Sunday, April 18, 2010

Thoughts on Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs.

LTC David Grossman U.S. Army (Retired) wrote a book named ON COMBAT and published a portion on the internet called On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs where he tells of an unnamed Vietnam Veteran's thoughts on society. The link is here for you to read for yourself: www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm and see what you think of it yourself.

I first heard of this on a forum sometime back and found this an interesting thought on how some people tend to be the types to put on a uniform and protect and defend others, often those who do not want their protection or think it is unnecessary. But it goes beyond that, people who either cannot put on the uniform or have taken it off but are willing to defend the flock have been given the title Sheepdog. I am not talking about vigilantes nor am I talking about the Robin Hoods of the world. I am talking about those who will not idly standby and watch a Wolf harm a Sheep. They will act and defend the Sheep.

There is nothing wrong about being a Sheep. In some cases it shows a lot of strength and commitment. Sheep are people who either cannot commit violence needed for defense or themselves or others or have no violence in their hearts. Some Sheep will defend themselves if it is in extreme need but only then. Some have horns and it is not for looks. They often find themselves watching at the side lines and doing nothing, sometimes this does not involve Wolves. They tend to distrust and often dislike Sheepdogs because they remind them or even view them as Wolves and Sheepdogs have the same ability and fangs to commit violence. This is often seen in anti-gun laws and similar actions meant to defang both the Sheepdog and the Wolf.

Wolves are those who prey on the Sheep. They can and will use violence to feed off the Sheep and only think about themselves. The can either work in packs where they have strength in numbers or alone. They will prey on Sheepdogs but more often than not they are after the Sheep as they Sheep are easy prey for them. I could go on but all one needs to know is that Wolves will commit violence upon his fellow man as aims to a means and all too often for their own pleasure. The thing that strike me is, when sheep pass laws with the intent to disarm the Wolf, the Sheepdog suffers as well.

Sheepdogs are the warriors who protect the flock. They go and learn to use their fangs, condition themselves for combating Wolves and learn to recognize them. They cannot and will not intentionally harm a Sheep but they will bring down the Holy wrath on any Wolf who harms the flock. If they do then they are removed and banned. They do not just stand there, these are they men who will put down the damn camera and help the Sheep in need instead of just filming it. This also goes beyond protecting your offspring, it comes from a love of your fellow man and not just your family.

I often think of myself as a Sheepdog, sometimes as a sheep. I know that there is a time to bare my fangs and a time to just walk away when other Sheepdogs have the situation well in control or my presence will do more harm than good. I do find myself sticking my head in the grass and feed away unaware of the wolves and I find myself ready to face a wolf with tooth and claw. I cannot wear a uniform but you will find that I will not just stand idle and watch a Sheep just die. I will do what I can with what is at hand.