Handgun Safety Training Corp.

Firearms/Defensive Tactics Training Academy

THE SHADOW OF SHAME
By William D. (Bill) Slater, Jr.

          Too many times in America, honest, law-abiding citizens are force to constantly look over their shoulder in an attempt to avoid becoming the latest victim or statistic. Society has been unable or unwilling to do what is necessary to curb the tide of violence in this country.
          In our everyday lives people have come to expect, and frankly deserve, a level of comfort and protection. However, most people fail to realize that comfort and protection begins at home and that each individual is ultimately responsible for their own safety. Recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court have stated that the police have no responsibility to protect the public as individuals but only to protect society as a whole.
          It is these rulings by the Court combined with the increase in violent crimes across the country (assault, robberies, burglaries, rapes and carjacking) that makes self-defense training and firearm proficiency all the more important in safeguarding one's self and family. South Carolina's Attorney General has even gone so far as to 'declare open season' on home invaders by stating that homeowners would not be arrested or charged for using deadly force against burglars.
          Over the past few months San Antonio has had several incidents involving burglars, thieves and rapists resulting in the property owner or occupant using a firearm to protect a life or property. In each of these cases no charges were filed against the people who used their handgun.
          It is truly a sad day when juveniles, as young as 12, become involved in the ever increasing world of violent crime. But to have criminals released from prison repeating the violent crimes that sent them there in the first place is truly a miscarriage of justice and highlights just a small portion of what is wrong with the criminal justice system.
          Often times trying to suggest politically correct solutions to such a complex problem can result in the problem becoming even more complex and the workable, viable and cost effective solution or solutions non-existent. The goal of 'fixing' the American criminal justice system can at times seem unattainable.
          Unfortunately, with the system that we have in place and all of the problems that it faces, individual responsibility now must play an ever important and expanding role when it comes to personal protection. This role is far above anything that your parents or grandparents would ever have had to consider.
          Over the past half year San Antonio residents have had to deal with 1) a 12-year-old shot by a business owner after the youngster broke into a used car dealership with two accomplices, 2) a 14-year-old shot dead after attempting to steal a group of chickens from a homeowner in the middle of the night, and 3) boxer Tony Ayala arrested again (had served 16 years for rape in New jersey before being released last year on parole) on a charge of attempted aggravated sexual assault after breaking into a home. This time though a female occupant at the residence shot Ayala in the shoulder with a handgun before police arrested him. Now factor in the escape of seven armed (violent) inmates from a prison in South Texas and you can see how things can quickly go from bad to worse.
          Every time that I teach a handgun/self-defense/personal protection class I not only stress the importance of owning a handgun but also being extremely proficient and responsible with it. Owning a gun and having a CHL permit is not enough in this day and age. Just like receiving a high school diploma and going onto college to earn a degree, the CHL permit holder must investigate, research and attend courses that build upon the basic premise of self-defense, handgun proficiency and personal responsibility.
          Being a victim of crime is a real possibility in one's lifetime so attempting to avoid that confrontation needs to be at the forefront of your self-defense mindset. Remember, surviving a violent confrontation is not enough. You must WIN IT! Surviving is getting shot and ending up alive but in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. Winning is exiting the confrontation in the same condition as you entered itâ€¦ standing, with all your body parts intact.
          Does that mean that you will never be shot if you win every time? No. Surviving and winning must be the ultimate objectives of any violent confrontation but anything can happen. Your dedication, preparation, training and mental mindset directly and indirectly influences your chances of surviving and winning that violent confrontation.
          The best advice I can give is this; if you've taken the first step by recognizing that you are responsible for your own safety, then take the next step. If you've trained and received your CHL permit, then take the next step. If you've completed a defensive handgun or advanced handgun tactics course, then take the next step. Training, training and more training. Self preservation, safety and peace of mind all hinge on training. You will be guaranteed never to live in the shadow of shame by being prepared.

Copyright © 2001 William D. (Bill) Slater, Jr. This article was published in the May/June 2001 (Vol. 5 No.3) issue of The Concealed Handgun, the official publication of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association.