Some of the most painful memories of my childhood are from those times when I allowed myself to be bullied by others. The fear I experienced followed by my cowering capitulation resulted in feelings of disgust, revulsion and worthlessness, all directed at myself. My self-esteem suffered enormously. To this day, those memories remain painful.
For this reason, it is with the utmost loathing that I listen to the blather emanating from politicians and top law enforcement officials who recommend that ordinary citizens should not resist criminals but instead capitulate to these predators and "just give them what they want."Because of the childhood experiences I had of being bullied, because I allowed myself to be a victim and did nothing in retaliation, I learned firsthand that aggression is never discouraged by giving into it, but instead is emboldened and fortified. I also learned that I cannot hold myself in esteem as a person of worth and value if I meekly submit to aggression.
No, I refuse to do as these officials recommend. When I am confronted with aggression of any kind, I will do what is necessary to resist and fight it with every fiber of my spiritual and physical being. I will never meekly allow anyone of evil intent to enforce their will upon me. I refuse to adopt the posture of a victim, prey, like some rabbit, always living in fear, looking furtively over my shoulder, cowering in the face of evil aggression, huddled in my home behind locked doors, hoping to survive one more day.
A life worth living requires personal dignity and self-respect. I cannot acquire and maintain these attributes if I meekly allow myself to be coerced by others.
Lee Crain
Sandy