Access to Programs you will have unlimited access to your programs for a limited time. Unless you are in SDTS Membership program (Bronze, Gold or Elite) your access will automatically end after the following duration…
Fast Course = 45 days
Aware Course = 30 days
Reality Check = 30 days
Knuckle duster = 30 days
Family Safe = 60 days
Quick Kills = 60 days
One Shot = 60 days
Protection = 60 days
Guardian Police Combatives 60 = days
Guardian Weapon Retention = 60 days
60 minute SD = 60 days
Operation Phoenix = Life access
WW2 Combatives = Life access
Old School = Life access
Police Training Pack = Life access
Refund Policy – we will refund your purchase per the terms of the individual program – however, be advised, you will not be allowed to purchase ANY OTHER PROGRAMS ever again. The reason is simple, there is nothing preventing you from purchasing and refunding multiple programs and moving through the catalog. For example, you could purchase 60 Minute Self Defense, wait 29 days, get a refund and then purchase One Shot Fight Enders…and so forth. Programs and training are given in good faith and the truth is, if you like one program, you will find extreme value in the others.
60 Day Money Back Guarantee applies to only the primary products like the FAST COURSE or the AWARE COURSE. Any add ons including, but not limited to ELITE Weapon Defense or Quick Kills and all other programs have a 30 day money back guarantee. Any trials of the SDTS Programs have a 30 day money back guarantee ONLY on the first monthly installment. After that the user (you) can cancel at any time without any obligation moving forward, but are NOT allowed any refunds.
Why?
It’s simple, any reasonable person should be able to figure out if this is good for them within a month (honestly you should know in the first 10 minutes). Anyone who hangs on for more than 30 days is either being dishonest (trying to get as much as possible for free) or, well…not too bright. Either way, you had MORE than your chance.
Important Note: Any customer will be black listed and banned for life who:
- Takes multiple trials of any program or membership.
- Issues a chargeback on any program.
- Uses extreme profane or inappropriate language on the training platform.
- Is discovered to be convicted of a crime against children, or sexual assault.
- Declines or issues a chargeback on ANY Operation Phoenix payment.
Self Defense Company Hold Harmless and Assumption of Risk
User voluntarily participating in this Activity. User understands that there are risks associated with my participation in this Activity, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or other’s actions, inactions, or negligence, or the condition of the Activity , The Self Defense Company and Instructors. Nonetheless, User assumes all risks of their participation in this Activity, whether known or unknown to them, including travel to and from the Activity.
User agrees to hold the Self Defense Company, it’s owners and Instructors harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to my personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity (including air travel) or any events incidental to this Activity.
By purchasing the user had read this document, and understands it. User understands the legal consequences of purchase and participation, including (a) releasing the the Self Defense Company, its owners and instructors from all liability, (b) waiving their right to sue the District, (c) and assuming all risks of participating in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity (including air travel) or any events incidental to this Activity.
“If User needs medical treatment as a result of their participation in this Activity, travel to and from the Activity (including air travel), or any events incidental to this Activity, User agrees to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment. User is aware that the Self Defense Company, owners and instructors does not provide health insurance for me and that they should carry my own health insurance.
CHARGEBACKS – if you issue a chargeback on any program or item, you will be black listed and scrubbed from the database and you will be banned from the Self Defense Company for life.
Self Defense Company Webinars –
All webinars are NON-REFUNDABLE since they are live events and space is limited. If you miss the event you will have full access to the recording for life so the customer is NOT at a loss.
Self Defense Company Online Specialty and Intro Programs (non-recurring charge)
These are one – time charge programs that include but not limited to: Combatives Fast Course, Reality Check, 60 Minute Self Defense, Family Safe, Guardian Weapon Retention, Guardian Police Combatives, Protector:CSI., Knuckle Duster.
You have 30 days to review and enjoy the programs. After 30 days you will have online access for life – no recurring charges. If you require a refund for any reason within the first 30 days please email customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com.
These programs EXPIRE in 30 days. After 30 days you will not be charged again, but you will have to renew your access by placing another purchase or enrolling in an SDTS Membership.
Include your name, email, order number and the specific reason you are requesting a refund.
We will respond and you must confirm your request.
YOU MUST COMMUNICATE using the email with which you registered.
Third party requests (someone other than you) will not be honored.
Allow 5 business days for your refund to be processed.
Operation Phoenix, World War 2 Defendu, Old School Seriers, Police Training Pack expire in one year. After which you will not be charged, however, you will need to renew if you want continues access.
Self Defense Training System Access Memberships
Including, but not limited to: SDTS Bronze, Gold, Elite and Defendu
After the trial period you will automatically be charged. You may cancel for a full refund of your first payment within 30 days of that first charge. After which you may cancel at anytime but you will not be refunded any previous charges regardless whether or not you log in and use the program. This is a training academy – like a gym membership, you may use it as often as you wish.
We provide a service and it’s the customers responsibility to take advantage of that service. It is the same as a cable subscription or gym membership. As long as the consistent service is provided The Self Defense Company has maintained their end of the agreement.
This includes, but not limited to:
Member losing internet access.
Member entering the incorrect email address.
Member getting credit card stolen or lost.
The Self Defense Company offers a 30 day money back guarantee on all of its memberships. If in the first 30 days you wish to cancel, simply email customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com.
Emailing ANY OTHER ADDRESS will not cancel your membership.
If you are canceling because of a technical issue, the Self Defense Company must be allowed 5 business days to solve the problem, if the issue remains unresolved, you will be refunded.
However, if you wish to resume your membership customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com with your name and username OR the email with which you ordered.
Only the person who’s name and email is on the account may cancel or alter the account.
NO THIRD PARTY REQUESTS WILL BE HONORED.
*Attention PAYPAL Customers – If you purchased a program with automatic payments you will need to CANCEL those payments in PayPal directly. The Self Defense Company is not responsible for payments charged by PayPal after your cancelation.
If your credit card/paypal payment declined and you fail to make the next monthly payment you will forfeit any previous payments and your membership will be automatically cancelled after 14 days. You will have several opportunities to make your account current before it is closed. The system will automatically send reminders to the email on file.
The Self Defense Company reserves the right to cancel ANY membership for conduct unbecoming. This can include, but not limited to: harsh language, felony convictions, crimes against children, sex crimes and hate crimes.
Live Training Memberships, Live Intro Lessons and Single Lessons and Lesson Blocks.
You have 30 days to schedule your lesson with your assigned instructor. You may cancel within 48 hours to reschedule. Missed lessons will be rescheduled at the discretion of your Instructor. If you have not heard from your instructor within 5 business days of purchase, email customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com.
Live training memberships are effective 30 days after customer cancels. This means that if they cancel on the 1st of the month they will be charged up until the 30th of the month.
Any chargeback will get you disavowed from the Self Defense Company and you will be blacklisted from the platform.
All content is intellectual property of Damian Ross and The Self Defense Company and can not be downloaded or duplicated without written consent.
Make sure to DOUBLE CHECK YOUR EMAIL on your order.
Your email is linked to your account and incorrectly entered emails will result in your not receiving passwords to log in. The Self Defense Company is not responsible for user error.
Self Defense Company Instructor Program
There is a 30 day refund policy, there will be NO refunds after 30 days. You can cancel the program by emailing your instructor mentor or customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com. It is your responsibility to return any merchandise received back to the Self Defense Company representative. You have 2 weeks (14 days) do do this. If the items are not received, you will not be refunded.
After 30 days you are responsible for making all of the payments. However, if you need to extend time between payments you can up to 30 days. To do this, simply email customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com.
If your account declines and is not rectified in 30 days, you are no longer an instructor in good standing and you forfeit your right to use any of the Self Defense Company name, logo, brand or material and you are no longer considered a Self Defense Company Instructor.
It is your responsibility to get all necessary pictures, bio, affiliate program and set up your social media based on your instructor mentor’s direction. It is your responsibility to set up your initial call with your mentor with in the first 30 days. It is also your responsibility to get your first level certification within the first year of entering the program.
The Instructor Program involves merchandise, training material and considerable expense to set up your website, social media and network. You will have full access to all of the training, information and coaching from the first day.
The Self Defense Company reserves the right to revoke your membership at any time based on poor conduct, such as but not limited to: felony crimes, fraud and anything that would be considered “un becoming” and instructor.
You reserve the right to appeal any decisions. The Instructor program is a license to teach the Self Defense Company curriculum and use it’s resources. It is not a franchise. The Self Defense Company is not responsible for poor performance and financial success. The examples use are not necessarily typical results.
PRIVACY POLICY
This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally identifiable information’ (PII) is being used online. PII, as used in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.
What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our blog, website or app?
When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, credit card information or other details to help you with your experience.
When do we collect information?
We collect information from you when you register on our site, subscribe to a newsletter or enter information on our site.
How do we use your information?
We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to a survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways:
• To personalize user’s experience and to allow us to deliver the type of content and product offerings in which you are most interested.
• To improve our website in order to better serve you.
• To quickly process your transactions.
• To send periodic emails regarding your order or other products and services.
How do we protect visitor information?
Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.
We use regular Malware Scanning.
Your personal information is contained behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential. In addition, all sensitive/credit information you supply is encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.
We implement a variety of security measures when a user places an order to maintain the safety of your personal information.
All transactions are processed through a gateway provider and are not stored or processed on our servers.
Do we use ‘cookies’?
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer’s hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site’s or service provider’s systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. For instance, we use cookies to help us remember and process the items in your shopping cart. They are also used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services. We also use cookies to help us compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future.
We use cookies to:
• Understand and save user’s preferences for future visits.
• Keep track of advertisements.
• Compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interactions in order to offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may also use trusted third party services that track this information on our behalf.
You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser (like Internet Explorer) settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.
If you disable cookies off, some features will be disabled It won’t affect the users experience that make your site experience more efficient and some of our services will not function properly.
However, you can still place orders .
Third Party Pixels and Cookies
When you visit our website, log in, register or open an email, cookies, ad beacons, and similar technologies may be used by our online data partners or vendors to associate these activities with information they or others have about you, including your email address. We (or service providers on our behalf) may then send communications and marketing to these email addresses. You may opt out of receiving this advertising by visiting
https://www.smartrecognition.com/database-opt-out/.
If you wish to opt-out of email marketing from a specific brand that we work with, such as a customer of ours, you can click on the “opt-out” or “unsubscribe” link in the footer (located at the bottom) of any marketing email you receive.
Third Party Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information unless we provide you with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others’ rights, property, or safety.However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.
Third party links
We do not include or offer third party products or services on our website.
Google
We have implemented the following:
• Google Analytics
California Online Privacy Protection Act
CalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law’s reach stretches well beyond California to require a person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals with whom it is being shared, and to comply with this policy. – See more at: https://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf
According to CalOPPA we agree to the following:
Users can visit our site anonymously. Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page, or as a minimum on the first significant page after entering our website.
Our Privacy Policy link includes the word ‘Privacy’, and can be easily be found on the page specified above.
Users will be notified of any privacy policy changes:
• On our Privacy Policy Page
Users are able to change their personal information:
• By logging in to their account
• By chatting with us or sending us a ticket
How does our site handle do not track signals?
We honor do not track signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.
Does our site allow third party behavioral tracking?
It’s also important to note that we do not allow third party behavioral tracking
COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)
When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under 13, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children’s privacy and safety online.
We specifically do not market to children under 18.
Fair Information Practices
The Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.
In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:
We will notify the users via email at least within 7 business days, and probably much sooner than that.
We also agree to the individual redress principle, which requires that individuals have a right to pursue legally enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or a government agency to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.
CAN SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.
We collect your email address in order to:
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• We may also send you additional information related to your product and/or service.
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To be accordance with CANSPAM we agree to the following
• NOT use false, or misleading subjects or email addresses
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If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can
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Gift Cards
All gift cards are compliant with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules regarding expiration and non-use fees. Gift cards can be used to purchase any program and expire after 5 years.
If not used in one year, the gift card may be subject to an inactivity fee of $5.00 per month.
In the case of sale of company, bankruptcy of dissolution of company, you may not receive full value for your gift card.
For more information on the FTC guidelines and protections for consumers visit HERE <<
Contacting Us
If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact us using the information below.
myselfdefensetraining.com email us: customerservice@theselfdefenseco.com
you can’t fix stupid or crazy. You can only prepare for the worst case and hope it never happens. Everyone is tired of seeing these things, in the end you have to advocate for your own safety. What form that takes depends primarily on your own attitude toward protecting your self, some think it will never happen to them other end of the spectrum they have fall out shelters. Somewhere in that range everyone falls, i personally train 6 hours a week to try to ensure my safety and the safety of my family again training for the worse case but hoping i never need to use it. A wise man once said “train hard” i would add you life may depend on it. Thank Damian, you have wise words and great advice.
Surrounded by those who seem to almost enjoy blissfully swimming in Denial.
Why so many school shootings now and not 20-30+ yrs ago?
What has changed?
Society as a whole I feel. Too politically correct for their own good. Everyone needs to constitutionally carry a handgun if they are able or a rifle in their vehicle, if there is time to reach it. Instead of banning guns from us good people and leaving them in the hands of those who could give f#$% one about any law, allow the potential criminal to have fun guessing who is armed around them. Makes for a nicer community.
Sure, it would be nice to live in an Utopian America and surely that is what many believe can take place at the removal of firearms, which is actually moronic. Surely i am all over the place here with my response to this catastrophe so I’ll stop rambling and wish Peace and God’s Loving embrace around all involved.
https://artworkbyjim.com/images/lion_lamb/008.1_forweb.jpg
Hey Jim – totally understandable. The fact that events like these are “common place” is insane to me and we can’t let ourselves get used to it. We still need to be outrage when it happens.
You touched on a couple of points. Schools have done such a good job of protecting our kids from violence that they no longer know how to deal with it. Zero tolerance anti-bullying has made standing up for yourself a crime.
Now adults, kids lack the interpersonal skills to resolve conflict and stand up for themselves….and it’s starting to show.
Add to that the instant recognition on social media and there’s no difference between famous and infamous. It used to be you needed a talent to get noticed and that required a gift, hard work and luck to be recognized. Now, it seems all you need to do is light your dick on fire, and you’re going viral.
The pendulum needs to swing back to normalize, but I’m afraid we may wind up legislating ourselves into oblivion.
I don’t know, our kids are dealing with stuff we never imagined. Too much information, instant recognition (or lack thereof) comes fast and furious. We need to figure this out and adapt.
Of course this is a highly charged, complicated issue with no simple solution. I just want to point out that in this case, the presence of law enforcement apparently wasn’t enough to deter, as reported here:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-respond-shooting-parkland-florida-high-school-n848101
“The shooting on the sprawling campus happened despite the presence of police officers at the school.”
Thanks for posting Larry and I respectfully disagree regarding the solution.
I will agree that there are no guarantees in any of this, it’s risk management. From your quote, you really don’t know where or what the police presence was or how the shooter breached the school.
Typically you want to protect large population centers. After all they’re looking for body count and it’s tougher to get outdoors. Inside where people bunch up is preferred. This is also why they pull the fire alarms.
If you have one way in and that’s through some bulletproof glass and a guy with a gun. They’re going to try another way in. But if someone props a door open and it goes undetected all bets are off. Your force can’t be in two places at once.
We’re never…ever going to be 100% – impossible, but you can continue to take measures to decrease the likelihood.
Larry does make a point, even if indirectly. Even if Police ARE present, they are still human beings and not “Magic Robots” that are all-knowing and everywhere at once. Particularly if it is a current or former student or employee — as mentioned in the Article — they will KNOW where the officer is most of the time, or how and when they ‘walk the halls’ or when they take lunch, and so on…and very well may TARGET the Officer as the first take-down! So Officers need to Never have a “Pattern” or routine procedure or ‘hangout’..!! Also, even though I hate that we now seem to have cameras ‘everywhere’…I think electronic surveillance that is MONITORED can be VITAL! Use cameras that are not OBVIOUS so that an attacker {even a student or employee} doesn’t know they are watching. A few visible ones can be a deterrent in some areas, and make people think those are the only ones, but some hidden or disguised ones that can see out from the perimeter can show approaching danger — as well as ‘gang activity’ or drug sales and such. But a key point will be high placement and remotely rotatable and zoom. And ALWAYS be monitoring! {Maybe mount them on the A/C units on the roof, for example, in some kind of ‘disguised casement’ that no one would think of as anything more that part of the equipment.}
Thanks for posting Floyd, great stuff.
You should check out this report: https://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a589749.pdf
Well, it is EXTREMELY RARE because I can’t think of one instance where a shooter confronted an armed guard or a cop to gain access to the school.
Typically you have armed guards at every entrance point.
The killer is going to look for ways around them. They want a body count.
Like I said, there is NO FOOL PROOF PLAN and a properly motivated killer is going to find a way if he has to…especially if he doesn’t care about his own life.
Do I think training and arming teachers and staff is part of the solution…YES I DO.
You can make it voluntary, with annual training and give them a bonus for doing it. Have them go to the local academy and qualify every year, just like the police. The system is there.
Thanks for the civil discourse and the opportunity to express an opinion, Damian. I appreciate the forum and the valuable information your sharing.
In response… I whole-heartedly agree- you really don’t know where or what the police presence was or how the shooter breached the school. I cited the news report because it’s at odds with Grossman’s #2 point.
2. Deter — Put police officers in schools, because with just one officer assigned to a school, the probability of a mass murder in that school drops to almost zero.
Either this incident was statistically an outlier (probability close to zero) or the premise is flawed. If we assume this wasn’t an outlier, making a blanket statement such as #2 without taking into account details of the situation (where or what the police presence is or how the shooter might breach a school) is questionable and misleading.
I also agree that there are no 100% fool proof means to avoiding these types of tragedies. Like you say, it is risk management, and training, preparation, and taking action will help manage the risk. This horrific act obviously struck a chord with you as evidenced by your heart felt “There are no words” post. I would just submit that another point conspicuously missing from the prevention side of the equation, is examining the supply side i.e. Why was this individual able to obtain this weapon. Obviously, I understand this is a hot button issue. But if we really are committed to taking an honest look at putting measures in place to prevent horrible acts such as these, I think it’s reasonable to discuss whether buying an AR 15 should be easier than buying a handgun as reported here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/ar15-mass-shootings-guns.html
Thanks again Larry – if we all agree with each other 100% of the time…someone here is a moron.
It think to Grossman’s point…just put an armed guard in the school, it decreases the chances dramatically based on the information we have regarding all mass shootings.
In this case I know it’s a large campus so it might have been improperly protected.
But to speak to your last point I totally agree regarding gun control ( yes, I realize I’m a moron based on my prior statement).
I agree, some weapons are just too easy to get and an AR should not be treated the same as a shotgun or a hunting rifle. It should at least have the same restrictions as a handgun.
But I want to talk about the repercussions of this kids posting that he wanted to be a professional school shooter on youtube. I don’t know the timeline, but I know I’m in a database as a gun owner.
There should be some type of penalty when you make these statements as a gun owner. It just can’t be dismissed.
This literally just happened in Nutley NJ TODAY..
16 year old kid makes a video of him at the range with an AR, then he’s outside his school with a firearm all the while the song “PUMPED UP KICKS” is playing. If you don’t know it, it’s about shooting up a school https://genius.com/Foster-the-people-pumped-up-kicks-lyrics
So the kids is taken into custody and released saying that he is NO IMMEDIATE THREAT.
This is one I’m going to watch closely because where are the parent responsibilities in this?
What I would like to happen is:
Parents face criminal negligence charges and lose the privilege of gun ownership.
The kid is placed into counseling and loses all gun ownership privileges for life.
Kid has to do community service in something related to gun violence victims.
Look, the warning signs are ALWAYS there – we need to take them more seriously earlier and we need to punish people for poor judgement.
Here’s the article.
https://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2018/02/nutley_schools_closed_friday_due_to_security_threa.html
As a bodyguard/security professional, and gun owning hillbilly (experienced hunter, etc.) and high ranking black belt in 5 martial arts… the single most efficient thing ANY individual can do–and the best thing to keep them safe- is AWARENESS. Far too many people- even trained professionals, get too distracted at “the same old thing” every day and lose focus on their surroundings. Simple awareness is the one thing criminals will tell you they look for LACK of in their victims- the person with the head down or listening to headphones while walking or working- etc. Complacency will get you KILLED the fastest. IF you LOOK like you are paying attention and know your surroundings, the chance of attack on you is greatly reduced!! Secondly- HONDURAS as a population of 8.2 million, BANS citizens from owning guns, and has the HIGHEST homicide rate in the WORLD– but SWITZERLAND has a population of 8.2 million, and REQUIRES its citizens to own and know how to use gun- and has the LOWEST homicide rate in the world. Simple preparedness, and awareness together and that country is SAFER than most all others- period. The biggest problem in this country- is LIBERALISM- that causes the stupidity that produces these morons– psychology for murdering criminals instead of HANGING them immediately, etc. Well, that’s my take..
My comment is this. All of your stuffis great and inspirational to us all BUT maybe a more sympathetic approach to this situation may be more appropriate. Badass is ok but so is empathy
What are you referring to John?
John, I can only ask… Empathy for WHOM..? The people who go out an PLAN how to hurt and MURDER totally innocent people… or the VICTIMS and potential VICTIMS of their insanity.??!!
Do you have empathy and “feel sorry” for the kid that shot up Sandy Hook .. because he had problems getting along with his Mom and had violent behavior history and no one Locked him AWAY from the public..? Or for the school Students and Faculty that DIED or were wounded and will have Life-Long scares, physically and emotionally, because of that person’s behavior..?
If someone is cold and hungry and is looking for a warm place and a meal…I have empathy for them! And I will try to Help Them if I can identify them… but if they break into MY HOME “Their problems will be over” because they won’t NEED food and shelter any longer! They will either be DEAD of in Jail at a place with medical care. WHATEVER caused them to pick my home no longer matters… I put MY Life and MY Family FIRST! And we need to do the SAME for our Schools and places of employment…and even walking down the sidewalk!
After all the hot air burns off, we only have another senseless mass murder. When America wakes up to add just a little self-defense training to every classroom guardian (the teacher), we will see these gutless bullies stop attacking the innocents; because they will no longer be helpless. Love without backbone is a cream puff – to be consumed or squashed.
“Right on” Peter!
When someone is DETERMINED to kill and maim, we must be MORE DETERMINED to PROTECT and to STOP them by any means necessary! Psychopathic and sadistic personality types lack the capacity for empathy, and are driven to repeated violence by unquenchable dark desires. Empathy will also not save you if targeted by a paranoid delusional individual (unlike often portrayed by the media, many other types of mental challenges do not usually pose risk of significant harm to others). Psychiatrists and psychologists are well known for their empathy and yet, some have been murdered by such patients. Many terrorists have rigid, uncompromising, deeply routed beliefs that call them to commit despicable violence even at risk of their own demise. Rageful intoxicated persons, under the influence of mind altering agents who are bent on violence, can not be stopped by empathy. Empathy is a wonderful human trait that enriches relationships, but dangerous and worthless to try to STOP any of the above noted individuals! Gun restrictions, police, no gun zones, mental health laws, PC school policies, “turning the other cheek”, misplaced hope, and empathy WILL NOT KEEP US SAFE! –SURVIVAL depends on ACKNOWLEDGING that serious dangers EXIST, and REQUIRES TRAINING on SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, SAFETY POSITIONING, PROPER PLANNING, AND AVOIDANCE when possible, but also DECISIVE TACTICAL SKILLS if no other option is available. I continue to stake my life and safety of my loved ones on the SDTS! Great discussion Damian!
“Empathy will also not save you if targeted by a paranoid delusional individual.”
Excellent Jerry.
I’m pretty sure everyone here feels empathy, but that empathy should compel someone to ACTION.
Empathy by itself or even for the sake of understanding is USELESS.
This is why I can do without the candlelight vigil…unless it’s followed with TRAINING.
It’s important to mourn and remember – but then there needs to be ACTION or the tragic loss of life is wasted.
Training and preparation helps the healing process. It turns frustration and helplessness into strength and empowerment. Many times I’ve seen victims deal with their PTSD with training and preparation…I also know that’s something you know a little about (and I don’t so I’m going to shut up here).
More important points Damian about a heart-breaking subject that yet needs our honest and realistic understanding for those of us invested in personal safety! The media is full of tons of crap and so called experts with mouths full of the same! “…empathy should compel someone to ACTION.” ABSOLUTELY!!! AND, empathy starts with us! If we do not value and respectful ourselves and loved ones, deny the existence of evil actors, turn the other cheek, then we fail to protect what is most dear, so fragile, and precious to us, and are at the “mercy of the merciless!! Not for me if I can help it! I appreciate all the good comments made here, and thanks Damian for giving all of us a voice so we can learn from each other!
One of my favorite books is GATES OF FIRE by Pressfield. In it he points out that the opposite of FEAR is LOVE.
Why do soldiers REALLY fight? It’s for the love of the guy next to them.
Not for glory, not for political reasons…it’s for the solder on your left and your right.
Why do we do this?
Love of family, love of friends…
Deep down I feel this is what’s missing from people’s lives: BROTHERHOOD (or sisterhood).
It’s knowing that the person next to you is invested in the task as much or more than you.
I’m not religious and I’m definitely not known to quote the bible, in fact the only verse I know is:
John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
That is really who I am.
It’s why I do this, it’s why I still coach and volunteer on the fire department.
Without it, I really see no point.
First, when you take God out of a nation and promote through hollywood every perverse thing, this is what you get. Those who would choose to ban guns, basically dont need them for protection they have access to bodyguards ect. You have liberal actors who portray killers in movies, use guns, shoot people but actively come out against weapons. I agree with the article we need to be more vigilant, teach more, prepare more. Instead of giving billions to countries that hate us, we could use that money to make every school a safe zone.
You do bring up an interesting point. If you’re against guns…then be AGAINST GUNS.
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.