America has shown a tendency to react after the fact. We can admit there's a problem and try to do something about it, or just continue on like violence is a normal part of life. It is not. We have safety belts, seat belt laws and air bags for automotive accidents - and they save lives. Life preservers and flotation devices are mandatory on all boats, life guards for public swimming pools - and they save lives. We have very little to protect ourselves against people who have flipped out and are using handguns against people. More than twice as many people die from shootings each year, far more injured, many critically than drown. You may not feel the need to be concerned, but if you do - there are things that you can do.

We've known about our credit card problem for thirty years - but only after there's a global crisis are we doing something about it. It may be a different issue, but it's a consistent and pervasive to everything - from health care and social security, narcotics and prescription drugs, and everything else you would want to talk about. We avoid problems, because - well, they are just about everywhere. Sometimes, we barely react at all - Store Clerk Murdered; While Customers Keep Shopping.

Each community faces different problems and hazards. It's appropriate to be aware of them. When you can, it's even appropriate to do something about the problem - like pick up the phone and dial 911 to report a crime. If you're suspicious about something or have information about a crime that has been committed, check out The Texas Crime Stoppers. Texas Crime Stoppers offers education, training, and resources to law enforcement agencies and the general public. Stopping crime is the responsibility of every citizen. If you live in Texas and have information about the location of a fugitive, contact Texas Crime Stoppers.

On the right, there's a list of Police Departments in Texas making use of Twitter. If you are concerned about gun violence, either for yourself or your family, consider looking at the different sections of the BulletBlocker store. We carry a range of bullet proof backpacks for school, bulletproof vests for work, bulletproof briefcases and travel accessories for extended trips to foreign countries. Sure there are arguments that these won't keep you 100% safe, but at least 3,000 police officers are thankful they had a bulletproof or what is technically called a bullet-resistant or anti-ballistics vest. BulletBlocker is not associated with any law enforcement agency. Our products have been independently tested - results available here; and offer 97% protection against all handgun rounds.

In short - be aware of what is going on. Below are some stories that we are tracking on a national level.

• Eight shot in Texas Southern University drive-by attack - HOUSTON (AP) — Houston police say eight people were wounded at a drive-by shooting during a community rally on the Texas Southern University campus, not six as initially reported. - USA Today, July 24, 2009

• Mexican government crackdown on cartels as 5,500 troops descend on state at centre of drug war - Mail Online, July 21, 2009

• Kidnappings in Mexico taking toll - My San Antonio, May 12, 2009

• Grisly slayings brings Mexican drug war to US By Pauline Arrillaga Associated Press, My West Texas News - April 19, 2009

• Blurry border between good, bad - In Starr County, Texas, residents are used to corruption fueled by drug money. But a well-liked sheriff's arrest is unsettling. by Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer - April 3, 2009 .

• Homeland Security official affirms Mexican drug cartel violence has spilled over into Texas. - by Brandi Grissom, Austin Bureau, El Paso Times - February 24, 2009

• As Crime Mounts, Mexicans Turn to Vigilante Justice - By Ioan Grillo, Time, Mexico City - Feb. 21, 2009

• El Paso concerned with spill-over of crime from Mexican drug war, by Bryan Rupp from KBMC-12 News, NBC - Dec 21, 2008.

• Texas arms Mexico's violent drug cartels - Associated Press, Reporter News - Abilene, Texas, December 15, 2008

Follow Your Local Texas Police Department:

• Angelo State University (Twitter) and Web Site
• Bellaire (Twitter) and Web Site
• Belton (Twitter) and Web Site
• Bryan Police (Twitter)
• Dallas (Twitter)
• Denton (Twitter)
• Houston (Twitter)
• Killeen (Twitter) & Web Site
• Roanoke (Twitter)
• San Antonio (Twitter)
• Texas A&M University (Twitter) & Web Site
• Texas Dept. of Public Safety (Twitter) and Web Site
• Troy (Twitter) and Web Site

BulletBlocker's original BulletProof Backpack - our Threat Level IIIA Panel provides the same level of protection used in police officer's bullet proof vests when worn on the back or used as a shield. Put protection against gun violence at hand's reach of your child. For more options, see the backpack section in our store.

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Texas Officers are tough, their back-up... can be even tougher.

BulletBlocker's Executive Bullet Proof Vest - two 12" x 16" Panels with NIJ Threat Level IIIa Ballistic Protection rated against 9mm FMJ, .357 Magnum, .45cal. and .44 Magnum - weighing only about 50 ounces. For more options, see the BulletProof Vest Section in our store.