12 Apr 02

Interesting incident from a student in NH:

"Last week, along with my date, I attended a dance at a local nightclub with several friends. As one enters the particular club, he is ‘screened' for weapons. This includes being ‘wanded,' patted down for some. This, I understand, has become common practice at this kind of establishment. I didn't like the idea, but my friends insisted we go in.

In light of the entry screening, I left my pistol locked in my car. As I expected, the ‘party' was a frightful bore. I finally announced to my friends that I, along with my date, was leaving. It was after midnight. My friends wanted to stay, so we parted.

The moment my date and I walked out the door, I observed that we were being shadowed by a slovenly individual. We hurriedly walked to my parked car. I finally turned to confront him, as he was closing fast. Assuming an interview stance, I asked him if he needed help. He abruptly stopped, almost falling over forward. After looking me over, he mumbled something, turned around, and walked away. We got into the car and left immediately.

As we were driving away, it struck me that this individual had been standing around waiting for people, more correctly: potential mugging victims, to exit this club. His assumption was that anyone exiting the club has probably been drinking and, owing to the entry screening, can be presumed to be unarmed.

I decided, then and there, never to go into a place like that again. Lesson learned!"

Lesson: When it can be presumed that you are unarmed, your likelihood of being selected for victimization goes up exponentially. Establishments like the one described above are good places to stay out of.

/John