and
thundering lightening.
The fears and insecurities grew into a constant need to defend myself
as a child and teenager. The demons behind the Forbidden Door in
my room, took the form of school bullies.
As a result of almost daily intimidating experiences, I developed well as
a street fighter, but turned into a bully like so many before methe
greatest terror of my childhood.
2.2. Ranch Life
Consequently, at the beginning of my 17th year, I left home and moved
to a small rural town in southeastern Oklahoma to get some distance
from the trouble I had caused.
The family I lived with was personal friends of my parents and had
agreed to take me in. Their influence turned my life completely around.
Once again, I was the new kid living three miles outside of a small
town, and I mean small (800 people), where everyone knew everything
about everybody. Yet, this time I entered this new world a lot more
prepared.
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Living on a real working
ranch put me in contact with
farm machinery, farm tools,
large trucks, livestock, and
rugged terrain; all of whichpose potential for great bodily
harm and death.
It was there that my sixth
sense for personal safety was
significantly refined. The hand
speed and quick reaction time
I had developed growing up as a street fighter contributed significantlyto my safety in my new world on the ranch.
The Oklahoma cowboys were not
styled or polished fighters like the
street fighters with whom I was
accustomed. They did not understand
the use of elbows or feet, but they
were god-awful tough, unbelievably
strong, werent afraid of pain orbleeding, fought out of principle, and
if not quickly subdued could make it a
long night indeed.
However, like everyone they had
weaknesses which involved two main
areas. Im elaborating on these
weaknesses at this point in the paper to give you an idea of some of thesecurity issues I will address on my Blog to help you to better secure
your life.
A. Predictability. My new friends, and enemies for that matter, were
primarily offensive fighters and relied mostly on brute strength, and a
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sense of fairness in combat, you know, Cmon, get up, you want some
more? The type of perspective which allows an opponent to get up.
My question is; get up and do what, have another chance at breaking
your jaw, knee, or rupturing your kidneys? Kicking somebody while he
is down has a much better chance of keeping him down.
Country people, for the most part, are much friendlier and more
neighborly than city folk. The cowboys that I hung around were always
fun to be around, pretty even tempered, loyal, and it took a lot for
them to get angry.
When they finally did, they would
charge in like a bull and swing
wildly telegraphing their puncheslike a siren on a fire truck, which
were easily blocked and
countered.
If the fight went to the ground,
however, you could be in big
trouble in a hurry. Those guys
were just flat-out strong. Theygrew up working and throwing 100
lb hay bales and feed sacks around
like they were feather pillows.
It was a great opportunity to hone my self-defense techniques by
learning to out-maneuver much stronger opponents. Besides, in the
process I became much stronger myself, and made some great friends.
There was this guy in town with some boxing experience who hadheard of me. At that time, I was 62, 230 lbs with a 32 inch waist,
unlike my present gravity ridden body. (No worry please, forty years
later Im still the same height, 10 lbs lighter, with a 35 inch waist, but
unfortunately, my body shape has matured, so to speak.)
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Every Saturday night after a few beers this bozo would blow his
bullhorn mouth around town calling me out. Townspeople would say,
I think Roger is looking for you again. It was very embarrassing, to say
the least. What was there to say? Oh thank you, Ill be sure to look him
up.
A drunken boxer always forgets how vulnerable he is on the streets
where there are no referees, rounds, rules, or weight classes. He is just
like any other fighter. You just have to watch his hands, usually they
will be fast. But he wont be able to hit with much accuracy because of
the alcohol.
Drunks talk too much so
their intentions are alwayswell telegraphed. And when
someone knows what you
intend to do, you put
yourself at a dangerous
disadvantage.
The more he yelled, the
more I prepared. He wasntthinking preparation, just
drinking and yelling and showing off. Even a black widow couldnt ask
for a more willing victim.
And when he yelled he would always look straight ahead with a
drunken wobbly stare and stupid grin, which showed a lot of fear
numbed by the excessive alcohol, and assume that I would approach
him face to face.
There is no more dangerous assumption.
Consider the above picture. Now, if you were being threatened by this
guy, where would be the best place to hit him to avoid being hurt and
to inflict the most immobilizing harm; the midsection perhaps, or
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between his legs? How about breaking his nose or stumping on the
instep of his foot?
When I believe someone is threatening my well-being or even life, I go
into survival mode with no intentions of meeting anyone face to face
on the street at high noon for a quick draw. In fact, I plan not to face
him at all. Its safer and more effective to hit him while he is not
looking.
Why not hit him at the back
of the neck at the base of the
skull which is wide open if you
hit him from behind?
Remember, survival has
nothing to do with looking
good or letting your ego lure
you into a dangerous scenario
to impress someone.
While some might call one
with such tactics a coward,
others call them Ninjas, Navy Seals, Snipers, Marines, and every other
group trained in self-defense that you would like at your house if
someone should attempt a break-in.
Do you think that broadcasting battle plans to the enemy is part of
Navy Seals training? They just kind of let the enemy coax them to
meeting on the enemys terms?
The more of a surprise you are, and the faster and harder you attack
the weaknesses of your opponent, the better your chances of victory,
but more practically, survival.
The only real code of fairness in survival is to be sure to survive,
whatever it takes; not looking pretty or giving an attacker a fair chance
at killing you.
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B. Assuming the Best in the Wrong People is Dangerous. Along with
the weakness of predictability, country people are the friendliest,
loyal, helpful, and caring people one can ever hope to meet. They are
well-grounded and love life overall and those around them.
They assume the best in others, even the best in evil people, and as a
result, are often caught off-guard. Predators are incredibly
manipulative, and in a rural environment their tactics thrive.
I never had a problem getting the first punch in (sucker punch) on
someone who assumed I was too nice for such a tactic.
Nice is not a reflection of an opponents true fighting abilities, but
can be useful as a very effective camouflage to hide a wicked left hook.Though mean-looking is heralded as a powerful masculine quality, it
can also be a huge disadvantage; mean-looking people are expected to
do something mean, so people anticipate their moves. I always put my
back to the wall in any place where someone is into looking mean.
I mean, think about it. If you are at a party which turns hostile against
you and someone throws you a gun, who are you going to shoot first,
the nice looking people or the mean looking ones? Exactly; meanlooking people always go first.
Nice-looking people, on the other hand, though evil on the inside,
can cast their spell over genuinely nice people causing them to drop
their guard. They learn to penetrate a persons initial defensive
boundaries.
One of the most prominent characteristics of Ted Bundy, the infamous
serial killer, was his nice and very friendly demeanor. He learned earlyin life, apparently, how nice can be a very effective tool for the
fulfillment of his sinister desires.
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2.3. Iron Work
After two years in Oklahoma, I moved to New Orleans and began a
career as an iron worker. Working the high steel as a welder and steel
fitter, I traveled to several states
including Alaska where I helped build
the Alaska Pipeline in the 1970s.
Rubbing shoulders with some of the
toughest, strongest, and meanest men
alive, in rough working and living
environments, exposed me to extreme
and dangerous working conditions. Iron
workers are tough for a reason.
I can remember coming home often
and noticing a lot of dried or fresh blood
on my hands and arms, and not even
remembering being cut. You become so
focused on the potential dangers of
working hundreds of feet in the air that
your mind blocks out other physical distractions which normally wouldbe painful.
Most iron workers attend safety meetings as part of their weekly
schedule. Lifting, fitting, and welding steel weighing in the tons while
working on structures hundreds of feet high in all kinds of weather
conditions leaves the individual little room for error.
Even after all those years in ranch and iron work I am blessed to never
have experienced a major injury and to still have all of my limbs,fingers, and toes. Unfortunately, a lot of ranchers and iron workers
cannot make that claim.
Fate and luck play a role in all of our lives, but I genuinely believe that
the many insecure and frightful moments of my childhood conditioned
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me to listen, learn, and implement certain principles more carefully;
principles that to this day Im committed not to violate.
2.4 Educational Background
Regarding my education, I hold a bachelor, two masters, and adoctorate degree. I highlight this only to help assure you that my
academic training helps me to get down to the real issues when
evaluating safety strategies and product marketing hype. In other
words, Im not a total idiot.
2.5 My Recommendations
Though the recommendations in this paper and on my Blog are my
opinions, they are a result of intense research and years of personalexperience. I have no tricks up my sleeve, just good solid advice to help
keep you safe. If you buy any of the security products I recommend, I
do make a small referral fee which helps fund my work. However, I do
not and will not represent only one company and am under contract
with no one.
I do my own research and I will recommend only what I consider to be
the best option or product. No amount of money or fame couldinfluence me to recommend otherwise.
If you allow me to teach you what I know, I can assure that I can help
you to better protect your life and the precious lives of your loved ones.
3. Proactive Efforts for Curbing the Spread of Evil andViolenceFortunately, besides living in a fortified
bunker, there are many worthy ways to
contribute to the security of our world.
The giving of our time and energy
proactively to help resolve the social
problems underlying the violence and
unrest in our world is, of course, the
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ultimate answer to the problem.
Without the people in my life who have cared and watched over me
during my critical years, only God knows where I would be. There will
be no benefit to society if we all stay huddled in our fortresses filled
with bitterness and fear over how bad the world is.
We must have hope that progress can be made and our individual
efforts can have a significant impact.
But in the mean time, we all need to protect ourselves and our families.
4. Three Basic Components for Secure and Safe LivingThe experience of secure and safe living is a result of three basic
components: 1) personal conviction, 2) educated preparation, and 3)determined implementation.
The purpose of this paper is to get you started through these three
basic steps.
4.1 Personal Conviction
While our collective hope for a better world does its work, it is
important to realize that hope without a plan is no hope at all.
As fellow citizens each of us must have a plan to stand together in our
resolve to protect our right to live safe and secure.
Personal conviction along with a fuller knowledge of the proper
mindset, available techniques, and equipment, offer us the best chance
to protect ourselves and discourage criminal activity in our society as a
whole.
It is important to understand that I am not asking you to become aMarine or to punch your bare fists through a burning brick wall while
meditating on a poster of Bruce Lee.
Effective self-defense is not about brut strength as we usually conceive of
it. Mindset is the foundation ofa successful defense lifestyle.
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The facts of physics teach us, on the whole, that women cannot match
the physical strength of men.
Yet, every woman possesses the same intellectual capacities and even
has unique intellectual and physical capabilities that give her a serious
edge over a man.
Remember, effective self-defense is dependent on strength of mind,
not strength of body. Strength of body is useful but not necessary.
David was less than half the size and physical strength of Goliath, but
had a hundred times his courage, intelligence, and strength of
conviction.
More discussion on this very important point will follow. For right nowbegin to contemplate your inner power and the potential of your
personal conviction.
Allow me to help you to become indignant about the evil around you,
and to make a decision to begin the process of better securing your
life.
4.1.1 You Are Your Primary Defense
As important as calling 911 is, it should never
be considered your first or primary line of
defense. You are the first line of your
defense, not a rescue team of firemen and
police.
Obviously, they are a very important part of
any overall security plan and should be
notified immediately, but in the few minutes
it takes for the police to arrive, someone can
rape, murder, steal, and be gone, long-gone.
The question for you is; what are you going to do until help arrives?
This is the central question this paper will help you address.
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What do you plan to do during those few moments? No plan? Then
plan on being a victim.
Please listen to me. Do not let any fears and personal trepidations over
the inadequacy of your self-defense abilities dampen your hope that
any genuine security and safety is feasible.
Remember, it is a step-by-step process, just like anything else that is a
worthy endeavor. You just need to take the first step. Its amazing
what one step can do to achieving an overall goal.
4.1.2 Personal Conviction in a Practical Scenario
Here is why personal conviction is crucial in a practical scenario. Lets
say you believe that you have deep personal convictions about yourright to protect yourself and your loved ones and you will exercise that
right if necessary.
You choose a handgun as part of your personal security. You could
choose pepper spray, a stun gun, a tazer, baseball bat, broom handle,
or some other weapon. But, for the time being, you purchase a gun and
become proficient in its use.
Someone breaks into your home, you turn the lights on, identify the
intruder, (got to make sure its not your father-in-law coming home
late having forgotten his house key) point your revolver at him and yell,
Dont move.
Now here is where your conviction will be tested.
If you do not have enough, you will fail. You will doubt long enough for
the intruder to overcome you.If you doubt, you will die. If you have the right convictions and a well
thought-out plan, you can live.
The time to prepare is now, not when you hear a window break at two
in the morning.
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If I hear a window break in my house, I know exactly what I am going to
do. A plan is already in place. No question about it.
In my opinion, in such a scenario, if I say, Dont move, I have a clear
conviction of what move means. Im not protecting an intruders
right to manipulate and kill me.
In fact, when he broke into my house, he was found guilty. The only
other decision is whether he will die for his intrusion.
That the intruder freezes momentarily after you command him not to
move, proves that he understands what Dont move means.
No debate there.
But then what?
Action is always faster than reaction. Action always has the head start.
An attackers action against you will be faster than your reaction
against him. If you have any doubt about what to do your reaction time
will be even slower. The only question is; will your slower reaction be
fast enough to protect yourself.
That is no time to be wondering what you should do. You will barelyhave time to react correctly. Decisions should have already been made.
You are not there to debate what moving means, or what level of
movement you are willing to accept. If he puts his arms up sheepishly,
is that an okay movement? If he starts talking to you and pleading for
help, is that movement an acceptable deviation from your command
not to move?
This is the kind of stuff that can mess you up and mess you up bad. Ifyou are having trouble envisioning what to do, then just keep reading.
Ill help you out.
To be quite frank, the intruders compliance to my command not to
move doesnt mean I wont shoot.
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It simply gives me a few moments
to determine if I think he has a plan
to move, if I see a stubborn look on
his face, a look of adventure, he
reminds me of an old enemy that Ionce feared, or whether he is even
thinking about moving.
If, in my opinion, any of those
conditions exist, I have a right to
shoot.
I do not necessarily recommend
that you give an intruder anychance of surrender at all by
saying, Dont Move. It might be
the safest option for you to take
the shot when you first see him.
You might be thinking; But that is so inhuman. I would feel bad if I
didnt at least give him a chance before I shot. This feeling is where
the rubber meets the road. Let me assure you that his intentions foryou and your family are much more inhuman. It is very human to
protect the ones you love.
So, you feel that this big, desperate, deceitful, violent intruder
standing in your kitchen needs a chance, do you?
A chance to do what; to come to his senses at your request, have a
Jesus moment, and immediately remove all inclinations towards
raping, harming, murdering, and stealing?
A chance to promise he will never do this again?
Be honest now. What are the chances of that happening? I always want
to give plenty of room for the providence of God and the mysterious
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ways in which he works, but I say the chances are slim to none and I
lean strongly in the direction of none.
Are you willing to take such an improbable chance and risk your life?
Listen. All of us should feel bad if we have to shoot someone in self-defense. But we should never feel so bad that we fail to protect
ourselves. If you come upon two or three big mean-looking uninvited
men in your living room, the question is; how long are you going to let
your bad feelings keep you from implementing the appropriate
defensive action?
For me, they will have one chance not to move or all three go down. I
would rather feel bad about having to kill someone than to feel badabout letting someone kill a member of my family. What feelings
would you rather have?
We all need to show compassion when possible, no question. And it
very well might be that compassion rules the day in a particular
situation. What I am saying is this: whether the action you will take is
effective in a crisis situation depends on what you decide now, not
then.
Every scenario is different. If your convictions are strong and you are
prepared, you have a much higher chance of properly defending
yourself.
Be sure to check your state or country laws regarding intrusion and
your rights as a renter or home owner. This will give you added
confidence if the moment ever comes. Assume that it will and you ll be
ready.
Are you still thinking?
I just cant imagine myself shooting someone?
Is that the only option I have to defend myself?
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There are other effective options,
but all of them involve some type of
physical immobilization. In other
words, you have to find something or
some way to keep the intruder fromharming you until help arrives. A
missile perhaps?
Can you foresee yourself, in the process of being raped or beaten; pick
up a large rock and crush the side of the attackers head? If not, why
not?
Would you rather be raped or protect yourself? If you wont make the
decisions and take the actions necessary to live defensively, then dontwhine about being a victim. In reality, you are a victim of yourself.
But I dont want to hurt anyone, you say.
Let me help you here.
Sure you do, if someone is trying to rape or kill you. You want to hurt
him bad, so bad you stop him dead in his tracks, unable to continue his
assault on you.
Now listen to me. It is imperative that you start developing the right
perspective on hurting someone.
Of course you dont want to hurt anyone. Thats the normal conviction
of every law-abiding citizen. You are not the one going around
breaking into the houses in your neighborhood or robbing others to
satisfy your drug addiction. So, of course, you dont want to hurt
anyone; you just want to live in peace and be left alone.
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Here is a helpful illustration.
If you saw a giant spider in
your childs crib and you had
a baseball bat, would you
smash the spider? Get thepicture?
Spiders are not seeking
encounters with us and
usually bite because of
movement or perceived
threat, yet you would still kill
it, right? Any chance youwould not?
Well, I hope I could somehow cover the spider with tissue paper and
let him go outside.
Yeah, well why dont you try covering a murderer with tissue paper and
letting him go outside?
Murderers stalk their prey often with a high level of intelligence and if
you are attacked you will probably only have one opportunity to render
an intruder powerless. Now, tell me, why would you not give the spider
a chance to live yet give a chance to a murderer?
Every time I read about some home invasion where violence, rape, and
murder occurred, I cannot help but feel a great sense of regret and
sadness.
The tragedy not only involves the horrible experiences of the victims,
but also how preventable the initial home invasion or attack was.
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4.1.3. First Things First
On myBlog, there are many practicalities involving home security and
personal safety. With the increase in violence in our society, there has
been the ensuing production of martial arts films, spy gadgets, alarms,
motion lights, home security systems, weapons, and the like; it is very
tempting to move too quickly into buying or installing all types of
alleged security methods.
I can show someone in a relatively short period of time how to block a
punch, break a choke hold, or even break the wrist of an attacker.
When I am asked how to defend against this or that, in order to make a
point, I sometimes answer by saying, Just break something. The
reply I most often get is, Are you kidding?
No, in fact, Im not. Most people envision that a defensive way of living
begins by enrolling in a karate class. No doubt, karate classes offer a
great deal. But the effectiveness of a karate class depends upon each
students conviction of the need for the class.
The true mentality of self-defense begins with the personal conviction
that you have a God-given right to live a safe life and on the basis of
that conviction, you will stand firm in defense of your own safety, the
safety of your loved ones, and the safety of your community.
4.1.4. What Does Personal Conviction Look Like?
I realize that it is often difficult to get
a handle on what conviction is
supposed to feel or look like. Let me
give you a good example.
Think about the Secret Service Agents
who surround and protect the
President. Visualize the look on their
faces; faces filled with determination
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and conviction.
A no-nonsense bunch of guys, highly trained to do one thing, defend
and protect the President of the United States. Their attainment of
their world-renown security capabilities begins with the deep
conviction of the need to protect the President.
Perhaps some questions can bring some clarity to the point. What
determines most the effectiveness of a particular diet, the diet
regiment or the dieters personal conviction of the need to be on a
diet?
Obviously, the personal conviction of the dieter determines the success
of any diet. Why? None of us deprives ourselves, particularly of food,unless we have a strong conviction of the need to control our eating.
Some people jump from diet to diet and blame the diet for the lack of
results. If these people had personal conviction about their need for a
diet, one diet is all they would need.
So, what does personal conviction look like? The answer is quite simple
really;
Its what you look like when you are convinced and determined.
Even in the presence of the most difficult and intimidating
circumstances it is an individuals convictions that rule their behavior
and behavior is what does the defending.
4.2. Educated Preparation
Conviction without the proper training will render only a false illusion
of readiness. You can get the same feeling after drinking a few beers.The following principles need to be the foundation for any security plan
you devise.
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4.2.1. Define Your Perimeters
Every security or defensive strategy must have a defined perimetera
defined area which needs to be secure. What area or possessions do
you need to secure? Obviously, the more valuable the possession, the
tighter the security needs to be.
Aside from what you might have in a banks safety deposit vault, I
assume your most valuable possessions are in your home. The most
valuable, of course, is your life and the lives of your loved ones.
So the area to be secured ultimately involves your home. Around your
home is the perimeter or boundary.
Think about a rare gem displayed in a world famous museum. The gemis encased in thick bullet-proof glass cordoned off by purple velvet rope
and brass stands. The rope represents the perimeter.
Most secured areas are made up of two main perimeters: Outer and
Inner.
Inner Perimeter
Though on the outer perimeter no intrusion is acceptable, it is usually
not met with deadly force. An example would be the propertysurrounding your home.
If you spot a stranger on your front lawn or in your driveway, the
normal response is to call 911 and stay inside. That is a very sensible
and appropriate response.
Family
Home
YardYard
Outer Perimeter
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In other words, some level of
intrusion is acceptable before you use
a more serious defense strategy such
as deadly force.
When a perimeter is tightly secured
there is only one perimeter. For
example, there is no outer or inner
perimeter surrounding the President.
No level of intrusion is accepted,
period.
The fence around the White House grounds is the perimeter. You are
allowed to walk up to the fence and look through at the White House.
However, if an intruder jumps the fence and moves towards the White
House, his presence will be detected as if he had stepped into the Oval
Office. A warning would likely be given, after that some immobilizing
or deadly force would be used.
Obviously, the property surrounding your house is not that secure.
However, though not intended to prevent intrusion, some security
measures such as motion detectors, motion lights, and security
cameras provide you important time to alert the police and take some
defensive action. I discuss these security options in more detail on my
Blog.
4.2.2. Offsetting the Strength of a Threat
This principle is at the heart of self-protection and self-defense. If an
attacker has 10 times your strength, it is normal to cower and
surrender any hopes of survival.
Understanding the principle of offsetting the strength of an attacker
will help you respond more effectively.
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It is important to properly assess your opponent. No matter how
intimidating an attackers strengths, he is not Superman, but a human
just like you, who feels pain, and can be immobilized.
Remember, even Superman has a weakness; Kryptonite.
Instead of allowing someones strength, whether real of perceived, to
control your emotions and actions, discipline your mind to focus on the
weaknesses of the threat.
If there is an evil Superman flying around looking for victims and
kryptonite is his only weakness, then guess what Im going to be an
expert in? I will study everything I can find on Kryptonite, particularly,
where to find some.In the midst of big muscles and broad shoulders, there are very brittle
weaknesses in the human body, vulnerabilities that can redefine your
perspective on strength.
Imitate David in his encounter with
Goliath. Goliath was over nine feet
tall, but a stone in the right place is all
it took.
Concentrate on the weaknesses of
your attackers body, i.e. windpipe,
side of the neck, the bridge of the
nose, kidneys, foot instep, eyeballs,
testicles, the midsection, and knees.
Try to visualize an attackers
weaknesses like flashing red existsigns. They point to the way out.
You are stronger than any windpipe,
neck nerve, nose, kidney, foot,
eyeball, etc. If you focus on
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someones strength you will feel weak, if you focus on their
weaknesses you will feel strong.
Do this for me. Stand with your arms by your side and your hands
relaxed. Now, make a fist with both hands and squeeze. Feel the
difference? Feel stronger? Though not actually stronger overall, you
sharpened your mental state and feel stronger. Now your arms are
ready to block and your elbows and fists become powerful weapons.
That feeling can give you a huge edge in any encounter.
Imagine yourself on a game show and the offer before you is
$10,000,000. There is a crash dummy in front of you and all you have to
do is to break or immobilize the windpipe, neck nerve, kidney, foot,eyeball, and nose, all within 15 seconds. All of these body parts have
been placed on the dummy, have the same strength as the human
body and will bleed accordingly. You can bite, gouge, stomp, hit, and
use a bat, knife, hammer, or a gun.
Youre probably thinking, For that amount of money, Id bite into his
jugular vein and rip it out like a werewolf. Exactly.
Some of you might be a bit more refined in your approach, butwhether refined or barbaric you are going to get it done, right?
Can you envision yourself not taking home the $10,000,000? Thats
what I thought. And now you know a little bit more about how we
think.
So, the resolve and determination is in inside of you.
Now, imagine a human being in front of you with a member of your
family on the other side of him. If you can break or immobilize just one
of his vital body parts, you will save the life of your loved one. Do I need
to say anything else? Do you get the point?
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Another thought on leveling the playing field. If gun violence is a
problem in your society, wouldnt it make sense to learn how to handle
a pistol, at least as well as the intruder? You might say, Well, Im afraid
of guns and would never want one in the house.
Ill bet youll wish you had one if you find some big drug-crazed
murderer trying to rape your wife or one of your children.
I fully understand the hesitation; guns are a dangerous weapon,
particularly in the wrong or uneducated hands. But isnt that fear
exactly what the intruder is counting onthat when you see his gun,
you will cringe with such fear that you will be willing to do whatever he
tells you.
We will discuss guns further on myBlog.
Leveling the playing field is at the heart of personal security and safety.
If a gun is too frightening you need to decide on another means to deal
with an armed intruder. Ill provide you some good options on theBlog.
4.2.3 Defensive Strategy
As I mentioned above, due to my fears I trained myself to fight, at first
to defend myself and later because I enjoyed the fight training and the
sports related to fighting, i.e. boxing, martial arts, and mixed martial
arts. Besides a broken nose and thumb, I faired pretty well through all
those years.
Later, I began to realize that though a true master of the martial arts
is quite capable in physical conflict, he is trained nonetheless, to avoid
conflict at all reasonable costs.
Defensive strategies are of first priority. I cannot stress this enough.
Any offensive attack must be a part of a defensive strategy.
Owning and knowing how to use a gun does not mean you have to
engage an attacker with gunfire. Why go on the offense when a
defensive strategy is much safer?
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If you hear an intruder, why not take your cell phone, pistol, pepper
spray, or whatever weapon you choose, into the bathroom, lock the
door, call the police, and wait for the intruder to come to you?
If he opens the door, you got him. In other words, you tried to avoid
the encounter the best way you knew, but if it is unavoidable then you
are ready to strike.
Obviously, if you have others in the house to protect then your
defensive strategy embraces some offensive maneuvers because you
must move towards the intruder. However, you must first defend
yourself if you plan to be alive to defend your family.
4.2.3 Study the Rattlesnake.I cannot think of a more
intimidating creature.
I have walked up on a
rattlesnake before and the
sound of its rattle will strike a
paralyzing fear in you from
head to toe.
Rattlesnakes have rattles
and mean looks for one
reasonto tell you to stay
away. A rattlesnake will
never hunt you like other
predators.
If its purpose was to huntyou, its rattle would be counter productive. It has no interest in you at
all and wants to stay as far away as possible. It will try every means
possible to escape before curling up to strike. If it rattles, you have
either surprised it or mistakenly cut off its escape route.
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The rattlesnakes striking position is primarily a defensive position. It
strikes only to defend itself. Rattlesnakes are able to maintain the
striking position while moving backwards.
If you stand still when you first hear the rattle, the snake will not move
toward you but will eventually slither away. This, of course, does not
apply to its hunting of smaller prey for food. It never rattles its tail
when hunting for food.
A rattlesnakes primary weapon is avoidance, but if you cross its
boundary and set off the alarm, it will strike viciously, but only once to
warn you, and only if you persist will it strike again.
Think about personal security education from two basic perspectives,1) the rattle, and 2) the strike.
Both perspectives are critical to a complete defensive security plan.
Your goal is to avoid problems and encounters with dangerous people,
but, you also need to develop the striking side of you and protect
your boundaries.
There is no shame to slithering away, but heaven help the one who
dares to follow. That needs to be your mindset.
Its alright to be terrified at the thought of being raped, mugged, or
someone breaking into your house. Just be sure that your fears lead to
the actions necessary to defend yourself.
Take note of the irony of the rattlesnake. On the one hand, its rattle
indicates that it is absolutely terrified of you. On the other hand, its
self-defense capabilities strike terror in hearts of anyone or anything
that enters its world.
The idea of being prepared to strike if necessary is intimidating to
many people. Most are more comfortable with the idea of shaking the
rattle hoping that an attacker or intruder will be scared away.
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Thats why you see many signs on front lawns with Brinks Security or
some other security companys logo, yet the homeowners have no
security system at all, only a sign.
For some rookie criminals a rattle is all you need. For the seasonedintruder, however, a rattle alone with no ability to strike is
meaningless. And trust me, they can tell the difference.
If you are placing the security and safety of your family in a sign, you
have been terribly misinformed.
I will discuss further how to develop the confidence and ability to
strike.
4.2.4 Assume the Worst
This principle was the underlying foundation in all the safety awareness
classes I had attended as an iron worker. Assume that the worst will
happen and be prepared.
Assume that if you stand under a heavy load of steel, it will fall and
crush you. If you do not stand under it, it will not crush you. If you neverstand under a heavy load of steel, it will never crush you. The logic is
simple. Never means never.
4.2.5 Why Take The Risk?
You might be thinking, Of all the people in the world what are the
chances someone will break into my house? Let me help you assess
risk in this situation.
Most of us are familiar with the game of Russian Roulette. A six bullet
revolver is filled with only one bullet. The chamber is spun, the revolver
is pointed at the side of the head, and the person squeezes the trigger.
The last one standing obviously wins all the money. No thanks, Ill stick
to video poker.
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Copyright 2009-Dr. Martin Wooten
If you live in a neighborhood where
there have been a lot of recent break-
ins, the chances are pretty high that
you will have a break-in; lets say
about the same risk as pointing arevolver with only one bullet at a
loved ones head and pulling the
trigger. Thats a pretty high risk, right?
And you know you would not take it,
even for all the money in the world.
If you would, you have bigger
problems than I can help you with inthis paper.
But, if you lived in a more secure
neighborhood you would, of course,
lessen the risk to say, a twelve bullet
revolver with only one bullet. Would
you pull the trigger then?
What if you lived in a Gated Community and used a revolver withtwenty-four bullet chambers and only one bullet? Would you pull the
trigger then?
Not me. There is not a revolver big enough to reduce the risk.
How big of a revolver are you spinning when it comes to your familys
personal safety? Sure, there will always be some risk of violence or
other catastrophe. But I want to be confident that those risks are
beyond my control and not a risk that can be avoided.
The risks we can control are the ones that need our attention.
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4.2.6 Principle of Avoidance
Learning how to avoid a conflict is the most fundamental principle of
genuine self-defense. The avoidance of a conflict in the first place
prevents the need for any defense.
Strategic avoidance is not a cowardly act but a predetermined course
of action.
All security personnel employ strategic avoidancethe Secret Service,
armed forces, and police personnel.
Let me give you a practical example. During the seasons of the year
when mosquitoes are the thickest do you plan outdoor activities?
Of course not, you plan your events at times and places when
mosquitoes are not a problem.
Your defensive plan is not to engage the pests, but to avoid them
entirely. Thats Strategic Avoidance.
If it was possible, wouldnt you rather live in a crime-free neighborhood
in order to avoid coming in contact with criminals?
4.3. Determined Implementation
It is possible at this point in our discussion that you feel a bit
overwhelmed with all this information. Up to now, we have been
discussing the convictions and mindset you must acquire. But, let me
assure you that if you are willing to change your thinking and set your
mind you will have accomplished 80% of what is needed to be secure.
Yet, keep in mind that the saving of lives is a serious business. So holdon to your convictions, stay focused and begin implementing the
following suggestions.
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4.3.1. Fortify Your Inner and Outer Perimeters
Your inner perimeter is your last stand. The lives of those inside that
perimeter are your most valuable and irreplaceable possessions. They
must be protected at all costs. Your inner perimeter is your first
priority. The outer perimeter supports the fortification of the inner
perimeter. See the illustration above on page 38.
4.3.2. Step-by-Step Implementation
As you prepare your mind for what lies ahead, it is important to keep in
mind that as we discuss strategy, you will need to budget in some
money for important security equipment. We will start at the
beginning, with the basics and for those who want to invest more thereis more equipment to acquire.
However, even with the most basic security equipment great strides
towards securing your loved ones can be made.
At this point I need to refer you to myBlog on Defensive Livingwhere I
will go into much greater detail about the ideas I introduced here. Even
if you feel you are already down the path, it is always useful to rethink
the basics to insure that everything is still in place. I look forward toserving you and receiving your input on my Blog.
With your safety in mind,
Dr. Martin Wooten
http://www.defenseliving.blogspot.com/http://www.defenseliving.blogspot.com/http://www.defenseliving.blogspot.com/http://www.defenseliving.blogspot.com/