Run Away Another Day

Up here at the Old Place is the best place to quarantine.  We are way back in the woods, on a big lake, everybody knows everybody, and except for sugar, flour, and coffee, we are all self-sustaining. Even so, people still ask me, "Col. Jim, is there any crime up here?" My reply is pretty much the same as everyone else's, "Back in the day, we had a couple of bad'uns come up here thinking to lay low. . . But don't you worry, no one'll ever find their bodies." Yep, the area around the lake is a safe place, and we guard our safety jealously... but wisely.  Here then is an example of wisely. Before I was born, my young cousin Clyde Barrow and his girlfriend Bonnie Parker found their way to the lake and knocked on my grandfather's door. The Old Place looked almost exactly like it does today. By a strange coincidence, both MaMie and Pop were at the lake. Pop was fishing so MaMie opened the door. Of course, she immediately recognized her cousin and knowing she was in no danger invited him in, and put on the kettle. While Bonnie went around to the outhouse the two cousins had a chat. Now without sliding out of facts and into speculation, we all know that the couple left the Old Place uninjured. So, Col. Jim, what's it got to do with safety?

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were not serial killers, and they were not crazed mass murderers. Most of the people with whom they crossed paths parted amicably enough, even some members of local law enforcement. During their short criminal lives, the two developed the reputation of not harming those who were cordial to them or who at worst, stepped aside. These, let us call them, "non-victims" were mostly plain small-town country folks who went to church twice a week, always welcomed strangers, and left their doors unlocked. It would never have occurred to these people to be rude or unwelcoming. The odd thing is, neither would it have occurred to Bonnie or Clyde.

When faced with a riot though everyone there is an unknown and potentially deadly. To survive you must know what Not To Do.  Remember, most of the rioters are just regular folks who have had their temper stirred up. There is not a single one of them who would not rather be at home watching the flatscreen, drinking beer, and eating barbeque! However, many are young, mad, and have become part of a mob mentality. They feel empowered by those around them and fearless because they just know, they will never be caught and even if they are caught, they will probably be let off.

The absolute worst thing you can do is yell at them or fight.  I do not care how many black belts you have in Wa Rang Go, you will lose. Keep your head up, and smile.  (I am one of you.)  Look to the side of their faces, never in the eyes. If pushed step aside, do not resist and get something solid behind you, like a wall. Move slowly but deliberately and get clear of the area. I can not emphasize this enough: Whatever you do... Do Not Fall Down!  As you approach a LEO, keep your hands in plain sight and raised. (I am not going to hurt you, officer.)

Whew, that was scary enough was it not?  Oh, Bonnie and Clyde?  They had coffee and some of MaMie's homemade pecan pie. She admonished them both to be careful and to look out for each other.  The two desperados departed. . . and within three hours, were dead. Sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you. 

Sitting in a rocker at the Old Place I am, Col. Jim.