Osler's Razor

Anxiety and fear are some of a child’s earliest natural emotions and impossible to avoid. Nurturing is not only a childhood experience, it is essential throughout life and is manifested in many ways – Impulses of being our ‘brother’s (sister’s) keeper’ have very defined limits – Although, our willingness to recognize and accept, and the courage to engage and listen should never be defined by limits. Much can, and should be, risked before a moment encountered requires one to ‘turn the other cheek’. What responsibility need be shared when an agitator, possibly an ‘evildoer,’ evolves among us?

“Where fools rush in” and where profound difference is often in the guise of a chameleon – although omnipresent. Our irrational anxiety and fear – when recognized by self and courageously shared – can become the most important of foundations building blocks. Differences define, promote and can bring out our best. . .

During the RNC National Convention held in St. Paul – the afternoon before Sara Palin was nominated, (while sketching and awaiting a new mother and her infant daughter for lunch at the Galleria Mall in Edina) I smiled while being ‘hit-on’ by a younger man and delegate from Kansas (staying at the new Weston). Although my “Obama ’08 and Women for Obama” campaign buttons were proudly displayed on my purse – it was my affirmation, and his realization that I had not only listened, that I had actually heard what he passionately shared – that prompted his invitation to meet for drinks after the convention session that evening to continue our conversation.

Later that evening, in the company of three young men and a young woman, I became their ‘sacrificial lamb’ and was roasted and toasted by a most conservative delegate group. With humor and timely interjection, I left an impression – Our lively exchange lasted until we closed McCormick and Schmick’s and it spilled over into the Weston lobby. While hugs and well wishes were exchanged, invitations were extended to meet the next evening, including an invitation from one to spend ‘the night’ – I accepted only one. . .

Choosing time and place, as safely as choice can be, opportunity is limitless to discuss anxiety, fears and perspectives unexpectedly revealed (of others and our own). Often stepping out of our safe and secure places provides the clarity that what has been taken, has not necessarily been taken permanently – And though place chosen may be the ‘Lion’s Den,’ our response(s) are of our choosing, “. . .to simplify and to amplify,” or to seek an ‘inch’ of common ground, seeking to eventually reclaim ‘more’ to build upon.

There was reason Jesus often chose to not teach in the ‘Temple.’ When He extends His hand each morning and says, “Come,” offering the encounters of a ‘New Day’, say yes – There is no better tour guide. . .
 

I have always believed that Jesus was not a "religious"leader, but rather a "spiritual" leader. He was not bound by doctrine and dogma, but was open to all spirituality and to all the universe and humanity.
His teachings are about becoming - becoming more, better, caring, and open to new thought, feelings and to people. Jesus never ran from an opponent, an agitator or a threat. We would do well to follow him. Our society has become one of negativity, vengeance and violence so it seems to me our choices are 2 - join it, or find the better, Jesus way.
Phyllis Denison
 

I've always chosen to live like a lion, not like a sheep.

Almost every mother, and some fathers, in all species will fight to the death to protect their young.

Since I am not a practitioner of any religion, nor a believer in any 'higher power', I don't have the luxury of avoiding the tough decisions by referring to Big Daddy in the Sky.

Anyone who threatens my family or myself with bodily harm, or who tries to take my property, is dead, period.

I may understand their motives, regret their upbringing or addictions, or wish that we had better mental health treatment for the obviously deranged, but me and mine outrank them on my priority list.

I have never had to take a life, and I hope I never have to, but I have been in situations where if I had not been armed, there was a high probability that my family or myself would have been harmed.

I am a firm believer in the rule of never pointing a weapon at someone or something that you are not ready to kill, and I have always adhered to that principle.

Lee
 

Respectfully Lee,

Love, empathy and all ‘good works’ are tied in no way to one’s belief in a “. . . Big Daddy in the sky.” Nor does such belief offer anyone (believer or non-believer) ‘cover’ (or avoidance) from making “… the tough decisions.”

And to many, giving (or risking) one’s life to protect another’s is not exclusive of “mother, and some fathers,” when directed towards one “. . .who threatens my (a) family or myself. . ., or who tries to take my (someone’s) property.” Many are willing to give their lives for other than family and loved ones – willing to do so while first attempting to de-escalate the situation. The instantaneous finality of “. . .me and mine outrank them on my priority list” is frightening. . .

May one assume a brandished weapon, or threat (or fear) of one, was necessary to avoid taking the life (or lives) mentioned not taken?

Does any hint of ‘armed swagger’ ever accompany the thought, “I am a firm believer in the rule of never pointing a weapon at someone or something that you are not ready to kill, and I have always adhered to that principle.?”

Please, what other options to de-escalate a threatening situation can you share with me?
 

To Christine Charles -

Drawing a weapon is always a last resort - after all efforts to deescalate the situation have failed. Negotiation, appeals to reason, and other efforts will not always work.

" The instantaneous finality of “. . .me and mine outrank them on my priority list” is frightening. . . "
Why is this frightening? Of course the safety of my family and myself is a priority!

Any experienced military or police will tell you that threatening with a weapon with no intent to kill, or to try to "wound" someone is a recipe for getting yourself and others killed.

I spoke of 'mothers and some fathers' as a generalization of the urge to protect family that is hardwired into most species. Of course, humans will protect others as well when possible - that is why we have police and military.

The first rule for first responders is to ask "Is the scene safe? is my partner safe? Am I safe?" because you can't aid or protect anyone if those three things are not true - you just become another casualty to be rescued.

I hope you are never placed in a position to need armed protection, just as I hope never to be forced into that situation again myself - but if I am, I will do what is necessary.

Lee
 

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Lee,

Thank you for the insight and helping separate your "that situation' from the more 'generalized' situations you mentioned that may necessitate the urgency to protect family or others. . .

The increased 'calmness' in your response above speaks to a thought process ( initially not conveyed as clearly) that preceeds the 'instantaneous finality' I spoke of.

To those of us who do not 'carry,' we would like to believe MUCH is processed before any weapon is drawn - and only as a last resort does the situation require force. In any contested situation, I have usually left myself a graceful exit opportunity.

I also pray the day never comes where I am "placed in a position to need armed protection.

May you, your family or loved ones never again be placed in such a situation. . .
 

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I don't think I have ever quoted Jewel for life guidance, but she did sing a few lines that I find very helpful: She says she would tell the world "not to worry because worry is wasteful and useless in times like these. I won't be made useless. I won't be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith for light does the darkness most fear."

For me, a handgun is a symbol of fear. It is a physical reminder that the world means to do me harm, so I must arm myself to protect myself from the world. The handgun, then, is a symbol of an anxiety based on a perceived danger that, for most of us, will never come to fruition. Thus, I choose not to carry anxiety or hide it under my bed.

Underlying Christ's teachings is an understanding of the role of mortal life. He clearly viewed the purpose of life to center around its quality, not its length. For those of us who believe in an afterlife, what need have we to fear death, unless, of course, transgression makes us fear judgment? As Kazim said in Indiana Jones and Last Crusade, at the moment of his impending death, "My soul is prepared. How's yours?"

Thus, Christ could confidently teach us not to resist the evil doer. The evil doer can never take from us the quality of our immortal souls.
 

DM - Thank you. . .

Thankfully, the faith and quality of life you so eloquently expressed is experienced by more than most may ever imagine.

Although, comforting a loved one or friend by recalling blessings they have received or currently enjoy to off-set moments of daily struggle and despair they recount and often hold tightly, is one of love's or friendship's most difficult challenges.

To many individuals light is but an occasional 'flicker' and 'fear' is shrouded in 'darkness.'

Prayer often a plea, that many a loving embrace could 'glow' much longer. . .