Preparation is something we should all do. Everyone has a level that they are willing to prepare to. Can you ever be too prepared? It’s like being too rich or too pretty… But with a little knowledge and a little preparedness, we can have peace of mind.
What is a Pandemic?
A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease.
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads around the world, and most people do not have immunity. Viruses that have caused past pandemics typically originated from animal influenza viruses.
Do we still have pandemics?
Yes. Most recently in 2009 where estimated between 151,700 and 575,400 people perished worldwide from H1N1 virus infection during the first year the virus circulated, according to a study released in 2012 from the CDC. This includes nearly 3,900 people, including about 540 children, in the U.S.
H7N9 in 2013 killed 31 of 131 infected.
Can pandemics be treated?
The only thing used that actually works was in 2003 for H5N1. That was Tamiflu which is an anti-viral. As long as the drug was used it worked. As soon as it wasn’t used it was as if it were never used. A vaccine will take 5 to 6 months to develop. Humans don’t respond well to vaccine.
How do we prepare for a pandemic?
Reduce the likelihood of infection by using good personal hygiene and self-care practices.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, and place used tissues directly into the trash.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
• After coughing or sneezing, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay at home if you are ill.
• Make a plan among your family and friends for taking care of one another should one of you become ill.
• Talk with your family and friends about how they will be cared for if they become ill.
• Keep at least a two-week supply of non-perishable easy-to-prepare foods, water and other critical household and hygiene goods.
• Keep a supply of medical supplies, prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Investigate how your health insurance carrier plans to handle costs of treatment during a pandemic.
• Check with your employer regarding policies for dealing with a pandemic.
• Ask about plans at your child’s school or daycare for dealing with a pandemic, and develop plans now for how you would keep homebound children occupied.
The Kit
Water –at least 1 gallon per person, per day
Food - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups Examples include:
Protein, granola or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter or nuts
Dried fruit
Crackers
Broth
Applesauce
Protein powder
Canned juices
Canned milk
Canned or jarred baby food/formula
Pet Food/Supplies – Don’t forget about at least a 2 week supply for your animals as well
Baby Supplies:
Diapers
Wipes
Bottles
Diaper Cream
Extra toys
Paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissue
Feminine hygiene supplies
Dental supplies:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss/Mouthwash
Masks (N95)
Medicine cabinet:
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Vitamins
Prescription medicine – ensure a continuous supply
Cough suppressants
Throat lozenges
Antihistamines
First-Aid Kit
Bags:
Garbage
Disposable, sealable plastic (Ziploc)
Manual can opener
Cleaning agents:
Soap (bleach, chlorine)
Disinfectant spray
Hand sanitizer – alcohol based
Flashlights and extra batteries
Important family documents
Contact information for neighbors, family members, doctors, and friends
As with all kits, tailor this kit to your needs and your family.
These are some quotes from notable authorities, take them for what they are, an informed opinion.
“You’re going to be staying home for one year. There will be no school. There will be no work. All we’ll be doing is trying to keep ourselves alive.” Richard Canas, NJ State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
“Everything you say in advance of a pandemic seems alarmist. Anything you’ve done after it starts is inadequate.” Michael Leavitt, Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary.
"What are the chances that some kind of pandemic flu will devastate world populations again? It's almost certain."
-Arthur Reingold, MD, Director of Epidemiology, Berkeley School of Public Health
Pandemics are always possible. In the U.S. we have an infrastructure in place that keep us safe. Clean water, good sanitation, knowledge and practices of cleaning and keeping healthy. These all aid us in staying away from disease and sickness. The problem is, we also live in the land of plenty. We have modern convenience’s and enough junk food to give several small countries diabetes. We also have some of the best Doctors and hospitals in the world. Sometimes it’s not real good to be an industrialized country. But by and large we have general health in the U.S. compared to other countries.
So be aware of what is going on in the world and in our country. Do not just blow off news reports about the Zica virus or other problems that are occurring here. Protect yourself and your family.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
This article is from 7/28/2016 called "Pandemic Basics"
It's amazing that this article was posted in July 2016, almost 4 years ago. How applicable it is today.
History seems to repeat over and over. I have always been an "X Files" fan. Maybe these things are part of a conspiracy...?
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Being Caught In A Riot
We have a wood stove in our living room. It can get pretty hot, which is the intent. It heats the entire house in the winter time. When our children were little they had to be taught to stay away from the stove. Often they would listen. Sometimes telling them was not enough, they had to feel for themselves. Anyway, if you know the stove is hot, don’t touch it! If you have an idea there will be a problem, don’t go to that place! Try to avoid these places where a riot can erupt. Sometimes you can’t. For those times you cannot avoid a hot spot or you find yourself in a riot here are some tactics. These tactics will work if a brawl breaks out in a club or inside with a large group of people too.
Situational Awareness
Know where the heck you are! Know where the freeway is. Know where the nearest police precinct is. Understand how you can get out of where you are, in case it all goes backward.
Be aware of what is going on around you. Know where the police are. You should be one of the first persons to notice that someone threw a bottle.
Blend
I know this sounds a little crazy, but if you work downtown carry a pillow case in your bag or briefcase. If you find yourself in a mess, someone with a pillow case does not scream “the man” like a briefcase or even a purse. Change your image. Pull off that tie and untuck that shirt and take off that Rolex. Try to blend in. Grab a sign. Change your look and look like everyone else. You may want to keep a casual change of clothes in your desk or locker at work. Don’t forget details like shoes.
Most people are not interested in being violent. They may even help to find a way to exit the area. They may even want to come with you.
Don’t wear a mask, a bandana, or a hoodie. This will only identify you as a rioter to law enforcement. Rubber bullets hurt!
Move Away
Try to get to the edge of the room or area. When you see “daylight”, or a way out, don’t run to it. You could be mistaken for several things or even start to be chased. Move deliberately toward your exit. Try to move in the same direction as the crowd. Angle toward your exit. Put as much distance as you can between you and the rioters. Don’t think that once you get out of the main body that you’re safe. These things can shift and move.
As you’re moving to an exit stay out of the main body as much as possible. Stay out of sight if possible in doorways, behind obstacles, in the shadows.
As was mentioned above, move deliberately. Move quickly without drawing attention to yourself. Don’t waste any time.
As you're moving through the riot, you need to avoid eye contact at all costs. Stare at them for more than a second and they'll want to get to know you better and figure out if you're part of the "establishment".
It's just human nature to feel challenged when someone maintains eye contact, especially when they feel in charge and are looking for someone to hate right at that moment.
If they stop you, this doesn't mean you have to look away when they're screaming at you. You don't want to look scared and you don't want to appear cocky either. The rule of thumb is to look at them when you're talking and look away when you're not. The key is to look natural.
You're on their side. You agree with them. Don't fight unless you have no other choice. Don't join the fights either and don't get mad at what the protesters are doing or saying. I don't care if you agree with them or not, it's more important that you get to see your family again.
If you can see no way out and you happen to see an open door, go in. How do you know which door is open? You don't, you just have to try them one by one. You might be seconds away from that mob noticing you're trying to escape.
Be Careful With A Car
You know who doesn’t like to be ran over by a car? Everyone. Keep that in mind if you’re unfortunate enough to be stuck in a vehicle during a riot.
Driving toward a police line might prompt them to use force to make you stop. Rioters, on the other hand, can’t seem to tolerate upright cars. This is a judgement call. Don’t drive in a way that irks anyone, but be stern enough to let people know “I want to get out of here.”
In any case, the car isn’t worth your life. If you need to abandon it, do it without thinking twice.
Specific tips for women
Have clothing to change into that doesn't show any curves.
Don't just wear dress shoes to work -- have some good, dark colored running shoes handy.
Be ready to wash off your make-up (if any) in a hurry.
One danger with having long hair (specifically, women) is that an attacker can really inflict pain and control the direction of the conflict if he gets a firm hand full of hair and starts yanking you around by it. Keeping your hair up or (in the worst of riots) hiding somewhere and cutting off your long locks can greatly assist in you escaping danger. Plus, your hair will grow back. Better yet, pull your hair up into an old ball cap and have something to cinch it with so that it stays hidden in your cap.
Worst Case Scenario
A city-wide riot, as Los Angeles 1992, would be considered the worst case scenario. Faced with nowhere to run and uninhibited violence, no survival tip can prepare you. How you survive is up to your best judgement.
It’s not worth getting worked up about, though. Determine the most likely disaster to hit your area. Adjust survival plans accordingly. Chances are Mother Nature is a greater threat than a city-leveling riot.
A riot is a serious thing. People have been seriously hurt or killed during a riot. Take it seriously and do your best to avoid one.
My opinion is that the “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) started as a legitimate organization. The problem with protest is it doesn’t take much for it to turn into a mob and a riot. BLM should consider a different way of protesting because violence follows their movement like a plague. If BLM really believes in peace, they will get their movement under control.
Charlotte is a glaring example:
Thugs burned down a city because a black cop shot someone, yet meanwhile the mainstream media spun it, or at least tried, as "peaceful protest." There is just one problem: violent criminals looting, attacking bystanders, attacking journalists, setting fires, smashing up cars, smashing up businesses and shooting at each other is not a "peaceful protest."
What it looks like is an excuse, any excuse, to riot and pillage. If you live in a city, even if it’s not a large LA or NY type city, you are in danger of “protestors.” Be aware, be alert, and stay alive.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The above article was a 9/23/2016 post.
It still applies to today!
Situational Awareness
Know where the heck you are! Know where the freeway is. Know where the nearest police precinct is. Understand how you can get out of where you are, in case it all goes backward.
Be aware of what is going on around you. Know where the police are. You should be one of the first persons to notice that someone threw a bottle.
Blend
I know this sounds a little crazy, but if you work downtown carry a pillow case in your bag or briefcase. If you find yourself in a mess, someone with a pillow case does not scream “the man” like a briefcase or even a purse. Change your image. Pull off that tie and untuck that shirt and take off that Rolex. Try to blend in. Grab a sign. Change your look and look like everyone else. You may want to keep a casual change of clothes in your desk or locker at work. Don’t forget details like shoes.
Most people are not interested in being violent. They may even help to find a way to exit the area. They may even want to come with you.
Don’t wear a mask, a bandana, or a hoodie. This will only identify you as a rioter to law enforcement. Rubber bullets hurt!
Move Away
Try to get to the edge of the room or area. When you see “daylight”, or a way out, don’t run to it. You could be mistaken for several things or even start to be chased. Move deliberately toward your exit. Try to move in the same direction as the crowd. Angle toward your exit. Put as much distance as you can between you and the rioters. Don’t think that once you get out of the main body that you’re safe. These things can shift and move.
As you’re moving to an exit stay out of the main body as much as possible. Stay out of sight if possible in doorways, behind obstacles, in the shadows.
As was mentioned above, move deliberately. Move quickly without drawing attention to yourself. Don’t waste any time.
As you're moving through the riot, you need to avoid eye contact at all costs. Stare at them for more than a second and they'll want to get to know you better and figure out if you're part of the "establishment".
It's just human nature to feel challenged when someone maintains eye contact, especially when they feel in charge and are looking for someone to hate right at that moment.
If they stop you, this doesn't mean you have to look away when they're screaming at you. You don't want to look scared and you don't want to appear cocky either. The rule of thumb is to look at them when you're talking and look away when you're not. The key is to look natural.
You're on their side. You agree with them. Don't fight unless you have no other choice. Don't join the fights either and don't get mad at what the protesters are doing or saying. I don't care if you agree with them or not, it's more important that you get to see your family again.
If you can see no way out and you happen to see an open door, go in. How do you know which door is open? You don't, you just have to try them one by one. You might be seconds away from that mob noticing you're trying to escape.
Be Careful With A Car
You know who doesn’t like to be ran over by a car? Everyone. Keep that in mind if you’re unfortunate enough to be stuck in a vehicle during a riot.
Driving toward a police line might prompt them to use force to make you stop. Rioters, on the other hand, can’t seem to tolerate upright cars. This is a judgement call. Don’t drive in a way that irks anyone, but be stern enough to let people know “I want to get out of here.”
In any case, the car isn’t worth your life. If you need to abandon it, do it without thinking twice.
Specific tips for women
Have clothing to change into that doesn't show any curves.
Don't just wear dress shoes to work -- have some good, dark colored running shoes handy.
Be ready to wash off your make-up (if any) in a hurry.
One danger with having long hair (specifically, women) is that an attacker can really inflict pain and control the direction of the conflict if he gets a firm hand full of hair and starts yanking you around by it. Keeping your hair up or (in the worst of riots) hiding somewhere and cutting off your long locks can greatly assist in you escaping danger. Plus, your hair will grow back. Better yet, pull your hair up into an old ball cap and have something to cinch it with so that it stays hidden in your cap.
Worst Case Scenario
A city-wide riot, as Los Angeles 1992, would be considered the worst case scenario. Faced with nowhere to run and uninhibited violence, no survival tip can prepare you. How you survive is up to your best judgement.
It’s not worth getting worked up about, though. Determine the most likely disaster to hit your area. Adjust survival plans accordingly. Chances are Mother Nature is a greater threat than a city-leveling riot.
A riot is a serious thing. People have been seriously hurt or killed during a riot. Take it seriously and do your best to avoid one.
My opinion is that the “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) started as a legitimate organization. The problem with protest is it doesn’t take much for it to turn into a mob and a riot. BLM should consider a different way of protesting because violence follows their movement like a plague. If BLM really believes in peace, they will get their movement under control.
Charlotte is a glaring example:
Thugs burned down a city because a black cop shot someone, yet meanwhile the mainstream media spun it, or at least tried, as "peaceful protest." There is just one problem: violent criminals looting, attacking bystanders, attacking journalists, setting fires, smashing up cars, smashing up businesses and shooting at each other is not a "peaceful protest."
What it looks like is an excuse, any excuse, to riot and pillage. If you live in a city, even if it’s not a large LA or NY type city, you are in danger of “protestors.” Be aware, be alert, and stay alive.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The above article was a 9/23/2016 post.
It still applies to today!
This Business Will Get Out of Control
In the 1990 movie “The Hunt for Red October” there is a line that describes the current state of this country.
The line is from Fred Thompson who was also a Senator for Tennessee for several years. He was playing Admiral Josh Painter:
“This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it.“
Between COVID-19 and brutal, murdering cops and some “protestors” who are just criminals the country is going nuts.
The key to all of this is survival my friends. You and I must survive to save the Republic.
In the next few days I will repost some articles that I feel are very important and very relevant to the times we live in.
Keep yourselves Safe out there!
Semper Paratis
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Who Said It? May
“Become an active participant in your own rescue.”
Dave Spaulding
Dave Sapulding was part of the a professional firearms instructor with 36 years experience in Law Enforcement and Federal Security including patrol, crime scene investigations, court security, violent and property crime investigations, undercover operations, SWAT, training and dignitary protection. The recipient of the 2010 Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year Award from the International Law Enforcement Trainer and Educators Association (ILEETA) and Law Officer Magazine. Dave has graduated from many of the most prestigious LE training programs and has trained students from around the globe in numerous realistic combat handgun courses.
Dave has made many training videos that are concise and thorough in their teaching.
Who Said It? For May
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, May 22, 2020
New Website That Tracks/Reports Danger
http://www.futuredanger.com/
Future Danger: Relentlessly Pursuing News for the Prepared,is a website that reports on many different subjects that are of concern to the preparedness and security worlds. Take a look at their content. It is broken down into 4 areas on its "Heat Map Dashboard": Liberty Indicators, Security Indicators, Economy Indicators, and Natural Indicators. The stories they include have color coded banners that indicate No Risk, Low, Moderate, High, Severe, and SHTF.
I would recommend this site!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Future Danger: Relentlessly Pursuing News for the Prepared,is a website that reports on many different subjects that are of concern to the preparedness and security worlds. Take a look at their content. It is broken down into 4 areas on its "Heat Map Dashboard": Liberty Indicators, Security Indicators, Economy Indicators, and Natural Indicators. The stories they include have color coded banners that indicate No Risk, Low, Moderate, High, Severe, and SHTF.
I would recommend this site!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
50+ Items That Sold Out During the Pandemic from Code Name Insight
From a great blog
http://www.codenameinsight.com/
"50+ Items That Sold Out During the Pandemic
There may or may not be a second wave of the pandemic in the fall. If you are wondering what to stockpile (stock up on slowly, not hoard all at once), here is a list of items that sold out at various times during the current pandemic...
1.Toilet paper
2.Paper towels
3.Kleenex
4.Face masks
5.Hand sanitizer
6.Medical gloves
7.Lysol/Lysol wipes
8.Baby wipes
9.Wet Wipes/Handi Wipes
10.Commercial sanitizers
11.Laundry detergent
12.Bleach/ammonia/cleaning products
13.Rubbing alcohol/alcohol wipes
14.Vitamins (particularly C and D)
15.Rice
16.Flour
17.Canned beans
18.Canned soup
19.Dried beans
20.Spam/canned meats
21.Peanut butter
22.Chicken/beef stock
23.Baking soda/baking powder
24.Pasta
25.Tylenol/Aspirin
26.Thera Flu/Nyquil
27.Thermometers
28.Yeast
29.Bicycles
30.Sewing machines
31.Cloth/sewing supplies (elastic, needles, etc)
32.Hair trimmers
33.Hair dye (briefly)
34.Cheaper end laptops and tablets
35.Freezers
36.Webcams/microphones/web conferencing equipment
37.Jigsaw puzzles/games
38.Bottled water
39.Water filters/Brita
40.Bidets
41.Meat (later in the pandemic when meat factory workers became ill)
42.Video game systems (Switch, PS4)
43.Medications (like when hydrochloroquine was touted as a wonder drug and people scrambled to buy it)
44.Eggs (occasional shortages)
45.Fresh produce (occasional shortages)
46.Food products from Asia (these were hit or miss with noodles being sold out, coconut products occasionally unavailable, etc)
47.Freeze dried food (Mountain House had to temporarily shut down to catch up with demand)
48.Arts and craft supplies
49.Bandannas
50.Lounge wear
I'll add more items here as they become an issue...
•Canning jars and supplies"
I like this list and I concur. Seriously look at this list and consider some of these items. In my experience we didn't need hand sanitizer and wipes as much as we thought. I wouldn't put up as much of those items as we had done several years ago when we prepared for pandemics.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
http://www.codenameinsight.com/
"50+ Items That Sold Out During the Pandemic
There may or may not be a second wave of the pandemic in the fall. If you are wondering what to stockpile (stock up on slowly, not hoard all at once), here is a list of items that sold out at various times during the current pandemic...
1.Toilet paper
2.Paper towels
3.Kleenex
4.Face masks
5.Hand sanitizer
6.Medical gloves
7.Lysol/Lysol wipes
8.Baby wipes
9.Wet Wipes/Handi Wipes
10.Commercial sanitizers
11.Laundry detergent
12.Bleach/ammonia/cleaning products
13.Rubbing alcohol/alcohol wipes
14.Vitamins (particularly C and D)
15.Rice
16.Flour
17.Canned beans
18.Canned soup
19.Dried beans
20.Spam/canned meats
21.Peanut butter
22.Chicken/beef stock
23.Baking soda/baking powder
24.Pasta
25.Tylenol/Aspirin
26.Thera Flu/Nyquil
27.Thermometers
28.Yeast
29.Bicycles
30.Sewing machines
31.Cloth/sewing supplies (elastic, needles, etc)
32.Hair trimmers
33.Hair dye (briefly)
34.Cheaper end laptops and tablets
35.Freezers
36.Webcams/microphones/web conferencing equipment
37.Jigsaw puzzles/games
38.Bottled water
39.Water filters/Brita
40.Bidets
41.Meat (later in the pandemic when meat factory workers became ill)
42.Video game systems (Switch, PS4)
43.Medications (like when hydrochloroquine was touted as a wonder drug and people scrambled to buy it)
44.Eggs (occasional shortages)
45.Fresh produce (occasional shortages)
46.Food products from Asia (these were hit or miss with noodles being sold out, coconut products occasionally unavailable, etc)
47.Freeze dried food (Mountain House had to temporarily shut down to catch up with demand)
48.Arts and craft supplies
49.Bandannas
50.Lounge wear
I'll add more items here as they become an issue...
•Canning jars and supplies"
I like this list and I concur. Seriously look at this list and consider some of these items. In my experience we didn't need hand sanitizer and wipes as much as we thought. I wouldn't put up as much of those items as we had done several years ago when we prepared for pandemics.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Military Grade Gun Laws And Reporting
I was reading the other day. Dangerous, yes, but often I like to live dangerously. I came across several articles pushing for gun regulation. These purveyors of journalistic art are pretty tricky with how they are presenting their agenda. Many find current or ex-military to give their take on military weapons in the hands of civilians. I’m here to tell you that the difference between “military grade” guns and “civilian” guns is very little. There are only so many actions on modern guns. There are pump, lever, bolt, semi-auto, select-fire, and automatic. The last two are regulated already. Shotguns, rifles, machine guns, firearm mufflers and silencers are regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934. The purchase of semi-automatic weapons is legal in most states, as are automatic weapons made before 1986. You must be licensed and adhere to regulations concerning select-fire and automatic guns. (SEE Correction below) The federal government started regulating and keeping records of machine guns back when it passed the National Firearms Act of 1934. That law mandated strict guidelines for manufacturers and put them in place for owners to register their machine guns. Then in 1986, the feds imposed the Firearm Owners Protection Act which expanded on the original law. It also banned possession and transfer of new automatic firearms and parts that fire bullets without stopping once the trigger is pressed. Legal machine guns must be manufactured before May 19, 1986 -- the cutoff date imposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF). Because of their scarcity, legal machine guns are very expensive, still require the original 1934 Machine Gun Tax stamp of $200 and the owner or trader must undergo extensive background checks and also permit the federal government to conduct searches. So, military guns are already heavily regulated.
Currently there are over 300 gun laws in this country (20,000 if you include local laws and laws that are redundant)
A study from the Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy counts only 300 "relevant federal and state laws regarding the manufacture, design, sale, purchase, or possession of guns." The key word is "relevant."
If you can trust the Brookings Institution and their studies.
Even Canada is getting in on the action. May 1 Canada has banned about 1500 different guns. Even their law reads “military grade assault weapons”. I thought laws were legal, professional documents. The words “military grade assault weapons” have no definition. I guess they interpret to “whatever guns we don’t like, even though we know nothing about guns.” And what the heck is “high capacity?” My gas tank takes a high capacity of fuel. How many gallons is that? I’ve never seen such nincompoops writing laws. Throw in some vague, non-words. Or better yet, let’s make up words.
I’m also very tired of the mainstream media with their biased, liberal view of defense and guns finding these ridiculous ex Generals or soldiers who have problems with guns to speak as if they know what they are talking about. CNN did a video of an ex Army General shooting an AR-15 and telling me I don’t need such a weapon. I watched him shoot this gun like I’ve watched many first time shooters in my many years as a gun instructor. CNN says he knows all about the gun he’s shooting where clearly, he does not. Just because he served in the Army for 37 years doesn’t mean much. He probably qualified on an M-16 before the M4 was issued! When he shoots in the video he does not shoulder the gun correctly and the way he aims looks like he’s never held a rifle in his life! But he’s going to tell me all about what I need and don’t need. I was reading an article by a returned infantry soldier who is clearly suffering from PTSD. He talks about being back and reaching for his weapon in his vehicle or when he is startled. He wants nothing to do with an AR. I suffer from PTSD and have no physiological training, but even I can recognize the signs that the guy needs help! Yet because of his traumatic experiences he wants nothing to do with guns. I get it. I’ve got several combat vet friends that want nothing to do with a gun ever again. I have many that are still involved with guns. So I wish the media would stop traipsing inexperienced Generals and PTSD soldiers, and frightened reporters in front of us to try and prove how much we don’t need guns. You look like idiots when you do it and all you really do is put a spotlight on your lack of experience and knowledge about guns.
Let’s look at some guns that have been actually used by the military.
The Browning Hi Power was actually the most commonly issued sidearm going by the sheer number of adopters. Canada, the UK, Belgium and more than 50 other nations selected the Hi Power for their standard issue military pistol.
Even the Smith & Wesson Airweight J-frame revolver was issued in limited numbers, to some pilots in the Vietnam War and beyond.
The Smith & Wesson Model 10, a K-frame .38 Special, was issued to personnel on guard duty in the US armed forces (on a limited basis, but widely enough) from the Second World War all the way into Desert Storm. Additionally, the Model 10 was the service revolver of several dozen countries, even into the late 20th century
The Beretta M9 or the 92FS as you may know it, was the US military’s standard sidearm for over a generation until just recently. It’s also widely owned by millions of civilians and is one of the more popular semi-automatic handguns on the market.
Two of the most popular bolt action rifles in the world have seen extensive military service.
During the Vietnam War, a number of pre-64 Winchester Model 70 rifles were issued to Marine Corps snipers, Carlos Hathcock being a famous example. These rifles had been gone over by the Marine Corps armory, of course, but were still production rifles.
That conflict also saw deployment of the Remington Model 700 bolt action rifle, known by the military as the M24. It’s served in sniper roles from Viet Nam conflict into the Operation Enduring Freedom, albeit with modifications by the US Army and US Marine Corps as those branches saw fit. Both branches are in the process of switching to a new sniper rifle platform, but both are still based, oddly enough, on the 700’s action.
The classic 1911 remains one of the most popular handguns on the civilian market. John Moses Browning’s design saw military duty from 1911 until just a few years ago when the last special operations unit still using the 1911 moved to the Glock 19.
Everything from the Colt pocket hammerless to the Glock 17 has been issued and used by our military in war time. So just like the gun grabbers’ favorite label, “assault rifle,” the term “military grade” doesn’t really mean anything at all since it could technically apply to almost any firearm in civilian use.
The media and politicians revert to using the word “military” as a scare tactic. I understand their position and I could respect it if they would only stop lying! An informed argument would be a nice start. All that has to be done is to talk with a liberal gun expert. The problem that they have is that there are not many of them around. So they resort to petty, pathetic “experts”. Serving in combat or in the military does not make you knowledgeable about guns. Only a few guns. If someone sees combat right now they will have a good knowledge of the M4. But maybe little or possibly no experience in a lever action gun. I have trained many military and law enforcement members that had very limited experience and knowledge of guns. Some of them were downright dangerous even having been taught safety. I was enlisted in the military. I have known many great officers. But I’ve also thrown some officers off my range! Looking for a gun “expert” is still not that hard. Instructors and competitors is a good place to start. Some competitors only know their competition weapons, but many like guns and have a great knowledge of them. I’ve met some instructors that I was not very impressed with, but I can say that they knew guns. Being a General and in the Army for 37 years will not make you a gun expert. Many officers pick up a gun only when they have to qualify.
So please, politicians, I know this is a lot to ask but can you be honest? Can you write laws that have real words in them? Can you stop the ambiguity and be honest about what you want to ban? If you want to ban all guns just say so. Don’t try to come across as someone only interested in one thing when you are actually trying to do something else. At least Francis Beto was clear about what he wanted to do! You can’t be appealing to every American. It’s not possible! Stop using words like “good sense gun laws”. Be specific and clear. Your good sense and mine are different things. I know I’m probably wasting my time but can the media stop being biased? I know you think you’re not but you clearly are. You are supposed to report the news. Not tell me what I should think or worse, come off as an expert and tell me what to believe. I do not believe mainstream media. I’m not concerned with which one you lean toward, they are all hacks. I may see a faint glimmer of journalistic integrity once in a while but usually it’s crap. Usually it has an agenda behind it. Why? What’s wrong with telling me the news or at least giving both sides of an issue. I don’t believe you can do it but I implore you to try.
As a consumer be extremely dubious about everything you hear and see on the news and internet. Find good sources for news. It’s tough so good luck. Hold the media to a high standard. I can hardly stand any of them! But I don’t want them to stop because I believe in the first amendment. I just want them to die. I’m kidding of course, but that is what free speech is all about.
I guess this post is “military grade!”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Correction from reader comment
Anonymous said:
"Just to let you know, this sentence is wrong,
'You must be licensed and adhere to regulations concerning select-fire and automatic guns.'
You do not need a license to purchase a Class 3 firearm. If you are a SOT, then you do need to have certain criteria from the government to make machine guns.
However, a person can purchase a full auto firearm, machine gun, by passing a background check and then submitting the requested paperwork. No need for a license." The FFL (Federal Firearms License) must be a SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer)
Thank you. Whoever commented on that is correct, to own a fully automatic weapon requires a tax stamp and a background check. The gun is registered and must be a legal machine gun. (Pre 1986 made guns) You also must not be a prohibited person (felon, drug user, mentally stable, there are other criteria and ways to be prohibited)
If you really want to know all the details about NFA firearms, buying, selling, possessing, see the ATF's website:
www.atf.gov
This is why I say to research your questions and don't rely on one source online. I did not intend to mislead, but I did. Find good sources on the internet!
Currently there are over 300 gun laws in this country (20,000 if you include local laws and laws that are redundant)
A study from the Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy counts only 300 "relevant federal and state laws regarding the manufacture, design, sale, purchase, or possession of guns." The key word is "relevant."
If you can trust the Brookings Institution and their studies.
Even Canada is getting in on the action. May 1 Canada has banned about 1500 different guns. Even their law reads “military grade assault weapons”. I thought laws were legal, professional documents. The words “military grade assault weapons” have no definition. I guess they interpret to “whatever guns we don’t like, even though we know nothing about guns.” And what the heck is “high capacity?” My gas tank takes a high capacity of fuel. How many gallons is that? I’ve never seen such nincompoops writing laws. Throw in some vague, non-words. Or better yet, let’s make up words.
I’m also very tired of the mainstream media with their biased, liberal view of defense and guns finding these ridiculous ex Generals or soldiers who have problems with guns to speak as if they know what they are talking about. CNN did a video of an ex Army General shooting an AR-15 and telling me I don’t need such a weapon. I watched him shoot this gun like I’ve watched many first time shooters in my many years as a gun instructor. CNN says he knows all about the gun he’s shooting where clearly, he does not. Just because he served in the Army for 37 years doesn’t mean much. He probably qualified on an M-16 before the M4 was issued! When he shoots in the video he does not shoulder the gun correctly and the way he aims looks like he’s never held a rifle in his life! But he’s going to tell me all about what I need and don’t need. I was reading an article by a returned infantry soldier who is clearly suffering from PTSD. He talks about being back and reaching for his weapon in his vehicle or when he is startled. He wants nothing to do with an AR. I suffer from PTSD and have no physiological training, but even I can recognize the signs that the guy needs help! Yet because of his traumatic experiences he wants nothing to do with guns. I get it. I’ve got several combat vet friends that want nothing to do with a gun ever again. I have many that are still involved with guns. So I wish the media would stop traipsing inexperienced Generals and PTSD soldiers, and frightened reporters in front of us to try and prove how much we don’t need guns. You look like idiots when you do it and all you really do is put a spotlight on your lack of experience and knowledge about guns.
Let’s look at some guns that have been actually used by the military.
The Browning Hi Power was actually the most commonly issued sidearm going by the sheer number of adopters. Canada, the UK, Belgium and more than 50 other nations selected the Hi Power for their standard issue military pistol.
Even the Smith & Wesson Airweight J-frame revolver was issued in limited numbers, to some pilots in the Vietnam War and beyond.
The Smith & Wesson Model 10, a K-frame .38 Special, was issued to personnel on guard duty in the US armed forces (on a limited basis, but widely enough) from the Second World War all the way into Desert Storm. Additionally, the Model 10 was the service revolver of several dozen countries, even into the late 20th century
The Beretta M9 or the 92FS as you may know it, was the US military’s standard sidearm for over a generation until just recently. It’s also widely owned by millions of civilians and is one of the more popular semi-automatic handguns on the market.
Two of the most popular bolt action rifles in the world have seen extensive military service.
During the Vietnam War, a number of pre-64 Winchester Model 70 rifles were issued to Marine Corps snipers, Carlos Hathcock being a famous example. These rifles had been gone over by the Marine Corps armory, of course, but were still production rifles.
That conflict also saw deployment of the Remington Model 700 bolt action rifle, known by the military as the M24. It’s served in sniper roles from Viet Nam conflict into the Operation Enduring Freedom, albeit with modifications by the US Army and US Marine Corps as those branches saw fit. Both branches are in the process of switching to a new sniper rifle platform, but both are still based, oddly enough, on the 700’s action.
The classic 1911 remains one of the most popular handguns on the civilian market. John Moses Browning’s design saw military duty from 1911 until just a few years ago when the last special operations unit still using the 1911 moved to the Glock 19.
Everything from the Colt pocket hammerless to the Glock 17 has been issued and used by our military in war time. So just like the gun grabbers’ favorite label, “assault rifle,” the term “military grade” doesn’t really mean anything at all since it could technically apply to almost any firearm in civilian use.
The media and politicians revert to using the word “military” as a scare tactic. I understand their position and I could respect it if they would only stop lying! An informed argument would be a nice start. All that has to be done is to talk with a liberal gun expert. The problem that they have is that there are not many of them around. So they resort to petty, pathetic “experts”. Serving in combat or in the military does not make you knowledgeable about guns. Only a few guns. If someone sees combat right now they will have a good knowledge of the M4. But maybe little or possibly no experience in a lever action gun. I have trained many military and law enforcement members that had very limited experience and knowledge of guns. Some of them were downright dangerous even having been taught safety. I was enlisted in the military. I have known many great officers. But I’ve also thrown some officers off my range! Looking for a gun “expert” is still not that hard. Instructors and competitors is a good place to start. Some competitors only know their competition weapons, but many like guns and have a great knowledge of them. I’ve met some instructors that I was not very impressed with, but I can say that they knew guns. Being a General and in the Army for 37 years will not make you a gun expert. Many officers pick up a gun only when they have to qualify.
So please, politicians, I know this is a lot to ask but can you be honest? Can you write laws that have real words in them? Can you stop the ambiguity and be honest about what you want to ban? If you want to ban all guns just say so. Don’t try to come across as someone only interested in one thing when you are actually trying to do something else. At least Francis Beto was clear about what he wanted to do! You can’t be appealing to every American. It’s not possible! Stop using words like “good sense gun laws”. Be specific and clear. Your good sense and mine are different things. I know I’m probably wasting my time but can the media stop being biased? I know you think you’re not but you clearly are. You are supposed to report the news. Not tell me what I should think or worse, come off as an expert and tell me what to believe. I do not believe mainstream media. I’m not concerned with which one you lean toward, they are all hacks. I may see a faint glimmer of journalistic integrity once in a while but usually it’s crap. Usually it has an agenda behind it. Why? What’s wrong with telling me the news or at least giving both sides of an issue. I don’t believe you can do it but I implore you to try.
As a consumer be extremely dubious about everything you hear and see on the news and internet. Find good sources for news. It’s tough so good luck. Hold the media to a high standard. I can hardly stand any of them! But I don’t want them to stop because I believe in the first amendment. I just want them to die. I’m kidding of course, but that is what free speech is all about.
I guess this post is “military grade!”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Correction from reader comment
Anonymous said:
"Just to let you know, this sentence is wrong,
'You must be licensed and adhere to regulations concerning select-fire and automatic guns.'
You do not need a license to purchase a Class 3 firearm. If you are a SOT, then you do need to have certain criteria from the government to make machine guns.
However, a person can purchase a full auto firearm, machine gun, by passing a background check and then submitting the requested paperwork. No need for a license." The FFL (Federal Firearms License) must be a SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer)
Thank you. Whoever commented on that is correct, to own a fully automatic weapon requires a tax stamp and a background check. The gun is registered and must be a legal machine gun. (Pre 1986 made guns) You also must not be a prohibited person (felon, drug user, mentally stable, there are other criteria and ways to be prohibited)
If you really want to know all the details about NFA firearms, buying, selling, possessing, see the ATF's website:
www.atf.gov
This is why I say to research your questions and don't rely on one source online. I did not intend to mislead, but I did. Find good sources on the internet!
I Stand Accused! (But I'm Not Very Upset By It)
I’ve been accused! I’ve been tied to several fringe LDS “organizations” because of my politics and my penchant toward violence. Well, let one of them say that to my face, I’ll fillet… wait maybe they’re right.
All of the above was said in jest. Someone or maybe several someones, have put me on the same page as so called “Mormon Militants.” Because of my hero Porter Rockwell (I have some other heroes, my Dad, Bruce R McConkie) and my love of guns I am now a part of #DezNat. I had never heard of Deseret Nation (They say it’s like “Red Sox Nation”) before being accused of being part of them. I’m not much for Twitter so I’m not surprised I didn’t completely understand #Twitterstake, antimo, exmo, or progmo. Now I’m up to speed. Back in June (June 18, 2019) I wrote an article about bringing back Danites. I guess that coupled with some of the other things I mentioned above put me on the fringe of “violent” members of the Church. Let me set a few things straight right here and now.
I am a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I am and have always been an active, recommend holder in the Church.
My calling at the moment is as a representative of the Church in a Presidency form.
My “violent” state is from my years in the military and from combat.
I do not think that violence should be our first, second, or third choice. But only in defense.
Because of my military experience I have a dark sense of humor that I try to keep in check.
I do not believe in breaking the law or Church policy. (Though on occasion I think I’ve broken both)
I do not belong to a militia.
I feel that doing evil in secret, including violence, is tantamount to a secret combination.
I sustain our Prophet and the Brethren as God’s mouthpiece.
I have strong personal feelings about homosexual and like behavior that I deem my private opinion. But I do not agree with ostracizing anyone and there is a place for everyone in this Church. Although, I do not believe doctrine should be, or will be, changed to make someone feel better.
I do believe that many ex-members of this Church are bent on destroying it. I am a defender of it!
I am too “in your face” and “close and engage” and am trying to keep that in check.
I am also not so dedicated to the internet that I would trade my blog for my membership. If I get out of hand and am asked to stop, I will. I am not a Kate Kelly or a Sam Young.
I am devoted to my family. God, Family, Country, in that order.
I suffer from PTSD but am dealing with it. It has never controlled me and it does not define me.
I took an oath to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I take that oath seriously.
I do not belong to a political party though I know I am Conservative.
I do not trust my government (I have been part of what I see them capable of) or the media (they lie, lie, lie!) But I have been in enough other countries to know that our government, while imperfect, is the best thing out there.
I also believe that happiness is zero at fifty.
Here is an explanation of the #DezNat hashtag by its creator. I tend to believe him.
This from teancumsjavelin.com
“ By J.P. Bellum 1 year ago
A user guide for the Faithful Latter-day Saint wading through Twitter and the purpose of #DezNat
Upon logging onto Twitter for the first time a faithful member of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ is faced with a world of decisions. You have almost direct access to anyone in the world provided they also have a Twitter account. You might follow some of your favorite sports teams, your favorite actors, maybe some political leaders you side with, and of course, you’d follow the official Twitter account of Russell M. Nelson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then as you begin on this journey through social media you notice hashtags that fellow saints use to make their thoughts and opinions more accessible.
Twitter’s algorithm accounts for the tweets you “like” and retweet and begins to make suggestions for new people you could follow. You like being part of a worldwide community of Saints, so you follow them. But then you notice something: not all of the voices you hear online in the church are saying the same thing. Some are disagreeing, and even worse, some are attacking the church and its leaders. Politics has been infused with the religious and devotional conversation on Latter-day Saint Twitter. People are taking stances against the doctrine and the Brethren leading the church, and murmuring is creeping in everywhere. You think to yourself, “Is this what everyone else thinks? Am I alone in my devotion to the principles of the gospel? Why are those most vocal against the Church getting the most likes and retweets?” You are then faced with a choice: you either adjust your testimony to fit in with the great and spacious criticism of the church online or you give up on that part of social media forever as lost to the Enemy. To the faithful still on Twitter, you were the reinforcements that never arrived
#DezNat
I was at that very crossroads in August of 2018. Something had to be done or I had to leave Twitter. As is usually the case sometimes we have to look backward to go forward. Deseret was the answer. When the Saints fled Nauvoo and eventually found their way to the Salt Lake Valley, they established a government and political boundary. They called it Deseret and used the beehive as its symbol. Their bid to become a state was rejected multiple times and the name Utah was given to them. Deseret was what could have been if the federal government had left the church, lead by Brigham Young, to rule themselves. It was to be a safe haven for members of the church and fellow believers in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. All were welcome as long as they recognized God’s authority and were willing to work together to build the Kingdom of God. This was my inspiration to start a new hashtag that would be welcoming to all who were willing to build the kingdom and defend the church and its leaders online.
Before Twitter expanded the length of its tweets to 240 characters, hashtags had to be compact and succinct. Deseret Nation was shortened to “Dez,” as we all pronounce the “s” in Deseret as a “z,” and “Nat” for Nation. I was proud of my own pioneer heritage and wanted to honor them building a civilization in a difficult part of the national geography just as those who use the tag today are building an online community in a very hostile environment.
So, in August 2018, I began simply by sharing quotes, scriptures, pictures, and opinions supportive of the church, its leaders, and the Family Proclamation. It started slow, but as more and more noticed that I was supportive of the church and not backing down from defending it, #DezNat started to catch on and I noticed not only by other faithful members but by some of the Church’s largest detractors
Bowie Knives
A major part of #DezNat is being unapologetic about supporting the church and following the prophets. This means supporting and sustaining even past prophets who may not be seen as politically correct looking through our modern lenses, most notably applying to Brigham Young. Much has been written and said about Brother Brigham to discredit him, and thereby, the Church. #DezNat would stand firm on supporting him and all of Joseph Smith’s successors in this dispensation. One particularly famous speech Brigham Young gave involved him reportedly unsheathing a large Bowie knife and placing it on the pulpit, theatrically threatening all apostates who were harassing the church and its members to leave the territory or be driven out. This story is often used by church opponents to show how Brigham Young was “a terrible man bent on violently enforcing his dictatorial power in his oppressive theocratic regime.” Some users of the hashtag, including me, used this story in memes and jokes in order to show how absurd the church’s detractors were and how unafraid we were to embrace our history, even the ugly parts. The Bowie knife became a symbol of #DezNat. Those harassing the church and its members on Twitter would not be met with weakness and apologies. Memes have become a common language on a platform where words are limited, so this has been a tactic employed to quickly and boldly state our positions. Not all memes are funny and not all memes are to be taken seriously
ProgMos
One of the biggest opponents to the new hashtag are those who have self-identified as “Progressive Mormons” (ProgMo for Twitter utility). These are individuals who seem to have placed a greater emphasis on changing the church to fit their political ideology rather than framing their politics according to their religious beliefs. These are individuals who think The Family: A Proclamation to the World is a hateful and harmful document. ProgMos preach that the Church is racist, sexist, and homophobic and should “get on the right side of history.” ProgMos want the worthiness standards for temple attendance relaxed and desire the doctrine be shifted to allow for abortion. They often claim to have received revelation contrary to what the church currently teaches in order to justify their doctrinal heresies.
Seeing all this as a believing Latter-day Saint and Twitter user is shocking and disheartening, doubly so when it’s done by popular blogs and local lay church leaders looking for a larger “flock” on Twitter. Rather than building each other up and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed to us through His prophets they are tearing down the Church and creating one in their own permissive political image.
Following the Prophet
#DezNat may not be to everyone’s taste. Those who use the hashtag can be combative, rude, crass, aggressive, even mean. However, one thing you will never have to worry about with #DezNat is that when the prophet speaks, we listen, and when he directs, we obey. We’ve been called Danites (this topic deserves its own blog post) and worse, but the truth of the matter is if we were asked to cease, we would do so immediately. There are many ways to use the tag. I still post quotes and scriptures that have fortified my faith and strengthened my testimony and I invite all who want to use the tag to support the Church and the Brethren to use it to share their faith on Twitter and elsewhere.
More than anything, #DezNat is a banner waving in the midst of a battle. The battlefield is Twitter and beyond and #DezNat was created for the purpose of being a rallying point and a symbol to the faithful and unapologetic and for those who are firm in the faith and are still out there fighting for what we believe to be right.
tl;dr
#DezNat is not a movement, it is not political (especially not alt-right), racial, national, or sexual. It is simply a hashtag used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are unapologetic about their belief in the restored Gospel, Christ as our Savior, Joseph Smith as the prophet of the Restoration, and Russell M Nelson as God’s current prophet, seer, and revelator on the earth today.
• We do not agitate for change within the Church but anxiously seek to submit our wills to that of the Lord — as revealed through His proper channels and authorities.
• We believe in and support The Family: A Proclamation to the World and recognize the family as the foundation of both earthly and celestial civilization.
• We are not limited by a one-dimensional, overly simplistic view of a Christ who teaches that only unconditional acceptance is true love. We know that Christ was both the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the “meek and lowly lamb” of the New. When He returns, we will see and know Him in all His power and glory.
• Those who use the hashtag will and do vary in our personalities, countries of origin, views of the world, family situations, goals, and ambitions — and we all gladly place any other desire or belief at the feet of the Lord.
While the questions, conditions, and problems of the world may be myriad, our response is simple — we follow the prophet.
Supplemental Reading:
• “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” -Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, April 2015.
• “A Defense and a Refuge” -President Boyd K. Packer, October 2006.
• “Yes, We Can and Will Win!” -Elder Ulisses Soares, April 2015
• “Where Do We Stand?” -Elder Mark E. Peterson, April 1980
JP Bellum is the founder of the #DezNat hashtag and is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can follow him on Twitter @jpbellum.”
Some of what I have said above is echoed in JP Bellum’s explanation of what #DezNat is. So I guess I can see why I have been equated with the hashtag. Although I agree with some of this I am not affiliated with this hashtag or anything like unto it. I am also not a militant Mormon. Sometimes my aggressive attitude might be considered militant at times, but really, I’m a marshmallow with a 9mm. Label me what you will. I may seem aggressive but it’s nothing more than poking the bear. I won’t attack unless provoked. I believe in a strong defense. Then again, I also believe that the world and life is cruel and you can wring your hands in “wo is me” or you can “suck it up cupcake!” I prefer the latter. I also think that we can be kind but not a push over. Being firm is often mistaken for militant by people who have a hard time with hard things. Safe places are for those that get hurt at every turn. We create our own safe places. I call them “green zones”.
Maybe some movements, organizations, or hashtags may seem to agree with my politics or ideology, but I only belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am a citizen of this great country. I am a husband, a father, a grand-father, a father-in-law, a son, a veteran, and a priesthood holder. I do my best to live as a follower of Christ though I know I fall short.
I hope this post may explain some of my beliefs and a little of who I am. I guess I felt threatened or something. When things go down I don’t want to be remembered as someone who is on the fringe of the Church but smack dab in the middle of it!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
All of the above was said in jest. Someone or maybe several someones, have put me on the same page as so called “Mormon Militants.” Because of my hero Porter Rockwell (I have some other heroes, my Dad, Bruce R McConkie) and my love of guns I am now a part of #DezNat. I had never heard of Deseret Nation (They say it’s like “Red Sox Nation”) before being accused of being part of them. I’m not much for Twitter so I’m not surprised I didn’t completely understand #Twitterstake, antimo, exmo, or progmo. Now I’m up to speed. Back in June (June 18, 2019) I wrote an article about bringing back Danites. I guess that coupled with some of the other things I mentioned above put me on the fringe of “violent” members of the Church. Let me set a few things straight right here and now.
I am a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I am and have always been an active, recommend holder in the Church.
My calling at the moment is as a representative of the Church in a Presidency form.
My “violent” state is from my years in the military and from combat.
I do not think that violence should be our first, second, or third choice. But only in defense.
Because of my military experience I have a dark sense of humor that I try to keep in check.
I do not believe in breaking the law or Church policy. (Though on occasion I think I’ve broken both)
I do not belong to a militia.
I feel that doing evil in secret, including violence, is tantamount to a secret combination.
I sustain our Prophet and the Brethren as God’s mouthpiece.
I have strong personal feelings about homosexual and like behavior that I deem my private opinion. But I do not agree with ostracizing anyone and there is a place for everyone in this Church. Although, I do not believe doctrine should be, or will be, changed to make someone feel better.
I do believe that many ex-members of this Church are bent on destroying it. I am a defender of it!
I am too “in your face” and “close and engage” and am trying to keep that in check.
I am also not so dedicated to the internet that I would trade my blog for my membership. If I get out of hand and am asked to stop, I will. I am not a Kate Kelly or a Sam Young.
I am devoted to my family. God, Family, Country, in that order.
I suffer from PTSD but am dealing with it. It has never controlled me and it does not define me.
I took an oath to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I take that oath seriously.
I do not belong to a political party though I know I am Conservative.
I do not trust my government (I have been part of what I see them capable of) or the media (they lie, lie, lie!) But I have been in enough other countries to know that our government, while imperfect, is the best thing out there.
I also believe that happiness is zero at fifty.
Here is an explanation of the #DezNat hashtag by its creator. I tend to believe him.
This from teancumsjavelin.com
“ By J.P. Bellum 1 year ago
A user guide for the Faithful Latter-day Saint wading through Twitter and the purpose of #DezNat
Upon logging onto Twitter for the first time a faithful member of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ is faced with a world of decisions. You have almost direct access to anyone in the world provided they also have a Twitter account. You might follow some of your favorite sports teams, your favorite actors, maybe some political leaders you side with, and of course, you’d follow the official Twitter account of Russell M. Nelson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then as you begin on this journey through social media you notice hashtags that fellow saints use to make their thoughts and opinions more accessible.
Twitter’s algorithm accounts for the tweets you “like” and retweet and begins to make suggestions for new people you could follow. You like being part of a worldwide community of Saints, so you follow them. But then you notice something: not all of the voices you hear online in the church are saying the same thing. Some are disagreeing, and even worse, some are attacking the church and its leaders. Politics has been infused with the religious and devotional conversation on Latter-day Saint Twitter. People are taking stances against the doctrine and the Brethren leading the church, and murmuring is creeping in everywhere. You think to yourself, “Is this what everyone else thinks? Am I alone in my devotion to the principles of the gospel? Why are those most vocal against the Church getting the most likes and retweets?” You are then faced with a choice: you either adjust your testimony to fit in with the great and spacious criticism of the church online or you give up on that part of social media forever as lost to the Enemy. To the faithful still on Twitter, you were the reinforcements that never arrived
#DezNat
I was at that very crossroads in August of 2018. Something had to be done or I had to leave Twitter. As is usually the case sometimes we have to look backward to go forward. Deseret was the answer. When the Saints fled Nauvoo and eventually found their way to the Salt Lake Valley, they established a government and political boundary. They called it Deseret and used the beehive as its symbol. Their bid to become a state was rejected multiple times and the name Utah was given to them. Deseret was what could have been if the federal government had left the church, lead by Brigham Young, to rule themselves. It was to be a safe haven for members of the church and fellow believers in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. All were welcome as long as they recognized God’s authority and were willing to work together to build the Kingdom of God. This was my inspiration to start a new hashtag that would be welcoming to all who were willing to build the kingdom and defend the church and its leaders online.
Before Twitter expanded the length of its tweets to 240 characters, hashtags had to be compact and succinct. Deseret Nation was shortened to “Dez,” as we all pronounce the “s” in Deseret as a “z,” and “Nat” for Nation. I was proud of my own pioneer heritage and wanted to honor them building a civilization in a difficult part of the national geography just as those who use the tag today are building an online community in a very hostile environment.
So, in August 2018, I began simply by sharing quotes, scriptures, pictures, and opinions supportive of the church, its leaders, and the Family Proclamation. It started slow, but as more and more noticed that I was supportive of the church and not backing down from defending it, #DezNat started to catch on and I noticed not only by other faithful members but by some of the Church’s largest detractors
Bowie Knives
A major part of #DezNat is being unapologetic about supporting the church and following the prophets. This means supporting and sustaining even past prophets who may not be seen as politically correct looking through our modern lenses, most notably applying to Brigham Young. Much has been written and said about Brother Brigham to discredit him, and thereby, the Church. #DezNat would stand firm on supporting him and all of Joseph Smith’s successors in this dispensation. One particularly famous speech Brigham Young gave involved him reportedly unsheathing a large Bowie knife and placing it on the pulpit, theatrically threatening all apostates who were harassing the church and its members to leave the territory or be driven out. This story is often used by church opponents to show how Brigham Young was “a terrible man bent on violently enforcing his dictatorial power in his oppressive theocratic regime.” Some users of the hashtag, including me, used this story in memes and jokes in order to show how absurd the church’s detractors were and how unafraid we were to embrace our history, even the ugly parts. The Bowie knife became a symbol of #DezNat. Those harassing the church and its members on Twitter would not be met with weakness and apologies. Memes have become a common language on a platform where words are limited, so this has been a tactic employed to quickly and boldly state our positions. Not all memes are funny and not all memes are to be taken seriously
ProgMos
One of the biggest opponents to the new hashtag are those who have self-identified as “Progressive Mormons” (ProgMo for Twitter utility). These are individuals who seem to have placed a greater emphasis on changing the church to fit their political ideology rather than framing their politics according to their religious beliefs. These are individuals who think The Family: A Proclamation to the World is a hateful and harmful document. ProgMos preach that the Church is racist, sexist, and homophobic and should “get on the right side of history.” ProgMos want the worthiness standards for temple attendance relaxed and desire the doctrine be shifted to allow for abortion. They often claim to have received revelation contrary to what the church currently teaches in order to justify their doctrinal heresies.
Seeing all this as a believing Latter-day Saint and Twitter user is shocking and disheartening, doubly so when it’s done by popular blogs and local lay church leaders looking for a larger “flock” on Twitter. Rather than building each other up and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed to us through His prophets they are tearing down the Church and creating one in their own permissive political image.
Following the Prophet
#DezNat may not be to everyone’s taste. Those who use the hashtag can be combative, rude, crass, aggressive, even mean. However, one thing you will never have to worry about with #DezNat is that when the prophet speaks, we listen, and when he directs, we obey. We’ve been called Danites (this topic deserves its own blog post) and worse, but the truth of the matter is if we were asked to cease, we would do so immediately. There are many ways to use the tag. I still post quotes and scriptures that have fortified my faith and strengthened my testimony and I invite all who want to use the tag to support the Church and the Brethren to use it to share their faith on Twitter and elsewhere.
More than anything, #DezNat is a banner waving in the midst of a battle. The battlefield is Twitter and beyond and #DezNat was created for the purpose of being a rallying point and a symbol to the faithful and unapologetic and for those who are firm in the faith and are still out there fighting for what we believe to be right.
tl;dr
#DezNat is not a movement, it is not political (especially not alt-right), racial, national, or sexual. It is simply a hashtag used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are unapologetic about their belief in the restored Gospel, Christ as our Savior, Joseph Smith as the prophet of the Restoration, and Russell M Nelson as God’s current prophet, seer, and revelator on the earth today.
• We do not agitate for change within the Church but anxiously seek to submit our wills to that of the Lord — as revealed through His proper channels and authorities.
• We believe in and support The Family: A Proclamation to the World and recognize the family as the foundation of both earthly and celestial civilization.
• We are not limited by a one-dimensional, overly simplistic view of a Christ who teaches that only unconditional acceptance is true love. We know that Christ was both the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the “meek and lowly lamb” of the New. When He returns, we will see and know Him in all His power and glory.
• Those who use the hashtag will and do vary in our personalities, countries of origin, views of the world, family situations, goals, and ambitions — and we all gladly place any other desire or belief at the feet of the Lord.
While the questions, conditions, and problems of the world may be myriad, our response is simple — we follow the prophet.
Supplemental Reading:
• “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” -Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, April 2015.
• “A Defense and a Refuge” -President Boyd K. Packer, October 2006.
• “Yes, We Can and Will Win!” -Elder Ulisses Soares, April 2015
• “Where Do We Stand?” -Elder Mark E. Peterson, April 1980
JP Bellum is the founder of the #DezNat hashtag and is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can follow him on Twitter @jpbellum.”
Some of what I have said above is echoed in JP Bellum’s explanation of what #DezNat is. So I guess I can see why I have been equated with the hashtag. Although I agree with some of this I am not affiliated with this hashtag or anything like unto it. I am also not a militant Mormon. Sometimes my aggressive attitude might be considered militant at times, but really, I’m a marshmallow with a 9mm. Label me what you will. I may seem aggressive but it’s nothing more than poking the bear. I won’t attack unless provoked. I believe in a strong defense. Then again, I also believe that the world and life is cruel and you can wring your hands in “wo is me” or you can “suck it up cupcake!” I prefer the latter. I also think that we can be kind but not a push over. Being firm is often mistaken for militant by people who have a hard time with hard things. Safe places are for those that get hurt at every turn. We create our own safe places. I call them “green zones”.
Maybe some movements, organizations, or hashtags may seem to agree with my politics or ideology, but I only belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am a citizen of this great country. I am a husband, a father, a grand-father, a father-in-law, a son, a veteran, and a priesthood holder. I do my best to live as a follower of Christ though I know I fall short.
I hope this post may explain some of my beliefs and a little of who I am. I guess I felt threatened or something. When things go down I don’t want to be remembered as someone who is on the fringe of the Church but smack dab in the middle of it!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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