By John Jay
I would like to take this opportunity to point out to everyone out there, who believes the police can protect us, that they are having grand delusions. There truly is no REAL police protection. Let me explain.
What happens to someone who gets robbed, mugged, raped, or murdered?
Are the police there to stop the criminals from hurting the victims??? HELL NO!
They come along AFTER you are lying there bleed, or in the hospital, or in the morgue, and then they write their reports and question witnesses, if any live ones can be found. I repeat myself for emphasis: The police will NOT be there while you are getting robbed, mugged, raped, or killed. They will NOT show up until
Conclusion: People MUST, MUST, MUST protect themselves by ANY means necessary. Especially true for the seniors over 70. Since MOST criminals carry weapons, and WE the law abiding VICTIMS are NOT allowed to do so, we MUST improvise, using clubs, canes, baseball bats, or pepper spray. I STRONGLY advise EVERY senior citizen,especially those over 70 (like me) to buy pepper spray (two or three small canisters) and get trained on how to use it.
Many police depts have crime prevention activities, which can at least prevent some crimes.
Also, since many criminals are repeat offenders, getting them off the street usually reduces future crimes.
Unfortunately, legislatures, governors, courts and other officials seem to be working against that in CA.
But yes, when you need a policeman NOW, they will usually be too late, if they come at all.
So, being armed helps even the odds.
If you are not armed, you are a subject – not a citizen.
Only one person can best defend you from a violent aggressor:
YOU.
I totally agree with your basic concept with one additional point. The absence of police would make the number of incidents you describe greater than the numbers that now occur. Carrying any kind of self defense weapon is a good idea as long as you’re able and willing to use it. The best way to not become a victim is to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Secondly the police although not always “johnny on the spot” do investigate and remarkably find and prosecute a great percentage of bad guys who actually go to jail.
Having served for 33 yrs in the LAPD, I can say from experience that well trained proactive officers can make a remarkable difference in the quality of life for any neighborhood.