Man Gets Sucker Punched and Robbed

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

The mugger looked half his age. I don't care how ready he was.... he was 66!!

The advice to look at him and say 'hi' is good advice. They know that you know what they look like.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I don't think it is fair to blame the victim either. Even if he had been 100% on the alert, the thug could have knocked him out all the same, or used a weapon if he was carrying one. Yes, it is smart to be cautious but lack of caution doesn't lessen the blame of the person commiting the crime who bears full responsibility.

Perfectly said...anyways who expects to be assaulted in a McDonalds?

Precisely. Our society has become way too good at blaming victims and explaining away criminal behavior.

I probably would have glanced at the guy if he walked in, but what difference would that have made? Am I supposed to stare at him and get in a defensive position? I have traveled the world and never been attacked because I use a great deal of common sense with regard to personal safety. I do not, however, want to get to the point that I am perpetually paranoid and on the defensive in normal, everyday situations. I hope that most of us are generally trusting of their fellow human beings.

I generally agree with that. However, acknowledging someone by making eye contact and saying 'hello' is using common sense as well as being polite without being on the defensive.

[Lewis 0]

All interesting comments but the point is it was an unpredicatable situation as are many interactions with predatory losers. I understand that there are simple ways to diffuse potential violent situations but there are also people out there that are totally out of control and nothing you do or say will stop them from their impulsive actions. It does not matter what color, age or gender you are, they will assault and rob you if they have a chance. Why is it the old man's responsiblity to be concerned about being assaulted and robbed in a place of business?

Saying hi? I don't know, if that loser is so violent it may agitate him further. The poor man was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It makes sense not to go out at night alone in questionable areas but this guy was just at McDonalds. He's the victim. Here's another point, what is the responsibilty of the restaraunt owner when it comes to an assault on the premises?

[Jenn! 918]

I don't think it is fair to blame the victim either. Even if he had been 100% on the alert, the thug could have knocked him out all the same, or used a weapon if he was carrying one. Yes, it is smart to be cautious but lack of caution doesn't lessen the blame of the person commiting the crime who bears full responsibility.

Perfectly said...anyways who expects to be assaulted in a McDonalds?

Precisely. Our society has become way too good at blaming victims and explaining away criminal behavior.

I probably would have glanced at the guy if he walked in, but what difference would that have made? Am I supposed to stare at him and get in a defensive position? I have traveled the world and never been attacked because I use a great deal of common sense with regard to personal safety. I do not, however, want to get to the point that I am perpetually paranoid and on the defensive in normal, everyday situations. I hope that most of us are generally trusting of their fellow human beings.

I generally agree with that. However, acknowledging someone by making eye contact and saying 'hello' is using common sense as well as being polite without being on the defensive.

Boy, your days must be very busy, saying hi to everyone you see, just to be polite!

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

I don't think it is fair to blame the victim either. Even if he had been 100% on the alert, the thug could have knocked him out all the same, or used a weapon if he was carrying one. Yes, it is smart to be cautious but lack of caution doesn't lessen the blame of the person commiting the crime who bears full responsibility.

Perfectly said...anyways who expects to be assaulted in a McDonalds?

Precisely. Our society has become way too good at blaming victims and explaining away criminal behavior.

I probably would have glanced at the guy if he walked in, but what difference would that have made? Am I supposed to stare at him and get in a defensive position? I have traveled the world and never been attacked because I use a great deal of common sense with regard to personal safety. I do not, however, want to get to the point that I am perpetually paranoid and on the defensive in normal, everyday situations. I hope that most of us are generally trusting of their fellow human beings.

I generally agree with that. However, acknowledging someone by making eye contact and saying 'hello' is using common sense as well as being polite without being on the defensive.

Boy, your days must be very busy, saying hi to everyone you see, just to be polite!

he'll be easy to pick out in the crowd, he's the one that sounds like crocodile dundee

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I don't think it is fair to blame the victim either. Even if he had been 100% on the alert, the thug could have knocked him out all the same, or used a weapon if he was carrying one. Yes, it is smart to be cautious but lack of caution doesn't lessen the blame of the person commiting the crime who bears full responsibility.

Perfectly said...anyways who expects to be assaulted in a McDonalds?

Precisely. Our society has become way too good at blaming victims and explaining away criminal behavior.

I probably would have glanced at the guy if he walked in, but what difference would that have made? Am I supposed to stare at him and get in a defensive position? I have traveled the world and never been attacked because I use a great deal of common sense with regard to personal safety. I do not, however, want to get to the point that I am perpetually paranoid and on the defensive in normal, everyday situations. I hope that most of us are generally trusting of their fellow human beings.

I generally agree with that. However, acknowledging someone by making eye contact and saying 'hello' is using common sense as well as being polite without being on the defensive.

Boy, your days must be very busy, saying hi to everyone you see, just to be polite!

he'll be easy to pick out in the crowd, he's the one that sounds like crocodile dundee

Croikee!!!

Of course, I always take out my hunting knife and scrap it along my razor stubble as I'm saying hello.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

All interesting comments but the point is it was an unpredicatable situation as are many interactions with predatory losers. I understand that there are simple ways to diffuse potential violent situations but there are also people out there that are totally out of control and nothing you do or say will stop them from their impulsive actions. It does not matter what color, age or gender you are, they will assault and rob you if they have a chance. Why is it the old man's responsiblity to be concerned about being assaulted and robbed in a place of business?

Saying hi? I don't know, if that loser is so violent it may agitate him further. The poor man was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It makes sense not to go out at night alone in questionable areas but this guy was just at McDonalds. He's the victim. Here's another point, what is the responsibilty of the restaraunt owner when it comes to an assault on the premises?

All good points. Here's something that helps explain what I am talkiing about....

Be Aware of Your Surroundings – The element of surprise is one of the most effective tools the criminal has. Take away that tool.

Watch any nature program on television and you will quickly learn that predators such as lions and wolves tend to target the very young, the elderly and the physically impaired for attack. Criminals are predators and use the same predatory mentality.

The older man turned away from the guy. Any police officer will tell you that in a given situation such as that - late at night, alone in a fast food restaurant is potentially dangerous. Some people here said how could this happen in McDonald's. Many people have been victims of crimes while in a McDonald's or other fast food restaurant. Again, it's the context of the situation - late at night when no one else is around and being alone. If I sound paranoid, so be it. To me it's just common sense. Maybe I watched enough nature shows to understand predatorial behavior...

Lucky Strike and Chuck, help me out here. I know you guys are gun advocates. Please help shed some light on how one should properly defend themselves without being paranoid.

Edited August 4, 2006 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Lewis 0]

I do understand your message here and I was not attempting to imply in any way that you are paranoid. I also see that most criminals are opportunists and I know the common sense strategies for self defense. I lived in a pretty rough east coast city for about 10 years and me and some of my friends have been exposed to a few violent experiences by predators. I think you may feel differently if you have been ever been a victim of random violence or lived in a high crime inner city environment for that long.

I understand that predators sense weakness and go in for the kill. The real questions:

Are the criminals today becoming more or less like the animals on your nature shows? (you compared them, not me)

Is our society more concerned about being sympathetic and analytical towards violent criminals than protecting our vulnerable citizens?

[iceyspots 0]

chopfcuk robbin an old man like that...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I understand that predators sense weakness and go in for the kill. The real questions:

Are the criminals today becoming more or less like the animals on your nature shows? (you compared them, not me)

Is our society more concerned about being sympathetic and analytical towards violent criminals than protecting our vulnerable citizens?

I think predatorial behavior doesn't change, but the situations that lend themselves to criminals might. Any avenue or situation where they can strike quickly and get away are problematic. If that McDonald's is in a high crime area, they could have a security guard posted there at night. Close circuit cameras don't seem to discourage robberies - they only appear to help with identifying the perpetrator.

As to the second question - I think it is critical if we are to ever circumvent violent criminal behavior to understand how a person becomes a predator. Why is it that this country has more violent criminals than any other country? We should know the answers to questions about how and why if we are ever going to reduce it. Sure, statistically speaking, there will always be a percentage of the population that are violent criminals but we should be concerned if that percentage is much higher here in America than other nations.

[tomica52 0]

that is crazy..

[Lewis 0]

I understand that predators sense weakness and go in for the kill. The real questions:

Are the criminals today becoming more or less like the animals on your nature shows? (you compared them, not me)

Is our society more concerned about being sympathetic and analytical towards violent criminals than protecting our vulnerable citizens?

I think predatorial behavior doesn't change, but the situations that lend themselves to criminals might. Any avenue or situation where they can strike quickly and get away are problematic. If that McDonald's is in a high crime area, they could have a security guard posted there at night. Close circuit cameras don't seem to discourage robberies - they only appear to help with identifying the perpetrator.

As to the second question - I think it is critical if we are to ever circumvent violent criminal behavior to understand how a person becomes a predator. Why is it that this country has more violent criminals than any other country? We should know the answers to questions about how and why if we are ever going to reduce it. Sure, statistically speaking, there will always be a percentage of the population that are violent criminals but we should be concerned if that percentage is much higher here in America than other nations.

Actually, from my experience predatorial behavior has changed along with the changes with the situations, I think we both see that nothing is static here. There is now more random violence aoccuring among youths due to many factors two of which are lack of parental supervision and lack of a decent education.

When we say "predatorial behavior" that implies there are also more unpredicatable criminal behaviors that are also occuring such as random violence. I hope you can see that.

Yes situations have changed, I totally agree but I also think most people use common sense. I still think that the major load of the responsibility was on McD's here unless there has been a court case that has set a precedent otherwise.

Yes I agree it is wise to study the psychology aspect but I think that protecting the public trumps that card. Once again, it appears we agree in some shades here, we may just have a different logical process.

High crime may have something to do with:

Lack of education

Breakup of the family

Poverty

Just an evil person (some people just suck, period!)

Emphasis on materialism

Boredom and racism and gangs (random violence, mainly teens)

Family tradition (Ma Barker and her gang)

Lack of public vigilance

Lack of effective rehabilitation in prison

there are many others, I'm going to work now, have a good one, later!

[Marc and Olga 0]

Is our society more concerned about being sympathetic and analytical towards violent criminals than protecting our vulnerable citizens?

The man in question not only did not look "vulnerable" (other then an older man) but he also looked well to do. The later made him a prime target.

Add into that he was lax in his judgement of the situation and BAM he got what was coming.

I am not condoning the criminal!

But if you're a mouse, I don't suggest going to the snake hole...

Edited August 4, 2006 by Marc and Olga

[VivaMexico 0]

Is our society more concerned about being sympathetic and analytical towards violent criminals than protecting our vulnerable citizens?

The man in question not only did not look "vulnerable" (other then an older man) but he also looked well to do. The later made him a prime target.

Add into that he was lax in his judgement of the situation and BAM he got what was coming.

I am not condoning the criminal!

But if you're a mouse, I don't suggest going to the snake hole...

You're sick. Got what was coming?!?!? So you deserve to be attacked for looking at the menu at McDonald's, which apparently is a "snake hole" Obviously you are just trying to be ridiculous and stir things up, so I probably should not have even responded.

[Thingee 0]

In regards to looking directly at the person and saying 'Hi' I think it would depend on the situation. I've been told repeatedly a good rule of thumb in large cities is 'no eye contact'. If your dealing with a crazy "Hiya" isn't the best approach..I'm wondering if that was the older gentlemans reasoning.