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Post by dandl93 on Aug 30, 2016 11:43:53 GMT -5
Stever,you can't debate guns with a Yank they know everything. jajaja Where is the Gun Debate?
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Post by elexpatriado on Aug 30, 2016 11:44:37 GMT -5
Cringe Be scared of what you cant see, not what you can see.... Those Pump Shotguns sell for 4 million with out papers.When I see those Armoured Car guys I always wonder how cheap they would lose one into my pickup. I am not afraid of the shotgun itself, I am concerned about a sudden attack and being caught in cross fire. This kind of shotgun is not of the highest precision. Statistically speaking, you should be much more worried about a moto running into you when crossing the street.
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Post by elexpatriado on Aug 30, 2016 11:57:10 GMT -5
People like to get freaked out when news stories come out about terrorist attacks or armed robberies. Then they go and do crazy things which they have 100 times as much chance of something happening to them, like riding a Moto in Colombia.
Like the Colombians that ride 3 to a moto, kid without helmet, then are scared to get on a plane because they read about a plane crash the day before.
I know that there is a fair chance eventually I will be subject of an armed robbery, with all my travels in Colombia. Just hope I remain cool enough to just hand them my wallet and cel phone and just forget about it..
By the same token, my best friend in Colombia has been here for his whole life-54 years..has worked and traveled in every department in Colombia (more than any one I have met), spent a lot of time in places like Buenaventura,and has never been the victim of an armed robbery.
Yet he has crashed at least 10 times on his moto, but miraculously never been seriously injured.
So go figure, heh?
The ones I see being the biggest victims are these boba Colombianas that walk with their purse through dangerous areas at night, or on the Metro or buses in Bogota, or take their money out of Cajeros in sketchy areas with no one around.
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Post by gallito on Aug 30, 2016 12:03:21 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2016 13:14:52 GMT -5
I am not afraid of the shotgun itself, I am concerned about a sudden attack and being caught in cross fire. This kind of shotgun is not of the highest precision. Statistically speaking, you should be much more worried about a moto running into you when crossing the street. Statistically, you are correct. But I least I can have *some* control over the probability of a moto running into me. About the probability or an armed attack, not that much.
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Post by suba on Aug 30, 2016 13:14:59 GMT -5
As someone who has had guns stuck to his head, been tied up while expecting to be executed - all in a nice house in a nice neighbourhood - I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that in Colombia the bad guys are waiting eagerly for people who think it will never happen to them. Be in the wrong place at the wrong time and you could be a victim here - much like anywhere else - but think you live in a town or compound or city where there are no security issues and you most definitely will be a victim eventually. Nobody can say it will never happen to them,Life is full of risks, living in Colombia isnt risk free,(heck crossing the street is very scary sometimes) but some people (not saying you by any means) bring it on themselves, and increase the probabilities. The point is, this happened to you once, you were cool about it, and didnt panic, so thats good on your part. But I do maintain it is much more likely to happen in Bogota, Cali or Medellin than a little hick town of 500,000 like Manizales where the chickens and goats roam the streets ( to quote yourself) What does how many times it's happened have to do with anything? See this is where debating you becomes pointless, if someone relates a bad story your reaction is "it only happened once" car jack, "it only happened once", mugging "it only happened once", shot in the head ....and on and on Post an opinion that is held by most Colombians like say, that security is declining, and you say Colombians are always complaining, then when someone else agrees you write that what they are saying is comparing the situation to a scene from Narcos. Here's a thought, when all of these terrorists are released back into society, do you not think that a few of them might think, might just have considered, that it may be easier to revert to their old ways than by taking on the security forces that are mainly posted in the big cities? They are comfortable in rural settings, the main cities are where what security there is tends to be situated. I'm not having a go, but you sound just like a tourist who has got off the plane and believes that the bad guys have all turned over a new leaf.
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Post by gallito on Aug 30, 2016 13:35:49 GMT -5
Stever,you can't debate guns with a Yank they know everything. jajaja Where is the Gun Debate? Why are you on the offence or defence
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Post by wildstubby on Aug 30, 2016 14:16:21 GMT -5
When I went to Medellin, because of the highlighted criminal activity, I kept my head on a well oiled swivel! I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible and blend with the crowd. Even then I knew there was a statistical possibility of being a victim. But by avoiding the criminal opportunities, I cut down on the odds!. In Bogota I completely blew it! I was so naïve! I thought of it more along the lines as NYC and went out for a 'walk about'! Later, I saw where I went and the criminal activity, (which I thought was low!)had me reeling. I walked about 8 miles from 'base', even had a local ask me for directions(!), finally my feet were sore and I was totally lost, (I couldn't sign into the WiFi at the Centro Comercial Avenida Chile), I hailed a cab and he took me back to the Hotel Andes Plaza. He didn't know where it was and had to use his Garmin!
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Post by dandl93 on Aug 30, 2016 16:34:09 GMT -5
Why are you on the offence or defence I will have to be the Referee since 1/2 of you dont understand guns jajajajajajajajaja
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Post by teeo9111 on Aug 30, 2016 21:35:14 GMT -5
As someone who has had guns stuck to his head, been tied up while expecting to be executed - all in a nice house in a nice neighbourhood - I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that in Colombia the bad guys are waiting eagerly for people who think it will never happen to them. Be in the wrong place at the wrong time and you could be a victim here - much like anywhere else - but think you live in a town or compound or city where there are no security issues and you most definitely will be a victim eventually. Nobody can say it will never happen to them,Life is full of risks, living in Colombia isnt risk free,(heck crossing the street is very scary sometimes) but some people (not saying you by any means) bring it on themselves, and increase the probabilities. The point is, this happened to you once, you were cool about it, and didnt panic, so thats good on your part. But I do maintain it is much more likely to happen in Bogota, Cali or Medellin than a little hick town of 500,000 like Manizales where the chickens and goats roam the streets ( to quote yourself) I used to live in Manizales and have family living there,it is NOT as squeaky clean as is claimed,no way. That said it is still much much safer than any of the big three Cali,Bogota or Medellin.
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Post by elexpatriado on Aug 31, 2016 13:25:20 GMT -5
www.livescience.com/3780-odds-dying.html#topkillersI have to admit, allthough I dont want to be a violent crime víctim, there are things higher on my list of worries than armed.robbery, and definitely higher than terrorismo (from personal Health and Safety viewpoint) I prefer to risk manage, rather than worry, of at all posible
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Post by elexpatriado on Aug 31, 2016 13:31:25 GMT -5
Take no. 14 and múltiple by 10 in Colombia..for everyone.. No.16 by 10 for Colombians.. For astute expats maybe 5..maybe
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Post by elexpatriado on Aug 31, 2016 13:35:10 GMT -5
Nobody can say it will never happen to them,Life is full of risks, living in Colombia isnt risk free,(heck crossing the street is very scary sometimes) but some people (not saying you by any means) bring it on themselves, and increase the probabilities. The point is, this happened to you once, you were cool about it, and didnt panic, so thats good on your part. But I do maintain it is much more likely to happen in Bogota, Cali or Medellin than a little hick town of 500,000 like Manizales where the chickens and goats roam the streets ( to quote yourself) I used to live in Manizales and have family living there,it is NOT as squeaky clean as is claimed,no way. That said it is still much much safer than any of the big three Cali,Bogota or Medellin. Yah. Its still Colombia difference is the Ladrones dont have guns..just knives..if I happen to be alone in El Centro at night (not likely) and they threatened me, I can squirt them with my pepper spray..
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Post by barrumundi on Aug 31, 2016 17:23:51 GMT -5
Colombia has issued 500,000 carry permits for firearms and another 400,000 possession permits; meaning roughly one in 53 citizens has a weapons permit.
There are an estimated 2.5 million illegal firearms circulating in Colombia, which includes those used by guerrilla groups, criminal bands, and other illicit organizations.www.insightcrime.com/news-briefs/colombia-implements-ban-against-carrying-guns-2016These stats show that there are more than TWICE as many illegal firearms in Colombia as there are legal firearms .........so that figure of "one in every 53" is actually in reality "one in every 20 people". Next time when you are out and about in a public area and you can see approx. 100 people hanging around you can assume that at least 5 of them have a gun.
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Post by billforce on Aug 31, 2016 20:50:25 GMT -5
1 block from Tesoro Mall saw 4 guys on Moto's surround a car holding guns, grabbed what they could and took off. Just all too common here in Medellin. Thank God no one got shot. Always much different to watch these things live as opposed to reading about. Anyone know the cost to bullet proof a car in Colombia? I think I'd look at life here very differently if I witnessed that, I'm sure it makes a very lasting impression. I've been here over a year now and haven't witnessed anything other than vehicle accidents, after the fact. Everything else has been on the news. This is a common occurrence not only in Medellin but I saw it in Pereira when I lived there. The normal M.O. is for a couple guys frequent some of the high profile banks looking for a MARK. They see who with draws a large amount of cash then they follow, not close but then they see the vehicle he's in and they cell phone their accomplices who then pick up the car and follow it to a place the either stop and rob it or they even will follow people to a bus (lady friend lost 35 mil on a bus) or as the case with two of my acquaintances they shot them in the head through the side window, one lived one didn't. My wife is a retired 35 year banker and she uses precautions to keep from being a victim, she never leaves a bank with a large amount of cash. She does the necessary transactions in the malls between banks and never carries cash. Her employee in Pereira was strong armed coming from a bank, stole several million pesos from her.
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Post by billforce on Aug 31, 2016 20:58:59 GMT -5
Stever,you can't debate guns with a Yank they know everything. jajaja Yes and we refer to the Hoseheads (Canucks) as VICTIMS. The definition of a Hosehead, an "Unarmed" American with dubious health care.
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Post by gallito on Aug 31, 2016 21:51:27 GMT -5
"Hoseheads" bf,you have your terms mixed up. Canucks are hosers. Take off eh!
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Post by wildstubby on Aug 31, 2016 22:04:25 GMT -5
Like get me an Elsinor and a couple of touks eh?
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Post by gallito on Aug 31, 2016 22:31:47 GMT -5
Like get me an Elsinor and a couple of touks eh? ...keeping it in the diabolic violence and kidnap theme eh!
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Post by billyb on Aug 31, 2016 22:41:59 GMT -5
Love Strange Brew. Specially the beer vat and electroshock scenes.
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Post by gallito on Aug 31, 2016 22:48:58 GMT -5
The best parts of Strange Brew for you
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Post by billforce on Sept 1, 2016 1:51:14 GMT -5
The McKenzie Bros. term Hosers came from Hoseheads that was used first.
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Post by wildstubby on Sept 1, 2016 6:03:38 GMT -5
"Hey, let me out of here! I gotta take a leak so bad I can taste it!"
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Post by gallito on Sept 1, 2016 11:44:03 GMT -5
The McKenzie Bros. term Hosers came from Hoseheads that was used first. Hosehead is also the dog
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Post by sedelen on Sept 1, 2016 14:19:06 GMT -5
I think I'd look at life here very differently if I witnessed that, I'm sure it makes a very lasting impression. I've been here over a year now and haven't witnessed anything other than vehicle accidents, after the fact. Everything else has been on the news. Colombia, "The only risk is wanting to stay", and of course being shot. Having grown up in Philadelphia in the 70's I've seen my fair share of dead bodies, but to see the live action does leave a lasting impression. Be prepared, if you stay here for awhile you will witness a robbery via gun point. I'm sure that could be the case, a little catena I hang out at in El Carmen, I missed an assassination on the block several houses away early one evening. Two brothers, one good and one known for conducting activities that were a little on the dangerous side. Two armed men entered the home (which was unlocked by the way and on the main street) and killed one of the men as the whole family was watching TV, rode off on a motorcycle. Never caught the guys, and of the two brothers, believed they killed the wrong one. So, far the only bodies I've seen were of two fatal motorcycle accidents, one body in the street, uncovered, and the other covered in a gutter. Those were on the highway far away from Medellin, but those have left a lasting impression.
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Post by sedelen on Sept 1, 2016 14:23:36 GMT -5
If I could afford one of these I would hope they try something.. LOL They would end up a blotch on my bumper or sandwiched between my car and the next. I was surprised to see that the premium for a class III car was much lower than I expected. When I was shopping three years ago, I was left with the impression that armoring at least doubles the cost of a car. From what these guys had on their website, it looks to me to be a 25 to 35% or so add. That said, if I found myself in this situation in an armored car, I'd be wondering how much I could trust that the protection level is what they say it is. I think what you might find is yourself becoming a target. Why else would anybody be driving an armored car unless they were transporting something of value? I think that if I was driving a old dilapidated Renault Quattro everyone would think I was poor and look for something more promising.
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Post by sedelen on Sept 1, 2016 14:29:07 GMT -5
I cringe every-time I see those armoured cars picking up cash while I'm inside hitting up the ATM. Those mean pump shotguns look like they could rain lead at short range. Maybe I should open a Miguel Caballero clothing franchise for new expats When I see those guys servicing those ATM's, I stay way clear. I don't want to get caught up into anything.
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Post by sedelen on Sept 1, 2016 14:40:33 GMT -5
A sawed-off shot gun is very effective at close range. Also, the muzzle blast is an added effect. Depending where they are hit, the intended target may not die, but their advancement will certainly be hampered. Also, unless someone is a battle veteran, that blast will scare the beejeezus out of anyone to the point they will turn tail and run. Only a well thought out and planned attack will one-up these guys. I will confess though, I thought the Caribineri in Italy were pretty intimidating with that Uzi slung from their shoulder! About Italy, that is, until you hear their national anthem and then you think it's a circus parade. Oh, the Caribineri, the police, but then you had the Vigilante Committee, which was a group which provided protection for a fee. You pay them and they come around and check your doors to make sure they're locked and put a note under your car's windshield wiper saying they checked it, during the night. But......... should you choose not to take advantage of their services I think they made it known to others and you wake up one morning and your car is missing! Needless to say, I paid them. In the town I was in there was one way in and one way out, and a guy with a two way radio monitored everyone who came in and left. If you weren't home, they knew it. If someone was robbing your home, they could call ahead when they saw you driving in and by the time you got there, they would be gone.
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Post by coolcoil on Sept 1, 2016 14:47:25 GMT -5
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Post by elexpatriado on Sept 1, 2016 15:24:55 GMT -5
Dont believe those stats. The situation on the ground is way different. Just stay out of the bad barrios, alone, at night. Sure small towns can be worse.Chinchina has a real bad rep.because it is half way between Medellin and Cali. I have spent a Fair amount of time in Calarca..scarier than Manizales..used to have a cartel headed there
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