All’s well that ends well. That seems to be the conclusion of unarmed bicyclist Michael Bowman, the man knocked off his bike and punched in the head by “youths” on Baltimore’s Guilford Avenue. In fact, at the end of the news report above, Mr. Bowman impishly suggests that his attackers should come and join him on the road. Singing Kumbaya in five-part harmony as they pedal, no doubt. The fact that Mr. Bowman could have been killed by the fall from his bike or the repeated blows to his head doesn’t seem to have penetrated the mantle of obliviousness enveloping the bits under his bike helmet. In fact, one wonders what Bowman means when he says . . .
that he’s going to “be more careful” in the future. Perhaps he should follow the rabbi’s dictum and forgo his route altogether, avoiding stupid people in stupid places doing stupid things. That counts as “being careful.” Also on that list: carry a gun. You know: something small and useful in, say, 9mm. For those situations where a group of people pose an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm, and imminence is imminent.
Reader suggestions for bicycle carry welcome. Meanwhile, while I would never counsel shooting someone when you can simply pedal away from the threat, if you can’t, well whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Do you expect the police to save you? No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die. Or not. [h/t STB]