Christmas time is a unique holiday in
western civilization. It has both
religious and materialistic components that we celebrate. Most people find balance or at least some
degree of harmony between what appears to be conflicting values.
This Christmas time, like so many past
ones and ones to come, we remain at war.
It may not be a classic shooting war or even a cold war
eyeball-to-eyeball brinkmanship contest, but we are at war. Extremists of all ilk remain dedicated to the
success of their chosen path and we remain their target, but not their sole
target.
Often our news media down play acts of
terrorism overseas, as not important, wrong end of the news cycle or not in
their interest to cover. One such story barely
covered was the killing of 7 and wounding of another 20 by a suicide bomber at
a Christian Church in Pakistan Dec 17 2017.
ISIS claims to be responsible, but ISIS is a known limelight hog.
Don’t believe the targets are only Christians
or Jews. Earlier this month another suicide
bomber killed 18 people at a Muslim Sufi shrine.
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| ISIS Propaganda aimed at England. How many weak mind people will fall for this dreek? |
The NY pipe bomber claimed he was
motivated by the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and our
celebration of Christmas.
The holidays are no excuse to become
complacent.
No, I don’t want you look for ninjas
under tables or organizing evening sentries in your neighborhood. Nor do I want you to skip religious
celebrations or secular festivities. I would suggest you continue to take what
I would consider normal precautions.
Stay armed. Even at church people don’t have to know you
have a sidearm and a reload.
Inquire and suggest that your temple,
church, shrine, festivity consider extra security. Almost every organization knows an off-duty
cop or two who would like to earn a holiday bonus.
Keep your cell phone on and charged,
just silence the ringer.
Carry a knife, small flashlight, an
emergency first aid kit as well as car keys, cash, credit card and licenses. Dress for the weather, not the car trip
over. You might have to hoof it a block or
four with what you’re wearing in any weather.
Keep your eyes open and watch for the ‘odd
sock’ or thing that doesn’t belong.
If you see something not right,
act. No, I don’t mean draw your weapon
(but that could be the proper response), but bail out, withdraw, retreat. Make sure everyone in your party knows what’s
expected of them and where to meet if they are separated. It could be the car, the gate or a traffic
light a block away.
Ignore authority’s orders to remain in
place. Their concerns are about order,
containment, procedures and authority, not your safety. The first minute of confusion may be your
best chance to escape. Make use of it.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Have a beer, wine or mixed drink and then
make the next two non-alcoholic.
Being tactical doesn’t always mean
selecting a position where you can see both doors (although it would help) or
pre-identifying what’s cover and what’s concealment (but that’s not a bad
idea). Sometimes your best tactical
moves are simply to recognize the limitations of what you are doing and having
a plan and back-up plan.
Have a Merry Christmas, no matter how
you celebrate it.
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