Why do we love a "good guy beats bad guy" story so much? Is it because we hear too many stories about the bad guys getting away with something?
That's part of it. But I believe it's more personal than that. I think the main reason we enjoy hearing these types of stories is because many of us have been pushed around too many times by the bad guys.
It's very refreshing to see a bad guy finally get what he deserves. And it's even more rewarding when the good guy dishes out the punishment.
Age Advantage No Guarantee
Here's a case in point. Recently in West Allis, Wisconsin, a 53-year-old man entered the home of a 95-year-old ex-Marine to rob him.
Now, it's never a good idea to mess with a Marine. But maybe the burglar figured his 42-year age advantage would offset that.
The intruder did not take into consideration the fact that the World War II veteran wasn't going to let himself be robbed without a fight.
He also did not consider that the Marine's 51-year-old daughter was probably taught since childhood to never let anyone take advantage of her.
Nose-to-Nose with a Burglar
So, here's how it went down last month in suburban Milwaukee.
Former Marine Frederick Bennett was watching TV in his home one evening when his dog, Hugo, began barking.
Bennett got out of his chair to find out what the commotion was about. After checking out the kitchen, he noticed a bedroom door was closed that had been open.
The door seemed like it was stuck when Bennett tried to open it. Suddenly he was face-to-face with the intruder.
Threats Don't Deter WWII Vet
"What are you doing here?" Bennett shouted. "Get the hell out of here!"
This would not be the last time the burglar foolishly ignored an order from one of the home's residents. Instead of leaving, he threatened to kill Bennett and his dog if he didn't turn over his wallet.
Bennett wasn't about to do that. So, he grabbed the intruder by the collar and pants, and tried to throw him out the back door.
Had Bennett been 20 or 30 years younger, that strategy might have worked. But the robber grabbed Bennett's wallet as both fell to the floor.
Daughter Joins Tag Team Brawl
Hearing the struggle going on, Bennett's daughter raced down the stairs. Sizing up the situation, Mary decided to join the fray.
She tried to push the man out the backdoor. But this uninvited guest once again refused to leave. He bit her arm and threatened her.
Finally, the fight moved outside. While Bennett called 9-1-1, Mary chased the culprit around the neighborhood and tackled him.
"He said, 'I'm sorry,' but I said, 'I'm not leaving you alone until you are in handcuffs,'" Mary said.
Mary Makes Game-Saving Tackle
Mary was able to wrestle the burglar to the ground and retrieve her dad's wallet. Police arrived and the man was charged with burglary and battery.
Bennett and his daughter ended up with cuts and bruises. Not to mention a great story to tell family and friends.
Later they wondered if getting into a physical confrontation with the intruder was the smart thing to do. But they said they acted instinctively.
Fortunately, Bennett and his daughter escaped serious harm and the assailant was arrested.
Fight or Flight?... That's the Question
Now, I'm not trying to tell you to get into a physical fight if you're confronted by a burglar in your home or out on the street.
Sometimes the smartest way to react to this kind of situation is to give them what they want and let them go.
As horrible as it feels to be violated like that, you can usually replace what you lose. But you can't replace your life.
Other times it might be appropriate to fight back. Every situation is different and you have to make what you believe to be the right call. Usually within a few seconds.
To your freedom,
Robert Boyd
Managing Editor, News4Patriots
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