People never cease to amaze me

[CigarNut]

I know that with my alarm company they will not call 911 until they have tried to get in touch with me to verify the event. If they cannot get in touch with me then they would call 911. In your case since the alarm company knew it was a test they would not have called 911.

As for your neighbors, I find that the only neighbors that seem concerned about me are those that I am friendly with -- which is not all of my neighbors. The few times our alarm has gone off it has only been for a short period (even when we test), so they ask me about it later, but figure that it was an accident...

Having said all of that, I am not sure that I would count on my neighbors if it were a real emergency -- would much rather count on the (armed) Police, Fire and Ambulance arriving quickly...

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I know that with my alarm company they will not call 911 until they have tried to get in touch with me to verify the event. If they cannot get in touch with me then they would call 911. In your case since the alarm company knew it was a test they would not have called 911.

As for your neighbors, I find that the only neighbors that seem concerned about stuff are those that I am friendly with -- which is not all of my neighbors. The few times our alarm has gone off it has only been for a short period (even when we test), so they ask me about it later, but figure that it was an accident...

Having said all of that, I am not sure that I would count on my neighbors if it were a real emergency -- would much rather count on the (armed) Police, Fire and Ambulance arriving quickly...

Michael, the pisser is these are all folks that I am friendly with. I do so much crap for all these people. After storms, it has been that has helped them with tools like generators or chainsaws, it has been me that has helped with the clean up, have helped them with their insurance claims in getting new roofs, have cooked on my grille for all of them who had no power, and on and on and on. That is what drives me the craziest with this event.

[neoflex]

Just goes to show most people nowadays are only concerned about themselves. I say this to my wife all the time as it pisses me off. No one has any concern or regard for others unless it will impact them directly. Perfect example is a neighbor of mine had their house broken into about a month ago. Two neighbors work from home and two others are retired. The neighbor whose house was broken into came over and asked if I saw anything. I wasn't home all day so of course I couldn't be of any help but told her I would keep my eyes and ears open and let her know if I hear anything that could be of help. The one neighbor who works from home and lives directly across the street said he noticed a green SUV parked in the driveway and the people driving it looked suspicious. Nice! So it looked suspicious but yet you chose to do nothing about it. I haven't said two words to him since. Not even the neighborly "Hello." Nice to know he could give to sh*ts while his neighbors house gets robbed. Hell don't even go over there at least call the cops as response times in my neighborhood tend to be fairly quick. Worse case scenario is the cops show up and find out they are doing nothing wrong.
There is a home that recently went into foreclosure on the other side of my neighborhood. One day I noticed two guys going through the side window while driving by so I pulled over a couple houses away and called the Police. They showed up and it turns out they were there to do work on the house for the real estate company that just bought the house and they must not of had a key. Sad thing is I saw about a dozen cars drive by while they were doing this and it was in broad daylight in plain sight. After the cop showed up I walked over to talk to him and jokingly said, "Man, how many reports did you guys get for this one." His response was, "Just the one, why was it you who called?" I was amazed but not surprised. Hell I lost faith in my neighbors last year when I participated in a split for Tat Noella Reservas and my mailman delivered the package to one of my neighbors houses by accident but the idiot couldn't remember which one but distinctively remembered delivering a Priority box on my block the day the DC showed delivered. Apparently whoever got it must have been curious to what was in the box and opened it to find a treat and decided to keep rather than walk it over as it it never turned up. After that incident I kind of wrote most of my neighbors off even though it's not fair to judge them all on one persons actions but most of my neighbors except for a handful are douchy anyway. My wife and I love our house but actually can't wait until the housing market improves to sell and move. It's sad when I would rather hang out with some of my buddies neighbors than my own.

[mosesbotbol]

In MA, people are too liability scared to do anything. The only thanks one gets in MA for being a good samaritan is a law suit.

[MarkinAZ]

Originally Posted by Blueface

All I can say is WTF??? How can people be so accustomed to alarms going off that they no longer care and ignore them. This, while not nearly as bad, reminds me of the many videos we see on TV where folks are being assaulted and bystanders pass by and do nothing to assist. What is this world coming to? As much as I may want to not do anything in return for these neighbors should the same happen to them, I don't have that in me and it is not the example I wish to set for humanity.

It is a sad state of affairs Carlos when your fellow human being does nothing in response to a neighbor in need.

I call these individuals cattle and sheep. They do not want to get involve, participate, or help. They would rather stand-by inside their little shelter of a box, turn up the sound of the tv/radio, close the shades, and not have to worry period. These individuals can simply go to hell as far as I'm concerned, and do not contribute to a healthy and safe community.

I'm one who stays involved and active in my community by saying hello and chatting with my fellow neighbors. We know one another in my community, and a number of us tend to look out for others where I live. So far, Mr. Springfield has not had to speak up on my behalf. I walk my community at some points during the day, but mainly at nights, armed with my cell phone and Surefire P9. Sometimes, I find dark garages with the doors up and have been able to enlighten my neighbors, who thank me for advising them. You also get to meet new neighbors too.

Being proactive in your community is key to deactivating any potential crime that may occurr. I guess that's why we don't have druggies in my community any longer

Get involved and stay involved in your communities folks...

[G G]

Personally I would have responded to see what was up too. And if someone is in harms way I would also have tried to help. If we don't help each other there is no help. The police cannot be everywhere at once. Just my 2 cents worth.

And if a neighbors wife or children were hurt or killed and I had not tried to help, how could I live with myself?

[Blueface]

On point Greg.
Heroes come from folks who sacrifice themselves to help others. I rather die a "do er" than stand by and do nothing at all.

Wife and I were on e first at the scene of a horrific roll over that happened in front of us. An infant was badly injured as was the driver. Blood everywhere, including on us. It is only after we suppresed the bleeding half cut arm, hped the bleeding child out of the seat, that we considered having been tainted by any blood. Than God right after us, a nurse arrived to help us. I am not a hero for what I did. Instead, I simply call myself a fellow human being that would have wanted the same in return.

[G G]

Originally Posted by Blueface

On point Greg.
Heroes come from folks who sacrifice themselves to help others. I rather die a "do er" than stand by and do nothing at all.

Wife and I were on e first at the scene of a horrific roll over that happened in front of us. An infant was badly injured as was the driver. Blood everywhere, including on us. It is only after we suppresed the bleeding half cut arm, hped the bleeding child out of the seat, that we considered having been tainted by any blood. Than God right after us, a nurse arrived to help us. I am not a hero for what I did. Instead, I simply call myself a fellow human being that would have wanted the same in return.

Amen Carlos.

[neoflex]

Originally Posted by Blueface

On point Greg.
Heroes come from folks who sacrifice themselves to help others. I rather die a "do er" than stand by and do nothing at all.

Wife and I were on e first at the scene of a horrific roll over that happened in front of us. An infant was badly injured as was the driver. Blood everywhere, including on us. It is only after we suppresed the bleeding half cut arm, hped the bleeding child out of the seat, that we considered having been tainted by any blood. Than God right after us, a nurse arrived to help us. I am not a hero for what I did. Instead, I simply call myself a fellow human being that would have wanted the same in return.

I still keep a halligan tool in my truck just for this reason. Just never know when it may come in handy.

[pektel]

I only count on myself for home protection. I live a little ways out in the country. Any type of confrontation would be well over with by the time the police made it there. Which is why I have a 12 guage pump action with bird shot (won't go through 2 layers of sheetrock), a Browning (Belgian made)30-06, and a Kimber .45. I'm pretty well covered.

There is a vacant house next door to me, where the previous owner died a couple years ago. Anything fishy goes on over there, I'm out at the fenceline, making my presence known.

I guess I wouldn't feel right about NOT doing anything about it.

[G G]

Well I also was thinking about what i do for a living. Some folks in my line of work say they would not stop at an accident scene it they happen upon one while they are not on duty. They think up all sorts of scenarios where they don't have a duty to act and this and that. I would not be able to pass by a scene and not stop, it's a moral issue for me, regardless who it is, it could be one of your family members and it could be someone entirely unknown to me, I don't really care who they are I will stop. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not sure about anyone else but if someone was in the process of wearing me out to try to rob me or kill me it would sure be nice if someone lent a hand.

[Jbailey]

Is that picture from The Young Ones Adam?

-Sorry to thread jack-

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Jbailey

Is that picture from The Young Ones Adam?

-Sorry to thread jack-

Yep, that's Neil after he found the old teapot with the genie in it and Vyvyan said something to him about having dinner ready and Neil started his typical whining about not feeling well and wishing he had six pairs of hands to prepare dinner with...

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by tsolomon

I have done what you're suggesting, but I was told by the police that arrived later that poking around a house that has an alarm going off is a bad thing to do.

Originally Posted by Subvet642

My point exactly.

I can totally see that point.

However, to me, it is no different than convenience store clerks who are held up, v. convenience store clerks that are held up and shot and killed, v. convenience store clerks that fight back and give the thief a good old fashioned ass kicking. It would be best if they just stayed at home as this way, they can limit any risks.

This is a serious present day social issue much more deep rooted than my little alarm incident. It is prevalent today in just about anything. Folks will see an old lady being beaten to death and will walk on by because it is not their problem and they don't want to be hurt also. Folks will hear auto alarms, they will come out eventually after it is all over with to learn their neighbor's car had all wheels and parts removed in the driveway but will dare not worry to see what the alarm sound is about. Folks will see something that should involve them for the sake of their fellow man and just keep on their way, because it is someone else's problem. How many times do you see a convenience store clerk being held up on those shocking video TV shows and folks either stand around watching it or leave the second they have a chance? It is a prevalent "if it doesn't affect me, I am not interested" attitude that is truly sad.

It is a relief to know not everyone feels the same way and some are willing to take risks and choose to be involved rather than look the other way.

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by Blueface

I can totally see that point.

However, to me, it is no different than convenience store clerks who are held up, v. convenience store clerks that are held up and shot and killed, v. convenience store clerks that fight back and give the thief a good old fashioned ass kicking. It would be best if they just stayed at home as this way, they can limit any risks.

This is a serious present day social issue much more deep rooted than my little alarm incident. It is prevalent today in just about anything. Folks will see an old lady being beaten to death and will walk on by because it is not their problem and they don't want to be hurt also. Folks will hear auto alarms, they will come out eventually after it is all over with to learn their neighbor's car had all wheels and parts removed in the driveway but will dare not worry to see what the alarm sound is about. Folks will see something that should involve them for the sake of their fellow man and just keep on their way, because it is someone else's problem. How many times do you see a convenience store clerk being held up on those shocking video TV shows and folks either stand around watching it or leave the second they have a chance? It is a prevalent "if it doesn't affect me, I am not interested" attitude that is truly sad.

It is a relief to know not everyone feels the same way and some are willing to take risks and choose to be involved rather than look the other way.

Another reason it can be a bad idea is; startling a home invader can possibly get others killed as well as yourself. One should not barge into a situation one is not trained for.

[357]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

Another reason it can be a bad idea is; startling a home invader can possibly get others killed as well as yourself. One should not barge into a situation one is not trained for.

Kind of a broad brush statement. I'm not trained in law enforcment or military tactics but if I came home and my family is in danger, I'm barging in; trained or not.

Nobody is trained for life. You learn as you go. Don't get me wrong as a wise man once said "True wisdom is learning from other's mistakes".

What I mean is a lot of people act like protecting yourself is unrealistic because that's the police's job and they are trained for it. Well, as I posted earlier, they have no legal obligation to protect you. Train yourself and protect yourself, don't wait for someone else to do it for you.

Conversely, if I know nobody is home and my house looks to have been broken into, I'm waiting for the cavalry. No need to risk it alone just to save some trinkets.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

Another reason it can be a bad idea is; startling a home invader can possibly get others killed as well as yourself. One should not barge into a situation one is not trained for.

So......what can I take away from this thread as result of your contribution? I am genuinely fascinated by your counterpoints, specially this one of "startling a home invader". Heck yeah I want to startle him. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in his head if I am legally allowed to in self defense. Should we all ignore anything that goes on that may cause us harm if we try to look out for someone else?

In the event we chose to not necessarily ignore it, do we sit back, have a cup of coffee, seriously consider all our options, run down a list of identifying who should respond before we do, and then sleep over the idea and decide what to do in the morning, after it all passed?

I am not sure where we are going other than you clearly seem to explain my neighbors and clearly explain the reason I don't see the light is I am not programmed that way. I see I am not alone based on other similar views to mine. I truly just hope those of us that are willing to be involved always outnumber those that aren't.

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by Blueface

This is a serious present day social issue much more deep rooted than my little alarm incident. It is prevalent today in just about anything.

It's not just today's society. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan? Only one person stopped to help the injured man who was almost dead. That story is 2,000 years old.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by andysutherland

It's not just today's society. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan? Only one person stopped to help the injured man who was almost dead. That story is 2,000 years old.

True.

[replicant_argent]

and God Bless the Sheepdogs....


A few fellas here might understand that.






Proud to be one.