Given the NEW normal that we have in these US of A in relationship to terrorism and stupid people in general being violent I would think that those who can legally carry weapons should do so [see 2A of the US constitution]. Keep in mind that by definition the bad guy intent on killing or maiming you is going to be armed regardless, so you, the good guy, had better be armed too.

In my town an average response time is several minutes on a good day. On a NOT so good day [for example multiple incidents happening at the same time] it could take them awhile to get to you to help. Most of the police and the fire department here are great folks who try hard to take care of our town, but there is a limit to the resources available.

YOU are the first responder to any trouble situation you and your family are involved in. YOU are responsible for your family’s safety and security. Just like you learn and prepare to do CPR and 1st aid, use a fire extinguisher – YOU should be able to provide your own security until the police arrive.

What are your thoughts?

Thx
Rich

Attached is an article that sounded good to me on police response to this situation. I can not improve on this by paraphrasing so the original is given here with proper credit to that author.

###
A Little Less Talk…A Lot More ACTION
BY TIM SCHMIDT – USCCA FOUNDER

Tim Schmidt
Have you heard the Hank Williams, Jr. song “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action?”

That’s exactly the phrase that came to mind after I caught the opening segment of 60 Minutes a couple Sundays ago.

The segment focused on police response to active shooter cases, “situations where gunmen are intent on killing as many people as possible…and often, are still shooting when the police arrive on the scene.”

It included commentary from NYC Police Commissioner Bill Bratten, who said that the threat of multiple shooters in multiple locations has become a real concern for his officers.

In response to incidents like Mumbai in 2008 and Paris (which occurred a little over a week before the segment aired), Bratten said the NYPD is retraining all 35,000 of its officers in the city to reduce response time and train for the emerging trend of multiple, violent events.

He noted that active shooters and terrorists are not interested in negotiating. And that means that both police response and individual response are more important than ever.

In fact, over the last week especially, more and more law enforcement officials all across the country are urging responsible citizens to start carrying guns to defend themselves.

As wonderful as that is, it’s not what particularly interested me about the 60 Minutes episode.

If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you’ve likely heard that Washington, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier was also featured in the segment.

Lanier opened by saying that police operations in her city have taken on a “new urgency” and that she believes a person intent on committing an act of violence will find a way to carry out that act. The best we can do, then, according to Lanier, is to try to intervene and minimize the damage.

She went on to give what she called “counterintuitive” advice. Rather than calling the police and waiting for their response, Lanier said you can “run, hide, or fight.”

“If you educate people on actions they can take to reduce their risk…then you can save some lives. I think it’s irresponsible for us not to do that,” she said.

She also warned against fear: “It works against you.” So, too, does becoming “numb” to such events: “Ignoring it and not preparing yourself…that’s not an option anymore.”

Yes, I’m talking about the same Lanier who has in the past made it nearly impossible for the law-abiding citizens of Washington to obtain legal permits to carry concealed firearms.

And so I wonder…is Lanier a concealed carry “convert”…or just another hypocrite?

I think her history speaks for itself. Remember, this is the woman who issued just 48 permits in Washington D.C. You heard that right: just 48 permits.

Time will tell, I suppose, but I’ve learned to trust people’s actions more than their words.

When she starts allowing more than just a handful of people to carry handguns, perhaps I’ll reconsider calling her out for hypocrisy. But until then, Ms. Lanier—and any other anti-gunners who suddenly jump ship and (seemingly) come out in support of our cause—a little less talk, please, and a lot more action.

Of course, people like you and me will continue to take action. Because the truth is, in the current landscape, leaving our own safety up to chance is just too risky.

Take Care and Stay Safe,

Tim Schmidt
Publisher – Concealed Carry Report
USCCA Founder
### end of attached article.

Air Force: 2 Afghan trainees missing from Georgia air base 2015-12-09

the basic story is that they have been stationed at this US base most of this year. they were vetted and assigned there last year. they reportedly do not pose a threat to the US.

there are 3 ways to look at this story and I am not sure which is the most likely.

1. they went somewhere over the weekend and were involved in an accident. this would be sad.

2. they went somewhere and somebody did something TO them. this would be bad and hard to explain to their family. doing something to them just because they are Afghany is wrong. lumping all of them [middle easterners] together is narrow minded and lowers us all.

3. they are off doing a mission against US that was not what we let them into our country to do. IF this is the case, then they should be hunted down and dealt with. IF this is the case we really need to review how and why we let others into or stay in our country.

4. other…. Yes I know that makes 4 and I only started out saying 3 ;]

regardless of what happened with or to them, we need to find them.

Go to http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5166 to hear this speech.

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”: FDR Asks for a Declaration of War

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, stunned virtually everyone in the United States military. Japan’s carrier-launched bombers found Pearl Harbor totally unprepared. President Franklin Roosevelt quickly addressed Congress to ask for a declaration of war as illustrated in this audio excerpt. Although he never mentioned Europe or the fact that Germany had not yet declared war on the United States, the Pearl Harbor attack allowed him to begin the larger intervention in the European war he had long wanted.
Listen to Audio: Your browser is unable to play the audio element. Try updating to the latest version of your browser.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .

Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.

See Also:The “Man in the Street” Reacts to Pearl Harbor
“This Is No Joke: This Is War”: A Live Radio Broadcast of the Attack on Pearl Harbor