Situational Awareness vs. Omnipotence

[Tropical Buzz]

Or...Who do you become when you strap on your gun(s)?

There is a lot of discussion revolving around the "role" of a person carrying a firearm in public places. We suddenly find ourselves supercharged with the ability to spot suspicious characters in convenience stores and parking lots, recognizing their ill-intentions in the way they look or dress and where they stand and how they react to us when we stare them down.

The heightened perception and sharpened senses of our new situational awareness allows - no - compels us to see the real threat behind their thin veneer of normalcy. When they buckle and leave the scene after we "confront" them with our steely, unvavering gaze and the ready, alert stance of a warrior poised to fight for freedom and justice, we pat ourselves on the back for thwarting what was surely a crime almost in progress. (Please accept that I differentiate this from those who have questioned their own actions after an encounter)

Reading certain posts, it seems that carrying a concealed firearm transforms some people from unremarkable Clark Kents into Supermen and open carrying two fullsize Glocks turns them into the whole darn League of Justice. What are we without the guns and why do we (and everyone around us, it seems) suddenly become something different when we strap them on? If you are Captain America when you are armed, what comic book character are you when you aren't? Scooby Doo? Jughead? Betty and Veronica?

A recent poster declared after scaring away two people in a store by eying one of them while open carrying two Glocks "People just don't notice when you carry only one gun" or words to that effect. People praise him for scaring off the would-be perps. And if they happened to be ordinary folks who were just frightened by the man with two guns eyeballing them, then good! - they're only sheeple who have no business being disturbed by something as harmless as a man in a convenience store at night, wearing two guns on his belt and looking at them funny.

To me and many other gun enthusiasts I talk to, a man should be outwardly no different whether he is armed or not. The whole point of carrying a gun is to be able to go peacefully about your life while having the ability to defend yourself from an attacker. Until that scenario happens, why adopt some imaginary role as a beacon for all criminals, gangstas, sheeple, antis and other lowlifes to see you and cower in the awesomeness of your presence?

It is dangerously apparent that to many, the gun is a giver of confidence and the illusion of power, much like a few shots of Jack Daniels in a bar is to the average Walter Mitty, turning him into Mr. Beau Deadly, ready to ravish women and kick men's butts. The rude awakening seldom comes painlessly when it does come, and whether the superhero prevails in the initial encounter or not, there is always a high price for someone to pay.

I love my guns like I love my cars and though they are mechanical devices built to perform a function, I am an enthusiast and they are far more to me than mere implements. What I try to do is to be the master of my tools and not the other way around. We determine what the tools do and they perform a certain way because we make them perform that way. But when the tools are in control and make men become someone else and do things they ordinarily wouldn't, whether the tool is a 500 hp roadster or a .45 ACP, bad things are likely to happen.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

SA does not change much. Judging from my weight gain in the last 10 Years my SA has not been that important to my day to day work.

HOWEVER.... there are certain actions that I have accumulated in memory without thinking causes me to automatically do certain things involuntarily. Ho-hum is good but when child runs around grocery corner waving a realistic looking gun, I get this gigantic live wire running into my system before I even realize it's a child.

Excuse me while I take some medicines the nice doctor gave me to get back to ho-hum.

I personally have seen some of the most ... plain folks. You never suspect that they are packing a big bore somewhere on thier person.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Huh?

 

[CoRoMo]

Who do you become when you strap on your gun(s)?

Why would I become someone else? Something must be wrong with my P11 because I fail to find myself "supercharged". I'll contact Kel Tec next week about this.

A recent poster declared... or words to that effect.

Maybe you shouldn't misquote someone. It is easier to copy and paste.

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

I'm Bo Deadly regardless if I'm carrying or not !

Actually, nothing changes, same attitude, same SA, carrying or not.

A gun is not magic, it is just a tool. Use the tool, don't be one.

 

[Frank4711]

Practice-Train-Practice-Train-Practice-Train....I am the same,carry or not....No Phone Booth Needed. A gun is not magic, it is just a tool. Use the tool, don't be oneWell Said Carlos

 

[TRGRHPY]

A recent poster declared... or words to that effect.

Maybe you shouldn't misquote someone. It is easier to copy and paste.

Exactly.

And if they happened to be ordinary folks who were just frightened by the man with two guns eyeballing them, then good! - they're only sheeple who have no business being disturbed by something as harmless as a man in a convenience store at night, wearing two guns on his belt and looking at them funny.

I don't try to be "in your face" with regards to my carry practices, but if someoe notices whether I open or cc, and they want to get bent out of shape about it, then too bad. My goal in life is not to appease every person I come into contact with. Regardless of what I do, or who I am, someone is not going to like something...and that happens to be an issue that they can either deal with or not, I really could care less.

Until that scenario happens, why adopt some imaginary role as a beacon for all criminals, gangstas, sheeple, antis and other lowlifes to see you and cower in the awesomeness of your presence?

Nice imagination. You're the only one that I read that even hinted at something like that. The only thing I witnessed were statements of support for a man who chose to open carry.

There is a lot of discussion revolving around the "role" of a person carrying a firearm in public places. We suddenly find ourselves supercharged with the ability to spot suspicious characters in convenience stores and parking lots, recognizing their ill-intentions in the way they look or dress and where they stand and how they react to us when we stare them down.

Criminal elements of the variety that choose to commit their crimes upon convenience stores don't dress like bankers, and they do act suspiciously such as loitering around. Those who do that sort of thing may not necessarily be criminal, but they're also not normal with regard to their actions.

Reading certain posts, it seems that carrying a concealed firearm transforms some people from unremarkable Clark Kents into Supermen and open carrying two fullsize Glocks turns them into the whole darn League of Justice. What are we without the guns and why do we (and everyone around us, it seems) suddenly become something different when we strap them on? If you are Captain America when you are armed, what comic book character are you when you aren't? Scooby Doo? Jughead? Betty and Veronica?

Once again, you take things to an extreme. I didn't see anything like that posted, especially on the scale to which would cause a thread like this to be posted.

It is not uncommon to carry two firearms. This person chose to carry in a way that irrationally upsets you so your reaction is to attack and name-call an entire group of people?

To me and many other gun enthusiasts I talk to, a man should be outwardly no different whether he is armed or not. The whole point of carrying a gun is to be able to go peacefully about your life while having the ability to defend yourself from an attacker. Until that scenario happens, why adopt some imaginary role as a beacon for all criminals, gangstas, sheeple, antis and other lowlifes to see you and cower in the awesomeness of your presence?

Other than the mall ninja, I have never witnessed what you are referring to. Perhaps your view of America is only what you've witnessed on the movies. The reason I say that is because you have exaggerated this beyond comprehension just like hollywood does.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Quote:
Who do you become when you strap on your gun(s)?
Why would I become someone else? Something must be wrong with my P11 because I fail to find myself "supercharged". I'll contact Kel Tec next week about this.

Quote:
A recent poster declared... or words to that effect.
Maybe you shouldn't misquote someone. It is easier to copy and paste..

If you behave no differently whether you are armed or not, more power to you - that's the way it should be.
Who says I misquoted? How's that for copy & paste?

I'm Bo Deadly regardless if I'm carrying or not !

Actually, nothing changes, same attitude, same SA, carrying or not.

A gun is not magic, it is just a tool. Use the tool, don't be one.

You go, Bo! lol! My point exactly!

 

[Tropical Buzz]

(1)Exactly.

(2)I don't try to be "in your face" with regards to my carry practices, but if someoe notices whether I open or cc, and they want to get bent out of shape about it, then too bad. My goal in life is not to appease every person I come into contact with. Regardless of what I do, or who I am, someone is not going to like something...and that happens to be an issue that they can either deal with or not, I really could care less.

(3)Nice imagination. You're the only one that I read that even hinted at something like that. The only thing I witnessed were statements of support for a man who chose to open carry.

(4)Criminal elements of the variety that choose to commit their crimes upon convenience stores don't dress like bankers, and they do act suspiciously such as loitering around. Those who do that sort of thing may not necessarily be criminal, but they're also not normal with regard to their actions.

(5)Once again, you take things to an extreme. I didn't see anything like that posted, especially on the scale to which would cause a thread like this to be posted.
It is not uncommon to carry two firearms. This person chose to carry in a way that irrationally upsets you so your reaction is to attack and name-call an entire group of people?

(6)Other than the mall ninja, I have never witnessed what you are referring to. Perhaps your view of America is only what you've witnessed on the movies. The reason I say that is because you have exaggerated this beyond comprehension just like hollywood does.

TRGRHPY;

1. See previous response.

2. This is not about someone noticing your open carry. It's about getting in people's face when you OC or CC in what they could easily perceive as a threatening manner just because you feel you have the ability to judge them as criminals before they do anything at all wrong. How would you act in the same situation if you were unarmed? How would you react if you were the other person?

3. Once again this is not about the open carry debate.

4. If someone "dressed like a banker" decided to commit a crime (and it does happen, believe it or not) you'd miss it completely because of your limiting preconceptions. "Loitering around" is abnormal and warrants armed "confrontation", but wearing two guns and confronting a perfect stranger who has done nothing illegal is perfectly acceptable?

5. The way I worded my post used colloquial references for emphasis. That seems to have really offended you. I was just hoping to make my point effectively and in a manner that is interesting to read. Sorry if I hurt your feelings or struck a raw nerve.
You are basing your entire response on defending the one particular thread. I make reference to that thread as one example but by no means is that the only thing I am talking about. Try to open your mind to the more general point of discussion and still disagree if you must.
Open carry does not upset me per se, but overtly obnoxious, intrusive and inconsiderate behavior does.
You seem to be irrationally upset by anything that challenges your comforting view of the world and what is "normal".
I criticise the apparent mentality of only those who seem to think that strapping on a gun makes them capable of and responsible for policing the behavior of others based on subjective inputs that can be interpreted differently by different people. Aside from these particular people, I have attacked and name-called no "entire group of people".

6. There is a reasonable amount of literary exaggeration for emphasis, I'll admit, but nothing to get all bunched up about. I raise an issue that challenges your notions and you turn it into an attack on all of America? Get real. I have lived, worked and played extensively in North America - what's that got to do with the mentality we're discussing here? Where did I single out America or Americans? Paranoia is a not a good thing, but imaginary threats and acting on them is exactly what I am talking about.

BTW - you do realize the Mall Ninja thing and the back flipping stuff over pinball machines, etc that got people all bent out of shape wasn't real, ...right...?

 

[john44402]

The heightened perception and sharpened senses of our new situational awareness allows - no - compels us to see the real threat behind their thin veneer of normalcy... Reading certain posts, it seems that carrying a concealed firearm transforms some people from unremarkable Clark Kents into Supermen and....

I think they call themselves "Sheepdogs"

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Problem is, these particular sheepdogs think any sheep that isn't "dressed like a banker" and behaving exactly as they would is a marauding wolf poised to attack!

 

[Apachedriver]

I think your "literary" exaggeration was incorrectly taken as "literal" perception of some people's lives and views resulting in a discussion with good points brought out for all, newbies and not so newbies, to see and consider.

Personally speaking, the only things that change, whether I wearing my CCW or flying with full armament, are the available options for me to choose from should an adverse situation arise.

 

[john44402]

Problem is, these particular sheepdogs think any sheep that isn't "dressed like a banker" and behaving exactly as they would is a marauding wolf poised to attack!

Ahhhh well, to maintain the momentum of the thread, I suppose the thing to do in that case, would be to make all kinda furtive movements to get 'em all frothy like.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Thanks Apachedriver, it's possible though that my choice to use a colorful writing style that rubbed some people the wrong way may have negatively affected the chances of having a productive debate.

John, those aren't furitive movements! That's Bo Deadly shufflin' on the dance floor.

 

[sm]

From the time I was born , I was in a hi-risk setting.
I am just dumb old southern boy.
Just a nobody, that never wanted to be anybody and still do not want to be somebody.

Guns are great, still they are only tools.
Even as a kid, when I took a gun to school for Show-n-Tell , or a new pocket knife, I was just me, and the tools were just tools.

Yes, I was born with a revolver in my dresser drawer crib, and I had other guns as I got bigger. Still, I was given a small handgun I could conceal on my person at age 8.

Some serious matters had occurred and Mentors, felt it was time.
Nobody knew except those in the know, I carried concealed.

When I and others speak of "reading the room", "perceptions" and "blending in" , I/we mean it.

Honestly, I have entered a setting where I was to meet someone and turned around and walked out.
They screamed any and everything that threatened me and security.

Lady partner and I one time, pretended to have a knock down drag out argument, to distract, so another member of our group could get someone out safely that was screaming "take me down criminals!".

I have seen folks that got shot , ran off off the road, and both, strutting around like BMOC (big man on campus).

All my life, there have times I could not carry a gun, or even a knife.
Guns and knives and all this other hardware is just part of the toolbox, not THE toolbox.

What I do not understand:

Folks in Law Enforcement and Military cannot wait to get out of uniforms, or retire where they don't have to wear a uniform, and all that crap.

How come every swinging richard wants to go around dressed like someone in Law Enforcement or Military is beyond me.

Folks think I am kidding, still I have looked folks square in the eyes that invited me to "learn to shoot shotguns" and replied "oh, I thought only police and military could have shotguns".

No brag, just fact, I have dropped more shotgun shells than some will ever shoot.

I had already had some serious occur at a public range and I left my shotgun on the porch rack, walked into the clubhouse and out the back door and hopped into the trunk to evade evil.

Folks "advertising" and blabbing their mouths, is what attributed to me being tailed. Others I trusted took care of my gun, gear, vehicle...
I was in full tilt boogie "evade now" mode.

I grew up with Codes, things like I knew Undercover police and they knew me.
We did not speak to each other in public, as we never knew if the other was working.
We had a way to communicate if we were working or just out though.

I did not / do want to look like a cop, or someone in the military, nor did I want to look like a concealed carry weapon person, or criminal...exceptions.
Yeah, sometimes it was best to look a bit seedy.

Now don't ask me about a lot of guns, gear or anything else discussed here on forums, for I admit, I do not know, and am dumb as a brick.

Then again, if you step into some worlds I know, well first off many are going to be mad.
I still do 3 Rules of Gun Safety ( three was later split to make rule four). Next up, in order to give off perceptions, and blend in, including not being a CCW-er, I do not always use a holster.

Some settings...well...some had a sign that said "no holstered weapons".
Sounds funny, but a pretty smart deal.
These folks did not mind you having a gun inside.

They would read folks arriving, and could spot a cop, or undercover cop seeing that sign and going "oh crap" and heading back to the vehicle to get rid of holster.
And of course, your gun was read.
Not a good idea to carry what cops , even undercover cops carried.

Actually...my gun was a snub nose .22 rim-fire for one "joint" I frequented.
I blended in so well, and gave the perceptions so good...
"Dude, you got the right gun if we need to shoot out a knee cap..."
They liked the idea I also had a youth .22 single shot rifle in my vehicle.
"Dude, you do know how some hunting accidents and gun cleaning accidents happen, don't you now..."

My "work" overlapped with some cop work. Illegal cock fights, dawg fights, some dope, and "underage sex stuff".
You cannot pay the tab, then wife, girlfriend or even daughter might "work off" that debt, or you might accidentally shoot the back of your knee out hunting or cleaning your gun.

You walk into a joint, heck just make it to the parking area, looking like and acting like Kewl Tack-Tickle ,and they will eat you alive.

For the new CCW folks...
Honest to goodness those that have carried forever, don't really talk about it or discuss it.
I have been around other THR members, including Staff, and the topic of guns never came up.
Best recall, the last time I was with a member of THR, Staff, I commented on his jacket and shoes.
Oh, and his Mag-Light in the vehicle, as I was concerned it might fall out, so I pushed back in further and commented on how I like the old Mag-lights.

Yes I have been with members, including Staff, where we could not carry guns, and we did not discuss that either.
We just went on about our business and never had a concern one, about evil, trouble, mutant ninja zombies or anything else.

I think the last time out, I asked what time it was, as I don't always wear a watch.
They wear a watch and I have a Vic Classic SD, in case we need scissors.
They do the time stuff and I do the scissor stuff.

Mutant ninja zombies ain't got a chance against us two. *sticks out tongue*

 

[yeti]

I will admit to doing less ravishing, as I get older.

 

[TRGRHPY]

It's about getting in people's face when you OC or CC in what they could easily perceive as a threatening manner just because you feel you have the ability to judge them as criminals before they do anything at all wrong.

That didn't happen in the instance you are referring. That is called brandishing, and possibly even assault, both of which are illegal.

The only person turning this incident of someone open carrying into anything more than just that, is you...you're the one bringing up sheepdog/sheeple thing, which isn't even relevant to what happened.

And now, besides just going completely overboard about everything, you are saying that because I only mentioned that convenience store robbers don't dress is suits that I assume that someone dressed in a suit is incapable of committing crime. Not only did I not say that, but I didn't even infer it. Get a grip on the assumption thing, you've done way too much of it. In fact, you have made so many assumptions that they're impossible to even address, and even if I did you would stretch things even further and make another more ridiculous, out in left field statement.

How could anyone's feeling be hurt when nothing you've said applies to anyone?

I mentioned the same post that you made obvious reference to, so don't say that I'm selective with what I address.

Not talking about America, was talking about those who cc. once again, another far-reaching exaggeration.

Literary exaggeration? whatever.

I don't know if you have ever lived in the US, are American, or what the situation is, but you seem to have some pretty wild preconceived notion that shapes you view about how thing are here especially with the issue that you bring up about dual-carry. Not sure what other threads you're talking about, so if you can give an example (quote), maybe you'd make more sense, but the only one you reference is the guy who carrys 2 glocks, and that just doesn't come close to justifying what you're saying.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

sm; uhhh...yeah buddy - what can I say?

yeti - Think of it as gradually quitting while you're ahead

TRGRHPY, take a deep breath and try to relax. Others get what I'm saying - you don't. I responded to you point by point and repetition would be redundant. This is a discussion, not a war.

 

[Gamera]

Well, when I strap on my two 1911s I feel like the Phantom, but Thor is my favorite comic book hero so I usually walk around with a sledge hammer.

 

[WinchesterAA]

Only thing that changes when I'm disarmed is my willingness to go into the ghetto with the tens of thousands of dollars of cable boxes/other equipment. Even then it doesn't help much, but it atleast ensures that I have a majority chance of atleast leaving the ghetto. Maybe not with everything I came with, but still get out whatever the case.


Other than that nothing.. I pay extraordinarily little attention to my firearm itself.

Where I keep the firearm is well guarded at all times. It's very well concealed, and my tool setup allows it to be very easily and very quickly drawn even when working with full gear on, while under trailers, in vehicles, on telephone poles, and in attics.

Smart carry... I keep it near my crotch.. Why? Because nothing I don't want there will ever go there, to the best of my ability.

1911 officer's model, right there, WHENEVER I need it, just like all my other tools. I use it the same way as my other tools, I treat it the same way, and you know.. All of what I just said is irrelevant anyway. It is a tool, defense should be handled by everybody, and in a professional manner. That means, everybody should want to be very very good at their job of defending themselves. How anyone got away from that concept is beyond me. How people actually got to a point where they thought the best option was to delegate their defense to other people who delegate their other responsibilities the same way the majority of people delegate their personal defense.


That is designed to fail. Even in the situation of bodyguards. If you suck, your bodyguards can't do much for you.

Self defense should be handled professionally, everyone should be very good at it, and treat the skill with a high degree of professionalism. Professionalism in self defense involves being very proficient with all tools and tasks associated with self defense. Firearms, mace, stun guns, knives, bats, etc... You have a duty to be extraordinary with whatever it is you're relying on to keep you safe and healthy.

Agree or disagree?

 

[JImbothefiveth]

Until that scenario happens, why adopt some imaginary role as a beacon for all criminals, gangstas, sheeple, antis and other lowlifes to see you and cower in the awesomeness of your presence?

Sir, you underestimate my awesomeness. If I fail, the world fails.
I do get annoyed when people call themselves sheepdogs.

Actually...my gun was a snub nose .22 rim-fire for one "joint" I frequented.
I blended in so well, and gave the perceptions so good...
"Dude, you got the right gun if we need to shoot out a knee cap..."
They liked the idea I also had a youth .22 single shot rifle in my vehicle.
"Dude, you do know how some hunting accidents and gun cleaning accidents happen, don't you now..."

After all you have said about situatonal awareness, evade, etc., I am surprised you would even be at a place like that. Probably an unlicensed pharmacy.
It makes 4 guys with rifles kicking down your door a much more realistic scenario, whether criminals or a SWAT team.

 

[Titan6]

I would certainly be careful about painting with a broad brush.

It is dangerously apparent that to many, the gun is a giver of confidence and the illusion of power much like a few shots of Jack Daniels in a bar is to the average Walter Mitty, turning him into Mr. Beau Deadly, ready to ravish women and kick men's butts. The rude awakening seldom comes painlessly when it does come, and whether the superhero prevails in the initial encounter or not, there is always a high price for someone to pay.

I suppose to you but to those of who carry for a living it is no illusion. I Don't think you will finding me walking the streets of Baghdad unarmed and un-empowered. I don't any get super powers of perception but I sure as heck have to stare down bad guys and I am absolutely certain that they would do bad things if I did not. If I did not have my gun they would kill me, absolutely no question.

Will most of the people on this board have this to deal with that? Nope. But you are pointing to a very small minority while ignoring the majority who think those guys are posers. But given this admission:

There is a reasonable amount of literary exaggeration for emphasis, I'll admit

Exaggeration is just another word for lying. I find lying annoying. This is too bad because otherwise you write well. I guess that is the danger here.

I love my guns like I love my cars and though they are mechanical devices built to perform a function, I am an enthusiast and they are far more to me than mere implements. What I try to do is to be the master of my tools and not the other way around. We determine what the tools do and they perform a certain way because we make them perform that way. But when the tools are in control and make men become someone else and do things they ordinarily wouldn't, whether the tool is a 500 hp roadster or a .45 ACP, bad things are likely to happen.

I guess. My guns are not really tools. They are guns. My hammer is not protected by the constitution. The government can take me to court and pay me for it and take it away for no other reason than they want it. They haven't tried that with guns yet.

Paranoia is a not a good thing, but imaginary threats and acting on them is exactly what I am talking about.

Again broad brush. But hey maybe it is possible. But I am the kind of guy who likes evidence and is annoyed by lying. So if you would not mind could you maybe post one, just one example about this that does not involve a LEO where a bad thing happened (assault, shooting, killing) due to a CHL holder being overly paranoid because otherwise it is just a lot of internet posturing, BS and a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

How am I painting with a broad brush when I refer specifically and only to people who become heroes (in their own minds) when they are armed? Nowhere do I even come close to implying it applies to all armed citizens, let alone military personnel.

Exaggeration is just another word for lying. I find lying annoying. This is too bad because otherwise you write well.

Well too bad you don't read very well because the literary exaggeration-for-emphasis I admit to is the insertion of the comic book references to illustrate the mentality I'm discussing. If you're stupid enough to believe I really meant that people think they can fly when they are armed, you have more urgent issues to deal with than participating in this debate. I am sorry if the illustrative references confuse you, but I stand by my position. Thanks for the compliment on my writing.

Quote:
Paranoia is a not a good thing, but imaginary threats and acting on them is exactly what I am talking about.
Again broad brush. But hey maybe it is possible. But I am the kind of guy who likes evidence and is annoyed by lying. So if you would not mind could you maybe post one, just one example about this that does not involve a LEO where a bad thing happened (assault, shooting, killing) due to a CHL holder being overly paranoid because otherwise it is just a lot of internet posturing, BS and a solution looking for a problem that does not exist.

My paranoia comment was in direct response to another poster who chose to interpret my comments as an attack on America and the American way of life. Much like you are with your broad brush stuff and dragging in the military. I can understand you being annoyed by the way I expressed my points, but trying to counter attack by making it something it isn't is no different from plain, flat lying. I don't like liars.

As far as evidence goes, I am not talking about specific incidences of accidental shootings caused by paranoia. I am talking about a mindset that causes SOME people to be overly scrutinizing and judgemental of others and consequently (sometimes unconsciously) aggressive in posture when they are armed. To deny that his mindset exists is evidence of posteriocranial inversion. To dismiss it as appropriate or inconsequential is entirely your perogative.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Sir, you underestimate my awesomeness. If I fail, the world fails.
I do get annoyed when people call themselves sheepdogs.

Sorry JImbo, my bad! It won't happen again, I promise!

 

[rbernie]

I cannot shake the feeling that this thread is heading south. I'm not gonna lock the thread yet, but I will suggest that y'all find clearer ways in which to express yourselves if you want to salvage this one.

As with most things in life, painting with too broad a brush can cover things not wanted.