Violent Ends: "You Are Only A Victim If You Let Them Make You One" by Leonard BentonWhen you need it badly enough, when you want it badly enough, anything can be a weapon as long as you use enough force and violence.One man kills several, one man kills several, one man…. I do not for a moment doubt the fear in the room. I don’t question the panic that went through the … [Read more...]
“I Know More About Gun Control Arguments Than You Do” (And Why They Are Almost All Wrong)
I Know More About Gun Control Arguments Than You Do (And Why They Are Almost All Wrong) By Mr. TwistedYes, this is written from a place of arrogance. So be it.But sometimes arrogance is earned, and such is the case here. Given what I see being bandied about on the topic of gun control, the title is warranted.I spent several years in the gun lobby where it was, … [Read more...]
The Problem With Gun Violence
The Problem With Gun Violence by Kevin WilsonRegardless of where you stand on the matter, I think all of you would agree with me when I say that the topic of gun control, as well as the larger topic of gun violence, are hot button issues at the moment. This is, of course, to be expected. Happens every time there’s a mass shooting, and the fact that this most recent one … [Read more...]
My Gun, My Safety
I have a question for the far left:Have you ever felt that another human being was a threat to your safety or even your life?I have.Have you ever been told by the police that there is no legal protection they can offer you?I have.Have you ever sat in the dark, holding your child, wondering at every creak and sigh of your house or the trees or the wind, … [Read more...]
We Who Fought, Those We Fought Against, Those We Fought For: Humans. Just Humans.
We Who Fought, Those We Fought Against, Those We Fought For: Humans. Just Humans.I never really have much to say. I guess one of the skills I have developed ever since I got out of the Army is to keep my mouth shut and to listen.After I got out, I took a personal journey to clear my head. I stopped watching television for the most part. I don’t pay attention to the … [Read more...]
Would You Refuse to Salute Hitler?
We’re frequently told “don’t be that guy,” often with good reason. Drunk and douchey at a party? Don’t be that guy. Park in a spot someone else shoveled out of the snow? Don’t be that guy. Chow thief at Ranger School? Definitely don’t be that guy. But sometimes situations arise where you DO need to be that guy.Sometimes going along with the crowd is the absolute … [Read more...]
The ABCs of Gun Safety: An EMT’s Perspective
To begin, let me tell you why you need to read this article and absorb what I have to say. In just my small town, and just this week, I was involved in the care of three gunshot victims. Two of them died. One of those I took in a body bag to a morgue, the other I pronounced dead at the scene (let the coroner take care of that clean-up) and tried my damnedest to console a … [Read more...]
I Recognize My Brother As The Deceased
I Recognize My Brother As The Deceased by Anonymous “I recognize my brother as the deceased.” Words I never thought I would write. Words no one prepares you for… Words no thing prepares you for. It’s not supposed to be this way, And it is this way. He’s gone. _____ “I recognize my brother as the deceased.” Mission mode. Official business. Transactional. I am not … [Read more...]
My Father Is Homeless, And I Don’t Help Him
My father is a homeless man, living on the streets of Tampa. He used to be a homeless man, living on the streets or in the shelters of Albuquerque until I got a random phone call to let me know he was a few miles from my house. It was a surprise to say the least. He says he made his way to Tampa because at the time, I had recently had surgery to rid my body of cancer. I say … [Read more...]
Carry On Wayward Veteran
Originally published in February of 2017.For the past 18 months, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to “unplug” from the operational Army and be a graduate student at Princeton University. During this time, I must admit I’ve been chasing ghosts. I’ve toiled and mulled over thoughts and feelings wondering: “Is there something wrong with me?” Sadly, veterans and the military … [Read more...]