I just got through grabbing a cup of coffee downtown. I pulled up to the stop sign at a "T" intersection, a car was traveling down the road fairly quickly with no turn signal on and I ASSumed they were going straight, so I started pulling out into the intersection, timing it so when I entered the traveled way, the car would have passed (I know bad practice). At the last minute the other car jambs on the brakes and turns. I wasn't going fast and simply hit the brakes. No big deal I think.
The guy in the oncoming car rolls his window down as he drives by and starts to yell about my mother and point at me with one of his fingers.
I stare at him trying to remember his face in case I saw him again, which pissed him off enough to utilize some more of his extensive vocabulary. He hits the brakes like he's going to get out and teach me a lesson.
It's a small town and I drive a very noticeable vehicle.
I'm not really a fighter -usually my 6'-2", 250lb appearance is enough that people leave me alone. I do however have a very defined line that I maintain before getting red in the face.
Made me wish I hadn't left my lead slinger at home. I don't encounter loose screws like that very often.
At any rate, made me think of the discussion that occurred last week about carrying for personal protection. Being a small town, I will probably run into this feller again.
So let me get this straight digger. Minor traffic alteration. Somebody is late, somebody feels slighted. Words are exchanged, tempers flare. Somebody feels threatened, thinks the other guy may be about to come unhinged, grabs their lead slinger. Other guy see this and grabs his. Next things two lives are changed for ever.
Over what?
I cut a guy off years ago, by accident. Didn't realize how fast he was going. He got out of his truck and came at me in a blind rage. I rolled down my window and shouted at the guy as he approached. 'I'm sorry!' I didn't mean to cut you off. It was an accident.' The rage left his face and he apologized for losing his temper and we both went on are merry way.
Call me a fool. This is why I don't carry a weapon. If I was working in a drug infested neighborhood and was worried about being robbed or worse or having a bear rip my face off, that's another story.
Peace out. Carry on.
> So let me get this straight digger. Minor traffic alteration. Somebody is late, somebody feels slighted. Words are exchanged, tempers flare. Somebody feels threatened, thinks the other guy may be about to come unhinged, grabs their lead slinger. Other guy see this and grabs his. Next things two lives are changed for ever.
>
> Over what?
>
> I cut a guy off years ago, by accident. Didn't realize how fast he was going. He got out of his truck and came at me in a blind rage. I rolled down my window and shouted at the guy as he approached. 'I'm sorry!' I didn't mean to cut you off. It was an accident.' The rage left his face and he apologized for losing his temper and we both went on are merry way.
>
> Call me a fool. This is why I don't carry a weapon. If I was working in a drug infested neighborhood and was worried about being robbed or worse or having a bear rip my face off, that's another story.
>
> Peace out. Carry on.
Nope, you have that incorrect. No words were exchanged. The only words were on his part and the only anger was on his part. No temper on my part. I kept on driving. However he looked angry enough to be violent and he appeared to want to pull over and have an altercation with me or follow me. I would have apologized, but this guy was crazy.
I am a very responsible owner, have been for my entire life, and will continue to do so.
However, anytime someone wants to physically attack me, I will assume they intend the worst and I will dissuade them from doing so.
EDIT , now that I re-read what I wrote, it does sound like road rage gone bad. I can assure you I am not susceptible to brandishing a firearm in anger.
Every living thing has the right to defend themselves. My only point is rage and guns are not a healthy mix. Statistics would back me up. Anger is a symptom of suffering. I know it may sound stupid, but try and have some compassion for them. You don't know what's going on in their life.
Have a great day digger. Gotta go make a living.
I understand what you are saying. My experience is that when I carry that I am less likely to do anything to escalate the situation because of how it could end. Yell at me all you want been married too long to care but keep your hands off me.
> My only point is rage and guns are not a healthy mix.
True - ONLY if the person handling the gun is afflicted by rage, otherwise it would seem to be very healthy in certain circumstances.
:good:
> I understand what you are saying. My experience is that when I carry that I am less likely to do anything to escalate the situation because of how it could end. Yell at me all you want been married too long to care but keep your hands off me.
:good:
BTDT.
Been carrying for 36 years. Have yet to think about unsheathing when I am PO'd. I only consider it after the fact or when someone else is on a rampage. B-)
> Every living thing has the right to defend themselves. My only point is rage and guns are not a healthy mix. Statistics would back me up. Anger is a symptom of suffering. I know it may sound stupid, but try and have some compassion for them. You don't know what's going on in their life.
>
> Have a great day digger. Gotta go make a living.
No doubt being in a rage with a gun will come to no good. However, statistics generally are numbers manipulated to reflect the position of the group presenting the statistics. Figures don't lie but liars figure.
"I would have apologized, but this guy was crazy."
Seriously!! WOW!
My point being there is no reasoning with some people. It's been awhile since I've seen someone crazy like that. I'd just as soon move on without any interaction.
