I read this article (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/24/justice.rape.19.years/index.html ) and I asked myself ‘What is wrong with people?’
The gist of the story is that 19 years ago an 8-year old girl was taken from her bedroom through her window, raped and then left for dead with her throat slashed. She lived, recovered and spoke out about what had happened to herself. The alleged perpetrator was arrested, with his wife in the car with him, because of DNA evidence. How would that be? ‘Sorry, dear, I should have told you about my abhorrent past.’ I feel bad for his wife, who probably had no idea what she was getting in to.
My paranoia that I speak of is this: when we get a house, people are either sleeping upstairs and all of the ground-floor windows will have rebar on the outside, or all of my windows will have bars on them. I don’t care if it is tacky, they are going up. I figure if it works in California, it’ll work for me. Of course, maybe there is a more efficient, or less unsightly, way of barring windows from external entry, but I refuse to let my house be an easy target. I think to myself ‘ This was 19 years ago (1990). It has only gotten worse, not better, since then.’
I’m not saying that the sky is falling, but the truth of it is that there are lots more people out there who don’t care about me, you, nor anyone else except for themselves, and will do whatever they want in order to get what they desire. There is nothing wrong with being aware and prepared to do something about that possibility.
I suppose I sound afraid, militant and worried. I suppose you might be correct in your assessment, but life is too precious to let some deviant, sociopathic scum try and take it from me or desecrate it, not to mention those I love and are sworn to protect. And I prefer to think of myself as aware, prudent and prepared. Doctrine and Covenants section 38, verses 29 and 30 say ‘Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land. I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.’
So, time to weapon up gentlemen, and make your castles into fortresses, that we may protect that which God has entrusted to us. Hopefully we never have to do so, but I’d hate to be faced with the necessity of doing so and not be able to do anything about it except stare helplessly.
If I sound a bit defensive and unapologetic, I am. I feel like I am unpopular for my stance, but I feel like I am right in my desire to protect and defend those whom I love. Therefore I offer no regret for my thoughts.
Again, what is wrong with people? Why do we have to keep looking over our backs all the time [condition yellow- look at Wikipedia under Jeff Cooper (marine)]? Can’t all of us just do what is right and be kind to those around us?
