Gun Terms and Not Sounding Like A Idiot

 I am tired of this complaint.  It is probably a waste of time because “journalists” don’t seem to care.  At the risk of this turning into a rant let me speak of reporters, or anyone else, speaking or reporting on gun issues. If you want to be taken seriously, do your homework and speak intelligently.

I don’t know anything about giving a hair permanent. I’m sure a beautician can set me straight. The point is, if I am going to whine and complain about the smell of a permanent (which by the way is NOT permanent…) then I should have an idea about the proper terms. I do not know what I’m talking about, so I don’t think I should put in my 2 cents. I guess I could, we still have free speech in this country. But I shouldn’t be expected to be taken seriously by the beautician world if I don’t know the difference between a rod and a curler. (Which I don’t really..)
The gun world has some specific terms that someone trying to talk intelligently about, should learn.
Bullets and Cartridges
Ammunition, or cartridges, is what you shoot. Case, bullet, propellant, and primer. Often “bullet” is used when it’s intended as cartridge. In some circles it’s called a round. Don’t make that mistake if you want to be taken seriously. Those that do know will completely discount your opinion if you don’t speak, or write, like you know what you’re talking about. I know, it’s a real picky thing. I think it’s important though. Everyone can make a mistake but don’t scoff when the opposition corrects you. Get it right if you want to give an argument.
Magazines and Clips
Guns and the way they are fed are another issue. A magazine feeds a weapon, a clip feeds a magazine. I don’t really get all uptight if the wrong term is used, unless you are trying to speak or write with authority. Please don’t bother without at least giving an effort to correct verbiage.  I’ve seen gun people get this wrong!
Assault Rifle and Semi-automatic Rifle
Know that “assault rifle” is a vague and unofficial term. The term was used by the military occasionally in the 40’s and 50’s but then really was not used until the media decided all AK and AR variants were dubbed assault weapons. I carried an assault rifle in the military; it was a CAR-15. Often, they are referred to as automatic in the civilian world. Civilian versions of these guns will always be in semi-automatic. To own a fully automatic weapon you must purchase a $200 tax stamp for each weapon. The NFA (National Firearms Act) closed that registry in 1986 so if you wanted to buy an automatic weapon, you would have to go through a Class III Federal Firearm License (FFL). Because of this, automatic weapons are very high in price and can be bought only from a Class III dealer. Just remember, automatic and machine gun are terms that are the same. By the way, machine guns are legal in most states.
Other terms are:
Accuracy and Precision
Accuracy is a measurement of a person’s ability to hit where they are aiming consistently. Precision is how small those groups of shots are.
Suppressor and Silencer
Many experts believe that silencer has no correct usage. Suppressors moderate escaping gases, greatly reducing but not eliminating noise. Suppressors are legal to own if you go through the process. I don’t think that a silencer actually exists but the ATF uses the word.
Extractor and Ejector
This is not as common as some of those above, but it pops up every now and then. Just remember that an extractor extracts a spent case from the barrel. The next step is to get rid of (eject) the empty case. That would be the job of the ejector.
Cartridge and Case
The cartridge is a fully put together round. The case is a component of the cartridge. The case holds everything together. The bullet, the primer, and the propellant is in the case. Sometimes the case is called the shell. In shotgun shooting the cartridge is a shotshell, sometimes referred to as a shell, the whole cartridge. Shotshells consist of the case or hull, the primer, the propellant, the wad, and the shot or slug. This seems a little confusing because shotshells are often referred to as shotgun shells.
There are other gun terms that should be straight to not sound like an idiot.
The words “high caliber” doesn’t mean anything.  Those that no nothing about guns think the scary black rifles take a large caliber bullet.  They don't understand caliber.

And what the heck is "High capacity?"  If you bought a car that took 20 gallons of gas would that be considered high capacity?  A 30-round magazine takes 30 rounds.  If that's high capacity, then what's low capacity?  No one knows but certainly politicians and the media aren't the ones to decide.  They don't know the difference between a magazine and clip!
The NRA (National Rifle Association) is not the gun industry lobby. That would be the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Ammunition in a burning building is no danger to firefighters. Without a chamber and barrel, a cartridge won’t go off and shoot anywhere.
Guns are not required to be registered in most jurisdictions. So, if a gun is unregistered, that makes about as much sense as an unregistered tire iron. But the ATF does have a firearm tracing system that supposedly complies with 18 U.S.C. 926(a). Almost all the guns in this database were recovered by law enforcement not from gun sales.
I have never known an ATF agent. I know FBI agents, Customs agents, Border Patrol agents, and even a Secret Service agent. From everything I have read about the ATF, I’ve never been impressed with the agency. I hope I am wrong.
To have an intelligent conversation about guns I believe you should understand some terms. Those that don’t bother to learn are doomed to reap the whirlwind. It’s too easy to label these lazy people as idiots and move on. If you want to put across an anti-gun point, you’d better know what you’re talking about, or you’ll look like an idiot.
I hope we can all keep our terms straight so we as gun owners or gun “experts” won’t also sound like idiots.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Changing Hearts and Minds: Teaching Shooting (Repost from 15 November 2017)

Lately I've been approached at the shooting range with requests to help a shooters family member afraid or just against guns.  This old article is exactly how I have dealt with this problem and other problems that arise from someone not educated with guns.  I've done the exact same treatment with someone very anti-gun.  It doesn't change their politics, but it gives them reality based, real experience that they can share with others.  Conservatives aren't the only gun nuts out there!

Burn 

What to do if your wife (or girlfriend, significant other, spouse, mother, for this article I will use wife) doesn’t want you to protect your family with a gun?

I have been a gun guy, shooter, hunter, instructor, for many years. The other night I was a possum killer. (A possum had killed a chicken in our coop.) I like guns and they have been my passion for many, many years. A coworker bought a concealed gun and got his license a few years ago. He is former military so he has a little experience and training. His wife is also former military but is liberal in her point of view. So these two were at an impasse and it was affecting their marriage a little. He came to me and asked if I would teach his wife about guns and try to change her view of them. I said I would teach her safety, how guns work, and how to shoot a gun, but as for changing her view, that was up to her.
I’ve read stories or have seen videos where a person (usually a woman) has been taken to the range for the first time and have been treated pretty poorly by spouse/boyfriend, and instructors. I think the last thing we in the gun world should ever do is try to show off, intimidate, or scare a potential shooter. We have enough problems fighting what stupid people do with guns, what uneducated people and politicians say about guns, without ruining another person who is honestly giving shooting a try.
My experience with my co-worker and his wife went like this.
I told them to meet me at the range and I was a half hour early. I set up some simple targets, just 10 inch paper plates. I brought several handguns with me and even a rifle and shotgun.
The guns I brought were a .22 rifle and pistol, a .380 pistol, a few 9mm pistols, a .38 revolver and an AR and a 20 gage shotgun.
I had the pistols in cases in a bag and had the .22 pistol on the shooting rug. The rifles and shotgun were still in the truck.
When they first arrived we sat on some benches and just chatted. I wanted her to know this is not a high stress environment and to be at ease.
I told her a little about my experience not to brag, but to let her I knew what I was talking about.
I then talked about how I teach safety and even brought out my visual aids that I use. I told both of them the 4 safety rules:
1. All guns are always loaded
2. Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy
3. Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you have sights on the target
4. Know your target and what’s beyond that target.
I then gave my usual mini-quiz.
Me: We never point a gun at something we’re not willing to destroy because of what rule?
Answer: Number 1
Me: Correct. Why do you think it’s a good idea to know what’s in back of your target?
Answer: Because paper, cardboard, wood, and even some steel, does not stop bullets and you are responsible for every bullet that leaves your weapon.
Little questions along these lines. Throughout the “course” I continue to ask these questions pertaining to the safety rules. It helps people to know why we have the rules and helps them remember them.
I taught a mini lesson on the parts of a gun, and how to hold, and aim. Some of this was a refresher.
I then had them pick up the .22 and pointed out the controls of that particular gun. I had her load the magazine, and then load the gun, all the time reminding her of aiming techniques and safety.
She shot the .22 and was pretty good. I instructed her to press the trigger instead of slapping it. She shot several magazines and we evaluated her shooting. I then brought out the .380 and 9mm’s. We went through the same routine all the while talking about safety and her experience. I asked about her likes and dislikes. This was turning into a fun experience for her. I threw in some funny stories of experiences I’ve had teaching others and my kids. We moved up in caliber and talked about it. She asked how long I’ve carried and why I carry. I answered honestly and as best as I could. I told her about an experience I had where I used my weapon as a defense. She asked what I carried and why.
I then brought out a .22 rifle. She shot that after a little instruction. I then pulled out an AR-15. She was game to shoot anything by then and she liked the AR experience. I then pulled out the shotgun. I had a hand clay pigeon thrower and we played with that a little.
When we finished I asked her what the 4 safety rules were and she knew them. I then asked which gun she would like to carry and she picked a SKKY CPX-2. I asked her if it was because it was turquoise? I was joking and she did laugh.
I asked her if this experience ended up different than she had anticipated. She admitted that she felt different about guns now. I asked why she thought she felt that way now? She said, “Because I’ve been better educated and I had a positive experience.”
I think that this experience speaks volumes. As gun enthusiasts we need to stop being gun snobs. We need to understand that many people are not as acquainted with guns as we are and that we should patiently teach them. The more positive experiences we can give, the more people we can get who are not hysterical about guns. The more people that will be able to look at guns as tools instead of living organisms with a mind of their own.
As instructors we should be actively looking for ways to make our training less stressful, more fun, and more positive. Guns are a serious business and I’m not suggesting we sacrifice any safety but I’ve been to some courses and ranges that are like shooting in Siberia! I love shooting and enjoy it so much. Sometimes I’ve seen instructors that thought I was betraying the brotherhood of nuclear secrets club because I interjected a little humor into shooting! It’s my passion so let me enjoy it! We win friends and recruit advocates if we teach shooting to be serious but fun. Serious with safety but fun with shooting.
Let me mention jargon. I’ve served on military bases my entire adult life and I use a lot of jargon and acronyms. Shooting is similar. It has a lot of jargon that someone on the outside does not understand. I have a shirt that says “Happiness is zero at 300.” The average person doesn’t know what the heck that means! There are many things I know nothing about. I’m just as ignorant on those subjects as some are about guns. I would hope that someone would patiently teach me or at least speak in laymen’s terms for me to understand. We need to cut out that jargon when training or just taking someone to the range for the first time. There’s no need to humiliate them or to show off our expansive knowledge by using slang, jargon, and acronyms. Be clear in your instruction especially concerning safety.
Caliber is one thing that seems to be the “thing” with guys and their girlfriends at the range. Don’t hand a .44 magnum pistol or a 12 gage short barreled shotgun to a 94 pound, 5 foot 3 20 year old girl! If she wants to shoot it you shoot it first and show her. Warn her and make sure she has a good grip on the weapon and it won’t kick into her face! It’s not funny and it’s potentially a danger. Remember the girl who killed her instructor in Vegas with a full auto weapon? Now he is dead and this poor young girl is scarred for life! How stupid can you be? Gun people have no excuse. Actually most people have no excuse.
Most girls and women are better marksman right out of the box than any guy. They are easier to teach and easier to get along with as an instructor. I remember one particular guy who would not stop arguing with me. He paid for this training! I finally told him I was going to stop the course and give him his money back. He finally shut up. It’s not that he was completely wrong either. But there can only be one teacher because it’s not fair to others.
Make sure if you have not been trained as an instructor that you cover everything. Remember safety first. There are many schools of thought here. I like the Gunsite Academy rules because they are precise, short, and easy to remember. The NRA has their rules that are not bad but I feel more difficult to teach and retain when being taught. Their fundamental rules are exactly like Gunsite’s.
Get a hold of a curriculum and change it to meet your needs. If you’ve been taught you can probably teach. But not necessarily. I’ve heard many who have said that family should not teach family. Especially husband with wife. I think this is absurd. Because you are married to someone does not mean you can’t be patient, tolerant, and kind in teaching them to shoot. I think it may not be for everyone, but most couples may need to re-evaluate their communication skills if they can’t go through a session without damaging their relationship. Some men need to swallow their pride, stop trying to impress everyone, and teach without being condescending and a jerk. Our goal is to arm our spouse and make them safe, not feed our stupid egos.
The topics of a very basic course is:
Safety rules
Different guns and actions (usually a semi-auto and a revolver)
How to shoot (grip, stance, aim, recovery)
We need to change the hearts and minds of most people who are anti-gun. Most of them are not just plain stubborn and only want political gain. Most citizens understand that the police, as good and dedicated as they are, will normally not be able to be there in their time of need. I’ve heard some smugly say we don’t need defense in this day and age. These usually comes from people who have never experienced violence or live in a place where there is little violence. They are under the delusion that it can never happen to them or that it doesn’t happen in this country. That is a pretty crazy notion to most law enforcement. They know the truth about how violent the world is. It seems to be getting worse also. Trying to change people will go no where by insulting and berating them. I admit it’s tempting when they say such stupid things. “A clip should not hold more than 10 bullets.” “No one needs a machine gun.” “There are gun show loop holes.” Yes it’s easy to insult their ignorance. But we should resist and try to intelligently educate them. It’s the only way we can win the fight! (Apart from a good slap!  Kidding, of course :)
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Merry Christmas and Trying to Not Offend

In the name of Christmas and peace on earth, I repost this little ditty that I believe promotes kindness and having thicker skin.  I hope you and yours has a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, or a Happy Holiday... Not that there's anything wrong with that..

 Everyone does it. Most people don't really want to offend anyone. Sometimes we try to clarify what we mean and sometimes that comes across as being politically correct. In some ways it is.

Do you remember the Seinfeld episode called “The Outing”? In this episode George and Jerry are mistakenly viewed as being gay. As they discuss this, they deny it by saying, “We’re not Gay! …not that there’s anything wrong with that…”
Well, this is a typical person trying not to be offensive. They are being politically correct.
I think that it’s not a horrible thing to not want to be offensive. We all should be more kind. But sometimes that can be to the extreme …not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Here’s the deal. There’s a fine line between political correctness and not being offensive. I think I may have been seen as being racist or sexist at times. I don’t think that I am. I don’t want anyone to be discriminated against because of race or gender. We should give people the benefit of the doubt. But I also think that we should not be stupid with this and call everyone who may not get along with other cultures a racist. There are times when all of us have a personality clash with another person. Sometimes the foundation of that difference may have to do with a cultural difference. Often cultural differences mean a different race. If I don’t agree with “Black Lives Matters” does that make me racist if I am a different race? I don’t think it does, but many people like to throw out their race card.
Today, we’re left to deal with the dangers of our politically correct society; one where society paints good guys as bad. If you choose to carry a firearm, defend yourself, or even consider taking another human’s life to protect a loved one, you’re demonized. It’s a sad state indeed, but we’re finally reaping what we’ve sowed.
Why is this such a hard concept to grasp and why is there so much push back? My gut tells me it’s simply about control. There are many groups within our country who don’t want life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness to be extolled. Instead, they want you to fall in line and live according to their ideas. If that notion doesn’t scare the crap out of you, then you’re probably on the wrong side of this discussion.
I loved growing up as a kid, sleeping with my windows open and sometimes even the doors open. It was a great time to be a kid for sure, but today we live in a drastically different world.
It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out many crimes are targeted against defenseless or weak targets. I wonder why that is; I wonder if we could look at the animal kingdom and see a similar pattern? Could it be that the lioness is chasing after the weaker of the prey in order to guarantee a meal? If she fails to catch and kill her prey, she doesn’t eat. It really is that simple; in order to increase the chances of success, evil will choose the weaker or soft target.
A new study released by Stanford University entitled “Mass Shootings of America” or MSA has determined that most mass shootings were largely conducted in “gun free” zones. No kidding? I think I’ll fall over and die from that surprise (dripping with sarcasm). If anyone is still convinced gun free zones are safe, they’re ignorant.
“The definition of mass shooting used for the Stanford database is 3 or more shooting victims (not necessarily fatalities), not including the shooter. The shooting must not be identifiably gang or drug related. The motive typically appears to be indiscriminate killing.”
If we know they’ll more than likely target gun free zones, what can we do to help deter them from doing so? Many are quick to comment that the presence of armed, uniformed officers or security guards is enough and while I believe it’s a step in the right direction, it’s not the only solution.
Being politically correct gets people killed. I’m not advocating being racist, sexist, or just plain mean. But we should be able to speak plainly. We have been attacked by Islamic extremists. Is it too much to ask that we are careful with Muslims coming into this country? Is it too much to ask that an American Muslim do their best to show their patriotism and allegiance to the U.S.? I know this is not particularly fair, but it is reality. Black people have dealt with this unfairly for years. If you want change in this country, you must be patient. Sometimes a generation must pass away. I hope that is not the case with real change. My Grandfather fired hands on his farm in the 40’s because they were treating paid black farm hands horribly. He was from a generation where discrimination against blacks was very common, but he understood how wrong it was.
We can be this way too. We can recognize how wrong it is to profile people and to stereotype them into any type of pigeonhole. We can see people for who they are regardless of their culture or skin color. There are jerks and idiots of every color.
The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees that I can say whatever I want in this country. There is a reason that this is the first amendment of the Bill of rights. Many of the other bills are connected to this free expression. But also, you will notice that the very first thing that the forefathers of this country wanted to establish was freedom of religion. Religion was before free speech in this amendment. I think that is significant.
Everyone has an opinion. Everyone should be able to express that opinion. I feel that illegal aliens in this country should not be able to enjoy the fruits of this country. My opinion is that what part of “illegal” do we not understand? If I do something illegal, I must pay the price of that broken law. Does this make me anti-Mexican? I don’t think it does. Talk to a Border Patrol agent and he will tell you he gets just as many OTM’s (other than Mexican) trying to enter this country illegally. Immigration is not just about Mexicans. Liberal thinking sometimes makes me want to be that “ugly conservative”. Liberal views often paint anyone against typical liberal causes, like immigration, as racists. I think President Obama has perpetuated this ridicules attitude. I’m not a Donald Trump fan, but he often says things that he feels and is labeled for it. Politically correct people often paint the first amendment as something that is limited to agreeing with them. Sometimes freedom of speech is not nice. This is where I think people should be kind, not politically correct.
There is a comic strip where a black boy says to his white friend “I like being black.” The white boy says “I like being white”. The last panel is the black boy saying, “Racist!” This is how it has become. There are times when I agree with the T-shirt slogan I saw the other day:
“Politically Correct
A term used to describe whiney, overly sensitive pansies who need the big, bad, real world all sugar-coated.” There is another that I will end this article with.
“You find it offensive? I find it funny. That’s why I’m happier than you.”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Time For A Rant. I'm Fed Up!

I am fed up!  This will be a rant so if you can’t handle rants, click off.  Clearly, I’m going to talk about “wokeism” and political correctness.  But it’s more than that.  I can handle someone trying to get me to think the way they do.  That is somewhat what I do in this blog.  In some ways that is freedom of speech.  If it’s not forced on anyone, you can believe or say whatever you want.  I got shot at because others don’t agree with that freedom.  But lately I have seen a change in this freedom.  Some are forcing their beliefs and wishes on others.  Now I’m a pretty calm guy.  It takes a lot to get me riled up.  But try to force me to do anything, especially something I can’t get behind, and you’ll see the nasty me.  Compelling others is something Satan likes.  I will not comply, in fact, by trying to force me you will probably find a fierce opponent of whatever it is you’re trying to shove down my throat.  For instance, pronouns.  I’m not out to insult or offend anyone.  But if you are part of the LBGTQ lifestyle and you don’t understand that often straight people cannot distinguish between a man or a woman, but certainly not between L, B, or G, then you’re an idiot.  Also, many straight people have never been exposed to this lifestyle, and it may make them uncomfortable.  It’s not because they are haters, it’s because they have never been exposed to it!  And if you can’t understand that and can’t tolerate people acting uncomfortable, then you’re on the wrong planet!  You want the world to be tolerant of you and often you’re not tolerant of the world!  Also, when I’m confronted with someone who is in my face or angry, I don’t tend to play well with others.  This is my problem I know.  I’m generally pretty good natured but I lock and load when confronted with aggression.  If the “woke” world can’t understand this and give it their best try, then I’m not sure I can be the bigger person and tone it down.  I know that I must try, but I’ve had enough experience to know that it probably won’t go well.  It is an exposure of my frustration.  I’m fed up with a minority demanding anything of me.  I would not care if they were the majority, get in my face and I can’t guarantee my response.   I know I gave an “alphabet people” example above but it can be race or whatever is in vogue this week.   Just because I don’t agree with others doesn’t mean we can’t get along.  But if you insist on me changing my life to accommodate your life don’t get bent out of shape if I’m not interested in complying.  Like I said, I’m not offensive as my default, but I can get pretty abrasive.

I’m also fed up with those who don’t have thick skin.  If you can’t handle “name calling” then you must leave the planet.  I don’t think name calling is a very good way to communicate, and I’ve done my fair share, but these are just words.  Remember the child’s rhyme, “Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?  This is actually something that was taught to children to help them understand that words are just words.  I know that words can hurt.  But they do not physically assault!  So lay off!  Take it like an adult and chalk it up to the childishness of the name caller.  Cowboy the heck up!  Its way out of hand.  I believe in being kind.  I believe that if you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all.  But many feel it’s their duty to call others out on everything they deem wrong.  What the heck are ”hate crimes”?  I believe there are crimes that have to do with hate, but I’m not sure they are different than crime.  Most violence is connected to anger and hate.  I’m not sure anyone is happy doing violence.  If they are, there’s a whole other problem.

As long as I’m ranting, I may as well go all the way.  What happened to people?  Why can we not handle things that are hard?  I realize we are all different in the way we think and our physical make up. But this softness has to stop!  It goes along with having thick skin.  Get off the couch and go hands on.  Learn and do.  Maybe sweat a little.  Hard work is important.  Many are concerned about their self-esteem but won’t pay the price to strengthen their character.  A hard job done well can do more for someone than a year of therapy!  In this world of instant this and instant that, try sacrifice.  It too builds character.  Sacrifice your time, talents, and money.  Wait and save.  I do realize that with today’s inflation if you wait too long that thing you want to buy can double in price. Use wisdom.  We have a government that wants to soften every blow of life.  I understand that making it a little easier can be important.  But without getting into politics, government’s job is not to make my life easier.  Just as public school’s job is not to entertain, babysit, and raise our children.  Raise your children on a good work ethic.  Help them to learn to work hard and to work smart.  Help them to be an asset to this country and not just a drain on its resources.  We talk about the “greatest generation”.  This generation can be the greatest generation!  I’m greatly impressed with my son-in-law.  He is a lawyer and has worked very hard to get his education.  But he also knows how to work.  He can build and fix.  His parents taught him to work hard and fast.  His work ethic working in an oil field is the same ethic he uses in the court room.

Modern medicine is a miracle.  Today’s medical technology and knowledge is the best it has ever been.  North America, and other parts of the world, have the best doctors and medical workers ever.  But I object to how it’s all used.  I was in the military before the military used insurance.  There were hospitals and clinics on every base and post.  That has changed.  Budget cuts or trying to streamline the military got rid of personnel and facilities.  But for the most part, it was socialized medicine.  It was horribly abused.  Members would see a doctor for every little thing.  This is only my opinion so please take this whole post as just that.  In fact, take everything on this website as opinion!  Medicine and I don’t always agree.  I’m not talking about diagnosis, but cure and prevention.  The medical world has given into the patient's need for results now.  So, they give a pill for everything.  I also feel the pharma industry has too much influence on the medical industry.  Those two don’t have a good dynamic.  So, I have a hard time dealing with doctors.  I’m not anti-doctor, but it’s hard to find one I can agree with.  Doctors used to talk about prevention and now all they want is to treat the symptoms.  The psychology world has become just as bad.  Aren’t parents “life coaches”?  I have gone through some pretty tough things in my life, but I never had to take a class to be resilient!  Stop needing a class or a program to get through your trials.  As LDS members we seem to rely on the “arm of the flesh” or the world before we rely on faith and the Lord.  People today, not just youth, are always in the need for a “safe place” or a “time out”.  They see everything that forces them to think, or work, or do something out of their comfort zone, as a personal attack on their idea of a “right” they think they have to not be uncomfortable.  I’m more into freedom than what others think.  Like the character Edgar Friendly in the 80’s movie “Demolition Man”.  He has a little rant that I can understand.     

“I'm the enemy. Cause I like to think, I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind if guy who wants to sit in a greasy spoon and think, "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" I want high cholesterol. I want to eat bacon, butter and buckets of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in a non-smoking section. I wanna run through the streets naked with green Jello all over my body reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to. Okay, pal?”

Like Edgar I’m fed up!

Thanks for listening.  Saved me thousands in therapy fees!

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn  

We've Been Given a Reprieve

 I don’t always talk about politics on here but occasionally I dabble.  Let me say right here that I voted for Trump.  Is he the best President ever?  No.  But the alternative was quite disturbing.  I don’t want to go into a discussion about parties or politics.  But I feel we’ve been given a small gift.  I’m sure I won’t be happy with every Trump decision, but I think I can be happy with most, most of the time.  But I feel we’ve been given a reprieve.  Four years to breath a little easier.  But this is no time to rest on our laurels.  I think it’s a good time to review preparations and hunker down.

When I was in combat there would come a time in the fighting where it would stop.  It was usually the calm before the storm, and we’d get hit harder the next time.  But in that time we had a chance to take care of wounded. A chance to clean a weapon.  Restock magazines and make sure the mortar teams had all the rounds they needed.  We knew it wasn’t over, but we prepared for what was to come.  Thomas Jefferson said: “Peace is that brief, glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading,” That may be true.  I’m not saying there are no problems and that a Trump Presidency will save us, but I feel less oppression, albeit brief.

Preparedness is a funny thing.  You can work at it and work at it, but once you’ve met, or exceeded,  your goals you can almost feel let down.  Waiting and sometimes praying for a problem so you can “be ready”.  There is a danger in this.  Apathy and not being vigilant can set in.  Preparing for war or combat can be that way.  You almost want it to happen.  I do not want problems.  I do not want disaster.  I certainly don’t want war!  I’ve been in them all and I got the T-shirt, don’t want to ever be there again.

So, my advice would be to go through your preparations.  Check and inventory your food and water.  Then move on to medical supplies and medicines. Then check guns and ammo.  Tweak those things that have bothered you over the years, but you never had the chance to fix. Check the things that you need to rotate.  Water, outdated medicine and MRE’s.  Freeze dried food lasts a long time but not forever.  Canned goods should be rotated.  Batteries run down or go bad.  Make sure sleeping bags or tents have not been munched on by mice.  Start with the most essential and make a list.  After supplies and gear review your SOP (standard operating procedures).  Make sure your security is updated.  Check fuel whether it is gasoline/diesel storage or wood.  Make sure it is refreshed and stored properly.  All of this and more should be your focus.  Put things on a schedule so you won’t forget.  For instance, we usually rotate our water storage during Conference time so that we can be assured of fresh water every 6 months.  Pick a birthday or holiday that reoccurs in the interval you need for that particular preparation.

No one can predict the future.  But we can prepare for the future.  Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.  I do know that I can be better prepared in many ways.  If the upcoming political climate makes that an easier task then that is great.  Hopefully the bad times won’t come.  But if they do, we want to be ready.  If you believe in the second coming of Christ you know that things will get bad.  Trying to mitigate that time is what being prepared is all about.  Take this time of reprieve, take a breath, check your preps, and as old Tom Jefferson said, “…reload.”

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn    

You Have A Right To Rights!

Will our gun rights be violated? They already have been. I’m not talking about gun laws, but gun confiscation. In 2005, during hurricane Katrina, police and National Guard went house-to-house and confiscated guns. It took a lawsuit to get those guns returned. Law enforcement made a feeble attempt, but they claim it’s too difficult because of so many residents misplaced because of the hurricane. Yet the NRA was able to do a pretty good job of finding these citizens. In 2006, Congress passed the DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2006. The law was intended to prevent the government from seizing legally owned firearms during the time of a disaster. It was incorporated as an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2007 and signed into law on October 4, 2006. In H.R. 5013 it states: “(3) In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the safety of these citizens, and of their homes and property, was threatened by instances of criminal activity. (4) Many of these citizens lawfully kept firearms for the safety of themselves, their loved ones, their businesses, and their property, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, and used their firearms, individually or in concert with their neighbors, for protection against crime. (5) In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, certain agencies confiscated the firearms of these citizens in contravention of the Second Amendment, depriving these citizens of the right to keep and bear arms and rendering them helpless against criminal activity. (6) These confiscations were carried out at gunpoint by nonconsensual entries into private homes, by traffic checkpoints, by stoppage of boats, and otherwise by force. (7) The citizens from whom firearms were confiscated were either in their own homes or attempting to flee the flooding and devastation by means of motor vehicle or boat, and were accosted, stopped, and arbitrarily deprived of their private property and means of protection.” This is part of the Congressional record. So the politicians, Including our current President and Vice-President, have said they will not take anyone’s guns. Hopefully this law and others, will keep this from happening again. So left leaning people need to stop saying we’re paranoid, it’s already happened! Politicians talk about countries that they want to copy as far as gun confiscation Australia reports from the early 2000s estimate that only 20% or so of the banned firearms had been confiscated. Non-compliance is so widespread that the Australian government has seen fit to repeatedly offer extra periods of amnesty, most recently in 2016, after a government report estimated there were still 260,000 “illegal” firearms in civilian hands. Australia similarly banned the civilian possession of most semi-automatic firearms in 1996, but the country has spent the last two decades trying—and to a significant extent, failing—to enforce it. In Texas, Government Code Chapter 418 (EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT) permits the Governor to declare a State of Disaster which suspends certain state laws and regulations to allow local authorities to conduct rescue and recovery operations. However, it does not allow for the seizure of any legally owned firearms, University of Melbourne researchers Wang-Sheng Lee and Sandy Suardi concluded their 2008 report on the Australia’s debacle with the statement, “There is little evidence to suggest that [the Australian mandatory gun-buyback program] had any significant effects on firearm homicides.” “Although gun buybacks appear to be a logical and sensible policy that helps to placate the public’s fears,” the reported continued, “the evidence so far suggests that in the Australian context, the high expenditure incurred to fund the 1996 gun buyback has not translated into any tangible reductions in terms of firearm deaths.” The U.S. background check system prevented more than 300,000 firearm sales in 2020, a record amount indicating that nearly twice as many sales were blocked than the year before. Citing FBI data provided by Everytown for Gun Safety, The Associated Press reported that 42 percent of those denied sales of a firearm had previous felony convictions. The news comes as the number of potential gun buyers increased over the past two years from 0.6 percent to 0.8 percent, according to AP. One expert told the wire service that the increase in declined sales may be due to the fact that first-time buyers who have a previous conviction are unaware that they are legally prohibited from owning guns. “Some may have a felony conviction on their record and not think about it,” UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, who specializes in gun policy, told the AP. Winkler added that although making a false statement in a background check is a felony punishable by prison time, most are not prosecuted for essentially lying on a form filled out before making a purchase. U.S. gun sales surged during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. CNN reported that around 23 million guns were sold in 2020, a 65 percent increase from 2019, when 13.9 million guns were sold. Of those who were prevented from purchasing guns, 16 percent were blocked by state laws and 12 percent were blocked due to reasons related to domestic violence, according to the AP. “There’s no question that background checks work, but the system is working overtime to prevent a record number of people with dangerous prohibitors from being able to buy firearms,” Everytown research director Sarah Burd-Sharps said. “The loopholes in the law allow people to avoid the system, even if they just meet online or at a gun show for the first time.” The “loop-hole” she’s talking about is private sales. I’m sure Sarah is appalled at this practice but she is unaware of the black market guns that are out there. These are illegal guns being sold to illegal buyers. Regardless of law, this black market will always exist. Sarah also thinks that private sellers don’t care who they sell to. She is wrong. I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t care what is done with the gun that they sell. I know that I don’t want a knock on my door from law enforcement asking about a gun I no longer own. I don’t do background checks but I ask for personal information like a social security number and a drivers license. I like to have an idea who I’m dealing with. I also require a bill of sale and always ask if they have a concealed carry license. If they have a CC license at least I am assured they passed a back ground check. What Sarah doesn’t realize is how easy it is to find a black-market gun with no questions asked. This is usually an illegal sale but not necessarily. Banning the gun does not work. Confiscation does not work. The cat is already out of the bag with confiscation. More people trained and carrying would help. Background checks help but they will not cure what ills us. We have a problem with people. It won’t change with banning. It will change with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to get religious but this is the only true cure. Everything else is a band aid. Changing the way we think, how we handle stress, and how we act toward each other. These things will change a lot of this violence. But as one who has experienced his fair share of being involved with violence and evil, I’m here to tell you and Sarah that you can not stop it. I don’t understand the logic of making laws to stop law breakers. Some people don’t understand rights. These are not man-made even though men enacted the constitution. When I say God-given rights I’m saying that despite the affairs of mankind, despite human history, despite what you may want or I may want, despite the realities of our society, certain qualities of life are the birthright of every living soul. Defending ourselves and our families from those who would harm us IS a God-given right. How we do that may be disputed. I’m not sure of a better way to do this than with a gun. Other weapons are a possibility, but they do not address a threat the same way. This is why this amendment is in the bill of rights. You can’t just say “Oh you don’t need that anymore.” This right will always exist in spite of the above threats of gun control. Law enforcement is not the answer. Unless a cop lives with you, they cannot protect you. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. If we don’t pay attention to our rights they will be shaken and taken. Always be aware of what is happening to our rights. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Food Storage and Fires

This is a list of fires that have happened within the last 18 months or so. Some have said this is a conspiracy against food production, or to cause shortages. I don’t know if I agree, but this list is not “normal” as the fact finders and the left has said. I think fires are fairly common in food related industries. I’m not so sure about the number of fires that are common, and I think the “fact finders” don’t know either. But regardless of who knows what, this many fires in this amount of time to food facilities is unusual at best. I’m not convinced it will cause shortages, but it will not help already spiraling prices. 1. 1/11/21 A fire that destroyed 75,000-square-foot processing plant in Fayetteville 2. 4/30/21 A fire ignited inside the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Monmouth, IL 3. 7/25/21 Three-alarm fire at Kellogg plant in Memphis, 170 emergency personnel responded to the call 4. 7/30/21 Firefighters on Friday battled a large fire at Tyson’s River Valley Ingredients plant in Hanceville, Alabama 5. 8/23/21 Fire crews were called to the Patak Meat Production company on Ewing Road in Austell 6. 9/13/21 A fire at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island, Neb., on Sunday night forced a halt to slaughter and fabrication lines 7. 10/13/21 A five-alarm fire ripped through the Darigold butter production plant in Caldwell, ID 8. 11/15/21 A woman is in custody following a fire at the Garrard County Food Pantry 9. 11/29/21 A fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. at the Maid-Rite Steak Company meat processing plant 10. 12/13/21 West Side food processing plant in San Antonio left with smoke damage after a fire 11. 1/7/22 Damage to a poultry processing plant on Hamilton’s Mountain following an overnight fire 12. 1/13/22 Firefighters worked for 12 hours to put a fire out at the Cargill-Nutrena plant in Lecompte, LA 13. 1/31/22 a fertilizer plant with 600 tons of ammonium nitrate inside caught on fire on Cherry Street in Winston-Salem 14. 2/3/22 A massive fire swept through Wisconsin River Meats in Mauston 15. 2/3/22 At least 130 cows were killed in a fire at Percy Farm in Stowe 16. 2/15/22 Bonanza Meat Company goes up in flames in El Paso, Texas 17. 2/15/22 Nearly a week after the fire destroyed most of the Shearer’s Foods plant in Hermiston 18. 2/16/22 A fire had broken at US largest soybean processing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana 19. 2/18/22 An early morning fire tore through the milk parlor at Bess View Farm 20. 2/19/22 Three people were injured, and one was hospitalized, after an ammonia leak at Lincoln Premium Poultry in Fremont 21. 2/22/22 The Shearer’s Foods plant in Hermiston caught fire after a propane boiler exploded 22. 2/28/22 A smoldering pile of sulfur quickly became a raging chemical fire at Nutrien Ag Solutions 23. 2/28/22 A man was hurt after a fire broke out at the Shadow Brook Farm and Dutch Girl Creamery 24. 3/4/22 294,800 chickens destroyed at farm in Stoddard, Missouri 25. 3/4/22 644,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, Maryland 26. 3/8/22 243,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in New Castle, Delaware 27. 3/10/22 663,400 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, MD 28. 3/10/22 915,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Taylor, IA 29. 3/14/22 The blaze at 244 Meadow Drive was discovered shortly after 5 p.m. by farm owner Wayne Hoover 30. 3/14/22 2,750,700 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Jefferson, Wisconsin 31. 3/16/22 A fire at a Walmart warehouse distribution center has cast a large plume of smoke visible throughout Indianapolis. 32. 3/16/22 Nestle Food Plant extensively damaged in fire and new production destroyed Jonesboro, Arkansas 33. 3/17/22 5,347,500 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Buena Vista, Iowa 34. 3/17/22 147,600 chickens destroyed at farm in Kent, Delaware 35. 3/18/22 315,400 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, Maryland 36. 3/22/22 172,000 Turkeys destroyed on farms in South Dakota 37. 3/22/22 570,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Butler, Nebraska 38. 3/24/22 Fire fighters from numerous towns are battling a major fire at the McCrum potato processing facility in Belfast. 39. 3/24/22 418,500 chickens destroyed at farm in Butler, Nebraska 40. 3/25/22 250,300 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Franklin, Iowa 41. 3/26/22 311,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 42. 3/27/22 126,300 Turkeys destroyed in South Dakota 43. 3/28/22 1,460,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Guthrie, Iowa 44. 3/29/22 A massive fire burned 40,000 pounds of food meant to feed people in a food desert near Maricopa 45. 3/31/22 A structure fire caused significant damage to a large portion of key fresh onion packing facilities in south Texas 46. 3/31/22 76,400 Turkeys destroyed in Osceola, Iowa 47. 3/31/22 5,011,700 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Osceola, Iowa 48. 4/6/22 281,600 chickens destroyed at farm in Wayne, North Carolina 49. 4/9/22 76,400 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 50. 4/9/22 208,900 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 51. 4/12/22 89,700 chickens destroyed at farm in Wayne, North Carolina 52. 4/12/22 1,746,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Dixon, Nebraska 53. 4/12/22 259,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Minnesota 54. 4/13/22 Fire destroys East Conway Beef & Pork Meat Market in Conway, New Hampshire 55. 4/13/22 Plane crashes into Gem State Processing, Idaho potato and food processing plant 56. 4/13/22 77,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 57. 4/14/22 Taylor Farms Food Processing plant burns down Salinas, California. 58. 4/14/22 99,600 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 59. 4/15/22 1,380,500 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Lancaster, Minnesota 60. 4/19/22 Azure Standard nation’s premier independent distributor of organic and healthy food, was destroyed by fire in Dufur, Oregon 61. 4/19/22 339,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 62. 4/19/22 58,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Montrose, Color 63. 4/20/22 2,000,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Minnesota 64. 4/21/22 A small plane crashed in the lot of a General Mills plant in Georgia 65. 4/22/22 197,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 66. 4/23/22 200,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 67. 4/25/22 1,501,200 chickens destroyed at egg farm Cache, Utah 68. 4/26/22 307,400 chickens destroyed at farm Lancaster Pennsylvania 69. 4/27/22 2,118,000 chickens destroyed at farm Knox, Nebraska 70. 4/28/22 Egg-laying facility in Iowa kills 5.3 million chickens, fires 200-plus workers 71. 4/28/22 Allen Harim Foods processing plant killed nearly 2M chickens in Delaware 72. 4/2822 110,700 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 73. 4/29/22 1,366,200 chickens destroyed at farm Weld Colorado 74. 4/30/22 13,800 chickens destroyed at farm Sequoia Oklahoma 75. 5/3/22 58,000 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 76. 5/3/22 118,900 Turkeys destroyed Beadle S Dakota 77. 5/3/22 114,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 78. 5/3/22 118,900 Turkeys destroyed Lyon Minnesota 79. 5/7/22 20,100 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 80. 5/10/22 72,300 chickens destroyed at farm Lancaster Pennsylvania 81. 5/10/22 61,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 82. 5/10/22 35,100 Turkeys destroyed Muskegon, Michigan 83. 5/13/22 10,500 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 84. 5/14/22 83,400 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 85. 5/17/22 79,00 chickens destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 86. 5/18/22 7,200 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 87. 5/19/22 Train carrying limestone derailed Jensen Beach FL 88. 5/21/22 57,000 Turkeys destroyed on farm in Dakota Minnesota 89. 5/23/22 4,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 90. 5/29/22 A Saturday night fire destroyed a poultry building at Forsman Farms 91. 5/31/22 3,000,000 chickens destroyed by fire at Forsman facility in Stockholm Township, Minnesota 92. 6/2/22 30,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 93. 6/7/22 A fire occurred Tuesday evening at the JBS meat packing plant in Green Bay. 94. 6/8/22 Firefighters from Tangipahoa Fire District 1 respond to a fire at the Purina Feed Mill in Arcola 95. 6/9/22 Irrigation water was canceled in California (the #1 producer of food in the US) and storage water flushed directly out to the delta. 96. 6/12/22 Largest Pork Company in the US Shuts Down California Plant Due to High Costs 97. 6/13/22 Fire Breaks Out at a Food Processing Plant West of Waupaca County in Wisconsin These fires are not “normal” as some would have you believe. I’m not shouting conspiracy but I do feel this is a crazy “coincidence”. Really? That’s what we’re supposed to believe? Riiiiight… Like I said, I believe it’s somewhere in between these extreme views. One thing that I do believe, this is not good for the food consumers in this country. I don’t think it would be out of line to prepare food for a time when it is either very expensive (fast approaching), or scarce (which is happening in some areas with some products). Look at your food storage program. Tweek it or add to it as you feel is needed. I’m not advocating hoarding or panic buying, but if you have no food storage, this is the time to start. If you have food storage, take a look at it and assess where it is and enhance where needed. These fires may mean nothing, or they may make a difference in availability. Either way, be prepared. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

BYU Introspection and Pass the Ammunition!

Well guys, it's been 6 months since Elder Holland gave a momentous talk at the annual BYU Conference August 23, 2021. So how is BYU doing? Many were offended by his talk as is usual for those members and ex-members who fight against the church. But as I review his words I realize that he was kindly and lovingly rebuking some and calling them to repentance. There are many out there who critisize the church and its leaders on a regular basis. It doesn't really matter what is said in conference talks, or other talks, they will find something to whine about. This talk was no different. He first prefaced his call to repentance with confessing his love for a school that has been a large part of his life. Then he talked about some of the great things and people that BYU has been connected with. He mentioned some who were disillusioned with the Y and how they have fallen away. I don't want to jump up and down on those who leave the church, I have my opinions about their exitus. But I do have an issue with those who want to change BYU and make it like any other school. Elder Holland agrees. He wants to put gospel principles and the following of Christ at the fore front of all learning and teaching at the Y. I whole-heartily agree and applaud his wonderful way of calling some of the practices out. I would have taken the J. Golden Kimball approach and would have told students and faculty alike, you pedal your critical thinking trying to buck the system, and you can leave. BYU is a private university. It is a priveledge to attend and study there. I pound that into each of my children's heads who have gone, and are going, there! Those who would not agree with me I would welcome your opinion. But as far as changing the school to accept principles and practices that are against church policy, and especially gospel doctrine, I say, "Load the muskets!" Or in my crude, military lingo, "Lock and load!" Opinion is fine and you can share it all you want, but don't Berkley my BYU! There's no room for that kind of crap being taught in a church school. Students think that their demonstrations are going to change the brethrens minds? Good luck with that! If you want to hand out flyers, bring in speakers, stage demonstrations go ahead, but don't be surprised when an Apostle does not agree with your opinions. Liberal thinking members think if they talk loud enough the Lord will change His church. I beg to differ. But that is just MY opinion. And liberal students can think and say what they please, we have a first amendment, but don't think that those students with oposing views should keep quiet! I get it liberal students, it's cheap to go to the Y. Faculty members can have their own opinions too but they need to be careful. If you are a liberal professor great, but keep your views out of my kids classes. If you teach contray to doctrine, you should be canned! I was in the military. I had very strong political views. But if I show up in uniform at a rally I should be expecting a visit with my CO. If you teach contrary doctrinal ideas I feel that you've crossed from free speech to something else. You represent BYU and there is no room for that type of teaching. I know that it still happens, but you'd better pray one of my kids isn't in your class. Because they have been briefed on what they are to do, and how they are to do it, to get you at the very least reprimanded. I don't mind other views, but when someone is in a position of trust, they should live up to a different standard. Even a standard they may not personally agree with. But as for me and my house, we will defend the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church by whatever means are necessary. If that scares you I'm sorry that words scare you. So now that I got that rant out of the way, I'll ask again, how is BYU doing? If Elder Holland's talk is any evidence, BYU needs to do a little repenting. As for the musket reference, people need to get a life! It's clear what he was saying. He wasn't being violent. Now had it been me that gave that talk, that would have been a different story! Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Defend The Faith, Defend The Church!

Defend the church "Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all. Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them." —Jeffrey R. Holland First and foremost know that everything that I present here is my opinion and my interpretation of scripture and leaders’ words. I don’t want to lessen my resolve and feeling that the way I see it is true with a disclaimer, but I want to be clear these are only my thoughts. I’ve seen this politically correct (PC) statement for some time called “crisis of faith.” I do not subscribe to this point of view. I do not believe in a crisis of faith (COF). I believe that some people may have questions and may not have a very strong testimony, but this COF business to me is a PC way of saying “I’m weak and vulnerable and some yahoo showed me a snippet of information or a quote that has me doubting.” Or worse, “I’ve just learned (through some “helpful” ex-member) of a policy that doesn’t agree with my present narrative of how the Church should handle fill in the blank.” I’m not saying someone can’t have their beliefs challenged because I know that you can. I’m saying that some people are shaken pretty easily. It’s not easy to be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It takes faith. And faith requires action. And action usually is work. Changing our lives to be more in line with our Heavenly father is sometimes painful. But, of course, it’s always worth it. In these troubled times the current political climate directs many to man-made ideas and wrong roads to follow. I’ve watched it many times. Apostasy starts in small, seemingly innocent, ways. If a person can ground their testimony in Christ, not necessarily in the Church, church policy, or even leaders, then a foundation will be more difficult to shake. I’m not saying a testimony that the Church is true or that we have living prophets, seers, and revelators is not important. It is. But without a foundation in Christ, it’s easy to lose faith in people and organizations. This is why it is important to defend our faith and our Church. Many years ago as I was serving my mission I starting to collect anti-Mormon material. This was pre-internet and information was slow in moving. I didn’t obsess over it, I just happened to have it reach my hands. I had the largest collection of anti-Mormon material in the mission. I bequeathed it all to my last area and hopefully they just disposed of it. I also didn’t study the information very much. It’s not very deep and they quote each other. Nothing has changed except it has moved to the internet. The anti-Mormon movement has become more sophisticated, but the foundation has not changed. In the 70’s and 80’s it was “The Godmakers”. Now it’s “The CES Letter”. In “The Daily Beast” an article by Tarpley Hitt titled The Bizarre Cult of #DezNat: Alt-Right Mormons Targeting Porn and the LGBTQ Community Updated Jan. 28, 2019 12:01PM ET / Published Jan. 24, 2019 5:15AM ET (https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-cult-of-deznat-alt-right-mormons-targeting-porn-and-the-lgbtq-community) In this article Hitt described a hashtag that was started in August 2018 by @JPBellum. “In early January, a post appeared on the Twitter account @MormonQueerconf, a page devoted to anonymous confessions from LGBTQ members of the Mormon Church, about a new hashtag circulating in LDS Twitter: #DezNat. “I am ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED of #deznat,” the post read. “I feel like it’s only one meltdown away from being the one who ends up killing someone like me.”” The article is pretty good about covering #DezNat’s origins, but rather than reporting Hitt decided she doesn’t believe the creator of the hashtag and that it has some ominous meaning or purpose on Twitter. I also found this article to be more about what former members and anti-Mormons think of Dez Nat rather than members that use the hashtag. Just by the title of the article it’s clear of Hitt’s opinion rather than an objective, journalistic view. But this is typical of most media these days. I suppose she would lump me in with alt-right Mormons but frankly, I’m not that concerned about the media, especially internet media. The only reason I mention this is I like the original idea of the hashtag. It was created to identify those willing to defend the Church. It has been used by all kinds including those that believe it stands for Deseret Nationalism and has acquainted it with skinhead-Nazi-anti everything stupidity. I do not believe this hashtag means those things. DezNat is something that I feel is needed. People defending the Church online. Wikipedia says this about DezNat: “#DezNat (shortened from Deseret Nation) is a Twitter hashtag created in 2018 by Twitter user JP Bellum, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church); Bellum stated the hashtag recognizes faithful Church members as "a unique people and should be united spiritually, morally, economically, and politically behind Christ, the prophet, and the church." It also refers to a loosely affiliated group of likeminded Church members who use the hashtag. It is considered by press outlets, such as The Daily Beast and The Daily Utah Chronicle, to be an alt-right, white nationalist hashtag. Many users of the hashtag disagree with these accusations. According to Bellum, "#DezNat is not endorsed by the LDS Church or its leadership. Instead it is the idea that devout members ought to work together to support the church, its doctrines, and each other, on social media and in their communities to further build the Kingdom of God.” Many have been called progmos or progressive mormons. I believe these people exist. I’m sure you have come across them. They seem to know more than the rest of us because they are “woke”. It’s my opinion that they don’t last as members but will fall away or leave the Church in other ways. Then they become exmos (ex-mormons) which of course is a former member of the Church. Some exmos move on with their lives but some can’t help but become antimos (anti-mormons). This is one who speaks out and fights against the Church. They can leave the church but they cannot leave the church alone. I do not believe in violence for violence sake. I do believe in neutralizing the threat. I do not think we need to defend the Church with violence. That may come but that day is not today. I do not agree with those that want to commit violence against those they feel are not welcome into the Church. What kind of crap is that? Defend, yes. And I’ve got to ask. What do these guys really know about violence or killing? Have they ever really been involved in either or are they just macho idiots who think it’s no big deal to harm or kill another human being. These are light thinkers who need to talk to someone who has experienced violence, and have been preparing for it, a large part of their life. So what do I mean by defend? It is just that. Do not allow derogatory remarks without some type of defense. If detractors know that there will be a consequence with every jab, they might think again. At the very least, detractors and anti’s will know they’re not just dealing with meely-mouthed little snowflakes. On August 23, 2021 an Apostle, Elder Jeffery R Holland, gave a devotional at BYU Provo. He spoke about how BYU has changed and how it needs to be. I believe because of some members and non-members, BYU has had this change come about. Because liberal, or extreme left, ideologies have crept into this school, it is no longer what it used to be. BYU doesn’t always uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is in some areas with some professors and students. I believe it should be rooted out, and I believe Elder Holland agrees. This talk was very controversial. Many members (my guess is progmos and other left leaners) had a real problem with it. I believe Elder Holland wants a change at BYU. He defends the gospel tirelessly. Detractors of the gospel already have hit Elder Holland and his “militant” attitudes. John Dehlin, one of my favorite exmos, did one of his shows “Mormon Stories”on this very talk. He called it “Losing control over Mormon LGBTQ support at BYU”. Believe me. If people supported Elder Holland and then heard this talk and no longer support him, I have doubts about the original support. What do people think? That this great apostle is giving new ideas? He signed the Family Proclamation. His views have not changed. Again I commit this challenge to you from Elder Holland in 2014: “Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them.” But in his BYU devotional in August 2021 he spoke of defending as did the builders of the Nauvoo temple “who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other.” He told of this quote coming from Neal A Maxwell. I could not find this in a talk by Elder Maxwell but he is quoted on a BYU website as saying it. I think it’s in reference to Nehemiah 4:17: “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.” Brigham Young uses this in Journal of Discourses: “…the great Prophet Joseph, in the stone quarry, quarrying rock with his own hands; and the few then in the Church, following his example of obedience and diligence wherever most needed; with laborers on the walls, holding the sword in one hand to protect themselves from the mob, while they placed the stone and moved the trowel with the other, (Neh. 4:17) the Kirtland Temple—the second House of the Lord, that we have any published record of on the earth, was so far completed as to be dedicated.” JD Vol2 Num 6, Brigham Young, April 6, 1853 I might update that statement to “Holding an AR15 in one hand, while holding a DeWalt impact drill in the other.” Some may read this article and believe that I am condoning violence. No, I am not. I’m sure some of the name-calling will happen too. I have spent a lot of time in the military and working on military bases and posts, but I don’t consider myself militant. But I have seen real violence up close and personal. I don’t care to see it again. Violence is rarely the answer. But when it is, engage first. This is not defense of this church. I’m not sure, and I hope, I’ll never have to defend this church with physical violence. But I will defend it with all the training, experience, knowledge, and faith that I have. Others should too! Be a thundering voice for the gospel! Be nice, but defend! Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Disillusioned

I often don’t say a lot of specific things about myself. I try to keep it vague. For the last year I, like you, have watched this country go into an interesting spiral. 2020 will be remembered as a crazy year. I think I became somewhat disillusioned. I may be dealing with a little depression or something but for most of 2020 and into 2021 I have not been interested in sharing much in the way of this blog. I’ve ranted some and complained but haven’t really written anything of substance. I’d like to share a few thoughts here and then ease back into my writing routine. I know I don’t usually talk about personal things here but I am getting on in years. Without going into details I would probably be known as a “boomer”. That gives you an idea of my age. I’m not 25 jumping out of planes and getting into firefights anymore. I never served in the middle-east, although I don’t know how I got out of that! I have the National Defense Service medal. That gives you an idea of when I was in the military. It was not in Viet Nam, but I saw a lot of Central America. Because of this service I look at things different from those who did not serve. I’m not better, but just different. I was up close and personal to some friends dying for our country. My thoughts on our flag are pretty passionate and I have little tolerance for disrespect even though that is anyone’s right. I took an oath that has never been rescinded and so I feel pretty “all in” concerning the United States of America. My wife was a military wife and has many of the same feelings as she was willing to sacrifice her husband in defense of this country. So with these strong feelings I come from a perspective that is often not looked upon with favor during times like these. During my short time in combat I learned that I can handle a lot. But being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I am striving to be better. I want to be meek and mild as I’m planning several ways of killing people. I’m not a serial killer and I usually can shrug off most things, but there are times when I get into “close and engage” mode. Getting in my face usually doesn’t end well. I want to be good and I want to be law abiding. So with that long explanation I say that liberal thinking and acting does not bode well with me. Having PTSD also doesn’t usually keep me very politically correct. I often say what I think. I don’t like the left leaning, liberal thinking that is going on in this country. I’m more like Edgar Friendly in the 1993 movie “Demolition Man”: Edgar Friendly “… I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think; I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind of guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder - "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" I WANT high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green jello all over my body reading playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to, okay, pal?” Ok this is extreme, but you get the idea. I’m not saying I can’t accept no, but I have a problem with someone trying to take away my choice, is what I’m saying. I’m concerned about COVID19. Not that I will get the disease, but that it’s being used to control and enslave a nation. I’m not denying that this disease exists, but it’s a pretty fishy deal, don’t you think? This reminds me of a Tom Hanks movie called “Joe Versus the Volcano” Joe (Tom Hanks) is told by a doctor that he has six months to live because of something called a “brain cloud”. This is the line I want to focus on: "Joe: So I'm not sick except for this terminal disease? Dr. Ellison: Which has no symptoms. That's right."  That’s what we’re being told. You can be sick with this deadly disease but you won’t know it. Then we also have the media and the government playing the fear game. Be very afraid. “Close the schools! Close the businesses! Don’t go anywhere! Stay home!” Then to top it all off they want us to wear masks. No one, the medical field, the science field, or anyone else can agree on masks. They think they may do some good. Then let’s ramrod a vaccine through the usual rigorous process we create vaccines with, and now EVERYONE GET IT! Holy bull crap batman! This is a true joke! They actually want us to buy this! The problem with telling a lie is that you must tell more lies to support the first lie. Somewhere in COVID is a lie. Whether it is the deadliness of the disease, or how communicable it is, or the vaccine, or how many deaths, or how many infected, or several of the above. Now there is a delta variant. And then to top it off, if you do not believe one or more of the aspects of this circus of a disease is true and you try and share your ideas with social media, you get cancelled and banned because you don’t believe everything hook, line, and sinker. In the military that is known as a “cluster” screw. It’s also very unconducive to the American way of freedom. They say “It’s for your own good.” And they say “You have to protect each other.” I even find my church shoving this down my throat. Well, I’m here to say right now, I’ve had enough! I will not comply! My freedoms will not be curtailed by your obvious unintelligent, fear mongering, baloney! You may ask me to mask up, you may ask me to vaccinate, but don’t be surprised if you get an answer that you don’t like to these requests. I’ve worked for the government in one form or another for over 40 years, and I’ve learned you cannot trust them as far as you can throw them. You, or they, can push, but from my past experience, I would not push too hard. That’s my take of this COVID thing. Another thing that is getting under my skin is the gender, LGBTQ activity that is going on in this country. Sexual preference is private. It is something between two adults. That’s how it should remain. I do not agree with lesbianism or homosexuality, but I almost died several times defending people’s right to choose. Don’t shove your sexual preference down my throat! It boggles my mind that there is a flag for a way of life! It’s nonsense! I guess we should have a flag and a parade for those of us who believe in eating only vegetables. When is vegan pride week or the vegan pride parade? I respect people who are good people. Sexual preference is not in the prerequisite. There are jerks of every race, creed, and yes, even sexual preference. People are people. Shoving something in others faces won’t produce anything but animosity. Making special days or events to single out groups usually isolates that group and doesn’t help their cause. And using pronouns? Are you serious? We all do the best we can, but if you’re upset because you look like something other than what you want to be, you should get a life. I’ll call you whatever you want to be called, but if you get your knickers in a bunch because you haven’t made it easy, then you’d better be OK with some making a mistake. I am also disillusioned with what some try to pass off as patriotism in this country. Just because you show respect for our flag or don’t badmouth the USA or don’t “take a knee” doesn’t mean you don’t think there are any problems currently in this country or with its history. I was not alive when slavery was alive in this country. Just as black people now were not prevalent when my ancestors were considered for “extermination” in the state of Missouri. Are all currently living Germans responsible for the mistreatment and death of Jews in the past? No! So don’t try to tell us or make us believe any one race, religion, or any other category you can think of, is in need of special treatment because of the past. It makes no sense! I know that there are some serious racism problems in this country but that doesn’t mean everyone and everything is racist! Stop being stupid with this so we can actually work on the changes that need to happen. Taking down a statue does not do anything. It doesn’t erase the racism in our history nor does it change hearts and minds. It is also my contention that all of us have said or done racist things in our lives. That doesn’t mean we don’t try to change and be better. Problem is, many don’t want to change. As long as there are humans on this earth there will be racism. I don’t understand those that think we can survive without law enforcement. Even the Wild West had law enforcement. They are out of touch with reality if they believe this. Law enforcement is a thankless job that puts them in harm’s way with regularity. Like teachers, law enforcement is under-appreciated. Thank you men and women who work tireless to help those they serve. You should be taken care of and instead of defunding, you all should make more money than you do now. You should be super-funded! One other thing that I’ve talked about before are exmos, and progmos. Ex members and progressive members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The exmos just need to shut up. If you’re not interested and can’t/won’t live Church standards then leave and have a nice life. Leaving the church is not what bothers me, it’s never leaving the church or its members alone that gets me into “lock and load” mode. And then you progressive members are just an interview away from being exmos. You don’t like a lot of things in the church and think you can change it. You can’t! You won’t! This is not a church where we vote in doctrine. But if you think I’m just going to sit back while you try to run my church into the ground then you are gravely mistaken. I will fight you! Not physically, (unless you want to go bro, kidding of course) but in every way I know how. If you are willing to listen to reason and discuss your problems you have with the church then I’d be willing. But if you think you’re going to “save” the church with your progressive ideas then I don’t think you’re going anywhere. Progmos think they have changed things with their protests and their food strikes, when in reality, they’ve had their 15 minutes of fame and that is all. And for those of you who have a cause that goes against church policy or doctrine, then you’d better check yourself and think about what your membership is worth. Are you willing to trade it for your cause? Many have yet they swear their membership means a lot to them. Many years ago I fought next to guys who gave their lives for this country. For you and for me. What have we done to deserve that freedom they died for? Have we strengthened this country and made it a better place to be? Or have we abused that freedom and actually weakened this country? I wish every American would evaluate their lives and ask these questions. I know we won’t always agree on politics but surely we can agree on keeping a strong country. The same goes for members of the church. If we are centered in Christ we can do whatever God would have us do. Instead of contention, we should try to find common ground. As far as Afghanistan is concerned. How can we trust a government who leaves Americans behind? Yet we trust everything we hear from the CDC? Take some advice from someone that same government almost killed twice. Do not trust them! They have showed us time after time that they are not trustworthy! I didn’t mean for this to be a rant so I hope it isn’t. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

My Problem With Anti-Mormon Attacks

Exmos finally got on my nerves yesterday. I know I shouldn’t read or watch their crap. But as I said before, me and Church detractors go waaaay back! I saw my first anti literature on my mission in Eastern Canada in the early 80’s. I’d grown up in a largely LDS community and was somewhat sheltered from that kind of thing. I never really had a challenge to my beliefs except from a few other churches. But out in the real world of the mission field I saw plenty of it. About halfway through my mission I attended a lecture of a guy who claimed to be a “Mormon scholar”. He had “studied” the Church for 8 years. I looked at my companion who had grown up in the Church in Utah and asked him how long he had studied the doctrine of the Church. He said, “Well, I’m a seminary graduate” (at that time to be a missionary in Canada you had to be “clergy”. The Church complied with this requirement by sending only Seminary graduates to Canadian missions). We probably had been studying Church doctrine since we were 14 but really all our twenty years. So between the two of us we probably had at least 20 years. I was amused by the twisted understanding of basic gospel principles that this “scholar” displayed. It wasn’t until he started to talk about missionaries and the MTC that I took any issue with this guy. So at the end when he asked for questions (this was a standing-room-only college auditorium) I stood and told this charlatan he was wrong with his information about the MTC. He balked at me a young kid questioning his scholarly report. I told him I didn’t want to argue with him but I had just been in that MTC 11 months ago and I could assure him he was giving out wrong information. He tried to change the subject by asking me a completely off the subject doctrinal question. I told him that had nothing to do with what I had called him out on. He fumbled around and I finally said to the crowd, “If he’s wrong about the MTC and what missionaries do, what else is he wrong about? Thank you Sir” and sat down. The next day while tracting we taught many lessons. It is true that no unhallowed hand will stop the work of the Lord. Anyway, as time went on I had amassed a shoebox full of anti pamphlets and books. I bequeathed it to my last apartment. Here several years later the internet turns into the biggest purveyor of anti-mormon literature since the Ex-Mormons for Jesus pushed the movie “The Godmakers” in the 80’s. Most of what I see out there is nothing new. Most of it is a skewered view of LDS doctrine sprinkled with opinion and downright lies. The latest kick is called The CES Letter. Sounds ominous doesn’t it? It’s a collection of questions by a guy named Jeremy Runnells. From what I’ve seen, Jeremy is a typical exmo. His lifes work seems to be to pull people away from the Church. He’s been a little successful to the weak-minded. I know that I’ve offended some with that statement. It seems pretty weak-minded when someone is so hung up on history that they give away what they know. Almost every exmo that talks about the CES letter starts off their tirade telling us their “credentials”. They grew up in the church, or held important callings, or served a mission. These things are supposed to lend credence to what follows. I guess this is the place I should tout my credentials. I was born and raised in the Church with ancestors going back to 1831 when they joined the Church. I’ve always been active, have served in just about every calling you can think of including the “big” ones. I’ve never been in a Stake Presidency though. I served on the High council for 6 years, was a Bishop, YM Pres, Stake YM Pres, SS Pres, Every Scouting position, EQ Presidency, I was just released from the Bishopric and called as the EQ President. So, according to exmos, I’m well seasoned. I served a mission and even was a Nursery Leader twice! I was not “shocked” by the info in the CES letter because, unlike a lot of exmos, I actually studied Church history. None of what the CES letter said surprised me. What surprised me is the interpretation of some of this history. I’m surprised Jeremy had never run across this information. Apparently he had not really studied. It’s not buried anywhere. It’s not hidden. It doesn’t take much to find this information but it does take a certain kind of person to come to the conclusions these clowns come to. I’m sorry, seekers not clowns. But Jeremy said he was not a scholar. And I agree, he’s not. But he got a bunch of scholars together and asked them. I’m not really sure that’s what he did. But anyway, he’s devoted a little bit of bandwidth to tearing down the Church. I’m not sure what he gets out of it. I guess the satisfaction of knowing he’s “saved” someone from the cult that we are. (sarcasm is not pretty) I also believe that the latest antagonists of the church are sneaky and deceptive, sometimes the very things they accuse leaders of being. Many of them have recorded things and shared things I feel should be confidential. In my opinion I think they share and record their councils to only try and “shame” the Church. They are really not interested in anything but that. I think it’s interesting that the Church never shares confidential information but the exmos think it’s their duty. To me that’s just being a jerk. It makes me feel like I should do to them what they do to the Church. But as I’m trying to do what is right in my life, I won’t. It grieves my heart that they can’t leave the Church alone. But it fits right in with my theory that the worst enemies of the Church have always been ex members. I call them Zarahemnas because they are not content to leave what they believe is not true, alone. They must “stir up the Lamanites to war”. Coming to know that a religion is not for you is fine, but when you try to actively destroy a religion and tear down a church, that is different.
I know that my PTSD can put me into a fight mode. I don’t look for a fight, but when someone makes it their lifes work to discredit my beliefs that’s when I close and engage. These people need to shut the heck up! If you don’t believe it great. But don’t try to convince the rest of the world that they need to see things your way! Debate is one thing. I don’t mind someone honestly wanting to talk about doctrine and to ask honest questions, but most of this crap is just that, crap. I’ve listened to them and their podcasts and Youtube videos. I see right through the same tactics that have been used since I was on my mission. The CES letter in particular uses a million questions to attack with. Some of them are easy. Others require some research. To answer all these questions would require a lot of time and 3 times the pages of the actual letter! What I can’t understand about these people is that at one time they had a testimony. Were they wrong about what they “knew”? Are they easily persuaded? Some of them grew up in the Church as I did. Are they stupid or lazy? My opinion is that they are weak. I’ve never been stumped by an anti’s question. I’ve never had my world fall apart. I do not doubt what I know. Some of them actually want me to believe that after years in the church, professing spiritual experiences, telling people they know with their testimonies, and then they hear some “earth shattering” information that makes all that they experienced and professed null and void? What kind of commitment and “testimony” is that? That’s why I believe there is either sin involved, or weak minds. Or maybe they just wanted a beer… Look, I’m not trying to insult anyone, but do you see what I mean? I know it was not just one moment they were active and the next they thought “I think I’ll leave the church today.” Often I see a leader involved. Some leaders don’t necessarily drive people away, but I’ve met a few that need a little help dealing with people. There is always some slight, some mean treatment, some one-sided, unfair thing. The CES letter guy kept getting his meeting changed. He never could get his questions answered. Why the heck could he not find answers himself? None of his questions are that difficult. But he couldn’t find it within himself to find these answers. You know something Jeremy, I don’t wish you any ill-will, but I’m grateful people like you are not in this church. It’s not that the church isn’t for everyone but people like you only are a burden on progress. Not because you have questions but because you can’t handle regular life. You have this idea that if a few people can’t or won’t answer you that there are no answers. Often the pursuit of truth takes a life time and sarcastically speaking, “I see you’re in it for the long haul.” No matter how much you tout your mis-information, lies, and opinionated crap it will not stop the progress of the church. No unhallowed hand will. You’ve “saved” other weak people. You will continue to reap the whirlwind. But when anti’s start to get nasty and attack because they don’t like the church, it’s members, or leaders, don’t expect no one to defend those things. If you threaten physical harm on the church or its leaders then you better expect a visit from an unofficial Danite. That is not a threat, but if you promise physical harm we can promise defense. I guess I’m just fed up with attacks on my church, my beliefs, and sometimes threats. I’m sure you can find someone else to harass. Or you could just say no. Otherwise, I survived shots fired in anger, you want a piece of me? Bring it on!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn