10/03/2015
I have not posted anything about the recent debate concerning "gun-control" from this site, because I didn't want to appear to be taking advantage of a situation for personal gain. Whether you choose to arm yourself or not is completely your choice. I will never attempt to force my beliefs, or the beliefs of P.R.P. Tactical Defense, on anyone.
I weigh in on the national debate with the following post, because I firmly believe that if you are the targeted victim of a crime, YOU are the only one who CAN and WILL determine the outcome. This post is solely for educational purposes, and NOT in an effort to boost enrollment in any class I offer:
"Breaking the Cycle of Crime: The One Factor Seldom Studied"
by Scott Goda
Founder, P.R.P. Tactical Defense
One thing I came to realize in college, while studying Sociology (With Criminal Justice Concentration), is that countless scholars have studied countless "causes" of crime. They range from poverty, location, genetics, learning, and blah, blah, blah.
I add the "blah, blah, blah" because, while these "theories" provide supported statistical analysis, none of them actually PROVE that this outside factor, or that outside factor are the "cause" of crime. Therefore, what I have come to firmly believe, is that the onus for crime must lie solely with THE CRIMINAL. All of us have had "hard times." All of us have had "money issues." All of us have had “relationship issues.” But, the vast majority of us law-abiding citizens never resorted to criminal acts, blaming it on our circumstances (or society) to justify our actions.
In this day and age where there is a "program" to help just about everyone who needs a hand, and the fact that our government has spent WELL OVER $19 TRILLION DOLLARS to combat poverty (to no avail), we must begin to focus our attention on the individual and NOT "root causes." Liberal politicians "feel better" when they can identify a problem they can "fix," and throw money and services at it to make it go away. However, at the very nanosecond that someone makes the conscious decision to commit a crime, anything and everything that has been attempted to address any outside influences on crime makes no difference to the criminal.
They have already conducted their "risk vs. reward" analysis, and decided that breaking the law outweighs any possible penalties. They CHOSE crime over law-abiding behavior through a series of mental processes, despite any/all programs, services, financial assistance, or community outreach. Therefore, the only blame is on THEM...and their lack of a moral compass. So, what's the answer?
Since criminals don't appreciate the assistance that generous taxpayers provide, and they don't hold the law (or any penalties for the violation thereof) with any regard, the only way to break this cycle of violence is to make the criminal stop....think...and realize that WHO they are targeting may NOT be such an easy target. Criminals must begin to FEAR THE VICTIM. In the study of crime, we have addressed any/all factors where crime may begin. We've also studied any/all factors where crime may end, through analyses of the penal system. What we HAVEN'T addressed, is crime at the very MOMENT it occurs, and what impact the "victim" has on the outcome of long-term crime statistics.
Imagine how crime would be reduced, if instead of headlines about "Mass Shootings" we see headlines that read "Criminal Deaths Break Record Numbers." If, through all of the "risk vs. reward" analysis a criminal conducts prior to committing a crime, they must ask themselves "Will I die during this crime because this man/woman might kill me?" they may just be dissuaded from their plan of action. So, those of us with a functioning moral compass MUST be the ones to break this "cycle" that the government has wasted TRILLIONS trying to fix, and law enforcement lacks the manpower to effectively combat. There are far MORE of us than there are criminals and law enforcement, and we must be the ones to make a stand. The only way that stand is to be effective, is if you have the ability to instill that fear, should you become a criminal's "target." You must possess the ability to rise above the level of aggression you are being confronted with, and counter it with a level of RESISTANCE that forces any criminal to change his/her thought process or behavior.
Guns? In the hands of someone trained to use them effectively, absolutely. They DO work as a deterrent. Tasers or pepper spray? Sure. If you can deploy them in time, and hit a sensitive area. Even the ability to identify potential risks posed by your surroundings BEFORE becoming a victim is effective in reducing your likelihood of being one. But, regardless of which avenue you choose, it's time WE...DO...SOMETHING, as a society of law-abiding citizens.
It is time for the criminals to fear US...since countless studies show they fear little else.
