Shocking The Senses

Lookout for Psychopaths – Watching for the unexpected

// October 24th, 2011 // Self Defense, Thoughts

Do you ever look around in a public place and wonder how you could get your loved ones away from an armed assailant?

This past weekend, I received news that a fairly prominent member of an organization I frequent had “resigned”.  As the information rolled in and I was forced to filter out the obvious gossip from the most likely true, I learned that in fact this member had been asked to resign as a formality, and it was likely not an option at all.

I don’t know why, or how, or exactly when all of this unfolded.  I only get the impression that it was rapid and unpleasant.  In fact, I’m convinced that the circumstances were negative especially considering that multiple times during yesterday’s events, this individual’s name was mentioned.

I’m being intentionally vague in the interest of keeping anonymity for all those involved who might read this blog/know each other.

So, here’s the point.  I was sitting, listening to someone speak.  While he was going through his dialogue, I found myself thinking about our absentee.  There were in the neighborhood of 100-120 people in the room, with three large entrances/exits and two small entrances/exits that I could identify.

Cue the morbidity.  “If soandso wanders in here, armed with a loaded weapon or four, what is the most likely successful course of departure?  If I am successful in ferrying out my family, how can I double back and try to dispatch him?”

I identified the above mentioned exits.  I also noted that if 120 people panic, while that’s a relatively small amount of people, it would be difficult at best to re-enter the room.

So, should I confront this person head on?  That would be suicide.  Should I ferry my family out and let the others fend for themselves?  I have a problem with some of the moral baggage that decision carries with it.  A third option could be skirting around the seating, trying to find a clear shot for a tackle, but that’s marginally less dangerous than the first option.

Each option would result in death, pain, blood and agony.  There is no decision I could make which would save everyone from an event like that.  The only option I could conceive of which may prevent all but one death was arming myself and patrolling the perimeter of the building.  Though, I’m not a law enforcement officer and that option was unreasonable as well as unlawful.  I have to trust that the decision makers of the facility would have called in the police if the threat was possible.

I was stuck in the reality of the world I live in, and I think better (in context) for it.  I told a close family member of these thoughts and how far I took them and she simply commented “it’s unfortunate that you feel it’s necessary to think about that”.  I agree, it is.  However, considering our always developing sordid future as a country, it would be irresponsible of me to not consider these things.

I find myself inclined to think long and hard about what type of effect these situations may have moving forward in my relationship with my wife and son.  I hope other people are able to reason through these difficult thoughts instead of the unfortunate typicality of :

“Nah, that won’t happen to me.”

PS : The above picture is security footage of the boys who slaughtered so many at Columbine High School back in April, ’99.  One of the first, large scale events of its type in the U.S. that catalyzed into so many others in the past decade.

Don’t forget those innocents we lost.