'Tis the season (of the year)

We should be protesting and calling to protect our children from mass shootings. If we did a single thing to make a difference, we saved a life.<br><br>But there’s more to do and we can do it ourselves. The world is a little more messed up this time of year. We’re all out more, driving, and our schedules are busier and more random. <br><br>Make sure you and your loved ones have a plan in case something happens. Keep an eye out for each other. In the crowd, you’re the first line of defense against mass shooters and other threats. <br><br>So you’re armed. What’s your plan?<br><br>I think in these situations that’s the most important thing you can do, not to get ready to shoot. Try to get a handle on the situation, and think your way out of it. <br><br>Do you know how you’ll respond if someone is shooting? What if the shooter is wearing a mask and you have no way of knowing whether they’s hostile. What if there are multiple shooters? Do you know how you’ll keep bystanders safe while you engage a shooter? <br><br>Shooting a gun isn’t hard. It takes very little training to learn how to shoot. But running a gunfight is a difficult job that requires training and in most cases, experience.<br><br>If you’re going to do it, practice. And don’t rely on your training. <br><br>You have to *think*.<br><br>‘We the people’ are the first line of defense for our own families in a mass shooting. Let’s be brave. Let’s be smart. But let’s not be stupid. There are in between options to avoid a gunfight and to keep bystanders and family members safe. <br><br>Know how you’ll react in an active shooter situation. <br><br>And have a good plan. Or don’t. It’s up to you.<br><br>Edit: I’m a real person and it is my real concern. Not an anti-gun troll. I carry a weapon and believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to prepare to defend themselves.