[ExI] pentagon wants orbiting solar power stations

[David Lubkin]

I wrote:

 > BTW, the Mini MagLite (the AA size flashlight) can also serve as a
 > weapon; Mas Ayoob has a class that's essentially on how to.

 > But don't get rid of that MagLite. When my daughter just replaced her
 > stolen car, the first thing I offered to pay for was a MagLite to
 > replace the one I'd gotten her for her old car. That itty bitty LED
 > flashlight ain't gonna do much to protect her.

Eugen replied:

>I would move away to a place where cars don't get stolen and
>streets are safe of nights for women.
>
>I'm serious; one of the reasons that I am where I am is because
>nothing ever happens here.

Ditto.

>How about a taser, or a gun, and martial arts training?

Stathis replied to Eugen:

>I guess flashlights have the advantage of still being legal in most
>jurisdictions.

Most specifically, a flashlight in a car is legal, reasonable, and 
useful where there is no defense hazard. It can legitimately be in 
your hand, ready to go, without arousing suspicion from either 
authorities or anyone you encounter. It is also a no-brainer gift for 
people you care about, who may not be willing to go beyond that in preparation.

Tasers, guns, and martial arts training have their uses. But bear in 
mind that police officers, who may have all three along with other 
defense assets, still carry MagLites. (Tactical flashlights, like 
SureFire, are also useful to have, but not as weapons in of themselves.)

Generalizing, there are three questions that we all need to keep in 
mind, and should reassess on a regular basis:

(1) How can we structure our lives for the best reduction of risk 
from hazards (earthquakes, taxes, death, time delay, UFAI, ...) that 
will interfere with our goals? Choosing where to live, as you do, is 
an obviously useful measure. (But each of us has different criteria 
for "best" -- Perry chooses to remain in NYC.)

(2) What should we do to prepare for when a direct threat comes 
anyway? (What do you keep in your car for emergencies? Do you have an 
internist and a criminal defense attorney you trust? Do you know a 
way to get home that doesn't use highways?)

(3) What can we do to safeguard the people we love re (1) and (2)? 
They will make choices on their own.

My general philosophy is that if I feel strongly about a choice that 
others will make, at work or among friends or family, my duty as a 
mensch is to (a) make my case, then (b) shut up about it, and (c) 
where reasonable and appropriate, provide a safety net for them 
consonant with their choice.

(Your boss won't include a feature you think is needed -- design the 
API so it could be added easily. Your friend lives with an abusive 
boyfriend -- have a spare room, and let her know she's always welcome.)


-- David.