I no longer harbour any illusions/misconceptions of being a "sheepdog"; I will not put my neck on the line for anyone other than my loved ones (true family, and true friends) and possibly children (the only innocent human beings among us, IMO). Though it may not be fatal, today's litigation-obsessed American society could cause you and your loved ones significant harm.
I've had a few run-ins with members who disapprove of me leaving someone to fend for themselves, but I'd like to point out that most adults will likely have had the same opportunity I did to arm themselves; if I could go without a few things and spend countless hours pouring over reviews and looking for deals on the gear (sidearms, belts, holsters, magazines, mag pouches, recorders, etc.) to assemble what little I have today (doing this between classes, BTW), I don't see why others COULDN'T if it is something so important as potentially life-saving self-defense tools. If they simply WOULDN'T, then they very well made their choice, didn't they?
As a high school poster in a math class read "Lack of preparation on
your part does not constitute an emergency on
my part".
Cloudcroft makes a good analogy in post #26 which illustrates my point perfectly.
Family first, everybody else second (including me). Rule #1 is my wife and kid survive. Rule #2 is I survive. Rule #3 is if I can engage without violating the first two rules, then I may do so.
Something happens, I'm moving my family to an exit (or path of least resistance out of the area), and if any threat prohibits me from moving them out then they're getting dealt with. Not really interested in going back to face danger if I can avoid it, best way to survive a gun fight is to never get into one. I feel little to no duty to protect those who won't take that duty upon themselves.
Love your "3 Laws of Robotics" approach. If I may borrow from your approach to make a parody of the Three Laws describing MY position in regards to being a "sheepdog" (though my sig line already kind of covers it):
1) An OCer may not bring harm upon his/her loved ones or through inaction, allow his/her loved ones to come to harm.
2) An OCer must protect his/her own existence, except where self-preservation would conflict with the First Law.
3) An OCer must remain subject to applicable ordinances enacted by legitimate governing bodies as long as obeying such ordinances does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
:lol: