Predators Come in Many Forms

Spending time in the mountain country, I have learned to keep alert for predators.  Grizzly or black bears, mountain lions and wolves aren’t hard to recognize or predict. They attack when hungry or threatened. My safety is dependent on locating them first and formulating a safe exit strategy; plan A. I carry a large caliber gun and/or bear spray when in the field as plan B.  In the event that an encounter goes south, I am prepared to switch from plan A to plan B.

A few days ago, a predator attacked the people of Boston. Indistinguishable from its prey, it planted two bombs where crowds were waiting to congratulate the runners of the Boston Marathon.  It wasn’t acting out of survival or hunger. It was a depraved indifference to life. The bombs were placed on the ground so shrapnel would take out the legs of the runners as they completed what might have been their last race.

I watched the terrible incident unfold and grieved for those who had their lives cut short or were injured. The predator that perpetrated the Boston carnage chose to do evil for evil’s sake.

I reflected on how isolated I am from many of the horrors of that world. I live among recognizable predators that only act according to nature’s dictates.

I went to Idaho Falls to purchase some 40 caliber ammo. The ammo shelves were all but empty in the sporting goods shops. The guns were almost sold out as well. Huge numbers of people must be planning to hike through the woods this summer because there is a whole lotta plan B preppin’ goin’ on!