About once a year I seem to start leaning toward repeating my views of safety. When I teach the four safety rules I try to weave them through the course. I present them and give visual aids.
Jeff Cooper said “I have lived a long active life, and I am still alive because I have always been very, very careful!” I tend to agree with Jeff.
The rules are:
1-All guns are always loaded.
2-Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3-Keep your finger OFF the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4-Always be sure of your target.
I then explain that rules 2, 3, and 4 exist because of 1. “We are sure of our target because of why? Because all guns are always loaded and we need to know what we’re shooting at!”
I then quiz the students.
“Bill we keep rule 3 because of why?”
“Julia rule 2 is important because of which rule?”
I try to do that throughout their time with me.
Sometimes I add one more rule: Never point a gun at ME!
Rule number 5 is very important to me… Gun safety can be light-hearted too as long as the 4 rules are learned and kept seriously.
I also try to explain the rules in a little more detail. I’d like to do that now also.
Rule 1: All guns are always loaded
Don’t let anyone change this rule with something like “Treat” all guns as if they were loaded. The two words “as if” messes everything up. If I pick up a gun and clear it I can then do anything with it now because I’ve cleared it, right? No! What if my clearing of that weapon was sloppy or I just missed that shell in the barrel? I like the wording of the rule, all and always, are powerful. This is the most important rule. All the other rules are linked to this one. When someone hands you a gun you clear it first thing. I don’t care if you just watched the person that handed it to you clear it, clear it again! If all guns are always loaded then no one should ever say “I didn’t know it was loaded!”
Rule 2: Never let the muzzle cover (point at) anything you are not willing to destroy.
This is one that is constantly overlooked and violated. I do it myself. I don’t want to destroy the ceiling yet I’d rather point it there than at a person. I don’t worry as much when a gun is in a holster or case or even sitting on a table. Once it’s under human control, in someone’s hands, that’s when these tools become dangerous. This applies to me or anyone handling the gun. Don’t point it at yourself or your body parts. This includes your foot! Don’t scrap this rule when you dry fire. You can practice most shooting techniques without firing a shot. Make sure what you are pointing your gun at and using as your dry fire target is something that can contain your round.
Rule 3: Keep your finger OFF the trigger until your sights are on the target
For some reason when a human picks up a gun they naturally put their finger on the trigger or in the trigger guard. Actually, that’s how guns are designed so that it is not difficult to get to the trigger when it comes time to shoot. That’s why always keeping this rule is so important. Guns do not shoot, people press the trigger and the mechanical device responds. Without your finger on the trigger, the gun normally won’t go off.
Remember this scene from the movie “Blackhawk Down”?
Steele: Sergeant, what's the meaning of this?
[Thinking he's talking about the unauthorized pig picking]
"Hoot": Just a little aerial target practice, sir. Didn't want to leave 'em behind.
Steele: I'm talking about your weapon, soldier. Now Delta or no-Delta, that's still a hot weapon. Your safety should be on at all times.
"Hoot": This is my safety, sir.
[He holds up his index finger and bends motions as if squeezing a trigger and then walks off]
Sanderson: Let it alone, sir. He hasn't eaten in a few days.
I guess Hoot was Hangry… but his sentiment is true. Finger discipline is the perfect “safety”.
This is one rule that is constantly violated on T.V. and in movies. When I see an actor with finger discipline I know the advisor for weapons did a good job. Once in a while you’ll find an actor that actually knows this rule first hand like Keanu Reeves who has been a competitive shooter.
Rule 4: Always be sure of your target.
I always add on the end of this rule “…and beyond.” You are responsible for every bullet that exits your gun. You MUST know where that bullet is going. In self-defense you must have 100% target identification. You cannot shoot at sounds or darkness. If you do, you may injure or kill someone you do not intend to. You could end up heart broken and in jail.
At the range, or wherever you shoot, ensure your backstop will stop a bullet. Not maybe, not slow it down, but stop it dead every time. Know also if what you’re shooting at will ricochet in any direction you don’t want it to. It can even ricochet back to you or whoever you’re shooting with. So be aware.
Situational awareness is so essential when you shoot. When it comes to self-defense just because you have drawn your gun doesn’t mean you must shoot. Once you see the threat you must assess if this perceived threat really is a threat. It should happen in a split second. You must be ready.
Know what you are doing.
These rules should be learned until you know them backward and forward. Become the model gun handler. Education can cure Hollywood gun handling. Your example can set the example and show anyone who sees you, that you are a serious gun owner. You keep these rules and you expect everyone else to do the same. You can be a great teacher even if you are not an instructor. You can be the one who can prevent tragedy.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, February 24, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
My Dear Scouting Is Dying
This is an entry I made in an LDS forum about Boy Scouting and the recent kafuffle that happened in the Boy Scout organization. Most were saying that BSA should not have caved under pressure.
"This is a tough one. I agree with almost everyone here. I have been a Scout leader since 1986, even before my boys were old enough for Scouting. Most Scout Troops in the Church operate in a very loose way. I mean, how many of us played basketball more than we did Scouting? But now I am called as a Stake YM President. When I have a ward that seeks counsel and direction from the Stake concerning their YM programs I feel obligated with my calling to encourage a well-organized Scout Troop. I have 3 Eagle Scout sons and my last just lacks his paperwork and board of review. I truly love this program. I love the history and the connections to the past through traditions. I love what the program teaches and how boys can learn from it. I love the preparedness and self-sufficiency it teaches. But as my wife said the other day, "I just want to get my sons finished and earn his Eagle so we can be done with the program before it completely collapses." That seems selfish but I tend to agree. The program that I grew up with is going away because of political correctness and the need to be so "inclusive." If there was no Girl Scouts somebody would be screaming that a girl should be able to join Boy Scouts! I kind of wish the Church would abandon this program and create one like unto it. But until then, I will push the program that I love so much. I always tell everyone that I accepted the Scoutmaster position all those years ago just so I could go camping and use my calling as an excuse! But so many of "my" boys have loved this program with me. They have moved on to missions, college, and marriage. It makes my heart swell when I catch one of my "boys" from years ago in the Temple. We always talk about that "one" campout or hike or activity that we shared and bonded with. I see how Scouting has enriched their lives and my own boy’s lives. I am sad that possibly their own sons may not have that same experience. I really just want the Church to get out, rip it off like a Band-Aid! It would hurt less than to watch it slowly die."
End forum post.
I do feel this way about Boy Scouting. I really wish people would leave sexual preference and gender out of this program. How is it I would likely find out if an adult in Scouting preferred having sex with their own gender? How would I know that? Is there a club handshake or a T-shirt that homosexuals have that I would recognize? I mean do all gay men speak with a lisp? No they do not. So how would I know? Would it come up talking about a Troop campout coming up? My point is, I don’t understand why we even need to bring these things up? I’ll tell you why. Some gay people must broadcast their sexuality to the world. For some demented reason, they feel the rest of the world really gives a crap! So, the BSA has to come up with a policy. Ludacris! Does the gender of an 8 year old come up often when a Pack discusses the pinewood derby? I actually feel that we should consult professionals on the subject of gender choice for a 6 year old. The professional being the medical professional who put a gender on a birth certificate. I know my liberal friends will have a fit, but you don’t really choose your gender. Now there are certain situations where someone is born with both sets of reproductive organs. I guess in this case one must make a choice. It’s kind of a no-brainer. If an 8 year old said “I want to eat candy and ice cream for dinner every night” would you as a parent say “OK it’s your choice…”? No! A 6 year old does not have the brain capacity, experience, maturity to make certain choices. And gender is one of those things! This is an adult putting these things into a kids mind. Kids do not think that way unless they are taught. Why the heck is this an issue? Because pig-headed adults are involved. People that have nothing better to do than to cause problems. I guess the parents of the 8 year girl who was “choosing” to be a boy and was kicked out of a Cub Pack is a little different story. Someone found out about the girl, and told someone in the Council. I’m not sure how it was discovered.
Then Boy Scouting caved into silliness like Anikan Skywalker to the dark side. We want to include everyone! No, actually we don’t. What about pedophiles? Don’t they have rights too? I’m not equating pedophiles with homosexuality. But the BSA is exclusive. I’m a Life Scout. I’m a Life for life. What about MY rights? Can’t I finish my Scouting career and become an Eagle? Why can’t I just go to college without entrance exams and transcripts? Isn’t my money good enough for Harvard? Why can’t I get a job designing rockets at NASA? My background is projectiles, isn’t a rocket just a big projectile? I know these are not the best examples. The point is, groups can put requirements on membership. Boy Scouting can limit their membership any way they want. Problem is, liberal whining and thinking permeates big organizations. I’m embarrassed for BSA. I’m wondering what will be next? (That’s what I thought when BSA let homosexual boys into Scouting, as if a 14 year old can really figure they are gay) Now that we know when people complain or there seems to be some injustice concerning the BSA they will just roll over. There is integrity at stake here and I feel BSA needs to get some. Why is it an organization must let everyone who wants to into their organization? These issues need not be issues. I don’t know why everyone should be everywhere!? Why can we not have exclusive organizations? Actually, we do. You must meet certain requirements to enter some organizations.
There is a Seinfeld episode where George turns down a girl who would have made him very happy. He calls himself “Costanza, Lord of the idiots.” Jerry and George are at a party that overlooks the street where the NY marathon is being ran. Several people are watching the race and one girl says to the runners as they go by “You’re all winners!” George looks over at her after he proclaims himself Lord of the idiots and says “…but suddenly a new contender has emerged…”
Reality is that we are not all winners. There is a winner of a race and many losers. That doesn’t mean that those who ran ARE losers in their lives, just of that race. Each of us have won and lost at many things in our lives. It will continue to be so. “You’re all winners” is a statement that tries to make us all feel better about losing. It is not teaching anyone how to lose. It’s not real. It does depict society as being “Lord of the idiots!”
I cannot just join any organization I want. I can’t be a member of MENSA. Like Scouting, MENSA has requirements. I think that’s discrimination. Stupid people should be able to join MENSA too! My IQ sucks but I should be able to “identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity…” too! Or is that, “also?” Apparently I should NOT be a member of MENSA, but you get the picture.
There is no going back for BSA. They will continue to cow down to those who don’t meet their standards. They will just change their standards! I predict this will happen again. Something else will come up and BSA will change their policies once again. Good thing they write them in pencil!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
"This is a tough one. I agree with almost everyone here. I have been a Scout leader since 1986, even before my boys were old enough for Scouting. Most Scout Troops in the Church operate in a very loose way. I mean, how many of us played basketball more than we did Scouting? But now I am called as a Stake YM President. When I have a ward that seeks counsel and direction from the Stake concerning their YM programs I feel obligated with my calling to encourage a well-organized Scout Troop. I have 3 Eagle Scout sons and my last just lacks his paperwork and board of review. I truly love this program. I love the history and the connections to the past through traditions. I love what the program teaches and how boys can learn from it. I love the preparedness and self-sufficiency it teaches. But as my wife said the other day, "I just want to get my sons finished and earn his Eagle so we can be done with the program before it completely collapses." That seems selfish but I tend to agree. The program that I grew up with is going away because of political correctness and the need to be so "inclusive." If there was no Girl Scouts somebody would be screaming that a girl should be able to join Boy Scouts! I kind of wish the Church would abandon this program and create one like unto it. But until then, I will push the program that I love so much. I always tell everyone that I accepted the Scoutmaster position all those years ago just so I could go camping and use my calling as an excuse! But so many of "my" boys have loved this program with me. They have moved on to missions, college, and marriage. It makes my heart swell when I catch one of my "boys" from years ago in the Temple. We always talk about that "one" campout or hike or activity that we shared and bonded with. I see how Scouting has enriched their lives and my own boy’s lives. I am sad that possibly their own sons may not have that same experience. I really just want the Church to get out, rip it off like a Band-Aid! It would hurt less than to watch it slowly die."
End forum post.
I do feel this way about Boy Scouting. I really wish people would leave sexual preference and gender out of this program. How is it I would likely find out if an adult in Scouting preferred having sex with their own gender? How would I know that? Is there a club handshake or a T-shirt that homosexuals have that I would recognize? I mean do all gay men speak with a lisp? No they do not. So how would I know? Would it come up talking about a Troop campout coming up? My point is, I don’t understand why we even need to bring these things up? I’ll tell you why. Some gay people must broadcast their sexuality to the world. For some demented reason, they feel the rest of the world really gives a crap! So, the BSA has to come up with a policy. Ludacris! Does the gender of an 8 year old come up often when a Pack discusses the pinewood derby? I actually feel that we should consult professionals on the subject of gender choice for a 6 year old. The professional being the medical professional who put a gender on a birth certificate. I know my liberal friends will have a fit, but you don’t really choose your gender. Now there are certain situations where someone is born with both sets of reproductive organs. I guess in this case one must make a choice. It’s kind of a no-brainer. If an 8 year old said “I want to eat candy and ice cream for dinner every night” would you as a parent say “OK it’s your choice…”? No! A 6 year old does not have the brain capacity, experience, maturity to make certain choices. And gender is one of those things! This is an adult putting these things into a kids mind. Kids do not think that way unless they are taught. Why the heck is this an issue? Because pig-headed adults are involved. People that have nothing better to do than to cause problems. I guess the parents of the 8 year girl who was “choosing” to be a boy and was kicked out of a Cub Pack is a little different story. Someone found out about the girl, and told someone in the Council. I’m not sure how it was discovered.
Then Boy Scouting caved into silliness like Anikan Skywalker to the dark side. We want to include everyone! No, actually we don’t. What about pedophiles? Don’t they have rights too? I’m not equating pedophiles with homosexuality. But the BSA is exclusive. I’m a Life Scout. I’m a Life for life. What about MY rights? Can’t I finish my Scouting career and become an Eagle? Why can’t I just go to college without entrance exams and transcripts? Isn’t my money good enough for Harvard? Why can’t I get a job designing rockets at NASA? My background is projectiles, isn’t a rocket just a big projectile? I know these are not the best examples. The point is, groups can put requirements on membership. Boy Scouting can limit their membership any way they want. Problem is, liberal whining and thinking permeates big organizations. I’m embarrassed for BSA. I’m wondering what will be next? (That’s what I thought when BSA let homosexual boys into Scouting, as if a 14 year old can really figure they are gay) Now that we know when people complain or there seems to be some injustice concerning the BSA they will just roll over. There is integrity at stake here and I feel BSA needs to get some. Why is it an organization must let everyone who wants to into their organization? These issues need not be issues. I don’t know why everyone should be everywhere!? Why can we not have exclusive organizations? Actually, we do. You must meet certain requirements to enter some organizations.
There is a Seinfeld episode where George turns down a girl who would have made him very happy. He calls himself “Costanza, Lord of the idiots.” Jerry and George are at a party that overlooks the street where the NY marathon is being ran. Several people are watching the race and one girl says to the runners as they go by “You’re all winners!” George looks over at her after he proclaims himself Lord of the idiots and says “…but suddenly a new contender has emerged…”
Reality is that we are not all winners. There is a winner of a race and many losers. That doesn’t mean that those who ran ARE losers in their lives, just of that race. Each of us have won and lost at many things in our lives. It will continue to be so. “You’re all winners” is a statement that tries to make us all feel better about losing. It is not teaching anyone how to lose. It’s not real. It does depict society as being “Lord of the idiots!”
I cannot just join any organization I want. I can’t be a member of MENSA. Like Scouting, MENSA has requirements. I think that’s discrimination. Stupid people should be able to join MENSA too! My IQ sucks but I should be able to “identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity…” too! Or is that, “also?” Apparently I should NOT be a member of MENSA, but you get the picture.
There is no going back for BSA. They will continue to cow down to those who don’t meet their standards. They will just change their standards! I predict this will happen again. Something else will come up and BSA will change their policies once again. Good thing they write them in pencil!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Self-Defense For The Average Guy
I got a message the other day and it read in part:
“Burn, I’m just an average guy. I’m in my late 20’s, have a 9-5 office job, and am in OK shape. Barring going to Recondo school, or becoming Chuck Norris, what can I do to protect myself and my wife and baby girl?”
It was signed “Average Guy”
First, how cool is it that a young guy who wasn’t alive in the 60’s even knows what Recondo School is? If you don’t know look it up. It is referenced to the beginning of Spec Ops during the Viet Nam conflict. Anyway, I thought I’d answer AG with an article for the average guy.
My background in self-defense is from the military. So my answer to an average person asking about self-defense will be different than someone with an extensive background in law enforcement or martial arts. So take this for what it is.
I believe that the average person can acquire the skills to be proficient with a firearm. I feel that is our best bet for self-defense these days. I also live by the adage that “Two is one and one is none.” So, I think it pays to learn other weapons and other forms of self-defense.
We are responsible for our own self-defense, not the government or anyone else. A gun is, in my opinion, the easiest way to do this. If you disagree, that’s fine, but I wonder why you’d be on site titled “LDS Gunsite?” Anyway, there are other ways to defend yourself.
If you take my counsel and decide to defend your family with a gun I have some additional advice.
1-Assuming you may legally own a gun go out and find the best gun for you. Ask people you trust that know. Go to a range that will let you rent different guns or find an instructor that will let you shoot different calibers and styles of guns.
2-Get trained. Find a good instructor or school and get the training you need.
3-Get properly licensed. Learn the laws for where you live and abide by them.
4-Practice. This is important. Shooting is a perishable skill. You will default to your training in a stressful situation.
Here are some other tips I received from my friend Mac who working for the State department’s Diplomatic Security for years. 4 Basic “Rules”:
1. Don’t put yourself in danger
2. Protect The Asset
3. Use Their Strength
4. There Are No Rules
Don’t put yourself in danger
If you don’t know the bad parts of town or a neighborhood, learn them! This is the most obvious “rule” there could be. Don’t put yourself in a bad place or situation. Don’t take a shortcut down a dark alley. Don’t be in a parking lot at 3 A.M. Take calculated risks if needed, but don’t do anything that could put you in harm’s way.
You as the person in charge need to know which areas of town you’re going to, and if they’re close to the dangerous parts of town. Ignorance is bliss only when ignorance can’t stab you and take your money for making a poor decision.
So don’t put yourself in a situation that could end badly. Enough bad things happen in decent places, don’t go to where the pain is.
Protect The Asset
Even if the asset is just you. But if you’re with someone, they are the asset. Do not let anything happen to them.
In a situation where you’re assaulted by surprise you need to have it in your head already that you’re going to stand between whatever is happening and the person you’re with. This isn’t to say that person can’t handle themselves. If they pull out a Glock and blow away the threat then you all benefit, if not then protect the asset.
Odds are that you’ll never get attacked for no reason at all, they’re after something. If it’s money go ahead and give it up, it’s harder to recover from a beating than to explain why you need to cancel your credit cards. But if you have a person with you then for their sake you need to make sure they don’t get to them.
The best tactics to secure an asset is to make yourself the barrier to get through. It may sound stupid, but if they’re trying to get to something that’s directly behind you then that creates a natural bottle neck that you control. You can maneuver them and force them to follow your lead to make a move, and with the right amount of situational awareness you can use this to your advantage.
If you stall them long enough you can call for help, make a plan to escape or make your stand.
Use Their Strength
This isn’t about some Tai-Chi move to redirect their energy back at them, rather you need to use the same tactics or “strengths” they’re using on you.
What tactic did they use on you? How about surprise and violence. Assuming you have the awareness in the moment to understand what’s happening, it would be a great idea to suddenly start making giving it back. This may throw your attackers off for a few moments, and that’s when you take the upper hand and either run or deal a punishing blow. The assailant is depending on you to crumble and be scared, and while you may be scared in the moment, if you can muster enough courage to yell, jump, charge and attack the attacker, you’ll gain the upper hand. And all while using their “strength”.
There Are No Rules
I don’t believe in the notion of a fair fight. If you can scream like a girl and rupture their eardrums then do it. There’s no trophies given for style points in these situations. All that matters is that you make it out alive and protect those you’re with.
Biting and scratching are great ways of inflicting damage on an emotional level with your attacker. If you punch someone and they scratch your arm and bite your neck hard enough to draw blood then I’m pretty sure they’re going to proceed with caution.
So do what you have to do to make it out alive, because if you’re defending someone else then they won’t care how you saved their life, only that you saved it.
I want every upper hand I can get. The “father” of Spec Ops Tiger Force, David Hackworth said:
“If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly.”
Plan properly and use ALL the tactics, training, and weapons at your disposal. When this country goes to war as we did in Iraq we wanted an overwhelming win. We did not invade Iraq until we had at least a 10 to 1 ratio. Plan the same with your self-defense. I want options. I want a plan A, B, C, D, E, and F. I want small arms, artillery, air defense, and WMD on my side!
If you’re just an average guy remember that most criminals have practiced their craft. They may not go to the range weekly, but you are probably not their first crime.
Getting yourself and your assets out of any situation alive, and preferably unhurt, is your primary goal. Prevention is best but when faced with violence you must answer in kind or violence will win.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
“Burn, I’m just an average guy. I’m in my late 20’s, have a 9-5 office job, and am in OK shape. Barring going to Recondo school, or becoming Chuck Norris, what can I do to protect myself and my wife and baby girl?”
It was signed “Average Guy”
First, how cool is it that a young guy who wasn’t alive in the 60’s even knows what Recondo School is? If you don’t know look it up. It is referenced to the beginning of Spec Ops during the Viet Nam conflict. Anyway, I thought I’d answer AG with an article for the average guy.
My background in self-defense is from the military. So my answer to an average person asking about self-defense will be different than someone with an extensive background in law enforcement or martial arts. So take this for what it is.
I believe that the average person can acquire the skills to be proficient with a firearm. I feel that is our best bet for self-defense these days. I also live by the adage that “Two is one and one is none.” So, I think it pays to learn other weapons and other forms of self-defense.
We are responsible for our own self-defense, not the government or anyone else. A gun is, in my opinion, the easiest way to do this. If you disagree, that’s fine, but I wonder why you’d be on site titled “LDS Gunsite?” Anyway, there are other ways to defend yourself.
If you take my counsel and decide to defend your family with a gun I have some additional advice.
1-Assuming you may legally own a gun go out and find the best gun for you. Ask people you trust that know. Go to a range that will let you rent different guns or find an instructor that will let you shoot different calibers and styles of guns.
2-Get trained. Find a good instructor or school and get the training you need.
3-Get properly licensed. Learn the laws for where you live and abide by them.
4-Practice. This is important. Shooting is a perishable skill. You will default to your training in a stressful situation.
Here are some other tips I received from my friend Mac who working for the State department’s Diplomatic Security for years. 4 Basic “Rules”:
1. Don’t put yourself in danger
2. Protect The Asset
3. Use Their Strength
4. There Are No Rules
Don’t put yourself in danger
If you don’t know the bad parts of town or a neighborhood, learn them! This is the most obvious “rule” there could be. Don’t put yourself in a bad place or situation. Don’t take a shortcut down a dark alley. Don’t be in a parking lot at 3 A.M. Take calculated risks if needed, but don’t do anything that could put you in harm’s way.
You as the person in charge need to know which areas of town you’re going to, and if they’re close to the dangerous parts of town. Ignorance is bliss only when ignorance can’t stab you and take your money for making a poor decision.
So don’t put yourself in a situation that could end badly. Enough bad things happen in decent places, don’t go to where the pain is.
Protect The Asset
Even if the asset is just you. But if you’re with someone, they are the asset. Do not let anything happen to them.
In a situation where you’re assaulted by surprise you need to have it in your head already that you’re going to stand between whatever is happening and the person you’re with. This isn’t to say that person can’t handle themselves. If they pull out a Glock and blow away the threat then you all benefit, if not then protect the asset.
Odds are that you’ll never get attacked for no reason at all, they’re after something. If it’s money go ahead and give it up, it’s harder to recover from a beating than to explain why you need to cancel your credit cards. But if you have a person with you then for their sake you need to make sure they don’t get to them.
The best tactics to secure an asset is to make yourself the barrier to get through. It may sound stupid, but if they’re trying to get to something that’s directly behind you then that creates a natural bottle neck that you control. You can maneuver them and force them to follow your lead to make a move, and with the right amount of situational awareness you can use this to your advantage.
If you stall them long enough you can call for help, make a plan to escape or make your stand.
Use Their Strength
This isn’t about some Tai-Chi move to redirect their energy back at them, rather you need to use the same tactics or “strengths” they’re using on you.
What tactic did they use on you? How about surprise and violence. Assuming you have the awareness in the moment to understand what’s happening, it would be a great idea to suddenly start making giving it back. This may throw your attackers off for a few moments, and that’s when you take the upper hand and either run or deal a punishing blow. The assailant is depending on you to crumble and be scared, and while you may be scared in the moment, if you can muster enough courage to yell, jump, charge and attack the attacker, you’ll gain the upper hand. And all while using their “strength”.
There Are No Rules
I don’t believe in the notion of a fair fight. If you can scream like a girl and rupture their eardrums then do it. There’s no trophies given for style points in these situations. All that matters is that you make it out alive and protect those you’re with.
Biting and scratching are great ways of inflicting damage on an emotional level with your attacker. If you punch someone and they scratch your arm and bite your neck hard enough to draw blood then I’m pretty sure they’re going to proceed with caution.
So do what you have to do to make it out alive, because if you’re defending someone else then they won’t care how you saved their life, only that you saved it.
I want every upper hand I can get. The “father” of Spec Ops Tiger Force, David Hackworth said:
“If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly.”
Plan properly and use ALL the tactics, training, and weapons at your disposal. When this country goes to war as we did in Iraq we wanted an overwhelming win. We did not invade Iraq until we had at least a 10 to 1 ratio. Plan the same with your self-defense. I want options. I want a plan A, B, C, D, E, and F. I want small arms, artillery, air defense, and WMD on my side!
If you’re just an average guy remember that most criminals have practiced their craft. They may not go to the range weekly, but you are probably not their first crime.
Getting yourself and your assets out of any situation alive, and preferably unhurt, is your primary goal. Prevention is best but when faced with violence you must answer in kind or violence will win.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Shooting From The Ground Up
I was at the range the other day. I go through a workout that I’ve created for myself that involves several drills. I change up the drills from time to time for variety and for training in many different positions and situations. For me it is more fun too.
Most people look at me strange when I train. The typical face the paper target and shoot is what most people do. For defense, I believe you will never be called upon to shoot like that. So why do we always train that way?
I’d like to talk about shooting from the ground.
Why the ground, you say? There are several reasons you may have to shoot from the ground. Often down is where the cover is. You could be knocked down by a mob of people fleeing. During an ambush you may go to ground. There are many ways for you end up there.
If you can at your shooting range, try it some time. Lots of thing change from that perspective. To train with this in mind there are a few ideas for you to consider.
Drawing from the holster on the Ground
Reloading on the ground
Dry firing from the Ground
Live Firing from the ground (If possible)
Clearing Malfunctions from the ground
One Handed / Weak handed engagements
The above should be practiced with each position.
Traditional Prone
Like standing and kneeling, firearm training on the ground has a variety of different techniques and ideas. If you are on the on the ground to use cover then you are best served on your stomach, in a traditional prone position. This allows you to rest your elbows on the ground and steady your shot. Being on your belly makes it possible to hide the majority of your body, while retaining a comfortable position. This position is easy to roll from if necessary, and very easy to get up from.
Back to Ground
Most likely this is the position you will find yourself if knocked down. Rolling to your back presents you with the widest field of view of all positions. You can engage easily to your left and right, and directly in front of you. This position also allows an easy draw, reload, and fix malfunctions. In this position your back is to the ground and you are doing a sit-up to lift your back off the ground and take a shot. This position allows you to react rapidly and engage targets in front and to the sides.
Side Left or Right
If knocked down on your side in an engagement I suggest rolling to back or stomach if possible. However, some situations may make laying in a sideways position necessary to maximize cover and concealment. Depending on which side you’re dominant and which side you’re laying on, drawing and reloading can be difficult. Your legs should not be stacked on top of each. They should be slightly kicked outwards to the front and rear. This allows you to remain a stable platform for firing your weapon.
Getting Up
It’s great that you can fight from the ground, but it’s important you take the time to learn to get back up. Getting up while holding a firearm in a safe and effective manner can be difficult. By safe I mean following the four rules as much as possible. This includes finger off the trigger, and avoiding pointing the weapon at yourself and other innocent people.
Being effective while standing means keeping your weapon and your eyes orientated towards the bad guy. At the same time you want to move rapidly and get to your feet and to cover as fast as possible.
Throughout these drills, your goal should be to keep the weapon pointed at a target, with your eyes on the target. When practicing this a simple paper target is an excellent frame of reference to remind yourself to maintain visual on the target. These can actually be good drills to put into a workout, the up and down nature makes them breathtaking when done for speed. At the same time, keep your weapon pointed down range while rushing up.
Traditional prone
Lift yourself up to your knees. Keep the weapon pointed down range with one hand, as the other helps you get up. Bring one of your knees up and put yourself into a kneeling position. Reassess the threat from the kneeling if you have cover. If not, come completely to your feet and find cover.
On Your Back
Do a forward rock or a full sit up. Place your non-dominant hand on the ground behind you. Shoot your non-dominant leg behind and under you and push up with dominant leg until you can kneel. Then move to a standing position while assuming full control of your weapon with both hands.
On Your Sides?
I suggest rolling your stomach or back and getting up from there.
Ground Fighting Ground fighting with a gun can suck. You lose a lot of maneuverability. However, it can happen, more so if you are knocked to the ground during an engagement. You want at least some familiarity with these positions before you find yourself on the wrong side of gravity. Put this into your workout and you’ll be more versatile. Plus it’s fun!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Most people look at me strange when I train. The typical face the paper target and shoot is what most people do. For defense, I believe you will never be called upon to shoot like that. So why do we always train that way?
I’d like to talk about shooting from the ground.
Why the ground, you say? There are several reasons you may have to shoot from the ground. Often down is where the cover is. You could be knocked down by a mob of people fleeing. During an ambush you may go to ground. There are many ways for you end up there.
If you can at your shooting range, try it some time. Lots of thing change from that perspective. To train with this in mind there are a few ideas for you to consider.
Drawing from the holster on the Ground
Reloading on the ground
Dry firing from the Ground
Live Firing from the ground (If possible)
Clearing Malfunctions from the ground
One Handed / Weak handed engagements
The above should be practiced with each position.
Traditional Prone
Like standing and kneeling, firearm training on the ground has a variety of different techniques and ideas. If you are on the on the ground to use cover then you are best served on your stomach, in a traditional prone position. This allows you to rest your elbows on the ground and steady your shot. Being on your belly makes it possible to hide the majority of your body, while retaining a comfortable position. This position is easy to roll from if necessary, and very easy to get up from.
Back to Ground
Most likely this is the position you will find yourself if knocked down. Rolling to your back presents you with the widest field of view of all positions. You can engage easily to your left and right, and directly in front of you. This position also allows an easy draw, reload, and fix malfunctions. In this position your back is to the ground and you are doing a sit-up to lift your back off the ground and take a shot. This position allows you to react rapidly and engage targets in front and to the sides.
Side Left or Right
If knocked down on your side in an engagement I suggest rolling to back or stomach if possible. However, some situations may make laying in a sideways position necessary to maximize cover and concealment. Depending on which side you’re dominant and which side you’re laying on, drawing and reloading can be difficult. Your legs should not be stacked on top of each. They should be slightly kicked outwards to the front and rear. This allows you to remain a stable platform for firing your weapon.
Getting Up
It’s great that you can fight from the ground, but it’s important you take the time to learn to get back up. Getting up while holding a firearm in a safe and effective manner can be difficult. By safe I mean following the four rules as much as possible. This includes finger off the trigger, and avoiding pointing the weapon at yourself and other innocent people.
Being effective while standing means keeping your weapon and your eyes orientated towards the bad guy. At the same time you want to move rapidly and get to your feet and to cover as fast as possible.
Throughout these drills, your goal should be to keep the weapon pointed at a target, with your eyes on the target. When practicing this a simple paper target is an excellent frame of reference to remind yourself to maintain visual on the target. These can actually be good drills to put into a workout, the up and down nature makes them breathtaking when done for speed. At the same time, keep your weapon pointed down range while rushing up.
Traditional prone
Lift yourself up to your knees. Keep the weapon pointed down range with one hand, as the other helps you get up. Bring one of your knees up and put yourself into a kneeling position. Reassess the threat from the kneeling if you have cover. If not, come completely to your feet and find cover.
On Your Back
Do a forward rock or a full sit up. Place your non-dominant hand on the ground behind you. Shoot your non-dominant leg behind and under you and push up with dominant leg until you can kneel. Then move to a standing position while assuming full control of your weapon with both hands.
On Your Sides?
I suggest rolling your stomach or back and getting up from there.
Ground Fighting Ground fighting with a gun can suck. You lose a lot of maneuverability. However, it can happen, more so if you are knocked to the ground during an engagement. You want at least some familiarity with these positions before you find yourself on the wrong side of gravity. Put this into your workout and you’ll be more versatile. Plus it’s fun!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
LDS GunsiteTop 5 Articles For 2016
January 27th marked the 3rd anniversary of LDS Gunsite. In the 3 years this site has been active about 200 posts a year have been posted. In that time comments have been spotty and few. But 32,000 of you viewed about 600+ articles on guns, security issues, and preparedness. The following are the highlights of 2016. Thanks for viewing and please continue your wonderful support!
Top 5 viewed posts for 2016
5 A Green Berets EDC 6/28/2016 57 views
4 The Shemagh: the History and Uses 8/2/2016 63 views
3 We Gotta Get Outa This Place: City Evac 11/29/2016 64 views
2 Survival Guns 4/22/2016 65 views
1 Modern Day Stripling Warriors 4/14/2016 67 views
All time most popular posts
Concealed Carry Participant, Porter Rockwell's Guns 6/9/2014 961 views
Happy Birthday Master Jerry Miculek 9/9/2014 930 views
The 200th Hour-Mistakes and Training 2/15/2014 280 views
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Top 5 viewed posts for 2016
5 A Green Berets EDC 6/28/2016 57 views
4 The Shemagh: the History and Uses 8/2/2016 63 views
3 We Gotta Get Outa This Place: City Evac 11/29/2016 64 views
2 Survival Guns 4/22/2016 65 views
1 Modern Day Stripling Warriors 4/14/2016 67 views
All time most popular posts
Concealed Carry Participant, Porter Rockwell's Guns 6/9/2014 961 views
Happy Birthday Master Jerry Miculek 9/9/2014 930 views
The 200th Hour-Mistakes and Training 2/15/2014 280 views
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
The Survival Gap
Self-defensive myths abound out there. Some think that they have a gun, they took one class and they practice every 3 or 4 months or so. Some took a “martial arts” class for a year. They only attended half the classes but they think they are ready.
Self-defense is a life-long pursuit. I repeat LIFE-LONG pursuit! What I don’t understand is the martial arts angle. I know some competitors that would be deadly in a fight. They have studied most of their lives and practice almost every day. They are the exception. The average martial arts student would do well to stay as far away from an attacker as possible. I still don’t get it! Is it just me? The last thing I want is to have an attacker in my face and having to fight with fists, knives…who knows what? I much prefer to defend myself from a distance and you should too. In the tactical world, we refer to this distance as the “Survival Gap,” and for good reason.
Your chances of being overpowered and seriously injured are increased exponentially by going hands on. What in the world do I have to gain by going “hands on” with anyone? Even if you are 6.5 feet tall and weigh 240 pounds…there are still skilled people out there that will overpower you very quickly. Heck, I worked with a guy who weighed 165 and he could put you to sleep in about 10 seconds. On the other hand, he can’t put you to sleep if he is not close enough to get his hands on you.
What’s that he said? Survival Gap…Distance? Yep…distance…and lots of it! Ask any Law Enforcement officer and they will tell you it is first and foremost on their mind. So what’s a good distance you ask? Let’s quickly examine the data.
The average “tactical minded” individual takes about one and one-half seconds to react to a perceived threat. Now you’re probably thinking…that’s pretty quick. However, and this is key, studies have found that an average healthy adult male can cover a seven yard distance in a time of (you guessed it) about one and one-half seconds. No, were not talking about a track star…average healthy male. It is safe to say then that an armed attacker at 21 feet is at the edge of your Survival Gap. Anything closer and you are getting into trouble quickly. So here are a few tips to help you maintain this Survival Gap.
First, develop and maintain a healthy level of situational awareness. If you spot the danger signs early enough (listen to that little voice inside your head), you can probably avoid a lot of confrontations altogether. If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t! A tactical withdrawal may be your best move. Take a different route; wait for them to leave…do whatever it takes to avoid the situation. Unfortunately, this is not going to work 100 percent of the time and we need to resort to our training.
If you are being approached, look them directly in the eyes and in a firm, loud voice let them know you mean business with verbal commands such as, “Stop”‘ or “Stay Back!” It may work, and even if it doesn’t, you’ll be developing your legal case for self-defense by showing that you did everything you could to prevent using force against them. If all goes according to plan, the odds are that by now you will no longer have a problem…your attacker having remembered he had a more pressing engagement elsewhere.
But, as we all know, some of these criminals aren’t playing with a full deck. If your “Early Warning System” tells you that an attack is probable or imminent, you’ll want to place yourself in the best tactical position available. You should try and move to any available cover (cover that actually stops bullets), draw your concealed carry weapon, pepper spray, or stun gun and quickly prepare to defend yourself. Good cover will make it that much harder for the attacker to get to you. Anything between you and your attacker (trash cans, vehicles, furniture, etc.) that slows him down buys you more time to make the appropriate decisions, and, if it becomes necessary, more time to use your weapon(s)…the weapons you have been trained on! Know this, most weapons require you to close on your target. Certain stun guns, some high powered pepper sprays, and of course a firearm are not so distance dependent.
Situation awareness, maintaining a survival gap, and skill with the weapon(s) you have been trained on (concealed carry, pepper spray, stun gun)…that’s the combination that will make you the winner in a violent attack. Or, being able to exit the situation quickly…
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Self-defense is a life-long pursuit. I repeat LIFE-LONG pursuit! What I don’t understand is the martial arts angle. I know some competitors that would be deadly in a fight. They have studied most of their lives and practice almost every day. They are the exception. The average martial arts student would do well to stay as far away from an attacker as possible. I still don’t get it! Is it just me? The last thing I want is to have an attacker in my face and having to fight with fists, knives…who knows what? I much prefer to defend myself from a distance and you should too. In the tactical world, we refer to this distance as the “Survival Gap,” and for good reason.
Your chances of being overpowered and seriously injured are increased exponentially by going hands on. What in the world do I have to gain by going “hands on” with anyone? Even if you are 6.5 feet tall and weigh 240 pounds…there are still skilled people out there that will overpower you very quickly. Heck, I worked with a guy who weighed 165 and he could put you to sleep in about 10 seconds. On the other hand, he can’t put you to sleep if he is not close enough to get his hands on you.
What’s that he said? Survival Gap…Distance? Yep…distance…and lots of it! Ask any Law Enforcement officer and they will tell you it is first and foremost on their mind. So what’s a good distance you ask? Let’s quickly examine the data.
The average “tactical minded” individual takes about one and one-half seconds to react to a perceived threat. Now you’re probably thinking…that’s pretty quick. However, and this is key, studies have found that an average healthy adult male can cover a seven yard distance in a time of (you guessed it) about one and one-half seconds. No, were not talking about a track star…average healthy male. It is safe to say then that an armed attacker at 21 feet is at the edge of your Survival Gap. Anything closer and you are getting into trouble quickly. So here are a few tips to help you maintain this Survival Gap.
First, develop and maintain a healthy level of situational awareness. If you spot the danger signs early enough (listen to that little voice inside your head), you can probably avoid a lot of confrontations altogether. If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t! A tactical withdrawal may be your best move. Take a different route; wait for them to leave…do whatever it takes to avoid the situation. Unfortunately, this is not going to work 100 percent of the time and we need to resort to our training.
If you are being approached, look them directly in the eyes and in a firm, loud voice let them know you mean business with verbal commands such as, “Stop”‘ or “Stay Back!” It may work, and even if it doesn’t, you’ll be developing your legal case for self-defense by showing that you did everything you could to prevent using force against them. If all goes according to plan, the odds are that by now you will no longer have a problem…your attacker having remembered he had a more pressing engagement elsewhere.
But, as we all know, some of these criminals aren’t playing with a full deck. If your “Early Warning System” tells you that an attack is probable or imminent, you’ll want to place yourself in the best tactical position available. You should try and move to any available cover (cover that actually stops bullets), draw your concealed carry weapon, pepper spray, or stun gun and quickly prepare to defend yourself. Good cover will make it that much harder for the attacker to get to you. Anything between you and your attacker (trash cans, vehicles, furniture, etc.) that slows him down buys you more time to make the appropriate decisions, and, if it becomes necessary, more time to use your weapon(s)…the weapons you have been trained on! Know this, most weapons require you to close on your target. Certain stun guns, some high powered pepper sprays, and of course a firearm are not so distance dependent.
Situation awareness, maintaining a survival gap, and skill with the weapon(s) you have been trained on (concealed carry, pepper spray, stun gun)…that’s the combination that will make you the winner in a violent attack. Or, being able to exit the situation quickly…
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Surviving A Knife Fight
In the past several months, curbside stabbings in Jerusalem, slashings in New York and an edged-weapon assault injuring eight at a shopping mall in Minnesota are clear examples of a disturbing trend of knife attacks against civilians. Although we may all be potential victims of physical violence, few of us are fully equipped to handle such assaults.
Being prepared for a knife attack is 50 percent physical and 50 percent psychological. Most human beings fear the unknown, and that is especially true of a knife attack. Because we are unfamiliar with the mechanics of a knife attack, it makes us feel uncomfortable and squeamish. It’s up-close. It’s personal. And it could potentially end in loss of blood, limb or life.
“Either you control the threat, or the threat controls you.”
How can you control a threat? You control a threat by either avoiding it altogether, mitigating its impact or defending against it. Failing avoidance or mitigation, you are afforded only three defensive options in any knife attack, and they are:
Take flight—get away quickly as you can.
Fight—do what it takes to stop the threat or allow you to get away.
Freeze in place—surrender to your attackers.
Flight, fight or freeze.
There are no other options.
Scale of Injury
If you’re caught in a knife attack, it is imperative to keep bodily harm, and harm to those with you, to a minimum. As with any physical altercation, wounds play a significant factor in your ability to prevail, and to minimize your personal injury it’s critical to understand this at a deeper level.
In any violent physical altercation, there exists the potential for five levels of injury referred to as the Scale of Injury. At the lowest end of the scale is no injury, which, is of course, the most desirable outcome in any scrape (Level 0). The next level up from no injury is a minor injury such as scratches, cuts or abrasions (Level 1); these are uncomfortable but still better than the next level up on the scale, which is a recoverable injury (Level 2) such as a broken leg, broken arm, broken nose and the like. Up one more rung on the scale (Level 3) is a permanent injury, which would include such horrific results as blindness, paralysis or loss of limb. The last and final step in the Scale of Injury is (Level 4), a fatal injury causing death. Your goal in managing any knife attack is to keep your injuries as low on the scale as possible. Anything greater than Level 1 on the Scale of Injury renders you combat ineffective and turns you into a detriment to yourself and those with you.
Use your surroundings to create obstacles for an attacker. A chair, garbage can or any other object you can place between you and an assailant increases your chances for survival.
“Hey, I’ve got my gun, I’ll just shoot him!” Sure, if you’re already in condition yellow, aware that you are the target of an attack, can see your assailant, identify him/her/them as a threat, make the decision to shoot or not to shoot, draw your gun from concealment (cognizant of your backstop), deliver precise and multiple combat-effective round placement, all in 1.5 seconds or less, then yes, you can “just shoot him.”
However, the sobering reality is that a conditioned, military-age male between the ages of 18 and 32 at full stride can close the distance of approximately 7 to 10 yards in less than 2 seconds. Assuming you are assaulted by a single attacker with a knife and given that the average Unit of Human Reaction Time is .25 seconds, the math can be found in the included matrix.
Let’s further assume your assailant positively reacts to your round placement. The total amount of response time (if performed flawlessly and under duress per the above conservative timetable) comes out to 4.0 seconds, versus 2.0 for the actual knife attack. Yes, that’s twice the time. Even if by some miracle you can pull it off, what about those of us mere mortals who don’t train for six hours a week and somehow fail to perform flawlessly in the face of imminent danger?
Any non-ballistic weapon, such as a knife, requires close-distance contact to be effective in raising your Scale of Injury. The relationship between distance and Scale of Injury is similar to the relationship between distance and reaction time. The less the space between you and the threat, the less time you have to react. Conversely, the greater the space, the greater the amount of reaction time. This concept is known as the Reactionary Gap.
Time is a critical factor. The longer you stand toe-to-toe in front of a spinning lawn-mower blade, the greater your chances of incurring injury and falling further behind the action/reaction power curve. The quicker you take control of the situation, the greater your odds are of keeping control, getting to your gun (if you have one) and gaining the initiative to move yourself and those with you to safety.
Simple things like wrapping your jacket around your non-dominant arm will give you a greater chance of resisting injury while buying more time to access your self-defense firearm.
To gain control of a “knife fight” you must gain control of your immediate environment. To do this you must first control your time and space. We know from the Reactionary Gap, the more space you have, the more time you have to react, and the less space there is to work with, the less time you have to react. More time and more space afford you more options and greater opportunities (to include presenting a firearm). Less time and less space relegates you to fewer options and less opportunity to solve the problem.
You gain control over your opponent(s) by securing for yourself the most options and greatest number of opportunities. You accomplish this task by gaining more time and more space. But exactly how can you do that?
By assuming control of the physical components paramount to your defense against any knife attack: distance, position and movement.
Exit or Equalize
The very best defensive option against any knife attack is distance. The old adage “distance is your friend” is your first and best defense. By immediately moving away from the threat, you have increased space, which buys you time, which affords you more options to solve the problem. However, it’s not always possible to put space between yourself and the threat. Your next best bet is to place objects between yourself and the threat. Obstructions such as cars, trees, trash cans, your ex-wife’s attorney, furniture, mailbox, etc. force your attacker(s) to move around them, which, in turn, buys you more time to make more distance. More time and more space buy you more options, including getting to your gun.
Creating more space, including using obstructions to buy you more time, works great in open spaces such a parking garages, open outdoor plazas, in a mall, etc. However, these options may not be available to you in certain situations. Engaging a threat in confined areas such as crowded restaurants, hallways, stairways, elevators, etc., presents a problem when creating space (or using obstructions) is not an option. The second component of controlling any fight is position. Failing creation of distance (to include using obstructions), you have the option of changing your physical position relative to your threat.
Imagine you’re standing directly in front of your opponent with a knife in his hand at conversational distance. We call this “Position Zero,” which is not a very good place to be because you’re already at contact range and he’s got a knife in one hand—he can punch or grab you with his other hand, deliver elbows, knees, round-kicks and a head butt, all without the need to move his feet. Most law enforcement professionals are taught to move to “Position One,” which, although still at contact range, is to align your belt buckle with his left arm. A more advantageous position, because it negates the reach of his right arm and right leg, position one is the standard for conducting field interviews.
Moving forward, standing directly next to your attacker facing his left shoulder is labeled “Position Two” as this places you in an even more advantageous position. Ultimately, the dominant position in any fight is getting to your opponents back or “Position Three,” which places you directly behind your opponent facing the back of his head, exactly opposite of Position Zero. Position Three is the best physical position you can be in any fight.
If you can’t change your distance from the threat or use obstructions, then fight for the higher numbers—that is, place yourself in a position of advantage. These positions are inversely correlated to the Scale of Injury. That is, the lower your physical-position number relative to the threat, the greater your Scale of Injury is likely to become. The higher the position, your Scale of Injury is likely to be lower. Fight for the higher position numbers.
Lastly, stay mobile. A moving target is always more difficult to hit than a stationary target. Someone chasing you with a knife will have a much more difficult time making contact with your body when you’re moving and changing direction.
You are at a horrific disadvantage with your bare hands versus an attacker swinging a knife. Immediately get something in your hands. It can be a book, your backpack, a trash can, a rolled up jacket—anything that can protect you from a sharp blade. Even if you need to smack the knife away with your bare hands, don’t just stand there trying to reach for your holstered gun while getting stuck like a pig. Your end goal is to keep moving until you can either create enough space and time to take flight or gain access to your firearm.
Looking at it as a threat progression, the very best knife defense starts with avoidance of the threat altogether. The sooner you can see it, hear it or smell it coming, the sooner you can step off those railroad tracks and avoid that freight train altogether.
Failing that blip on your radar and at less than 10 yards, odds are you’re probably not going to be able to “just shoot him.” Your best bet is to take control of the fight as soon as possible by creating distance or changing your position, using things like obstructions and improvised hand-held weapons of opportunity to create a temporary barrier. And, always stay mobile.
Your best option is to take flight and get out with the lowest Scale of Injury possible, or fight your way to a position of advantage where you can either stop the threat or take flight. If you take away only one concept from this article, remember to exit or equalize and keep your Scale of Injury low.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Being prepared for a knife attack is 50 percent physical and 50 percent psychological. Most human beings fear the unknown, and that is especially true of a knife attack. Because we are unfamiliar with the mechanics of a knife attack, it makes us feel uncomfortable and squeamish. It’s up-close. It’s personal. And it could potentially end in loss of blood, limb or life.
“Either you control the threat, or the threat controls you.”
How can you control a threat? You control a threat by either avoiding it altogether, mitigating its impact or defending against it. Failing avoidance or mitigation, you are afforded only three defensive options in any knife attack, and they are:
Take flight—get away quickly as you can.
Fight—do what it takes to stop the threat or allow you to get away.
Freeze in place—surrender to your attackers.
Flight, fight or freeze.
There are no other options.
Scale of Injury
If you’re caught in a knife attack, it is imperative to keep bodily harm, and harm to those with you, to a minimum. As with any physical altercation, wounds play a significant factor in your ability to prevail, and to minimize your personal injury it’s critical to understand this at a deeper level.
In any violent physical altercation, there exists the potential for five levels of injury referred to as the Scale of Injury. At the lowest end of the scale is no injury, which, is of course, the most desirable outcome in any scrape (Level 0). The next level up from no injury is a minor injury such as scratches, cuts or abrasions (Level 1); these are uncomfortable but still better than the next level up on the scale, which is a recoverable injury (Level 2) such as a broken leg, broken arm, broken nose and the like. Up one more rung on the scale (Level 3) is a permanent injury, which would include such horrific results as blindness, paralysis or loss of limb. The last and final step in the Scale of Injury is (Level 4), a fatal injury causing death. Your goal in managing any knife attack is to keep your injuries as low on the scale as possible. Anything greater than Level 1 on the Scale of Injury renders you combat ineffective and turns you into a detriment to yourself and those with you.
Use your surroundings to create obstacles for an attacker. A chair, garbage can or any other object you can place between you and an assailant increases your chances for survival.
“Hey, I’ve got my gun, I’ll just shoot him!” Sure, if you’re already in condition yellow, aware that you are the target of an attack, can see your assailant, identify him/her/them as a threat, make the decision to shoot or not to shoot, draw your gun from concealment (cognizant of your backstop), deliver precise and multiple combat-effective round placement, all in 1.5 seconds or less, then yes, you can “just shoot him.”
However, the sobering reality is that a conditioned, military-age male between the ages of 18 and 32 at full stride can close the distance of approximately 7 to 10 yards in less than 2 seconds. Assuming you are assaulted by a single attacker with a knife and given that the average Unit of Human Reaction Time is .25 seconds, the math can be found in the included matrix.
Let’s further assume your assailant positively reacts to your round placement. The total amount of response time (if performed flawlessly and under duress per the above conservative timetable) comes out to 4.0 seconds, versus 2.0 for the actual knife attack. Yes, that’s twice the time. Even if by some miracle you can pull it off, what about those of us mere mortals who don’t train for six hours a week and somehow fail to perform flawlessly in the face of imminent danger?
Any non-ballistic weapon, such as a knife, requires close-distance contact to be effective in raising your Scale of Injury. The relationship between distance and Scale of Injury is similar to the relationship between distance and reaction time. The less the space between you and the threat, the less time you have to react. Conversely, the greater the space, the greater the amount of reaction time. This concept is known as the Reactionary Gap.
Time is a critical factor. The longer you stand toe-to-toe in front of a spinning lawn-mower blade, the greater your chances of incurring injury and falling further behind the action/reaction power curve. The quicker you take control of the situation, the greater your odds are of keeping control, getting to your gun (if you have one) and gaining the initiative to move yourself and those with you to safety.
Simple things like wrapping your jacket around your non-dominant arm will give you a greater chance of resisting injury while buying more time to access your self-defense firearm.
To gain control of a “knife fight” you must gain control of your immediate environment. To do this you must first control your time and space. We know from the Reactionary Gap, the more space you have, the more time you have to react, and the less space there is to work with, the less time you have to react. More time and more space afford you more options and greater opportunities (to include presenting a firearm). Less time and less space relegates you to fewer options and less opportunity to solve the problem.
You gain control over your opponent(s) by securing for yourself the most options and greatest number of opportunities. You accomplish this task by gaining more time and more space. But exactly how can you do that?
By assuming control of the physical components paramount to your defense against any knife attack: distance, position and movement.
Exit or Equalize
The very best defensive option against any knife attack is distance. The old adage “distance is your friend” is your first and best defense. By immediately moving away from the threat, you have increased space, which buys you time, which affords you more options to solve the problem. However, it’s not always possible to put space between yourself and the threat. Your next best bet is to place objects between yourself and the threat. Obstructions such as cars, trees, trash cans, your ex-wife’s attorney, furniture, mailbox, etc. force your attacker(s) to move around them, which, in turn, buys you more time to make more distance. More time and more space buy you more options, including getting to your gun.
Creating more space, including using obstructions to buy you more time, works great in open spaces such a parking garages, open outdoor plazas, in a mall, etc. However, these options may not be available to you in certain situations. Engaging a threat in confined areas such as crowded restaurants, hallways, stairways, elevators, etc., presents a problem when creating space (or using obstructions) is not an option. The second component of controlling any fight is position. Failing creation of distance (to include using obstructions), you have the option of changing your physical position relative to your threat.
Imagine you’re standing directly in front of your opponent with a knife in his hand at conversational distance. We call this “Position Zero,” which is not a very good place to be because you’re already at contact range and he’s got a knife in one hand—he can punch or grab you with his other hand, deliver elbows, knees, round-kicks and a head butt, all without the need to move his feet. Most law enforcement professionals are taught to move to “Position One,” which, although still at contact range, is to align your belt buckle with his left arm. A more advantageous position, because it negates the reach of his right arm and right leg, position one is the standard for conducting field interviews.
Moving forward, standing directly next to your attacker facing his left shoulder is labeled “Position Two” as this places you in an even more advantageous position. Ultimately, the dominant position in any fight is getting to your opponents back or “Position Three,” which places you directly behind your opponent facing the back of his head, exactly opposite of Position Zero. Position Three is the best physical position you can be in any fight.
If you can’t change your distance from the threat or use obstructions, then fight for the higher numbers—that is, place yourself in a position of advantage. These positions are inversely correlated to the Scale of Injury. That is, the lower your physical-position number relative to the threat, the greater your Scale of Injury is likely to become. The higher the position, your Scale of Injury is likely to be lower. Fight for the higher position numbers.
Lastly, stay mobile. A moving target is always more difficult to hit than a stationary target. Someone chasing you with a knife will have a much more difficult time making contact with your body when you’re moving and changing direction.
You are at a horrific disadvantage with your bare hands versus an attacker swinging a knife. Immediately get something in your hands. It can be a book, your backpack, a trash can, a rolled up jacket—anything that can protect you from a sharp blade. Even if you need to smack the knife away with your bare hands, don’t just stand there trying to reach for your holstered gun while getting stuck like a pig. Your end goal is to keep moving until you can either create enough space and time to take flight or gain access to your firearm.
Looking at it as a threat progression, the very best knife defense starts with avoidance of the threat altogether. The sooner you can see it, hear it or smell it coming, the sooner you can step off those railroad tracks and avoid that freight train altogether.
Failing that blip on your radar and at less than 10 yards, odds are you’re probably not going to be able to “just shoot him.” Your best bet is to take control of the fight as soon as possible by creating distance or changing your position, using things like obstructions and improvised hand-held weapons of opportunity to create a temporary barrier. And, always stay mobile.
Your best option is to take flight and get out with the lowest Scale of Injury possible, or fight your way to a position of advantage where you can either stop the threat or take flight. If you take away only one concept from this article, remember to exit or equalize and keep your Scale of Injury low.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Tacticool Gear
I was at the range the other day. My favorite, but applicable, start to any article. I noticed a guy in the next bay. My range has big “bays”. About 4 to 5 people can shoot in each bay so he wasn’t really close.
He had a gadget on his rifle that I just had to see close up. I won’t go into what it actually was because I would be forced to go on a page long tirade on how useless I think this product is. Suffice it to say that it was a product that is supposed to help aim the rifle. It will make someone a horrible shot because it emphasizes doing something that is wrong under any circumstances. I know what you’re thinking, “Burn you’re getting old, out with old, in with the new.” Normally I’d be right there with ya. I’ve changed my stance, grip, sights, and eye closing. I’ve found all of these new ideas extremely useful and I can actually see the results. But this, this monstrosity was something I tried to wrap my brain around. I watched my brother shooter use this item and I watched it and him, fail miserably. I tried to give the guy some encouragement, especially when he told me the crazy high price of the product. I went back to my bay and finished my workout. We stopped shooting about the same time and I called over to him asking him how he liked his new toy. “Junk!” he said. “Maybe I can get my money back…” I had to admire that he had the humility to be honest. Sometimes Tacticool is not cool.
When someone asks me what gun they should buy I tell them there is a whole world of different models to choose from, equipment that will augment these firearms and additional supplies you could purchase. It isn’t hard to start spending too much time, money and your focus on the latest gear or the proper outfit and instead of prepping we find ourselves falling into the Tacticool trap.
By tacticool, I mean that instead of focusing first on what you need for your families’ safety you focus on looking cool. I think some of this is simply part of being a man (or woman) in that we want on some level to live out our Navy Seal fantasies while we are living our Homer Simpson reality. Is tactical gear necessary? That is a great question and one that I ask myself anytime I want to purchase something new. None of this gear you see people running around in comes cheap. To answer the question though, it really depends on what you are preparing for and when it comes to self-defense what type of situation you foresee. Tactical gear intentionally mimics the gear soldiers wear into war. Actually, a lot of the suppliers to the military sell to the civilian market as well so you are able to purchase equipment that our soldiers actually use in conflicts. This is useful because you can be assured the gear has been tested. We know what works and what doesn’t and there aren’t many better options for their intended use. Now, the next question is what was it designed to be used for? That is simple. Tactical gear is designed to accompany a person into combat and carry the supplies you need to function as highly as possible so that you will have a better chance of coming out of combat alive.
Can you wear camouflage out hunting? Of course. (My favorite color is camouflage.) Can you take an IFAK (individual first aid kit) with you as part of your car survival kit? Sure. Would you ever take a plate carrier with 6 rifle magazines, 3 pistol magazines, a dump pouch, radio pouch and your IFAK to the grocery store? Probably not. Not unless you were picking up groceries during a Walking Dead zombie apocalypse. There is some gear that the average person can purchase that makes total sense when you are purchasing it with the idea of possibly going into combat. By combat, I don’t mean you are part of the military, enlisted for 4 years and shipping out overseas for a tour of Afghanistan. Have you ever seen riots? Have you watched the news of ethnic cleansing in Africa? Have you seen the footage of people being shot in the street or having their heads chopped off for believing in the wrong religion? Combat is not just for the military and history has shown that chaos and carnage can visit us. Possible but not probable.
I think some people just love gear. It may not be really practical for their use but they just like it. It’s like a fish to a shiny spoon. Don’t get caught like this. It can be expensive and time consuming. We are probably a thousand times more likely to go through a natural disaster or even a relatively minor weather event that disrupts your town than you are to go through a civil war. You are more likely to lose power than to have the government collapse and your family is much more likely to need food than they are to need you standing in the front yard in all your tactical gear shooting zombies.
There is nothing wrong with wanting gear as long as you are training with that gear and purchases are balanced with your other needs. Let your wife see you are thinking about her and the children by taking care of the needs they feel are important and think long and hard about your tactical purchases. I still think they have a place for those who can see a potential use, but judgment and moderation will make your choices wiser.
One of the most important things you can do is use what you buy. Whether it’s guns or gear you better use these things and test them for your needs. I have a box full of holsters. This is not really because I just bought a bunch of holsters, but I bought and tested holsters. Some of them did not work for me. I try to use them for other things (I’ve made my own bedside holster out of old holsters or one’s that I knew I would never use.) Tacticool is fun. Sometimes it’s practical but usually it amounts to an empty wallet and a box of stuff you’ll never use. I have taken gear I won’t use for self-defense and used it for paint ball. I hate to waste. There is always Letgo or E-Bay to sell your unused stuff to at least get back part of your investment.
Be honest and don’t over indulge in Tacticool gear. Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry Callahan in the movie “Magnum Force” said it best: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
He had a gadget on his rifle that I just had to see close up. I won’t go into what it actually was because I would be forced to go on a page long tirade on how useless I think this product is. Suffice it to say that it was a product that is supposed to help aim the rifle. It will make someone a horrible shot because it emphasizes doing something that is wrong under any circumstances. I know what you’re thinking, “Burn you’re getting old, out with old, in with the new.” Normally I’d be right there with ya. I’ve changed my stance, grip, sights, and eye closing. I’ve found all of these new ideas extremely useful and I can actually see the results. But this, this monstrosity was something I tried to wrap my brain around. I watched my brother shooter use this item and I watched it and him, fail miserably. I tried to give the guy some encouragement, especially when he told me the crazy high price of the product. I went back to my bay and finished my workout. We stopped shooting about the same time and I called over to him asking him how he liked his new toy. “Junk!” he said. “Maybe I can get my money back…” I had to admire that he had the humility to be honest. Sometimes Tacticool is not cool.
When someone asks me what gun they should buy I tell them there is a whole world of different models to choose from, equipment that will augment these firearms and additional supplies you could purchase. It isn’t hard to start spending too much time, money and your focus on the latest gear or the proper outfit and instead of prepping we find ourselves falling into the Tacticool trap.
By tacticool, I mean that instead of focusing first on what you need for your families’ safety you focus on looking cool. I think some of this is simply part of being a man (or woman) in that we want on some level to live out our Navy Seal fantasies while we are living our Homer Simpson reality. Is tactical gear necessary? That is a great question and one that I ask myself anytime I want to purchase something new. None of this gear you see people running around in comes cheap. To answer the question though, it really depends on what you are preparing for and when it comes to self-defense what type of situation you foresee. Tactical gear intentionally mimics the gear soldiers wear into war. Actually, a lot of the suppliers to the military sell to the civilian market as well so you are able to purchase equipment that our soldiers actually use in conflicts. This is useful because you can be assured the gear has been tested. We know what works and what doesn’t and there aren’t many better options for their intended use. Now, the next question is what was it designed to be used for? That is simple. Tactical gear is designed to accompany a person into combat and carry the supplies you need to function as highly as possible so that you will have a better chance of coming out of combat alive.
Can you wear camouflage out hunting? Of course. (My favorite color is camouflage.) Can you take an IFAK (individual first aid kit) with you as part of your car survival kit? Sure. Would you ever take a plate carrier with 6 rifle magazines, 3 pistol magazines, a dump pouch, radio pouch and your IFAK to the grocery store? Probably not. Not unless you were picking up groceries during a Walking Dead zombie apocalypse. There is some gear that the average person can purchase that makes total sense when you are purchasing it with the idea of possibly going into combat. By combat, I don’t mean you are part of the military, enlisted for 4 years and shipping out overseas for a tour of Afghanistan. Have you ever seen riots? Have you watched the news of ethnic cleansing in Africa? Have you seen the footage of people being shot in the street or having their heads chopped off for believing in the wrong religion? Combat is not just for the military and history has shown that chaos and carnage can visit us. Possible but not probable.
I think some people just love gear. It may not be really practical for their use but they just like it. It’s like a fish to a shiny spoon. Don’t get caught like this. It can be expensive and time consuming. We are probably a thousand times more likely to go through a natural disaster or even a relatively minor weather event that disrupts your town than you are to go through a civil war. You are more likely to lose power than to have the government collapse and your family is much more likely to need food than they are to need you standing in the front yard in all your tactical gear shooting zombies.
There is nothing wrong with wanting gear as long as you are training with that gear and purchases are balanced with your other needs. Let your wife see you are thinking about her and the children by taking care of the needs they feel are important and think long and hard about your tactical purchases. I still think they have a place for those who can see a potential use, but judgment and moderation will make your choices wiser.
One of the most important things you can do is use what you buy. Whether it’s guns or gear you better use these things and test them for your needs. I have a box full of holsters. This is not really because I just bought a bunch of holsters, but I bought and tested holsters. Some of them did not work for me. I try to use them for other things (I’ve made my own bedside holster out of old holsters or one’s that I knew I would never use.) Tacticool is fun. Sometimes it’s practical but usually it amounts to an empty wallet and a box of stuff you’ll never use. I have taken gear I won’t use for self-defense and used it for paint ball. I hate to waste. There is always Letgo or E-Bay to sell your unused stuff to at least get back part of your investment.
Be honest and don’t over indulge in Tacticool gear. Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry Callahan in the movie “Magnum Force” said it best: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, February 3, 2017
Violence As A Tool
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon Church is no stranger to violence. Early in the Church’s history the Mormons were persecuted and were subject to mobs and the violence that accompanied mobs.
Mobs drove them from Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833; from the state of Missouri in 1839, after the governor of the state issued an order in late October 1838 that the Mormons be expelled from the state or “exterminated”; and from their city of Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846. Following their expulsion from Nauvoo, Latter-day Saints made the difficult trek across the Great Plains to Utah.
Their adversaries in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois resented the Saints’ differing religious beliefs and social and economic practices. They also felt threatened by the Saints’ growing numbers, which meant that Mormons could increasingly control local elections. These opponents attacked the Saints, first verbally and then physically. Church leaders, including Joseph Smith, were tarred and feathered, beaten, and unjustly imprisoned. Other members of the Church were also the victims of violent crimes. In the most infamous incident, at least 17 men and boys, ranging in age from 9 to 78, were slaughtered in the Hawn’s Mill Massacre. Some Latter-day Saint women were raped or otherwise sexually assaulted during the Missouri persecutions. Vigilantes and mobs destroyed homes and stole property. Many of the Saints’ opponents enriched themselves with land and property that was not justly theirs.
The expulsion from Missouri, involving at least 8,000 Latter-day Saints, occurred during the winter months, heightening the suffering of the thousands of refugees who lacked adequate food and shelter and were sometimes subject to epidemic diseases.
At the Latter-day Saint settlement of Far West, some leaders and members organized a paramilitary group known as the Danites, whose objective was to defend the community against dissident and excommunicated Latter-day Saints as well as other Missourians. Though the existence of the Danites was short-lived, it resulted in a longstanding and much-embellished myth about a secret society of Mormon vigilantes.
Many people in the 19th century unjustly characterized the Latter-day Saints as a violent people. Yet the vast majority of Latter-day Saints, in the 19th century as today, lived in peace with their neighbors and families, and sought peace in their communities.
Elder Henry B. Eyring, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated, “The gospel of Jesus Christ that we espouse abhors the cold-blooded killing of men, women, and children. Indeed, it advocates peace and forgiveness. What was done here (Mountain Meadows massacre) long ago by members of our Church represents a terrible and inexcusable departure from Christian teaching and conduct.”
Like the Jews who have lived with this kind of treatment for centuries, members of the Mormon Church have a heritage that includes violence. Often without self-defense. Is it a wonder that the state of Utah is one of the most gun-friendly states in the U.S.?
I do not relish violence. But if violence is needed to defend then we should be familiar with it. I don’t consider myself a violent person. But under the right circumstances I would use violence. Some have a problem with reconciling being Christian and being capable of violence. I don’t understand the problem. I do not like nor condone violence or war. I like the actions of Moroni. When he thought the Nephites were to be attacked he fortified the cities.
1. Earth/dirt was “heaped” up into a “ridge” or wall “round about” the city; sometimes a “breastwork of timbers” was used to reinforce the inside of the earthen wall; in at least one instance, stone was also used to build the wall (Alma 48:8; 49:4, 18; 50:1; 53:3).
2. Naturally, the displacement of dirt created a “ditch … round about” the outside of the wall or bank (Alma 49:18).
3. A timber palisade, picket, or parapet on top of the earthen wall (Alma 50:2–3).
4. Towers above the timber picket, with bastions (“places of security”) atop the towers, from which defenders of the city could safely “cast stones … and slay him who should attempt to approach near the walls” (Alma 50:4–5).
Now that is preparation! I know we are not at war in this country. But why can’t my family be free and safe enough to be in our house and not worry about a home invasion? Why can’t someone in a town leave their lawn mower out on their front lawn and not worry it will be stolen? Fortifying your home will be different from Moroni. But if still should be done.
Think about the firefighter. They are truly heroes. But one thing about firefighters is that they are completely professional. They have really made it a practice to fight fires! We have fire alarms everywhere. There are sprinkler systems everywhere. There are fire extinguishers everywhere. We even made it law that these things are everywhere. How unusual is it for you to pass a fire plug? Even the building industry has laws and code where they build with fire retardant materials! Homes have smoke detectors. We have fire drills all the time. These things have become part of our lives and they work! So why do we not prepare for violence the same way? Is there a firefighter in every building? No, but there is a way to contact one.
As President Eyring said above, avoiding violence is what we seek. I don’t have any problem with that, that’s what I prefer. But I trust the Lord to be with me if I must meet violence with violence. But if not. Do you know where that reference comes from?
(Daniel 3:17-18):
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with a literal fiery furnace. Their response to this impossible situation was nothing short of amazing.
The three men were given a choice by King Nebuchadnezzar. They could either bow down and worship the golden idol that he had made or they could be placed into a furnace. It doesn’t get much more straightforward than that.
Their answer is in the above scripture. Basically it is: “God will take care of us and protect us, but if not, He is still God and we won’t worship yours.”
I believe God will help me to defend myself or my family but if not…
Violence is something to avoid but to learn about. You may need it one day.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Mobs drove them from Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833; from the state of Missouri in 1839, after the governor of the state issued an order in late October 1838 that the Mormons be expelled from the state or “exterminated”; and from their city of Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846. Following their expulsion from Nauvoo, Latter-day Saints made the difficult trek across the Great Plains to Utah.
Their adversaries in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois resented the Saints’ differing religious beliefs and social and economic practices. They also felt threatened by the Saints’ growing numbers, which meant that Mormons could increasingly control local elections. These opponents attacked the Saints, first verbally and then physically. Church leaders, including Joseph Smith, were tarred and feathered, beaten, and unjustly imprisoned. Other members of the Church were also the victims of violent crimes. In the most infamous incident, at least 17 men and boys, ranging in age from 9 to 78, were slaughtered in the Hawn’s Mill Massacre. Some Latter-day Saint women were raped or otherwise sexually assaulted during the Missouri persecutions. Vigilantes and mobs destroyed homes and stole property. Many of the Saints’ opponents enriched themselves with land and property that was not justly theirs.
The expulsion from Missouri, involving at least 8,000 Latter-day Saints, occurred during the winter months, heightening the suffering of the thousands of refugees who lacked adequate food and shelter and were sometimes subject to epidemic diseases.
At the Latter-day Saint settlement of Far West, some leaders and members organized a paramilitary group known as the Danites, whose objective was to defend the community against dissident and excommunicated Latter-day Saints as well as other Missourians. Though the existence of the Danites was short-lived, it resulted in a longstanding and much-embellished myth about a secret society of Mormon vigilantes.
Many people in the 19th century unjustly characterized the Latter-day Saints as a violent people. Yet the vast majority of Latter-day Saints, in the 19th century as today, lived in peace with their neighbors and families, and sought peace in their communities.
Elder Henry B. Eyring, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated, “The gospel of Jesus Christ that we espouse abhors the cold-blooded killing of men, women, and children. Indeed, it advocates peace and forgiveness. What was done here (Mountain Meadows massacre) long ago by members of our Church represents a terrible and inexcusable departure from Christian teaching and conduct.”
Like the Jews who have lived with this kind of treatment for centuries, members of the Mormon Church have a heritage that includes violence. Often without self-defense. Is it a wonder that the state of Utah is one of the most gun-friendly states in the U.S.?
I do not relish violence. But if violence is needed to defend then we should be familiar with it. I don’t consider myself a violent person. But under the right circumstances I would use violence. Some have a problem with reconciling being Christian and being capable of violence. I don’t understand the problem. I do not like nor condone violence or war. I like the actions of Moroni. When he thought the Nephites were to be attacked he fortified the cities.
1. Earth/dirt was “heaped” up into a “ridge” or wall “round about” the city; sometimes a “breastwork of timbers” was used to reinforce the inside of the earthen wall; in at least one instance, stone was also used to build the wall (Alma 48:8; 49:4, 18; 50:1; 53:3).
2. Naturally, the displacement of dirt created a “ditch … round about” the outside of the wall or bank (Alma 49:18).
3. A timber palisade, picket, or parapet on top of the earthen wall (Alma 50:2–3).
4. Towers above the timber picket, with bastions (“places of security”) atop the towers, from which defenders of the city could safely “cast stones … and slay him who should attempt to approach near the walls” (Alma 50:4–5).
Now that is preparation! I know we are not at war in this country. But why can’t my family be free and safe enough to be in our house and not worry about a home invasion? Why can’t someone in a town leave their lawn mower out on their front lawn and not worry it will be stolen? Fortifying your home will be different from Moroni. But if still should be done.
Think about the firefighter. They are truly heroes. But one thing about firefighters is that they are completely professional. They have really made it a practice to fight fires! We have fire alarms everywhere. There are sprinkler systems everywhere. There are fire extinguishers everywhere. We even made it law that these things are everywhere. How unusual is it for you to pass a fire plug? Even the building industry has laws and code where they build with fire retardant materials! Homes have smoke detectors. We have fire drills all the time. These things have become part of our lives and they work! So why do we not prepare for violence the same way? Is there a firefighter in every building? No, but there is a way to contact one.
As President Eyring said above, avoiding violence is what we seek. I don’t have any problem with that, that’s what I prefer. But I trust the Lord to be with me if I must meet violence with violence. But if not. Do you know where that reference comes from?
(Daniel 3:17-18):
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with a literal fiery furnace. Their response to this impossible situation was nothing short of amazing.
The three men were given a choice by King Nebuchadnezzar. They could either bow down and worship the golden idol that he had made or they could be placed into a furnace. It doesn’t get much more straightforward than that.
Their answer is in the above scripture. Basically it is: “God will take care of us and protect us, but if not, He is still God and we won’t worship yours.”
I believe God will help me to defend myself or my family but if not…
Violence is something to avoid but to learn about. You may need it one day.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Should YOU Carry?
Someone asked me the other day “Why should I carry a gun?” I happened to know the person pretty well and I knew their politics. They are conservative. That helped with my answer. Had they been coming from a liberal point of view I would have thought it to be more of a challenge or someone looking for an argument rather than some really wanting to know.
I have my reasons to carry and I’ll explore a few of them.
One is, I really know what I’m doing with a gun. I’m not just tooting my own horn, I have been around guns, been shooting guns, have competed with guns, and have been a gun instructor for many years. I’m not all knowledgeable, and of course there is always something more to learn, but I feel I have a good grasp on how to use a weapon.
Two is, I’ve gone through some extensive training.
Three is, I feel the need.
I have a friend who told me a story. He knew a law enforcement officer who talked about not carrying his gun in church. He said that he could not live with himself if a crazed gunman came into his church and started to shoot and he was unarmed. He knew that would be something that he could not get over. I have been down the same road. Actually, a few Sunday’s ago I experienced a horrible anxiety at church. I had left my gun at home and it almost did me in. A few times I would have drove back home and retrieved it but I was apart from my wife (she was in Relief Society and I in Priesthood meeting) and she had the only set of keys to our vehicle.
Nothing happened and I survived, but I prayed one of the several law enforcement guys that we have in our ward was armed. I really must have a private conversation with a few of them and breach the question of being armed in church. I may feel better if I ever forget again. Because of that incident I am more aware of what’s going on and remembering my weapon.
Should You Carry?
That’s a fair question to ask. Let’s assume, first off, that you CAN carry a gun with you on a regular basis. There are lots of people (my wife included) who, because of their work environment, can’t carry a concealed firearm around with them on a regular basis. If that’s the case, this discussion is moot.
But if you can carry, should you carry? Consider this post on Reddit.com
“I live in a small town in Iowa. A couple years ago I applied for and received my concealed carry permit. I have a G26 with a crossbreed supertuck to go with it, and I have a Ruger LCP. I would carry one of these every day, everywhere I went, religiously, for quite a while.
This past summer, I decided to stop carrying. I decided it’s just not worth it for me. It’s not worth the pain in the butt to put it on, it’s not worth the weight and discomfort, it’s not worth introducing a firearm into every single encounter in my daily life. It’s not worth it to me, for the one in a million chance that I might ever maybe possibly need to use it.”
Is that person right? Is carrying a firearm not worth the trouble, given the “one-in-a-million” chance you’ll need to use it?
Depends. I carry a first aid kit in my car: Am I expecting to be first on the scene at a major traffic accident? No. Have I needed it to patch up the scrapes and cuts of my teen kids? Oh yeah.
The knowledge and assurance that you are ready and able to deal with what life throws at you can be a powerful, powerful thing, and when you need a gun, there aren’t a whole lot of things you can use as a substitute.
Should you carry a gun? Can you think of something in your life worth dying for? Would you rather die for it or live for it?
If you have not weighed this and thought it out ahead of time, then be sure before you carry. It’s an investment in responsibility, time, money, and a mind set. I’ve grown up being taught that you should always have a plan in whatever you do. And have a plan “B” and “C” too. I didn’t always follow this wise counsel but when I grew older I adopted that same policy. Be prepared. We have car, life, and homeowners insurance, why would being prepared in other things be so difficult to understand? Defense is one of those other things. I have a friend who will probably never carry a gun. But he is very prepared to defend himself! I’ve tried to teach my family that being prepared is important in this life. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Maybe this thinking is a little aggressive, but I had it pounded into me: “Close and engage!”
Consider the following if you decide to carry:
You may have to change the way you dress to conceal.
You may have the extra expense of different clothing, a holster or purse to conceal, a concealable weapon.
If you haven’t practiced presenting your weapon, that too must be practiced.
1. If You Carry, Always Carry - You never know when something might happen. It could as easily be in your local supermarket parking lot instead of late at night in an urban area. Make sure you establish practices so that you always pick up the gun on the way out.
2. Don’t Carry If You Aren’t Prepared To Use It – Deadly force means deadly force. Don’t think you are going to be able to threaten someone out of a situation. If you pull it, be prepared to use it.
3. Don’t Let The Gun Make You Reckless – There is always someone badder, tougher, and smarter. Use situational awareness to avoid a situation
4. Get The License! – I know, I know, the 2nd Amendment gives you the right. At the same time, do you want the hassle and legal expense to fight this? If you are convicted and become a felon, your life has changed dramatically.
5. Know What You’re Doing – You need to understand your weapon(s) – what the capabilities are and limitations. Understand and follow the Four Rules of Gun Safety.
6. Concealed Means Concealed – When you flaunt the weapon you have just given the bad guy the edge. By letting others know you conceal carry you give them power over you and they may lead you into situations you should not be in. This means friends and co-workers too. Practice good OPSEC (operations security).
7. Maximize Your Firearms Familiarity – Practice, practice, practice. Dry fire, live fire, simulations. You can never be smooth or fast enough. Think ahead about what could happen, plan out what you will do and practice for these situations.
8. Understand The Fine Points – Know the laws of your city, county, state. Know what to do at a traffic stop, know what to say when someone accidentally sees your piece.
9. Carry An Adequate Firearm – Carry a gun you can handle. A single shot derringer is not going to do you much good. On the other hand, a Desert Eagle in the hands of a 110 pound woman without adequate training is a danger to her and others around her.
10. Use Common Sense – Always look to deescalate the situation and for situation avoidance. Be deadly serious.
Concealed Carry is a big responsibility. It affects you, your family, and those you work with, and those you are around. Make sure it affects all in a good, positive, and safe way. Like any other tool, a weapon can do a lot of negative things. Be ready for that and your weapon won’t be a “hassle” and a “burden” to you and your loved ones but a blessing.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
I have my reasons to carry and I’ll explore a few of them.
One is, I really know what I’m doing with a gun. I’m not just tooting my own horn, I have been around guns, been shooting guns, have competed with guns, and have been a gun instructor for many years. I’m not all knowledgeable, and of course there is always something more to learn, but I feel I have a good grasp on how to use a weapon.
Two is, I’ve gone through some extensive training.
Three is, I feel the need.
I have a friend who told me a story. He knew a law enforcement officer who talked about not carrying his gun in church. He said that he could not live with himself if a crazed gunman came into his church and started to shoot and he was unarmed. He knew that would be something that he could not get over. I have been down the same road. Actually, a few Sunday’s ago I experienced a horrible anxiety at church. I had left my gun at home and it almost did me in. A few times I would have drove back home and retrieved it but I was apart from my wife (she was in Relief Society and I in Priesthood meeting) and she had the only set of keys to our vehicle.
Nothing happened and I survived, but I prayed one of the several law enforcement guys that we have in our ward was armed. I really must have a private conversation with a few of them and breach the question of being armed in church. I may feel better if I ever forget again. Because of that incident I am more aware of what’s going on and remembering my weapon.
Should You Carry?
That’s a fair question to ask. Let’s assume, first off, that you CAN carry a gun with you on a regular basis. There are lots of people (my wife included) who, because of their work environment, can’t carry a concealed firearm around with them on a regular basis. If that’s the case, this discussion is moot.
But if you can carry, should you carry? Consider this post on Reddit.com
“I live in a small town in Iowa. A couple years ago I applied for and received my concealed carry permit. I have a G26 with a crossbreed supertuck to go with it, and I have a Ruger LCP. I would carry one of these every day, everywhere I went, religiously, for quite a while.
This past summer, I decided to stop carrying. I decided it’s just not worth it for me. It’s not worth the pain in the butt to put it on, it’s not worth the weight and discomfort, it’s not worth introducing a firearm into every single encounter in my daily life. It’s not worth it to me, for the one in a million chance that I might ever maybe possibly need to use it.”
Is that person right? Is carrying a firearm not worth the trouble, given the “one-in-a-million” chance you’ll need to use it?
Depends. I carry a first aid kit in my car: Am I expecting to be first on the scene at a major traffic accident? No. Have I needed it to patch up the scrapes and cuts of my teen kids? Oh yeah.
The knowledge and assurance that you are ready and able to deal with what life throws at you can be a powerful, powerful thing, and when you need a gun, there aren’t a whole lot of things you can use as a substitute.
Should you carry a gun? Can you think of something in your life worth dying for? Would you rather die for it or live for it?
If you have not weighed this and thought it out ahead of time, then be sure before you carry. It’s an investment in responsibility, time, money, and a mind set. I’ve grown up being taught that you should always have a plan in whatever you do. And have a plan “B” and “C” too. I didn’t always follow this wise counsel but when I grew older I adopted that same policy. Be prepared. We have car, life, and homeowners insurance, why would being prepared in other things be so difficult to understand? Defense is one of those other things. I have a friend who will probably never carry a gun. But he is very prepared to defend himself! I’ve tried to teach my family that being prepared is important in this life. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Maybe this thinking is a little aggressive, but I had it pounded into me: “Close and engage!”
Consider the following if you decide to carry:
You may have to change the way you dress to conceal.
You may have the extra expense of different clothing, a holster or purse to conceal, a concealable weapon.
If you haven’t practiced presenting your weapon, that too must be practiced.
1. If You Carry, Always Carry - You never know when something might happen. It could as easily be in your local supermarket parking lot instead of late at night in an urban area. Make sure you establish practices so that you always pick up the gun on the way out.
2. Don’t Carry If You Aren’t Prepared To Use It – Deadly force means deadly force. Don’t think you are going to be able to threaten someone out of a situation. If you pull it, be prepared to use it.
3. Don’t Let The Gun Make You Reckless – There is always someone badder, tougher, and smarter. Use situational awareness to avoid a situation
4. Get The License! – I know, I know, the 2nd Amendment gives you the right. At the same time, do you want the hassle and legal expense to fight this? If you are convicted and become a felon, your life has changed dramatically.
5. Know What You’re Doing – You need to understand your weapon(s) – what the capabilities are and limitations. Understand and follow the Four Rules of Gun Safety.
6. Concealed Means Concealed – When you flaunt the weapon you have just given the bad guy the edge. By letting others know you conceal carry you give them power over you and they may lead you into situations you should not be in. This means friends and co-workers too. Practice good OPSEC (operations security).
7. Maximize Your Firearms Familiarity – Practice, practice, practice. Dry fire, live fire, simulations. You can never be smooth or fast enough. Think ahead about what could happen, plan out what you will do and practice for these situations.
8. Understand The Fine Points – Know the laws of your city, county, state. Know what to do at a traffic stop, know what to say when someone accidentally sees your piece.
9. Carry An Adequate Firearm – Carry a gun you can handle. A single shot derringer is not going to do you much good. On the other hand, a Desert Eagle in the hands of a 110 pound woman without adequate training is a danger to her and others around her.
10. Use Common Sense – Always look to deescalate the situation and for situation avoidance. Be deadly serious.
Concealed Carry is a big responsibility. It affects you, your family, and those you work with, and those you are around. Make sure it affects all in a good, positive, and safe way. Like any other tool, a weapon can do a lot of negative things. Be ready for that and your weapon won’t be a “hassle” and a “burden” to you and your loved ones but a blessing.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Overwatch: Drill Of The Month for February
February
Gun Golf
The other day I’m sitting in my office and my wife walks in. She’s carrying a two by four that’s about two and a half feet long.
Sticking out of the two by four are several golf tees. She explains to me that she’s just come up with a brilliant idea where you can either put golf balls or ping pong balls on the tees and have a competition shooting them off.
I immediately thought this was the greatest idea ever and asked her if she got this from Pinterest, where she gets everything else. (For the record, she told me she did not get this from Pinterest… this was all her.)
So, I grabbed the two by four full of golf tees and the family and I headed out to the shooting range to give this idea a test.
From Jason Hanson’s wife Amanda
concealedcarryacademy.com
The way the game works is you play it like golf. The first one up tries to shoot the balls off the tees. And then the next and so forth. Whoever shoots the balls off in the least amount of shots is the winner!
See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page
Gun Golf
The other day I’m sitting in my office and my wife walks in. She’s carrying a two by four that’s about two and a half feet long.
Sticking out of the two by four are several golf tees. She explains to me that she’s just come up with a brilliant idea where you can either put golf balls or ping pong balls on the tees and have a competition shooting them off.
I immediately thought this was the greatest idea ever and asked her if she got this from Pinterest, where she gets everything else. (For the record, she told me she did not get this from Pinterest… this was all her.)
So, I grabbed the two by four full of golf tees and the family and I headed out to the shooting range to give this idea a test.
From Jason Hanson’s wife Amanda
concealedcarryacademy.com
The way the game works is you play it like golf. The first one up tries to shoot the balls off the tees. And then the next and so forth. Whoever shoots the balls off in the least amount of shots is the winner!
See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page
More Immigration Security
This an article I wrote on January 13, 2017.
I try to not get too political on this website. Guns are political enough, right? But I have to say some things about immigration. I’ve lived in a border town before and I saw first-hand what illegal immigration is all about and what the wonderful people of CBP and Border Patrol are up against. I have friends in both Border Patrol and Customs and they talk a lot about OTM’s. They categorize people into two categories From Mexico or Mexican, and OTM (other than Mexican).
On December 19, 2016 in Berlin, Germany a Tunisian man drove his truck into a crowd at an outdoor Christmas market killing 12 and injuring dozens.
He was a refugee from Tunisia and that has revived a bitter debate about security and immigration, with Chancellor Angela Merkel facing calls to clamp down after allowing more than a million newcomers into Germany in the past two years.
Merkel, who will run for a fourth term next year, has said it would be particularly repugnant if a refugee seeking protection in Germany was the perpetrator. Well I guess it is repugnant. He was a refugee that was not vetted. I am all for this country letting in immigrants. But there are laws that must be followed. I know the process is a pain in the butt, any dealings with government is like that, but it’s no excuse for illegals who want to stay for whatever reason. In Germany opening their borders let in a terrorist that killed 12 citizens.
The U.S. borders must be sealed. We must make sure that immigrants, refugees, or just those who want to visit, are safe to be here.
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not a racist. I am not against religious freedom. But in 2016 the U.S. admitted the highest number of Muslim refugees than any year that has been kept track of.
The vetting process in 2015 was extensive although I’m not sure that questions about ideology and extremist views that do not match American views, are ever asked. President Obama wanted to change the time it took a refugee to get into the U.S. from 18-24 months to 3. I don’t know if that came to pass but perhaps 3 months was more realistic than 24.
I hope the process is still as extensive as it was. I wish that a few of those 7 interviews in that process asked about extremist views and whether the refugee would follow U.S. law. Sharia law is the opposite of U.S. law and I’d like a refugee to say the words. Sure they could lie, but if ever caught doing the opposite of U.S. law, extremist ideology, they would be additionally accountable for the lie they told to get into this country. It’s just a simple straight forward question. I don’t think that is too much to ask from ANY refugee, not just Muslims.
I am not anti-Muslim. But by the Koran violence is indeed a part of the religion of peace. I have a hard time with those that pick and choose which beliefs they will subscribe to and which they will not. I realize that everyone, including myself, are not perfect in their religion, but the Bible does not speak of what I should do to those who do not believe in Christianity. I know what the Old Testament says about Mosaic law. I also believe that Christ did fulfill that law and give us a higher law.
The immigration and refugee situation is emotionally charged. I believe we should proceed with caution and keep security in mind at all times. Being politically correct in Germany netted them 12 dead German citizens. We know it can happen here because it has.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The above article I wrote on January 13, 2017 the travel bans was the 27th. I was hesitant to post it but feel, in light of the controversy, it applies even more today than about a month ago.
President Trumps ban is not without precedent. Chinese were banned in 1800’s.
This a portion of a State of The Union speech President Clinton gave in 1996:
“But there are some areas that the federal government must address directly and strongly. One of these is the problem of illegal immigration. After years and years of neglect, this administration has taken a strong stand to stiffen protection on our borders.
We are increasing border controls by 50%; we are increasing inspections to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants. And tonight, I announce I will sign an executive order to deny federal contracts to businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Let me be clear: we are still a nation of immigrants; we honor all those immigrants who are working hard to become new citizens. But we are also a nation of laws.”
Sounds a lot like President Trump, not President Clinton.
Then in 1980 President Carter banned Iranians. Following the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, during which the US embassy in Tehran was stormed and 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days, President Carter cut diplomatic relations with and imposed sanctions on Iran. That’s when the ban happened.
Remember what we felt like after 9-11? We were all patriotic. We supported the military and law enforcement. Conservatives and liberals voted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. We all felt justified. What happened to that feeling? We came together and our security was more important than anything. Now, someone talks about immigration and following laws and trying to make sure anyone coming into this country is safe, and some are up in arms. Racists! Xenophobes! Fraidy cats! It’s pretty crazy that this silly attitude changes with the wind.
I’m not a big Trump fan. I think his administration is making some mistakes but for the most part, I don’t have any heartburn with their actions. But then again I’m a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot!” as the quote from the movie “9 to 5” goes. I am a conservative, not a republican, a conservative. So I’m also a “gun-totin', redneck son-of-a-b****” as a quote from the T.V. series The West Wing goes. I’ve also been called a racist, a homophobe, and other things I can’t print here. I guess I’m whatever anyone thinks I am.
President Trump may be a little unrefined, crude and rude, but so far, like I said, his policies are good.
We will have to see.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
I try to not get too political on this website. Guns are political enough, right? But I have to say some things about immigration. I’ve lived in a border town before and I saw first-hand what illegal immigration is all about and what the wonderful people of CBP and Border Patrol are up against. I have friends in both Border Patrol and Customs and they talk a lot about OTM’s. They categorize people into two categories From Mexico or Mexican, and OTM (other than Mexican).
On December 19, 2016 in Berlin, Germany a Tunisian man drove his truck into a crowd at an outdoor Christmas market killing 12 and injuring dozens.
He was a refugee from Tunisia and that has revived a bitter debate about security and immigration, with Chancellor Angela Merkel facing calls to clamp down after allowing more than a million newcomers into Germany in the past two years.
Merkel, who will run for a fourth term next year, has said it would be particularly repugnant if a refugee seeking protection in Germany was the perpetrator. Well I guess it is repugnant. He was a refugee that was not vetted. I am all for this country letting in immigrants. But there are laws that must be followed. I know the process is a pain in the butt, any dealings with government is like that, but it’s no excuse for illegals who want to stay for whatever reason. In Germany opening their borders let in a terrorist that killed 12 citizens.
The U.S. borders must be sealed. We must make sure that immigrants, refugees, or just those who want to visit, are safe to be here.
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not a racist. I am not against religious freedom. But in 2016 the U.S. admitted the highest number of Muslim refugees than any year that has been kept track of.
The vetting process in 2015 was extensive although I’m not sure that questions about ideology and extremist views that do not match American views, are ever asked. President Obama wanted to change the time it took a refugee to get into the U.S. from 18-24 months to 3. I don’t know if that came to pass but perhaps 3 months was more realistic than 24.
I hope the process is still as extensive as it was. I wish that a few of those 7 interviews in that process asked about extremist views and whether the refugee would follow U.S. law. Sharia law is the opposite of U.S. law and I’d like a refugee to say the words. Sure they could lie, but if ever caught doing the opposite of U.S. law, extremist ideology, they would be additionally accountable for the lie they told to get into this country. It’s just a simple straight forward question. I don’t think that is too much to ask from ANY refugee, not just Muslims.
I am not anti-Muslim. But by the Koran violence is indeed a part of the religion of peace. I have a hard time with those that pick and choose which beliefs they will subscribe to and which they will not. I realize that everyone, including myself, are not perfect in their religion, but the Bible does not speak of what I should do to those who do not believe in Christianity. I know what the Old Testament says about Mosaic law. I also believe that Christ did fulfill that law and give us a higher law.
The immigration and refugee situation is emotionally charged. I believe we should proceed with caution and keep security in mind at all times. Being politically correct in Germany netted them 12 dead German citizens. We know it can happen here because it has.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The above article I wrote on January 13, 2017 the travel bans was the 27th. I was hesitant to post it but feel, in light of the controversy, it applies even more today than about a month ago.
President Trumps ban is not without precedent. Chinese were banned in 1800’s.
This a portion of a State of The Union speech President Clinton gave in 1996:
“But there are some areas that the federal government must address directly and strongly. One of these is the problem of illegal immigration. After years and years of neglect, this administration has taken a strong stand to stiffen protection on our borders.
We are increasing border controls by 50%; we are increasing inspections to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants. And tonight, I announce I will sign an executive order to deny federal contracts to businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Let me be clear: we are still a nation of immigrants; we honor all those immigrants who are working hard to become new citizens. But we are also a nation of laws.”
Sounds a lot like President Trump, not President Clinton.
Then in 1980 President Carter banned Iranians. Following the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, during which the US embassy in Tehran was stormed and 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days, President Carter cut diplomatic relations with and imposed sanctions on Iran. That’s when the ban happened.
Remember what we felt like after 9-11? We were all patriotic. We supported the military and law enforcement. Conservatives and liberals voted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. We all felt justified. What happened to that feeling? We came together and our security was more important than anything. Now, someone talks about immigration and following laws and trying to make sure anyone coming into this country is safe, and some are up in arms. Racists! Xenophobes! Fraidy cats! It’s pretty crazy that this silly attitude changes with the wind.
I’m not a big Trump fan. I think his administration is making some mistakes but for the most part, I don’t have any heartburn with their actions. But then again I’m a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot!” as the quote from the movie “9 to 5” goes. I am a conservative, not a republican, a conservative. So I’m also a “gun-totin', redneck son-of-a-b****” as a quote from the T.V. series The West Wing goes. I’ve also been called a racist, a homophobe, and other things I can’t print here. I guess I’m whatever anyone thinks I am.
President Trump may be a little unrefined, crude and rude, but so far, like I said, his policies are good.
We will have to see.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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