Terrorism: Suicide Bombers Profile

From 2015 Post.  Some things never change!

 In 1989 I went to a course on terrorism.  At the time it was not a mandatory class but 3 years later it was mandatory for being deployed.  When I asked a friend I know who is in the Air Force serving in very close to the same jobs and involvement that I did in the military, he sent me this handout he received in the same course that I took in 1989.  I=m sure the course content has changed a great deal since >89.

 

Perhaps because of this country=s lack of direct experience with suicide bombings, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released a statement claiming there is Ano specific profile for those who have engaged in suicide/homicide bombings.@

In contrast, Israel, which has experienced over 300 such bombings since 1993, with 242 of them occurring since 2000, has developed some guidelines and profiles that highlight the general characteristics of a suicide bomber.  These include:

32% have at least a high school education and more than 25% have some college background. 

Suicide bombers participate in months of indoctrination training. When ready for the mission, they are in a Ahypnotic state@ believing that the mission will open heaven=s gates. 

A majority of suicide/homicide bombers are unmarried. Some have spouses and children. 

Most are male between 17B23 years of age; however, women, children and older men have been recruited for suicide bombing missions. 

The first known suicide bombing by a woman (January 2002) was carried out by Wafa Idris, a 27-year-old divorcee who volunteered as a paramedic. More recently, Reem Raiyshi, a 22-year-old mother of two, perpetrated an attack at a border crossing between Israel and the Gaza strip. The media have reported recent attacks by Chechen rebels, whose suicide bombings have mostly been carried out by women. It is generally believed that the Chechen women were not acting on religious fanaticism, but rather avenging the deaths of friends or relatives in the conflict with Russia.

Approximately a quarter of suicide bombers are between 24B48 years old. There are also reports of attacks carried out by children and by older individuals, although exact numbers are uncertain.

 

General Demeanor

Certain behavioral characteristics of a suicide bomber have been identified. These include:

The appearance of being nervous. They may seem preoccupied or have a blank stare. 

Focused intent and vigilance. Such an acute focus may result in no response to verbal or other contact. 

An awkward attempt to blend in. Behavior will seem odd or overtly out of place. 

Avoidance behaviors toward authority. If security is present, suicide bomber tries to be inconspicuous. 

May be praying fervently to him/herself. This gives the appearance of talking or whispering to someone. Keep in mind that many people talk to themselves, thus this behavior in and of itself has little meaning. Further, either of these behaviors could be confused with speaking on a cell phone headset. 

Behavior may be consistent with that of a person without any future. For example, giving away things of value, buying a one-way ticket, or being unconcerned about receiving change for a purchase. In addition: 

Profuse sweating that is out of synch with weather conditions. 

Walking deliberately toward a specific object or target, often pushing their way through a crowd or around barriers. May show a high degree of focus or intent, especially if the target is in sight. 

Lack of mobility of the lower torso may cause upper body stiffness. This is due to the bomb device that is strapped to the body. The increased use of backpacks may reduce or eliminate this element. 

In order to disguise the appearance, a beard may have been recently shaved or the hair cut short. There is a noticeable difference in the skin color of the recently shaved area. 

To smell better when going to paradise, the suicide bomber may use herbal- or floral-scented water. 

General Appearance

As the event draws near, the suicide bomber needs to prepare to deliver the device. There are certain clues in appearance, such as clothing, that could foretell of an impending attack. The suspect might be purchasing, wearing or carrying such items as:

Clothing that does not match the weather. For example, wearing a heavy coat on a warm day. 

Clothing that is excessively loose, giving the appearance that the head is out of proportion with the body. The loose clothing is used to conceal explosives worn close to the body. 

The suicide bomber may carry a backpack, bag, briefcase or luggage. 

The detonating switch is often held in a clenched fist. Backup devices might also be used, including a timer, pager, cellular phone or booby-trap switch. An accomplice or supervisor can remotely detonate the bomb if the attacker is detained or killed, or if the attack is otherwise aborted. 

The appearance of excessive weight. Many bombs will be packed with shrapnel such as ball bearings, nuts, bolts, screws, nails or other small metal objects that are dispersed into the crowd upon detonation. These comprise the bomber=s primary Akill@ mechanism.

 

 

I share this for your education.  I seem to constantly talk about situational awareness, but it is so important in the world we live in. Be aware. 

 

Semper Paratus

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Gun Safety and Tennessee Teaching Gun Safety In Schools

 Gun safety training for kids should be at the top of everyone’s list.  You may ask, “Burn, my wife doesn’t like guns and doesn’t want one in the house.  Why would our kids need to learn gun safety?”

Not having guns in the house but teaching gun safety anyway is more important than a house full of guns and kids.  With no guns in the house the mystery of guns is very high.  In my house we taught kids gun safety and taught them to shoot at age 8, whether they were interested or not.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen an 8 year who would not want to shoot a gun!  But for us, I wanted our kids to be very familiar with guns to where they could be safe and not wonder what it feels like to shoot a gun.  Every time my kids expressed curiosity, I brought out a gun.  I taught them strict rules and enforced them. I reminded them until they were committed to memory.  I would ask questions like I do when I teach a class. “Why do we have Rule 2 (Never let the muzzle cover [point at] anything you are not willing to destroy)?”  “Because of rule 1 (All guns are always loaded.)”   The reason I did this was to tattoo these rules, and the reasons for the 4 rules, in their brains.  Occasionally I would throw a pistol or rifle on the bed and say to them, “Make it safe!”  They learned safety and there was no mystery in guns.  If every child in America knew gun safety rules and kept them, there would be a lot less accidents.  In my experience with adults, usually rule 3 and 2 are broken more often than the rest.

Why are these 4 rules different from other organizations’ rules? Because of Jeff Cooper, legendary instructor and founder of API, American Pistol Institute now known as Gunsite Academy. I will explain.

Gunsite’s rules are different but very similar to other organizations rules because Col. Cooper wanted a simple, standardized set of rules.  Having a universal set of safety rules gives us the advantage of better communication in training.  When everyone follows the same rules when referring to those rules it becomes simple. Everyone instantly knows what Rule 2 is.  This makes for lots of clarity in training. Everyone speaks the same language.

These are the rules:

Rule 1:

All guns are always loaded.

Some like to say, “treat guns as if, they are loaded.”  This is too ambiguous.  If all guns are always loaded, you will treat a gun accordingly even if you have cleared the weapon. It discourages bad behavior.

Rule 2:

Never let the muzzle cover (point at) anything you are not willing to destroy.

This rule is broken often with inexperienced people.  Pistols are harder to control than rifles but with deliberate attention, it can be achieved.

Rule 3.

Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard, until sights are on target.

Contrary to what TV and movies teach, guns don’t go off by themselves.  Someone (or something) must pull or press the trigger.  That’s the definition of a trigger.  If you never touch the trigger, the gun will not be discharged (Unless you’re Alex Baldwin, of course!).

Rule 4.

Know your target and what’s behind your target.

If you know what you’re shooting at and are willing to destroy it, then put your sights on the target and press the trigger.  Also, most people are not really sure what cover is.  Or in other words, what will stop a bullet.  Most items: walls, doors, appliances, cabinets, vehicle doors, tabletops, furniture, beds, won’t stop a bullet.  Hiding behind a car door like TV cops will get you killed.  The bad news is that there isn’t much in your house that will reliably stop a random bullet. However, brick, concrete, and cinder blocks effectively stop most common calibers. But each bullet takes out chunks, so it can only protect you for so long. Trees are highly effective.  A full water heater can effectively stop at least handgun rounds. The best place to take cover behind a car is behind the engine block and wheel. Bullets easily penetrate other areas of the car.

Stacks of paper are surprisingly good at stopping bullets. Example is: 9mm round, 7 inches of paper.  .50 BMG round, 3,187 sheets, about 7 reams of paper.

So, act accordingly. The sequence of the Four Rules isn’t arbitrary; it’s a deliberate progression that builds a layered approach to safety.

In Tennessee they have taken gun safety for children a step further.  They passed a law in 2024 requiring gun safety training in schools.  It started this year.  Since firearms are so prevalent in their state, they decided to take responsible action and use knowledge over trying to go against the Constitution and take away citizens’ rights.  It will succeed, I predict.  All states should follow Tennessee, but they probably won’t.  It’s amazing that no other state has done this.  They are quick to ban things but very short-sighted on educating children.  There is power in education but obviously law makers need more education themselves!

Please learn and live the safety rules of gun handling and shooting.  Teach them to everyone.  Stop negligent discharges and accidents.  Education and keeping rules will make the difference.

Semper Paratus

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The Miracle of Paracord

 Shortly before World War II, Wallace Carothers of DuPont invented a “synthetic silk”, a polyamide they named Nylon. Its invention made a new kind of large-scale, mobile airborne warfare possible, and the paratroopers were born. Previously, parachutes were made from silk, something that was in very short supply due to the natural method of its production – the humble silkworm. This new, synthetic silk transformed warfare by making it possible to mass produce parachutes and its companion product, parachute cord.

Dropped behind enemy lines, the paratrooper needed versatile, functional, reliable and, as much as possible, lightweight tools. Soldiers found diverse and inventive uses for their parachute cord. Once on the ground, paratroopers often cut the paracord from their chute and took it with them for future use. They had been trained on ways that parachute cord or “paracord” could be used in both survival situations and for making improvised repairs.

After World War II, the U.S. military adopted paracord for use throughout the Army as a multi-use tool with numerous applications. Today, it is still part of the U.S. military’s standard equipment and is used in many practical applications, like securing gear to backpacks and trucks, shelter building and various other improvised solutions.

As man has always used various types of cords for survival — in building, measuring, hunting, travelling (sailing, wagons), etc. –- it is perhaps unsurprising that even today, paracord continues to play an important part in man’s everyday life.

It is extraordinary how many uses you can get from this amazingly strong and durable cord. Suffice it to say that NASA is a bit particular with what they choose to send into space, where every gram of weight is considered and re-considered in terms of its necessity and utility. NASA believed in the worth of paracord and made it an accessory for their astronauts’ missions. In fact, during space shuttle mission STS-82 in 1997, it was even used to make an improvised repair to the Hubble space telescope.     

Paracord was also used to secure small items to prevent them from loss.

The paracord is useful in outdoor applications because it will not rot away or mildew adding to its reliability.

Hikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts sometimes use “survival bracelets” made of several feet of paracord which is woven into a compact and wearable form. Such bracelets are meant to be unraveled when one needs rope for whatever purpose –securing cargo, lashing together poles, fixing broken straps or belts, assisting with water rescues, controlling bleeding with a tourniquet, etc.

Paracord is light weight and compact making it easy to carry.  The 550 cord was used in several ways.  The inner strands of the cord could be removed to be used is sewing applications and used as fishing line in a survival

situation.

Paracord 550, so named because it has a breaking strength of 550 pounds, was used in the suspension lines of military parachutes.  

After 9/11/01, members deployed to the middle east would – and do – wear a military paracord bracelet as a symbol of remembrance for colleagues who were taken prisoner of war or missing in action.  

Of course, it still is used by the military, but survivalists and outdoor enthusiast also rely on this versatile cord. From first aid uses like making a tourniquet, tying a splint or sling, to hanging tools from your belt, neck or pack. You can make a towline, tie up a boat, canoe, or skiff, or unravel it and use the inner strands for fishing line. String it up to make a clothesline, or to haul your food stores off the ground away from bears. Make traps, or snares, securely tie a tarp between trees. Tie people together on a trail or mountain to make sure they stay together, and to help prevent dangerous falls. Use it for dental floss or sewing thread, and to fix or repair articles of clothing.

What Exactly is Paracord

The military-grade cord is Mil-C-504h type III. While there are other types of paracord commercially available, the Mil-C-504h is the only military-approved one. The outer layer is a braided sleeve that today comes in many colors. Inside that outer layer are 7 – 9 fine strands that are each made up of at 2-3 intertwined fibers. 

 

A standard military paracord bracelet is made by weaving a 10 – 12-foot single strand and using a uniform button for a clasp. The idea is that each service member wears a bracelet that has been made by someone else, and the bracelets are only removed when everyone is safely back to base. 

 

Type	Min. Strength	Inner Strands	Common Use
Type I	95 lbs	1-2	Decorative, light-duty
Type II	400 lbs	4-7	General purpose
Type III (550)	550 lbs	7-9	Military, survival, outdoor
Type IV	750 lbs	11+	Heavy-duty applications

 

The military 550 cord consists of the sheath is rated at about 300-pounds, and each of the 7 strands made up of two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds.

I love this stuff.  After I was introduced to paracord in jump school I’ve used it for everything.  It’s a very good addition to your EDC (everyday carry) and the many applications you can find for it.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

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Church Violence and Threat Indicators

 Violence and shootings in Church’s are on the increase.

In a report from the Family Research Council, an evangelical nonprofit and activist group, they identified 1,384 incidents of hostility against U.S. churches between January 2018 and December 2024.

The group recorded 50 incidents in 2018, 83 in 2019, 55 in 2020 and 98 in 2021. 

The report then found a dramatic rise in incidents beginning in 2022 when there were 198 recorded instances, followed by 485 in 2023 and 415 in 2024. 

There was then a dip last year, although 415 incidents were still reported, affecting a total of 383 churches across 43 states, according to the group.

 

In 2014, the FBI published “A Study of the Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the United States.” The study examines 63 active shooting incidents in the US between 2000 and 2013, in an attempt to identify “those who may be on a pathway to deadly violence.”

In the FBI study, the 63 active shooters were not readily identifiable by demographics. 

• The vast majority (94%) were male. 
• 57% were single (relationship status) at the time of the attack. 
• About one-third had an adult criminal record. 
• Nearly two-thirds had a history of abusive behavior. 

Of those active shooters included in the FBI study, 73% had a known connection to the site of the attack. In cases where the amount of time spent planning and preparing for the attack could be determined, 46% spent a week or longer. 

According to the FBI study, active shooters experienced multiple stressors in the year prior to the attack. The top stressors reported included: 

• Mental health (62%). 
• Financial strain (49%). 
• Job-related stressors (35%).
• Conflict with friends/peers (29%). 
• Marital problems (27%). 
• Abuse of drugs/alcohol (22%). 

Of the active shooters in the FBI study, 25% had a diagnosis of mental illness prior to the incident.  

Most active shooters in the FBI study displayed multiple concerning behaviors observed by others. The most frequent included: 

• Behaviors connected to mental health issues (62%). 
• Interpersonal interactions (57%). 
• Leaking information (56%). 
• Quality of thinking or communication (54%). 
• Work performance (46%). 
• Threats/confrontations (35%). 
• Anger (33%). 
• Physical aggressiveness (33%). 

More than half of the active shooters in the FBI study who had a specific target made threats or had a prior confrontation. Those threats and confrontations were almost always (95% of the time) in person, and rarely in writing or electronically. Although none of these observances were reported to law enforcement, 51% leaked an intent to commit violence. 

In the FBI study, most active shooters seemed to be acting on a grievance of some kind. Even those with no identifiable grievance demonstrated at least two concerning behaviors that were observed by others. The most common grievances were: 

• Adverse interpersonal action (33%). 
• Adverse employment action (18%). 
• Other, e.g., general hatred of others (10%). 

Of 50 active shooters in the study with an identifiable grievance, nearly half of them experienced a triggering event. 

The seemingly random nature of active shooter events is what makes them especially terrifying. In the FBI study, only one-third of the active shooters victimized only random members of the public, while two-thirds arrived at the site of the attack with a specific person or people in mind.

Here is how to fight this.  There are warning signs of potentially violent individuals

Unexplained increase in absenteeism; may include vague physical complaints

Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene

Depression or withdrawal

Resistance and overreaction to changes in policy and procedures

Repeated violations of Church norms and standards

Increase in severe mood swings

Noticeably unstable, emotional responses

Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation

Suicidal ideation; comments about “putting things in order”

Behavior typical of paranoia, such as statements like “Everybody is against me”

Increasing talk of problems at home

Escalation of domestic problems at Sunday services

Talk of severe financial problems

Talk of previous incidents of violence

Empathy with individuals committing violence

Increase in unsolicited comments about firearms, other dangerous weapons, and violent crimes

 

This is another list of things to look for from the State Department

Behavioral Red Flags

• Unusual Behavior: Individuals displaying erratic or unusual behavior, such as extreme agitation, aggression, or withdrawal, should be monitored closely.
• Fixation on Violence: A preoccupation with violence, weapons, or violent events can be a significant red flag. This may include verbal statements, written communications, or social media posts.
• Threatening Language: Direct or indirect threats against individuals or the church community should always be taken seriously. This includes verbal threats, notes, or online messages.
• Isolation: Individuals who isolate themselves from the community, especially after being an active participant, may be experiencing personal crises that could escalate.

Physical Indicators

• Unusual Dress or Carrying Items: Be alert to individuals wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., heavy coats in summer) or carrying large bags or packages that could conceal weapons.
• Signs of Distress: Visible signs of distress, such as shaking, sweating, or extreme nervousness, may indicate someone is in crisis or planning harmful actions.

Contextual Clues

• Changes in Attendance: Sudden changes in attendance patterns, such as an individual who starts attending more frequently or abruptly stops, can signal underlying issues.
• Conflict with Congregants: Ongoing conflicts with other members of the congregation that are not resolved can escalate into more serious situations.

Response

Developing a Reporting System

• Encourage congregants to report any suspicious behavior or threats immediately. Provide clear instructions on how to report concerns and who to contact.
• “Having a clear and accessible reporting system is crucial for early intervention,” says security expert Mary Johnson.

Train Congregants and Staff

• Conduct regular training sessions on recognizing and responding to potential threats. Ensure everyone knows the warning signs and understands the importance of vigilance.
• Role-playing scenarios can be an effective way to practice response strategies.

Establish Clear Protocols

• Develop and communicate clear protocols for addressing reported threats. This should include immediate actions to take, such as notifying security personnel and contacting law enforcement if necessary.
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers are familiar with these protocols and can act swiftly when needed.

Foster a Culture of Awareness

• Promote a culture of awareness and vigilance within the congregation. Encourage open communication and regular discussions about safety and security.
• Emphasize that safety is a collective responsibility and that everyone plays a role in maintaining a secure environment.

Recognizing and addressing potential threats at church is a vital aspect of church security. By understanding the warning signs, promoting vigilance, and fostering a culture of awareness, you can create a safer environment for all.  

Learn body language and keep high situational awareness. Stay in yellow until you see some of these indicators then go to orange. When the behavior changes or you see indicators of other things, go back to yellow. (See “Situational Awareness Day 2019” 9/19/2019 for Coopers Color Codes)
These are especially important to learn for those who serve in Bishoprics or those who are on the stand through meetings. Being up on the stand is a vantage point where you can see most of the congregation. If this applies to you learn these indicators and more. If possible, get trained in situational awareness and threat indicators.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Defending The Church Online and Off

 My haters seem to ebb and flow.  It seems every 6 months or so I seem to get “hate mail” from those who disagree with me.  I’m a big boy, I can take it.  Sometimes they are respectful and other times I’d like to send an attack drone to take them out. (My violent side) But I feel I need to address their “fears” (I think they fear everything!)  I am not what they think I am.  Although, I may be exactly what they think I am.  It depends on how you see me.  I know that it doesn’t seem, but I really can’t worry about how you readers (or anyone else) view me. 

I’m a defender. I have experience with, and training in, violence.  I will defend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints against all comers.  I’ve been compared to DezNat and Danites. I’ve got not problem with that. The following is by “JP Bellum” who founded the DezNat hashtag.

 

“By J.P. Bellum   

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

 

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 was noticed not only by other faithful members but by some of the Church’s largest detractors.

#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. 

#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.” 

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 wanted a change at BYU. He defended the gospel tirelessly. Detractors of the gospel already have hit Elder Holland and his “militant” attitudes.  In the words of WWII General Anthony McAuliffe “Nuts!”

I’m not concerned about detractors and progressive members of the church opinions.  They would call me a militant Mormon, violent, and inflexible.  I would agree with them.  Not really though I’m not militant or violent unless I have to be.  Inflexible?  Maybe.  But be that as it may, these are the same people who howled about Elder Gilbert being called as an Apostle because he was the one who straightened out some of the failed BYU policies that Elder Holland talked about in his talk.  These are also the ones who think letting sisters be Sunday School Presidencies is a step toward giving sisters the priesthood.  Yea, I know who they are.  I’m sure they follow Kate Kelly on “X” and have a lifetime subscription to the Salt Lake Tribune.  I guess what I’m trying to say is “Bring it the heck on!”  I’m not skeered of any buffoon that thinks they can attack the church’s policies and doctrines.  I’m certainly not scared of anyone who wants to attack the church physically. “Bring that on too!”  I think that persecution of the church will get worse and being prepared is essential. 

So, my haters can hate, and the church’s enemies can suck it!  Members of the church should take heed, prepare and train.  It will benefit you in many ways.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn