Sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves.

[ksnecktieman]

When I first heard of the "sheep, sheepdog, wolf, analogy it was the sheep(unarmed people) looking at the wolves (criminals) and the sheepdog "citizen with a weapon". The sheep can not seperate the sheepdogs, and the wolves, all they see are the teeth. I accept the role of sheepdog. I will be very careful in the use of my teeth, but when I see a wolf eating a sheep, I hope I can sleep well afterwards, in the knowledge that I did the best I could.

Yes, I will be very cautious, and make sure I am on the right side. But one thing is certain,,,,,, I will have to sleep with my decision for the rest of my life.

 

[feedthehogs]

I live in a republic,

"two wolves and a well armed sheep discussing what's for dinner".

Those who live in a democracy are on their own and can let the ego maniac sheep dogs who think they are the protectors of everyone, lead them around.

 

[Itote]

Without sounding like a windbag....

I could not stand by and let someone I know to be innocent be harmed.Kind of a catch 22 as Bluesbear pointed out above. Unless your involved, you may make a costly mistake. Just use caution.
If ever in that situation, I will act as swiftly and violently as I can to end the threat.

 

[fistful]

To he who quoted the Neil Young song (Let's Roll):

In that song, Neil Young also has the passengers saying, "God forgive us for what we're about to do." I can only presume that he refers to the awful sin of killing terrorists. If so, I hope this angers you. I hope it makes your blood boil that this poor ignorant sheep knows no better than to think it a sin to attack a wolf in flagrante delicto.

If this is not what Mr. Young meant to say, please let me know.

 

[fedlaw]

Sheepdog test

Would Kitty Genovese have been saved if you were there?
http://www.angelfire.com/comics/mooreportal/kitty.html

 

[molonlabe]

Yes

 

[Art Eatman]

fedlaw, the Genovese murder was a repeat of an event in Canada in the 1940s. Just a teenager, I was shocked. The Genovese murder hardened my resolve that I would never, ever be such a coward as the "Spectators".

Fast forward a dozen years and while during my mother's visit to my home, I heard noises out on the street. As I was preparing to check it out, her comment was, "Oh, but you don't want to get involved!"

Upon my return I was quiet and polite, but it was definitely "Lecture Time".

Through the decades I've made a point of living where I would not be inhibited from being a resposible citizen...

Art

 

[TallPine]

Tried to catch the post to add something but wasn't fast enough

 

[TallPine]

Well, I would never have been "there" (NYC) but I know that I would intervene if I saw something like that happening in my neighborhood. (actually, where I live now if I could see something like that it would be on my property)

As to whether she would have been saved by my actions - well, I would hope so but one can never know the outcome.


I do know that I get really upset when I even see a woman being mistreated in a video, even though I know it is just acting.

 

[fedlaw]

I got "involved". I was able to stop an attack before the victim was killed or seriously injured (physically). The woman being attacked was lucky and so was I.

 

[TallPine]

Good for you, fedlaw

(if you have any details that might be helpful to someone in a similar situation, you could share them in Strategies forum )

 

[dfaugh]

fistful

"God forgive us for what we're about to do."

Actually, I interpret that entirely differently (I'll ask Neil the next time I see him, what he meant).

Anyway, interpreted it to mean that it was likely that some innocents (the other non-terrorist passengers) would probably die...

Not that asking God's forgiveness for taking a life (ANY life) isn't appropriate.

 

[Double Maduro]

I consider myself a "Free range sheepdog". It is my moral responsibility to protect all innocent sheep.

DM

 

[fistful]

Not that asking God's forgiveness for taking a life (ANY life) isn't appropriate.

I angrily disagree.

1) Taking animal life is never sinful in itself, although the circumstances may make it so. E.g.; if it is someone else's animal and you have no permission.

2) In many situations, taking human life is perfectly moral, and sometimes required by morality. Certainly, I may feel free to ask forgiveness if I have some doubt about what I have done. However, it is outrageous to imply that the heros of Flight 93 sinned by killing the terrorists when in fact their self-sacrifice was of the highest morality. I do appreciate that Mr. Young is the victim of our silly culture that treats just homicide as a necessary evil.