Forward Observation Post – Vermillion

Views and Vents from the Frontline of the Culture War

Posts Tagged Terrorism

Citizens Against Terror

Dec 20

Posted by FOPVermillion in 2nd Amendment, War on Terror | No Comments

I saw mention of this story over at Patterico bringing attention to a warning by Scotland Yard of Mumbai style attacks coming to London.  The article got me thinking about what would happen if the tactic is employed here instead of, or in addition to, London.  In that scenario, I am glad for the Second Amendment and legal concealed carry in most states.  Considering one reason the attack was effective in Mumbai was the gunmen seemed to be everywhere and law enforcement was overwhelmed.  It would be a similar situation here in outcome, if not in fact.  This is because in most active shooter scenarios, the police look to secure the area and then deal with the shooter.  If there are multiple shooters, the SOP and local law enforcement will be overwhelmed .  They may have brainstormed it but unless the shooters pick somewhere with a highly trained large force like NYC or LA, it will be too much for them.  When that happens, it will be up to the people to do what they can if and when it is possible.  I am grateful I will have the choice and the ability to act if that time comes.

- FOP Vermillion

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A Theory on Major Hasan

Nov 8

Posted by FOPVermillion in Millitary | No Comments

As the news has come out it is clear Maj Hasan was a known terrorist sympathizer and had possible ties to people connected to the 9/11 attacks.   When we hear that, it creates questions about why the guy was allowed to remain in the service.  I know my first thought was they needed to kick the guy out.  The powers that be must have been worried, considering we have heard he was under investigation.  So why not do something?

I think the investigators (F.B.I., DOD, whoever) felt like they had a great lead here.  Here was a guy who was connected with radical mosques was a true believer and was a Major in the military.  If there was a serious sleeper cell in the area, they would want to recruit Hasan and use him to pull off something big.  A Major in the US Army would have access and be able to go places terrorists could only dream of even being in the medical field.  Armories, bombs, or entry to sensitive areas would all be juicy targets for terrorists.  I think Hasan was allowed to run free and do his thing because he was bait.  The investigators probably felt it was a matter of time before they would get a lead to a big fish.

If that is the case I can hardly blame them.  Let’s face it… Hasan was highly educated and had been in the system for years and had done nothing more than express sympathies for the enemy.  Not the type of behavior you would want in an officer and a gentleman but not the profile of a lone gunman.  However, the London bombers were also highly educated individuals.  In hindsight, there were probably signs we have not heard of yet that might have made us think he was going to do something.

-FOP Vermillion

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When the Police Can’t Help

Oct 21

Posted by FOPVermillion in 2nd Amendment, General | No Comments

My first thought when I heard of the terrorist plot to randomly shoot people at malls was “I am glad I chose to carry.”  Attacks like the one Tarek planned (and not very well thank God) are a fact of life in many places in the world and could happen at any time here.  Here we go along with our lives assuming if something happens that the police will protect us.  However, when the plan includes shooting the emergency responders, chances are you will be without protection for a while.  Let’s face it – officer safety is a big deal and I can’t blame them since they have families to go home to also.  The problem is you are stuck in the mall with the bad guys while the police stay outside and get together a plan.

So what to do?  I like many others have chosen to go through the process and training required to legally carry a concealed weapon.  When someone like Tarek comes to my mall where I and others like me shop, I think he will be surprised by the wall of bullets flying back at him.  I am not alone or a weirdo and in my neck of the woods, I am not rare.

I do not ever want to see a terrorist in my neighborhood but if I do I will be grateful I live in an area populated by sheepdogs and not sheep.

- FOP Vermillion

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