We Must Take Care
- Gary Glemboski
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
In just the past week, two separate incidents (detailed below) occurred that serve as powerful reminders of the importance of situational awareness and the ability to protect oneself. While neither event qualifies as a terrorist act, both underscore the reality that violence can erupt anywhere, at any time—and often without warning.
Let me be clear: my primary advice is always to avoid potentially dangerous situations whenever possible. As the old saying goes, “A fight avoided is a fight won.” That philosophy aligns closely with what John Farnam refers to as the “Farnam Rule”: “Don’t go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things, and be in your own bed by 10:00, and you’ll probably be fine.”
However, as both of these recent incidents illustrate, the bad guy gets a vote. He chooses the time, the place, and the victims. Which means you must be ready, both mentally and physically, for the moment when avoidance is no longer an option.
What does it mean to be prepared? That depends on you. What is your physical condition? What does your daily life look like? Are you mentally and emotionally prepared to use force - even deadly force - to protect yourself or a loved one? Do you frequently find yourself in higher-risk environments? These are critical questions that only you can answer, and they should form how you approach your personal protection strategy.
Some people believe that buying pepper spray, a stun gun, or even a firearm is a sufficient solution. While these tools may be part of the answer, simply owning them does not make you ready to defend yourself - any more than owning a hammer makes you a carpenter. Skill requires training, education, and practice. While the basics of self-defense can be relatively simple to learn, using force effectively - especially under stress - is not. Mistakes can be costly. Diligence and ongoing training are essential.
Here’s the bottom line: there are predators in this world. They don’t care about your life, your family, or your future. They see you as an opportunity—and they will do you harm if given the chance. Your best defense is awareness, preparation, and the willingness to act when it counts.
Be Safe • Be Effective • Be Ready
Learn more about these recent incidences of violence in Savannah:
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