The Eternal Pancake

With the hope of a new year ahead of us we should also keep in mind the violence of the previous year. Unfortunately you can't prevent violence, no laws or restrictions will prevent someone from trying to commit an act of violence.

Consider this, you can create a law that restricts gun possession but there will always be someone who can make or buy a gun for someone who wants a gun bad enough. Also keep in mind that if guns were just out right banned the criminals will still have guns, but now the respectable citizens will have one less piece of defense.

After considering the gun then you must consider the act of violence itself which is dependent on owning a gun. The environment around someone is surrounded with objects that can be used to kill so a person determined to kill doesn't need a gun. If you don't believe me look at your home and consider for a moment each object and the various ways they could be used to do harm and you will see what I mean.

So how do we prevent violence in society?

- Keep an eye out for people who are abnormally aggressive, suspicious or signs that those who know the individual are fearful of them.

- The bible has a good piece of advice which don't do anything you wouldn't want someone to do to you. Take it a step further, consider if the person can tolerate the same things as you, something you put up with on a regular basis might drive someone else to violent action. Like the difference between sneaking up on a friend and soldier. Do that is likely to get you hurt or even killed. And on the other side you might think harassing someone you know is okay because the put up with it but trust me just because they don't say anything doesn't mean that don't like what your saying or doing.

- Don't do the crime if you want to keep your limbs or life. Stealing even a object you think is worthless could be justification in another person's mind to try and hurt you. Drugs? Worse, druggers will kill other users for their stash and other criminals will steal their stash for resale. That's not considering assault, murder, embezzlement or other crimes that might push people over the edge.

- Verbal abuse is asking for trouble from the rest of the world. People may think someone is great for swearing at and busing others without provocation until someone take a shot at them for real. Don't encourage that sort of idiocy after all if they want to criticize someones idea or actions they should be able to construct a sound and reasonable argument against the subject. If an argument can't be constructed it's probably a sign the person just doesn't like the person or idea without justification. Though you can tell people where to get off if they make a big deal or call you names. After all, in that case you are the victim and they have no right to complain. But even then be careful and if necessary be discrete.

- Don't forget treat everyone with respect even if you would rather tell someone to take a flying leap of a tall building. Also treat your enemies nice, it drives them nuts. Enemies want justification to get rid of or hurt you so don't let them provoke you.