I thought I was getting a bit paranoid in my old age, but

[JeffG]

If your property gives the message visually, "Go somewhere else," that's what you are after. You really never know who sees an opportunity and rolls on it. We had just moved into our house and I went to work, there was one vehicle in the double garage. The door was open for maybe 45 minutes. A full sized pickup truck breezed into the driveway, with 6 teen males in it. They pulled up, jumped out and started going through the garage; looking for case beer and power tools to steal. The wife greeted them at the driveway with the phone already on with 911, and a Glock hoglegged by her right side. She asked if she could help them.....They left in a hurry but she got a plate. The Sheriff's Department handled it from there. The town had 1800 people at the time. That was 22 years ago, before meth was a thing..... I spent a lot of time being vigilant and preaching about physical security based on that one incident alone. I carry in and around the house, I have several firearms options in the house; all loaded.

 

[2agunner]

f your property gives the message visually, "Go somewhere else," that's what you are after

Agreed, that's what I do. I have signs posted on my property. It's not aesthetically pleasing, but you do what works.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Flamethrower?

No Flamethrower, too much ammo in the area.

 

[armedwalleye]

You're not paranoid if they really ARE out to get you.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

No Flamethrower, too much ammo in the area.

Maybe for Christmas........

"Paranoia" is really a word that was created solely to mock anyone who shows concern over something the user of a the word "paranoia" deems non-threatening or unrealistic. It's nothing but a jab cloaked in civility.

The problem is something isn't a threat until it is. How are we supposed to know when that threshold is reached? We can't. So as an earlier poster said, go armed. If you don't want to go armed, stash guns or other defensive items that are easily accessible anywhere you frequently spend time. More importantly, try not to provide an easy target.

 

[redbone]

Live in a sparcely populated, heavily wooded area, except for cleared areas around the house, barns, garden, and orchard. A locked gate at the end of the driveway. Garage door is usually up if I’m outside or in the garage (except winter). Pistol always on me, and long guns quickly available. Two dogs that seem to have the knack of hanging around my perimeter and that will raise Cain if anyone approaches, either from the road in front or up the hill from the lake in back. I am confident that an intruder won’t get close without being detected unless they are professionals, and in that case it won’t matter what I do. While I am always aware, I’m never worried about surprises. The couple of folks who ventured up from the lake were discouraged by the dogs, and I’ve never had a confrontation. Unless the UPS driver goes rogue, I’m good!

 

[2agunner]

"Paranoia" is really a word that was created solely to mock anyone who shows concern over something the user of a the word "paranoia" deems non-threatening or unrealistic. It's nothing but a jab cloaked in civility.

Agreed, that's why I never cared for the term paranoid/paranoia. People love to throw that word around, but I guarantee those that love to use that term are not qualified to make that assessment.

The problem is something isn't a threat until it is. How are we supposed to know when that threshold is reached? We can't.

Exactly

 

[Vern Humphrey]

"Paranoia!" I have half a dozen noia!

 

[George P]

Definition of paranoia

a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others

That's from Merriam Webster. Folks who spend 24/7 constantly fearing being attacked/robbed etc. are paranoid. Life's too short to live in a constant state of fear.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

That's from Merriam Webster. Folks who spend 24/7 constantly fearing being attacked/robbed etc. are paranoid. Life's too short to live in a constant state of fear.

And for people who are not alert and aware of their surroundings -- and prepared for whatever happens -- it can be even shorter.

 

[2agunner]

That's from Merriam Webster

Reading a definition from the dictionary does not make anyone an authority/qualified on anything.

Life's too short to live in a constant state of fear.

Rather, let's live in a constant state of preparedness.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Reading a definition from the dictionary does not make anyone an authority/qualified on anything.



Rather, let's live in a constant state of preparedness.

Either that, or die in a state of surprise.

 

[George P]

And for people who are not alert and aware of their surroundings -- and prepared for whatever happens -- it can be even shorter.

Alert and aware is one thing; not being able to take a shower without a gun within arms reach is another. Sorry you folks are not going to get me to change my mind about the insanity of some folks who really do think everyone is out to get them.

 

[George P]

Reading a definition from the dictionary does not make anyone an authority/qualified on anything.



Rather, let's live in a constant state of preparedness.

No one said anything about being an authority, but if the shoe fits you..........

Constant state of preparedness is a waste of time if you're so afraid to go anywhere or do anything without 3 guns, 4 reloads for each, a large knife, pepper spray and a "tactical" flashlight to carry everywhere everyday. If you really feel that is the only way to go through life, then live with that; it is not for me. I take the necessary precautions, but I refuse to let criminals make me live in fear or ruin my mood for the day just because "something might happen, I read about it on the internet".

 

[Tommygunn]

Reading a definition from the dictionary does not make anyone an authority/qualified on anything.



Rather, let's live in a constant state of preparedness.

The purpose of a GOOD dictionary is to give a good, objective definition of the word, refering it's original meaning, as well as common usage. Not all dictionaries are create equal. Meriam Webster is OK, but has been better in the past. Oxford is probably one of the better ones.
It may not make one an authority, but it might dispel a myth or confusion.

 

[2agunner]

if you're so afraid to go anywhere or do anything without 3 guns, 4 reloads for each, a large knife, pepper spray and a "tactical" flashlight to carry everywhere everyday.

Who needs pepper spray? That's just extra weight I don't need on my belt.

I refuse to let criminals make me live in fear or ruin my mood for the day just because "something might happen,

You should probably be commended for that. A lot of us probably should have more of that perspective, including myself.

Everyone has their own level of preparedness.

 

[Robert]

We seem to be generating more heat than light at this point. Be a prepared as you are comfortable, others can do the same.