December 25th,1843, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had celebrated Christmas to the fullest.
After being awakened about 1 o'clock in the morning by a large group of harmonizing carolers, they had returned to rest until shortly after daybreak. An hour or so was devoted to necessary Church business. Then the day was spent celebrating Christmas by feasting and dancing "in a most cheerful and friendly manner."The evening was capped off by a large party at the Prophet's home. A long haired interloper barged into the room. Joseph and the chief of police tried to throw the invader out and a scuffle ensued. In that effort the party crasher's face was exposed in full to Joseph, who later noted, "to my great surprise and joy untold, I discovered it was my long tried, warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin Porter Rockwell." Rockwell had escaped from the Missouri jails after spending more than a year threin (without conviction), and had made his way to Nauvoo. It was, for Joseph, the end of a perfect day in which the Lord's birth was celebrated and an old friend restored to the fold. (See History of the Church 6:134135.)
After hearing Rockwell’s story, Joseph Smith made a Samson-like prophecy: as long as Rockwell did not cut his hair and remained faithful to the Gospel, his enemies could never touch him. Rockwell lived by the prophet’s promise, cutting his hair only once to make a wig for Joseph’s widowed sister-in-law recovering from typhoid fever. And until his dying day, the prophecy held true for Rockwell who escaped dozens of showdowns with notable marksmen without a scratch. On one such occasion, sharp-shooter Loren Dibble unloaded both his guns at Rockwell on Lehi Main Street in broad daylight without even ruffling Rockwell’’s composure.
Porter always professed his innocence in the Governor Boggs’ assassination attempt, using as his evidence, “I’ve never shot at anybody. If I shoot, they get shot. He’s still alive, isn’t he?”
I hope you can remember the prophets friend and protector and his life sustaining and defending the Church. In a small way this return of Porter’s on Christmas, the Prophet’s and Hyrum’s last Christmas, was a special time for the old body guard. His tactical know-how could not save Joseph Smith but he saved and protected many in the Church throughout his long life. Porter did give his life for the gospel.
At this Christmas season 2017 I hope you will remember the real reason for this season. We celebrate the birth, mission, atonement, and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the light and truth of this world and the only way for us to return to our Father in Heaven.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Buying A Tourniquet
I am married to an ex-healthcare professional. I call her FLAG here as her call sign. She worked in a hospital and kept our many kids alive through their childhoods. So I have been around the medical field, but really have a limited training and experience. My son is an EMT and so I hear his stories and opinion on certain operations and gear. What I’m trying to say is I have to go other places for my medical information.
I am interested in tourniquets and in using them. This information comes from what I consider a credible source.
As usual, I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. I present this so that you may choose the tourniquets you want to purchase and learn to use.
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines and civilian EMS
Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) guidelines for the use of tourniquets.
All sources of bleeding should be controlled. A CoTCCC recommended limb tourniquet should be used to control life-threatening external hemorrhage or for any traumatic amputation. It is recommended to apply the tourniquet directly to the skin two to three inches above the injury. If the bleeding does not stop with the first tourniquet, a second tourniquet should be applied side-by-side with the first. For those injuries in which a limb tourniquet is not possible, a junctional tourniquet should be used.
As with any intervention, it is important to reassess the tourniquet to make sure that it has not slipped out of place or lost constriction integrity. Ensure that the hemorrhage is controlled. If bleeding continues or a distal pulse remains, consider tightening the tourniquet or use an additional tourniquet side-by-side with the first tourniquet. Then reassess to ensure that both bleeding and the distal pulse have ceased.
• Limb and junctional tourniquets should be replaced by hemostatic or pressure dressings as soon as possible if all of the following criteria is met:
• The patient is not in shock
• It is possible to monitor the wound closely for bleeding
• The tourniquet is not being used to control hemorrhage from an amputated extremity
Every effort should be made to convert tourniquets in less than two hours if bleeding can be controlled by other means. If possible, clearly mark all tourniquet sites with the time that the tourniquet was applied.
The CoTCCC 2014 guidelines approved the following limb and junctional tourniquets for military use:
• Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)
• Special Operations Forces Tourniquet-Tactical (SOFTT)
• Emergency and Military Tourniquet
• Combat Ready Clamp (Croc) (junctional)
• Junctional Emergency Treatment Tool (JETT)
• SAM® Junctional Tourniquet.
I hope this was valuable information for you. I have always been partial to the SOFTT tourniquet only because it’s what I had in the military. They are not cheap in comparison. There is another that is much cheaper and I think just as good. The CAT. It’s the top of this list and it’s about 1/3 the price of the SOFTT.
Learn to use tourniquets properly and then make an informed decision. I think every first aid kit should have at least 1 tourniquet. Tourniquets used to be a “last resort” procedure. With combat medicine learning and experiencing so much during middle-east combat tourniquets have saved countless lives when used correctly.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
I am interested in tourniquets and in using them. This information comes from what I consider a credible source.
As usual, I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. I present this so that you may choose the tourniquets you want to purchase and learn to use.
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines and civilian EMS
Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) guidelines for the use of tourniquets.
All sources of bleeding should be controlled. A CoTCCC recommended limb tourniquet should be used to control life-threatening external hemorrhage or for any traumatic amputation. It is recommended to apply the tourniquet directly to the skin two to three inches above the injury. If the bleeding does not stop with the first tourniquet, a second tourniquet should be applied side-by-side with the first. For those injuries in which a limb tourniquet is not possible, a junctional tourniquet should be used.
As with any intervention, it is important to reassess the tourniquet to make sure that it has not slipped out of place or lost constriction integrity. Ensure that the hemorrhage is controlled. If bleeding continues or a distal pulse remains, consider tightening the tourniquet or use an additional tourniquet side-by-side with the first tourniquet. Then reassess to ensure that both bleeding and the distal pulse have ceased.
• Limb and junctional tourniquets should be replaced by hemostatic or pressure dressings as soon as possible if all of the following criteria is met:
• The patient is not in shock
• It is possible to monitor the wound closely for bleeding
• The tourniquet is not being used to control hemorrhage from an amputated extremity
Every effort should be made to convert tourniquets in less than two hours if bleeding can be controlled by other means. If possible, clearly mark all tourniquet sites with the time that the tourniquet was applied.
The CoTCCC 2014 guidelines approved the following limb and junctional tourniquets for military use:
• Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)
• Special Operations Forces Tourniquet-Tactical (SOFTT)
• Emergency and Military Tourniquet
• Combat Ready Clamp (Croc) (junctional)
• Junctional Emergency Treatment Tool (JETT)
• SAM® Junctional Tourniquet.
I hope this was valuable information for you. I have always been partial to the SOFTT tourniquet only because it’s what I had in the military. They are not cheap in comparison. There is another that is much cheaper and I think just as good. The CAT. It’s the top of this list and it’s about 1/3 the price of the SOFTT.
Learn to use tourniquets properly and then make an informed decision. I think every first aid kit should have at least 1 tourniquet. Tourniquets used to be a “last resort” procedure. With combat medicine learning and experiencing so much during middle-east combat tourniquets have saved countless lives when used correctly.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Monday, December 18, 2017
Monthly Read: Book Review For December
Once a month I will review and recommend a book. I know in this digital world that paper books are a little out dated. Most hard copy books are now in digital form, often in PDF. I would recommend a good well rounded hard copy library in your home. Some of the best books are old and out of print. There are certain publishers and authors I really like. This will be books I like and really only my opinion. If you’d like to recommend a book for me to review e-mail me and we can make it happen. The subjects will be varied but will have to do with the theme of this website, LDS Gunsite. Guns, preparedness, LDS History, security, self-defense, and patriotism are just a few examples. I have a big library of mostly reference books so I will draw heavily from that. Some books may be old and out of print. But most will be books you can find on Amazon.
Monthly Read: Book Review For December is
December
“Where There Is No Doctor” By: David Werner with Carol Thuman and Jane Maxwell
Publisher review:
The Hesperian Foundation has been selling this Third World medical manual at a brisk pace for more than 25 years. This classic public-health text has meant survival for thousands in the Third World since the early 1970s, according to officials from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Peace Corps it stands as arguably the most widely use public-health manual in the world, according to WHO. WHO officials noted that since 1978, it, too, has adopted the kind of community-based approach to health care exemplified by Where There Is No Doctor. Both WHO and UNICEF now buy the book for their field offices.
I love this manual because it is written very "user friendly". I also like it because you can buy a copy or you can download a PDF copy and print it yourself or use it from a device.
https://hesperian.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/en_wtnd_2015/en_wtnd_2015_fm.pdf
It is great for medical knowledge.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Monthly Read: Book Review For December is
December
“Where There Is No Doctor” By: David Werner with Carol Thuman and Jane Maxwell
Publisher review:
The Hesperian Foundation has been selling this Third World medical manual at a brisk pace for more than 25 years. This classic public-health text has meant survival for thousands in the Third World since the early 1970s, according to officials from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Peace Corps it stands as arguably the most widely use public-health manual in the world, according to WHO. WHO officials noted that since 1978, it, too, has adopted the kind of community-based approach to health care exemplified by Where There Is No Doctor. Both WHO and UNICEF now buy the book for their field offices.
I love this manual because it is written very "user friendly". I also like it because you can buy a copy or you can download a PDF copy and print it yourself or use it from a device.
https://hesperian.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/en_wtnd_2015/en_wtnd_2015_fm.pdf
It is great for medical knowledge.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Security Mindset
We live in the country and that poses problems sometimes. We just heard that a neighbor was attacked by a mountain lion and is in the hospital. This alarmed us and put us more on guard than usual. As I went into work this morning I thought about security. I mean, just getting in the front gate at work I need to show ID and run through a maze and armed guards. I’ve been doing it so long I don’t think much of it. As Americans we don’t think much about security. If there has been burglaries in the neighborhood we may put on some lights and try to be more vigilant, but after time has passed, we get lax again. Actually, that is one of the wonderful things about the USA. We have relative peace and security. Some places in certain cities or towns might make us be more alert but for the most part, we trust our safety and security to professionals who do a wonderful job. I believe law enforcement officers (LEO’s) in this country are the best trained, best equipped in the world. The problem is, they can’t be everywhere at once. Our security depends really on ourselves. Whether it is security from a mountain lion in my neighborhood, or security from criminals, or keeping terrorists from taking away our freedoms, security is the answer. Now I don’t propose that you hire a team of armed bodyguards who protect you and yours 24/7. Even though that would be nice, it would be expensive and would take control from you. There are many ways to be prepared with security. Like most of preparedness, this is an individual thing. It depends on you and your family’s situation. I have a large family and some of my kids are grown and living away from home. At Christmas we were all together. I took that opportunity for some security training. We have a good friend who has been involved in self-defense his whole life. I asked him to give us a class to start us off in this area. It was very informative and I learned a lot. I hadn’t had any hand-to-hand combat training for many years and some of my kids had never had it. He gave us an assignment to practice and so we’ve had a chance to practice these things. I plan on having another class this next Christmas again, and to continue. Once a year is not much, but if we practice throughout the year it will become part of us. My teen aged daughter loved it! This is only part of our training. I plan on implementing other things into our training. All of my family is familiar with firearms. I believe every family should be familiar with them. I’m not proposing you even own a gun, but at least be familiar with how to handle one. The best deterrent for children accidently discharging a weapon is training. My children knew how to handle a weapon when they were pretty young. Now some may be appalled at that notion. It is a fact that children come across guns. Whether it is a careless adult or just a weapon found in the weeds, children are exposed to these things. I would rather a child know how to handle a gun rather than have them, or another child, pick one up and have an accident. This is a controversial subject and I won’t address this in this post. But my opinion is strong and tested with my own bunch of children. Other than guns and self-defense, there are many non-lethal weapons out there. They too require training. There are edged weapons, pepper spray, and even batons. Good training in any self-defense method is imperative. After that, a practice program is important.
Having a self-defense method is necessary but I think the most important thing to learn is a security mind set. Most of us are careful about our personal information. Social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other information can be used to steal identity. This goes for security on the internet. Your address and phone number may not be a good idea to put on the internet as casual information. This is what the military calls COMSEC or communication security. Many pieces of small, seemingly insignificant bits of information can be put together to form a large profile of someone. Facebook is a place that we seem pretty free as a society. I don’t even have to be “friends” with someone to find out a lot of information. I can see what they look like, where they live, how many people are in their family, where they work or go to school. To most Americans this is pretty insignificant info. It can be a dangerous thing. Without being paranoid, you can be secure. Ensure your children are aware of security concerns that you may have. Safeguard your information and limit your personal information where it can viewed by anyone.
A security mind set is one that gives you options. Being oblivious to what goes on around you can get you killed. In the military and law enforcement this is called situational awareness. Convenience stores may as well have a big sign on them saying “Rob Me!” Next time you buy gas at one take a look around on your way in. Is there somewhere someone could hide to rob you or car jack your car? Look in the window, does everything and everyone look normal inside? Last of all, how does it all feel to you? If things don’t look or feel good, maybe you should pay at the pump or go to a different store. Look at lighting and the view inside. Lots of stores have so many things on their windows that you can hardly see in or out! When you find a store that is safe, frequent it. Take a look at the cameras outside. Do they even have any? You may not notice these things but I guarantee the criminals will. As you walk into Wal-mart at 11 o’clock at night take a look at people. Are there some just “hanging out” in front? Before you get out of your car you should be aware of who may be waiting to meet you. Are you parked next to a big van or SUV that would block your view to anyone else? It’s not very difficult to live this way. Choosing a different parking place or a different convenience store is really not that big of a deal. Just be aware. Most criminals are looking for someone who is walking in a dark parking lot with their nose glued to their cell phone unaware of what’s going on around them. These are crimes of opportunity. This is true of any situation. It doesn’t have to be crime you are avoiding. This mind set is important in combat. Most of us won’t be in combat ever in our lives but this thinking is the same. Fighter pilots talk a lot about situational awareness.
I have a many friends in the intelligence community. Their lives are consumed in security to where they live and breath it. One particular friend works for a civil service security organization. He is ex-special forces. We met in jump school and he has taught me much just by the stories he tells and the questions he asks. I asked him how difficult it was to secure a person who is in a crowd. He told me that especially in the U.S. it’s not as difficult as it seems. His security team is usually the only people in the crowd who are really alert and aware of their surroundings. That is half the battle.
With a little effort you can improve security in your own lives. Whether it is at an ATM or going into a store late a night. Most of us can be more aware of our surroundings. All of us can improve our training programs. If you don’t have a training program commit to organize yourself to have one now. Security is as much a part of preparedness as food storage. You wouldn’t probably be surprised if you knew someone was taking a food storage class, but if they were taking a self-defense or a shooting class you might wonder why. A training program should include all aspects of learning from classes to books to internet sites and blogs. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Training for your family’s future. Security should be a part of that. I like the saying, “Be Alert. The world needs more lerts!” So be one!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Having a self-defense method is necessary but I think the most important thing to learn is a security mind set. Most of us are careful about our personal information. Social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other information can be used to steal identity. This goes for security on the internet. Your address and phone number may not be a good idea to put on the internet as casual information. This is what the military calls COMSEC or communication security. Many pieces of small, seemingly insignificant bits of information can be put together to form a large profile of someone. Facebook is a place that we seem pretty free as a society. I don’t even have to be “friends” with someone to find out a lot of information. I can see what they look like, where they live, how many people are in their family, where they work or go to school. To most Americans this is pretty insignificant info. It can be a dangerous thing. Without being paranoid, you can be secure. Ensure your children are aware of security concerns that you may have. Safeguard your information and limit your personal information where it can viewed by anyone.
A security mind set is one that gives you options. Being oblivious to what goes on around you can get you killed. In the military and law enforcement this is called situational awareness. Convenience stores may as well have a big sign on them saying “Rob Me!” Next time you buy gas at one take a look around on your way in. Is there somewhere someone could hide to rob you or car jack your car? Look in the window, does everything and everyone look normal inside? Last of all, how does it all feel to you? If things don’t look or feel good, maybe you should pay at the pump or go to a different store. Look at lighting and the view inside. Lots of stores have so many things on their windows that you can hardly see in or out! When you find a store that is safe, frequent it. Take a look at the cameras outside. Do they even have any? You may not notice these things but I guarantee the criminals will. As you walk into Wal-mart at 11 o’clock at night take a look at people. Are there some just “hanging out” in front? Before you get out of your car you should be aware of who may be waiting to meet you. Are you parked next to a big van or SUV that would block your view to anyone else? It’s not very difficult to live this way. Choosing a different parking place or a different convenience store is really not that big of a deal. Just be aware. Most criminals are looking for someone who is walking in a dark parking lot with their nose glued to their cell phone unaware of what’s going on around them. These are crimes of opportunity. This is true of any situation. It doesn’t have to be crime you are avoiding. This mind set is important in combat. Most of us won’t be in combat ever in our lives but this thinking is the same. Fighter pilots talk a lot about situational awareness.
I have a many friends in the intelligence community. Their lives are consumed in security to where they live and breath it. One particular friend works for a civil service security organization. He is ex-special forces. We met in jump school and he has taught me much just by the stories he tells and the questions he asks. I asked him how difficult it was to secure a person who is in a crowd. He told me that especially in the U.S. it’s not as difficult as it seems. His security team is usually the only people in the crowd who are really alert and aware of their surroundings. That is half the battle.
With a little effort you can improve security in your own lives. Whether it is at an ATM or going into a store late a night. Most of us can be more aware of our surroundings. All of us can improve our training programs. If you don’t have a training program commit to organize yourself to have one now. Security is as much a part of preparedness as food storage. You wouldn’t probably be surprised if you knew someone was taking a food storage class, but if they were taking a self-defense or a shooting class you might wonder why. A training program should include all aspects of learning from classes to books to internet sites and blogs. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Training for your family’s future. Security should be a part of that. I like the saying, “Be Alert. The world needs more lerts!” So be one!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Bug Out To Survive
A few years ago we have some good friends who live in Bastrop, Texas who lost their home to a wildfire. They did get everyone out in time, but only with the clothes on their backs. They lost just about everything. They did have some livestock that made it OK. It just killed me to think about what they are going through. It made me think much harder about our bug out plans and our go bags. In fact, we inventoried our bags just last night. We also made a list. This list has 3 sections. If we have to grab and go, our go bags will be enough. But if we have time, we have a "need" list, a "want" list, and a "nice to have" list. We want to ensure our trailer is ready to hitch up and go. We also have taken items we don’t use very much, such as journals, photo albums, genealogy, etc., and put them in a central location in totes. This way all we have to do is grab and go. For other items that are irreplaceable, we have a list of items and their location so we can find them easily.
It’s also a good idea to keep your vehicles with at least a half a tank of gas so that you will have enough to go a distance.
We’ve talked about bugout bags (72 hour kits, GOOD bags, emergency kits) and how to keep them up. Your expedient evacuation should be clear. You should have bugout bags (BOB) ready and in a convenient location. You should have also worked a plan, where to meet as a rally point, and several locations you will evacuate to. You should have these written down and should have been practicing these plans. This is true of many disasters, man-made or not. Chemical spills, hurricanes, wildfires, any problem where you may have to flee. I would rather ride out any storm in my home. That is where I am most prepared, but if I have to evacuate I am ready for that too. I feel we are better prepared trying to pre-position items we want to grab.
If you have pets consider pre-positioning their carrier, collars, leash, some food, or anything else you think you’ll need for your pets.
Consider putting your EDC items in the same place all the time. Purses, keys, wallets, cell phones, and chargers are EDC items you would want as a minimum if you had to leave quickly.
Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other irreplaceable items should be kept in a fire proof box. That way they will be safe from fire and easy to grab and go. These things can be replaced, but the inconvenience would be overwhelming. Copies of these documents should be added to your go bags or to an off-home location. (I have a locker at work that I keep these in) You could consider keeping a external hard drive with your computer not only to back up your computer, but to grab if the need to leave in a hurry. Keep your lap top in the same place for the same reason, to grab and go quickly.
If you have a pickup and trailer, and are given more time, with things in place you could quickly evacuate with irreplaceable AND replaceable items! But you must keep the pick-up or trailer in good repair and ready at all times. Consider what that means. Tires, gas, those few things you’ve been meaning to fix, all of these things should be done now. Try to make your "grab" list as small as possible so that your evac will be fast. Pick a target time and practice. We think 10 minutes is a good target. Watch this video found on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLtrntXifkY
This will help you to not only understand the need to practice, but how to go about it.
To put together a plan sit down with your spouse or family and talk about this. Many heads are better than one. The ideas will start to come out as you discuss evacuation. Make sure you write it all down. Don’t go into great detail. If it was up to us, we would all take everything in our house with us! Remember survival and things you can’t replace. That’s why I like the "need", "want", and "nice to have" lists. Be realistic. Two plans would be OK, one for 10 minute egress and another for hour egress. Once you come up with your list figure out what you can pre-pack and pre-position. Then make simple lists for the rest. Give out assignments so that all of you are working on different things at the same time.
It’s a frightening thing to think that in a matter of minutes all you have worked for can go away. Insurance can be a vital part of this preparation. But also remember, your family and maybe pets, are most important. Most worldly goods can be replaced. Even some pictures can be replaced (consider digitizing your pictures and giving copied CD’s to a family member living somewhere else). The most important thing is life. Always consider safety, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire drills. If you are able to evacuate, make sure you and your family are ready!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
It’s also a good idea to keep your vehicles with at least a half a tank of gas so that you will have enough to go a distance.
We’ve talked about bugout bags (72 hour kits, GOOD bags, emergency kits) and how to keep them up. Your expedient evacuation should be clear. You should have bugout bags (BOB) ready and in a convenient location. You should have also worked a plan, where to meet as a rally point, and several locations you will evacuate to. You should have these written down and should have been practicing these plans. This is true of many disasters, man-made or not. Chemical spills, hurricanes, wildfires, any problem where you may have to flee. I would rather ride out any storm in my home. That is where I am most prepared, but if I have to evacuate I am ready for that too. I feel we are better prepared trying to pre-position items we want to grab.
If you have pets consider pre-positioning their carrier, collars, leash, some food, or anything else you think you’ll need for your pets.
Consider putting your EDC items in the same place all the time. Purses, keys, wallets, cell phones, and chargers are EDC items you would want as a minimum if you had to leave quickly.
Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other irreplaceable items should be kept in a fire proof box. That way they will be safe from fire and easy to grab and go. These things can be replaced, but the inconvenience would be overwhelming. Copies of these documents should be added to your go bags or to an off-home location. (I have a locker at work that I keep these in) You could consider keeping a external hard drive with your computer not only to back up your computer, but to grab if the need to leave in a hurry. Keep your lap top in the same place for the same reason, to grab and go quickly.
If you have a pickup and trailer, and are given more time, with things in place you could quickly evacuate with irreplaceable AND replaceable items! But you must keep the pick-up or trailer in good repair and ready at all times. Consider what that means. Tires, gas, those few things you’ve been meaning to fix, all of these things should be done now. Try to make your "grab" list as small as possible so that your evac will be fast. Pick a target time and practice. We think 10 minutes is a good target. Watch this video found on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLtrntXifkY
This will help you to not only understand the need to practice, but how to go about it.
To put together a plan sit down with your spouse or family and talk about this. Many heads are better than one. The ideas will start to come out as you discuss evacuation. Make sure you write it all down. Don’t go into great detail. If it was up to us, we would all take everything in our house with us! Remember survival and things you can’t replace. That’s why I like the "need", "want", and "nice to have" lists. Be realistic. Two plans would be OK, one for 10 minute egress and another for hour egress. Once you come up with your list figure out what you can pre-pack and pre-position. Then make simple lists for the rest. Give out assignments so that all of you are working on different things at the same time.
It’s a frightening thing to think that in a matter of minutes all you have worked for can go away. Insurance can be a vital part of this preparation. But also remember, your family and maybe pets, are most important. Most worldly goods can be replaced. Even some pictures can be replaced (consider digitizing your pictures and giving copied CD’s to a family member living somewhere else). The most important thing is life. Always consider safety, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire drills. If you are able to evacuate, make sure you and your family are ready!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Tips On Being Vigilant During Christmas Season
Don’t let criminals ruin your Christmas and holiday season. Here are some ideas.
Think about what you would do in an attack situation. Visualize the steps you would take if someone tried to rob you. Visualize the steps you would take to avoid a bad situation. That may entail turning around and running. Shopping for Christmas gifts is so much easier with a list. A list is a preconceived idea of what to buy. Visualizing helps to have a general idea of what you will do in case you have to defend yourself. Have a plan even though you may never use it or your situation ends up being different than you visualized. Having a plan will help you think on your feet if needed.
All of us have a sense about situations. I call it the Spirit. Some call it intuition. Others call it a gut feeling. Pay attention to this. There will be warning signs. If you sense something is not right act upon it. Get away from the area or person. Change your environment by moving out of dark into light or where there are more people. Create distance between what you are concerned about and yourself. Don’t blow off the instinct, what’s the worst that could happen if you’re wrong? Pay attention to descriptions of people or license numbers and makes of vehicles of the focus of your concern. Call for help if you need it.
Don’t shop alone. Shop with friends or family. There is indeed safety in numbers.
Keep your children safe. Make sure young children are with you in a crowd. Use strollers and shopping carts to keep them secure. Make sure older kids and teenagers know where to go in an emergency. There may be a mall or store security station. Make sure they have a phone with them if possible. Set a time and place to meet and never let your kids go off alone.
Don’t get overburdened with purchases. Take purchases and lock them in your trunk before getting more. If you lock them in the vehicle make sure they are out of sight. Carry a spare blanket to keep these things hidden.
Remember safety when going to your vehicle. Have your keys in your hand and your head on a swivel. Check the back seat before entering your vehicle. Park near people or entrances. If that’s not possible at least park near a well-lit area. Beware anyone who wants to help you to your car or someone who is too friendly. Holiday cheer is one thing, but too much interest in your business is another. If you feel threatened find a store or mall security or employee who would be willing to walk you to your car. If you go from one store to the next hide your items before getting to the next parking lot. Thieves may observe you covering or hiding your purchases.
About 83% of people surveyed said they would do at least some shopping online for Christmas gifts this year. Remember online security. Change passwords frequently. Do not give personal information online. Use your credit card sparingly. Use secure payment services like PayPal whenever possible. Monitor credit card purchases several times during the holiday season to ensure no one has stolen your information and are using your credit.
When approached about giving to charities in public or at home ensure that the charity is a credible one. Real charities give their representatives identification to solicit for them. When someone is at your front door be very careful about opening your door. Once the door is open it’s too late to check on their identity. If you are not sure, do not open the door! If you suspect something other than what they claim to be, ask them to leave your property. If they do not leave, call the police. Don’t ever be intimidated or pressured into giving charity. We all should be charitable, but not be compelled or bullied into being charitable.
I hope these tips have made you think about safety and security during these hectic holidays.
We at LDS Gunsite hope that your Christmas is wonderful and that you think about the great mission that Christ came here to fulfill. If you are not Christian we hope your holidays are joyous and that family and friends will make it special. We also hope your New Year is safe and happy!
Merry Christmas!
Burn
Think about what you would do in an attack situation. Visualize the steps you would take if someone tried to rob you. Visualize the steps you would take to avoid a bad situation. That may entail turning around and running. Shopping for Christmas gifts is so much easier with a list. A list is a preconceived idea of what to buy. Visualizing helps to have a general idea of what you will do in case you have to defend yourself. Have a plan even though you may never use it or your situation ends up being different than you visualized. Having a plan will help you think on your feet if needed.
All of us have a sense about situations. I call it the Spirit. Some call it intuition. Others call it a gut feeling. Pay attention to this. There will be warning signs. If you sense something is not right act upon it. Get away from the area or person. Change your environment by moving out of dark into light or where there are more people. Create distance between what you are concerned about and yourself. Don’t blow off the instinct, what’s the worst that could happen if you’re wrong? Pay attention to descriptions of people or license numbers and makes of vehicles of the focus of your concern. Call for help if you need it.
Don’t shop alone. Shop with friends or family. There is indeed safety in numbers.
Keep your children safe. Make sure young children are with you in a crowd. Use strollers and shopping carts to keep them secure. Make sure older kids and teenagers know where to go in an emergency. There may be a mall or store security station. Make sure they have a phone with them if possible. Set a time and place to meet and never let your kids go off alone.
Don’t get overburdened with purchases. Take purchases and lock them in your trunk before getting more. If you lock them in the vehicle make sure they are out of sight. Carry a spare blanket to keep these things hidden.
Remember safety when going to your vehicle. Have your keys in your hand and your head on a swivel. Check the back seat before entering your vehicle. Park near people or entrances. If that’s not possible at least park near a well-lit area. Beware anyone who wants to help you to your car or someone who is too friendly. Holiday cheer is one thing, but too much interest in your business is another. If you feel threatened find a store or mall security or employee who would be willing to walk you to your car. If you go from one store to the next hide your items before getting to the next parking lot. Thieves may observe you covering or hiding your purchases.
About 83% of people surveyed said they would do at least some shopping online for Christmas gifts this year. Remember online security. Change passwords frequently. Do not give personal information online. Use your credit card sparingly. Use secure payment services like PayPal whenever possible. Monitor credit card purchases several times during the holiday season to ensure no one has stolen your information and are using your credit.
When approached about giving to charities in public or at home ensure that the charity is a credible one. Real charities give their representatives identification to solicit for them. When someone is at your front door be very careful about opening your door. Once the door is open it’s too late to check on their identity. If you are not sure, do not open the door! If you suspect something other than what they claim to be, ask them to leave your property. If they do not leave, call the police. Don’t ever be intimidated or pressured into giving charity. We all should be charitable, but not be compelled or bullied into being charitable.
I hope these tips have made you think about safety and security during these hectic holidays.
We at LDS Gunsite hope that your Christmas is wonderful and that you think about the great mission that Christ came here to fulfill. If you are not Christian we hope your holidays are joyous and that family and friends will make it special. We also hope your New Year is safe and happy!
Merry Christmas!
Burn
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Suicide Bomber Profiles
Lately there have been several suicide bombings throughout the world and here in the U.S. These are common things in certain countries. Hopefully they are few and far between in this country. In talking about this with my friend Mac who has just retired from Diplomatic Security he started to mention some things to look for. He sent me this list and I share it with you.
1. Packages: Explosives in backpacks, bags or boxes
2. Manner of walking: Usually strange because of the weight of explosives or the taking of a narcotic substance
3. Facial expressions: Signs of tension, anxiety, sweating, and spasm in the facial muscles
4. Rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat. Something is “Off” in their demeanor. Often their age will be between 20 and 35.
5. Eyes: Looking straight at the target without turning left or right
6. Lips: Mumbling of prayers
7. Clothes: Inappropriate clothing, too large or heavy because they hide explosives
8. Lack of Response: No answers to any shouting
9. Facial coloring: Slightly-lighter color of facial skin because of shaving the beard shortly before the operation
10. Smell: Some suicide bombers wear strong perfume such as musk in preparation for the attack
Some may say this is profiling and they would be correct. The difference is, this is not racial profiling. Bombers can, and have been, every race, color, and creed. When you see these signs don’t discount them because the person’s race doesn’t “Fit” a preconceived notion of what a bomber should look like. There have also been women bombers as well as men. Even pregnant women. So don’t be fooled when they don’t seem to fit.
Be vigilant. Our safety and the safety of our country depends on us as citizens trying to protect ourselves and each other.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
1. Packages: Explosives in backpacks, bags or boxes
2. Manner of walking: Usually strange because of the weight of explosives or the taking of a narcotic substance
3. Facial expressions: Signs of tension, anxiety, sweating, and spasm in the facial muscles
4. Rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat. Something is “Off” in their demeanor. Often their age will be between 20 and 35.
5. Eyes: Looking straight at the target without turning left or right
6. Lips: Mumbling of prayers
7. Clothes: Inappropriate clothing, too large or heavy because they hide explosives
8. Lack of Response: No answers to any shouting
9. Facial coloring: Slightly-lighter color of facial skin because of shaving the beard shortly before the operation
10. Smell: Some suicide bombers wear strong perfume such as musk in preparation for the attack
Some may say this is profiling and they would be correct. The difference is, this is not racial profiling. Bombers can, and have been, every race, color, and creed. When you see these signs don’t discount them because the person’s race doesn’t “Fit” a preconceived notion of what a bomber should look like. There have also been women bombers as well as men. Even pregnant women. So don’t be fooled when they don’t seem to fit.
Be vigilant. Our safety and the safety of our country depends on us as citizens trying to protect ourselves and each other.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, December 7, 2017
EDC Ideas
EDC
We’ve had several tragedies happen in the last few months. Hurricanes, fire, shootings, and earthquakes. I’m thinking of changing my EDC. What is EDC? EDC or “Everyday carry” is the things you have with you at all times.
My EDC is all I really know so that is what I’ll talk about. I only write this so that you can get ideas about your own EDC. My EDC is in three parts. Primary, secondary, and get home.
Primary EDC is what I am very rarely without. Once in a while I will leave one of these items at home and I will feel naked all day.
Here is a list of what I have on myself nearly always:
A knife or multi-tool
A tactical pen
A flashlight
Tweezers
Fire making items
Paracord
A safety pin
2 Band-aids
Gun and holster
Spare magazine
Cell phone
Supplemental items on my vehicle key chain
More paracord
P-38 Can opener
Consecrated oil vial
Caribiner
Pen knife
My secondary list is:
Water container (quart juice bottle) with water
Every vehicle has: A knife, lighter, and toilet paper
Basic tool kit
First aid kit
1 Box of 50 rounds of carry ammo
Pad and pencil/pen
My get home bag for each vehicle is:
Shelter/Warmth
Emergency poncho, Emergency blanket, Tube tent, Hat, Hand warmers, Fire starting kit (at least 3 deep redundancy)
Tools/Light
Folding Knife, Paracord, Trash bags, Recharger (lawn solar light), Leather gloves, N95 Dust mask, Shower cap, Light stick, Generator Flashlight
Sanitary kit
Toilet paper, Feminine supplies, Toothbrush, toothpaste, Liquid soap, Baby wipes, Washcloth, Sun block, Chapstik
Security
Whistle, Pepper spray
Food/Water
Nylon spork, Can opener, Filter straw, Water bladder
Food: Tuna pouch, MRE crackers, Jerky, 2 Spam packets, 2 sausage (canned), 2 rice meals (in mylar packaging), 2 gatorade pacs, 2 MRE entrees, Can of tuna
Tuna can for cooking
Condom for water
Map
Compass
Level 1 first aid kit
All of this stuff is almost useless without some training.
Training to consider:
Weapons/Self defense training
Survival training (foraging for food and water, fire building, navigation, building tools and weapons, lashing, shelter building. Etc.)
First aid training
There are many ways to carry your EDC. I have some in my pockets, some on a key ring, some in my wallet. I have a big knife pouch that carries a lot. I’ve seen some people use a small fanny pack. My get-home-bag is in a backpack. There are many schools of thought with these different ways of carrying. You need to experiment and find what works for you.
Being prepared is more about knowledge than gear. Training always trumps gear. But it’s always nice to have some gear.
Look at what you do and gear that will enhance you and keep you safe and comfortable.
EDC is the way to go. Being prepared takes training, thought, and experience.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
We’ve had several tragedies happen in the last few months. Hurricanes, fire, shootings, and earthquakes. I’m thinking of changing my EDC. What is EDC? EDC or “Everyday carry” is the things you have with you at all times.
My EDC is all I really know so that is what I’ll talk about. I only write this so that you can get ideas about your own EDC. My EDC is in three parts. Primary, secondary, and get home.
Primary EDC is what I am very rarely without. Once in a while I will leave one of these items at home and I will feel naked all day.
Here is a list of what I have on myself nearly always:
A knife or multi-tool
A tactical pen
A flashlight
Tweezers
Fire making items
Paracord
A safety pin
2 Band-aids
Gun and holster
Spare magazine
Cell phone
Supplemental items on my vehicle key chain
More paracord
P-38 Can opener
Consecrated oil vial
Caribiner
Pen knife
My secondary list is:
Water container (quart juice bottle) with water
Every vehicle has: A knife, lighter, and toilet paper
Basic tool kit
First aid kit
1 Box of 50 rounds of carry ammo
Pad and pencil/pen
My get home bag for each vehicle is:
Shelter/Warmth
Emergency poncho, Emergency blanket, Tube tent, Hat, Hand warmers, Fire starting kit (at least 3 deep redundancy)
Tools/Light
Folding Knife, Paracord, Trash bags, Recharger (lawn solar light), Leather gloves, N95 Dust mask, Shower cap, Light stick, Generator Flashlight
Sanitary kit
Toilet paper, Feminine supplies, Toothbrush, toothpaste, Liquid soap, Baby wipes, Washcloth, Sun block, Chapstik
Security
Whistle, Pepper spray
Food/Water
Nylon spork, Can opener, Filter straw, Water bladder
Food: Tuna pouch, MRE crackers, Jerky, 2 Spam packets, 2 sausage (canned), 2 rice meals (in mylar packaging), 2 gatorade pacs, 2 MRE entrees, Can of tuna
Tuna can for cooking
Condom for water
Map
Compass
Level 1 first aid kit
All of this stuff is almost useless without some training.
Training to consider:
Weapons/Self defense training
Survival training (foraging for food and water, fire building, navigation, building tools and weapons, lashing, shelter building. Etc.)
First aid training
There are many ways to carry your EDC. I have some in my pockets, some on a key ring, some in my wallet. I have a big knife pouch that carries a lot. I’ve seen some people use a small fanny pack. My get-home-bag is in a backpack. There are many schools of thought with these different ways of carrying. You need to experiment and find what works for you.
Being prepared is more about knowledge than gear. Training always trumps gear. But it’s always nice to have some gear.
Look at what you do and gear that will enhance you and keep you safe and comfortable.
EDC is the way to go. Being prepared takes training, thought, and experience.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
December 7th and Christmas
Today is December 7, “a date which will live in infamy”, and was the day that Japan attacked Pearl Harbor pulling the U.S. into a World War.
27 years earlier on December 7, 1914, Pope Benedict XV suggested a temporary hiatus of the war for the celebration of Christmas. The warring countries refused to create any official cease-fire, but on Christmas the soldiers in the trenches declared their own unofficial truce.
Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.
At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.
Some soldiers used this short-lived ceasefire for a more somber task: the retrieval of the bodies of fellow combatants who had fallen within the no-man’s land between the lines.
The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. It was never repeated. Future attempts at holiday ceasefires were quashed by officers’ threats of disciplinary action but it served as heartening proof, however brief, that beneath the brutal clash of guns, the soldiers’ essential humanity endured.
During World War I, the soldiers on the Western Front did not expect to celebrate on the battlefield, but even a world war could not destroy the Christmas spirit.
I hope we will never forget this day as Pearl Harbor day. Many died in a sneak attack from an Imperialist country who thought they could conquer anything. But also know that years before, men on both sides of a World War put down their guns and celebrated the birth of Christ.
I am a proponent of self-defense but I try to not be a “man of blood”. I hope that we can always remember the true Spirit of Christmas and know that the gospel of Jesus Christ will win in the end.
Merry Christmas to you and to your family. May you have a great holiday and a safe, wonderful New Year!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
27 years earlier on December 7, 1914, Pope Benedict XV suggested a temporary hiatus of the war for the celebration of Christmas. The warring countries refused to create any official cease-fire, but on Christmas the soldiers in the trenches declared their own unofficial truce.
Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.
At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.
Some soldiers used this short-lived ceasefire for a more somber task: the retrieval of the bodies of fellow combatants who had fallen within the no-man’s land between the lines.
The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. It was never repeated. Future attempts at holiday ceasefires were quashed by officers’ threats of disciplinary action but it served as heartening proof, however brief, that beneath the brutal clash of guns, the soldiers’ essential humanity endured.
During World War I, the soldiers on the Western Front did not expect to celebrate on the battlefield, but even a world war could not destroy the Christmas spirit.
I hope we will never forget this day as Pearl Harbor day. Many died in a sneak attack from an Imperialist country who thought they could conquer anything. But also know that years before, men on both sides of a World War put down their guns and celebrated the birth of Christ.
I am a proponent of self-defense but I try to not be a “man of blood”. I hope that we can always remember the true Spirit of Christmas and know that the gospel of Jesus Christ will win in the end.
Merry Christmas to you and to your family. May you have a great holiday and a safe, wonderful New Year!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, December 1, 2017
Reminders Of OP Rockwell Philosophy
In Alma 46 we read about Moroni:
7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.
8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it——In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children——and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land——
36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.
Mosiah 1:5
I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes
Moroni did not like the way he saw some leading away church members. So he decided to remind the people (keep it before their eyes.) I think we as church members need to be reminded once in a while.
I’ve heard many balk at this idea or philosophy I call the OP Rockwell philosophy, and I respect that opinion. But it’s been my experience that this philosophy is true.
The philosophy basically is that there are 3 types of people. They are described as Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. The sheep are most people that you know and see. They are good, productive members of society who would not hurt anyone or anything. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a sheep. Then there are wolves. Wolves are evil, selfish near-humans intent on taking what they want. They are not interested in who they hurt in this process. They are a large minority and many are locked up. Then there are sheepdogs. Sheepdogs care about the sheep even though sometimes the sheep don’t appreciate them. The sheepdogs want the sheep to be safe and to be rid of the wolves. I’ve read so many writers who don’t believe that sheepdogs exist. They think that those who believe themselves to be sheepdogs are camo wearing wanna-bes. I’m sure some camo wearers do exist. But I know enough people who, when confronted with violence, go toward it. Watch video of 9-11. Most people were running from the towers but a few were running toward them. This was not just because it was their job. There are many stories of people who helped others and went back into the towers and perished. Many people were going up the stairs while the masses came down. I’ve learned for myself that when shots are fired I go towards the sound. Much to the consternation of my wife.
Be prepared in all things. Be prepared in defense. Be like Port. This is what I call the OP Rockwell philosophy. Living among the sheep but doing my best to protect them. This is how I see Porter Rockwell's life.
The reminder that I have for LDS members is not just the above writing, but from The Family: A Proclamation To The World.
“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”
There is so much we can learn from the Proclamation. But as pertaining to this blog I bring out the 3 P’s of being a Father.
Preside
Provide
Protect
Presiding in a home is something that is taught all the time in Priesthood meetings. It is taught in other places too but I feel the Church covers this well.
Providing for a family is increasingly more difficult. But with education, perseverance, and work it can be done. The Church also teaches this type of self-sufficiency.
Protecting covers many things. Spiritual and emotional protection is extremely important. What about physical protection? A home with locks is a start. But that is very little. Teaching your children to protect themselves with situational awareness is a big part of this too. If you don’t actually have physical protection for your family then you’re fooling yourself that they will be safe. I’m not trying to scare anyone but the reality is that we are all vulnerable. I know that a gun is not for everyone. But it should be a consideration. If you feel this route is what will work for you, don’t buy a gun and shoot it twice a year. Be serious and get training and go out an practice.
The police in this country are the best! But other than following you around, they can not be there to protect you.
We have all seen the devastation that seems to be increasing from active killer events. We are not safe at
home: home invasions
school: schools are very vulnerable
work: workplace violence is increasing even on military bases
or church: these shootings are on the rise.
A way to fight this is preparedness.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
We need to defend our liberty. Crime and terrorism takes away that liberty. Sometimes laws and politicians do too.
Find a way to defend our freedom and our families. Fathers protect your families. All of us need to be reminded once in a while.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.
8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it——In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children——and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land——
36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.
Mosiah 1:5
I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes
Moroni did not like the way he saw some leading away church members. So he decided to remind the people (keep it before their eyes.) I think we as church members need to be reminded once in a while.
I’ve heard many balk at this idea or philosophy I call the OP Rockwell philosophy, and I respect that opinion. But it’s been my experience that this philosophy is true.
The philosophy basically is that there are 3 types of people. They are described as Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. The sheep are most people that you know and see. They are good, productive members of society who would not hurt anyone or anything. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a sheep. Then there are wolves. Wolves are evil, selfish near-humans intent on taking what they want. They are not interested in who they hurt in this process. They are a large minority and many are locked up. Then there are sheepdogs. Sheepdogs care about the sheep even though sometimes the sheep don’t appreciate them. The sheepdogs want the sheep to be safe and to be rid of the wolves. I’ve read so many writers who don’t believe that sheepdogs exist. They think that those who believe themselves to be sheepdogs are camo wearing wanna-bes. I’m sure some camo wearers do exist. But I know enough people who, when confronted with violence, go toward it. Watch video of 9-11. Most people were running from the towers but a few were running toward them. This was not just because it was their job. There are many stories of people who helped others and went back into the towers and perished. Many people were going up the stairs while the masses came down. I’ve learned for myself that when shots are fired I go towards the sound. Much to the consternation of my wife.
Be prepared in all things. Be prepared in defense. Be like Port. This is what I call the OP Rockwell philosophy. Living among the sheep but doing my best to protect them. This is how I see Porter Rockwell's life.
The reminder that I have for LDS members is not just the above writing, but from The Family: A Proclamation To The World.
“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”
There is so much we can learn from the Proclamation. But as pertaining to this blog I bring out the 3 P’s of being a Father.
Preside
Provide
Protect
Presiding in a home is something that is taught all the time in Priesthood meetings. It is taught in other places too but I feel the Church covers this well.
Providing for a family is increasingly more difficult. But with education, perseverance, and work it can be done. The Church also teaches this type of self-sufficiency.
Protecting covers many things. Spiritual and emotional protection is extremely important. What about physical protection? A home with locks is a start. But that is very little. Teaching your children to protect themselves with situational awareness is a big part of this too. If you don’t actually have physical protection for your family then you’re fooling yourself that they will be safe. I’m not trying to scare anyone but the reality is that we are all vulnerable. I know that a gun is not for everyone. But it should be a consideration. If you feel this route is what will work for you, don’t buy a gun and shoot it twice a year. Be serious and get training and go out an practice.
The police in this country are the best! But other than following you around, they can not be there to protect you.
We have all seen the devastation that seems to be increasing from active killer events. We are not safe at
home: home invasions
school: schools are very vulnerable
work: workplace violence is increasing even on military bases
or church: these shootings are on the rise.
A way to fight this is preparedness.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
We need to defend our liberty. Crime and terrorism takes away that liberty. Sometimes laws and politicians do too.
Find a way to defend our freedom and our families. Fathers protect your families. All of us need to be reminded once in a while.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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