The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Scenario: goon invades your personal space.

Rickmeister · April 3, 2002, 10:56 AM

It's night. You're standing next to your car in a deserted mall parking lot, fumbling for your keys.

Looking down, you notice a small plastic baggie on the ground which appears to contain a white powdery substance, some of which has spilled out onto the blacktop.

Goon hails you from afar, uttering something unintelligible but not obviously threatening, and begins walking in your direction.

25 yards.

He has the build of a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and the appearance of one who has just skipped bail. He walks with an arrogant swagger, closing the distance, eyes fixed on you.

10 yards.

You say "How can I help you?", and casually pass your hand over your IWB, which you carry at 4 o'clock.

No answer.

5 yards.

You say "That's close enough", but your words have no effect. The fail-safe perimeter has now been breached; there is no clear intent on goon's part, although the means and the opprtunity exist for landing you in dog paradise (where else would they find so many bones?); and if you're going to act, you'd better do it now.

How do you act?

April 3, 2002, 10:56 AM	#1
Rickmeister Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 797	Scenario: goon invades your personal space. It's night. You're standing next to your car in a deserted mall parking lot, fumbling for your keys. Looking down, you notice a small plastic baggie on the ground which appears to contain a white powdery substance, some of which has spilled out onto the blacktop. Goon hails you from afar, uttering something unintelligible but not obviously threatening, and begins walking in your direction. 25 yards. He has the build of a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and the appearance of one who has just skipped bail. He walks with an arrogant swagger, closing the distance, eyes fixed on you. 10 yards. You say "How can I help you?", and casually pass your hand over your IWB, which you carry at 4 o'clock. No answer. 5 yards. You say "That's close enough", but your words have no effect. The fail-safe perimeter has now been breached; there is no clear intent on goon's part, although the means and the opprtunity exist for landing you in dog paradise (where else would they find so many bones?); and if you're going to act, you'd better do it now. How do you act? Last edited by Rickmeister; April 4, 2002 at 08:57 AM.