I doubt most people realize this but -- at least here in America -- the courts have ruled it's not the police's job to protect you, me or any one citizen.

It's true.

If you don't believe me do an online search for "Warren v. District of Columbia" -- a case where two burglars held the occupants of a home captive, and raped, tortured, robbed and beat them (including a 4-year old girl) for 14 hours as they waited for the police to arrive.

When the victims took their case to court, nobody was punished. Nobody lost their job. And nobody was blamed -- not even the incompetent 911 dispatcher who dropped the ball.

Why am I telling you this?

Because too many people put off learning how to fight...or even really basic self defense...because they honestly think it's the police's job to protect them. To be at the scene of the crime at the drop of a dime and make everything okay.

And yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

I mean, think about it, the police aren't God. They can't be everywhere all the time.

All of which means your safety...and the safety of everyone you care about...is in your hands. Don't entrust your lives to anything or anyone else -- not your dog, your home security system, your local police or even your gun.

These are good things to have...but they can also fail you. The only thing you can ever count on when the chips are down is yourself. And your ability to take care of things when they arise.

Bottom line:

Make a real effort to learn how to take care of yourself in a violent situation. Even if it's just one or two "moves" or tactics.

It's the best defense you'll ever have.