How do we balance freedom and safety?
I know we teach our children lessons in safety every day, but, are we engaged in teaching our children the value of freedom? Or, are we conforming them to live in fear for their lives?
Today, I wanted to remind us how important freedom is, and that life without freedom is prison.
As restrictions are about to end, there are some in the media that suggested we should continue them indefinitely, giving health organizations the power to dictate when to end them. The President argued we have to resume living or we’ll lose our way of life, which in great part guarantees us freedom.
I have very few things I am willing to trade for freedom, within reason and time restrictions.
We gave away freedom to privacy after 911 for fear of another attack and the government has not respected the timeline, extending it over and over again. I don’t trust indefinitely.
So, how do we balance the 2?
Feel free to comment. No insults please, keep it civil.
PS. In Lord of the Rings there is an exchange between Aragorn and Eowyn where she says “I don’t fear death!”, Aragorn asks, “what do you fear?” She responds “a cage”... (I like her)
Don Verde
Burn's comment:
You asked for comments so I will make mine here.
Benjamin Franklin said this:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
I agree with you Don. Like you I have served, and fought, and watched friends die, in defense of this freedom. We do need to resume our lives as safe as we can. We need to return to the freedoms we enjoyed and not give any of it away for safety or security. Freedom must be fearlessly maintained and upheld. Socialism and communism says they ensure citizens safety and security. They actually do neither, but they think they do. Freedom was one of the things we fought for in our pre-earth life. Personal agency, the freedom to choose, is one of the choicest things we were given when we came to this earth. So be careful when a person, a government, or an ideology, tells you they can ensure your safety and security. You are to act for yourself, not be acted upon. Only you can ensure your safety and security. Hopefully your government will allow you to do this.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
A Training Plan
Training
I just went through a 3 week training course for my job. It covered many things I did know, but some things I had never dealt with. All in all it was a good experience. But it was still interesting and also at times boring. Training is not always exciting and fun. Most of the time it is work. Training with a gun is no different. It’s not always shooting at the range, although that is the ultimate ingredient. Dry firing is an easy, cheap, part of training. Many people start the New Year trying to set up exercise or eating plans. I would suggest you look at your gun training and commit to taking some more formal training and stepping up your training/practicing plans. At this time a year I usually evaluate my program and step it up. Adding drills, dry fire or range time, changing the frequency of your plans, all of these things should be considered. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a class, maybe you should consider taking another for a refresher. I recommend anything from Gunsite Academy but there are many reputable, good schools around the country.
Here are some things to get you started.
Mindset
Find ways to develop a mindset that will help you to practice ADD (avoidance, deterrence, de-escalation). Also learn and practice good situational awareness.
Presentation
Learn grip, stance, and draw. These are basics but should always be looked after. Stance is not such a big deal since you may have to shoot from any number of positions.
Drawing is probably the most important part of presentation. It’s not so much of a quick draw, although sometimes it can be, but getting to your weapon. If you can flawlessly draw from concealment then half the battle is won. Practice clearing your clothes and any other hang-ups. If you can consistently draw your gun, then you can try drawing from cover or concealment. That might entail sitting, kneeling, laying, or clearing a seatbelt while sitting in a vehicle.
Reload and Immediate Action Drills
Learn to reload and clear malfunctions quickly and smoothly. I will sometimes randomly load magazines with snap caps to simulate a malfunction. If you don’t really see it coming you will be able to realistically react.
Distance
Distance can be your friend if you’re being attacked. But if you must fight, close and engage. Do most of your training from 7 to 12 yards but don’t completely neglect training from 15 to 20 yards.
Different Barricades
In combat, or in any armed confrontation for that matter, you may find yourself unable to stand flat-¬footed and shoot rounds like you have practiced at the range. Getting shot at will wake you up if you are lucky enough to survive the first volley.
The smart person seeks cover or concealment as fast as they can, but the fight isn’t over. You must get back into the fight, quickly. This is where a nine-hole barricade comes in as a training tool. This is the 4 x 4 board you’ve seen with several different shaped holes cut out of it at different levels. You can buy one or make one.
Drills
There are many drills out there to improve many different aspects of shooting. Accuracy is not everything. Especially under fire. Sometimes you fire just to keep the enemies heads down, and that’s called cover fire. Shoot, move, communicate. In self-defense you will not need this. But getting to the trigger fast is equally as important as accuracy. Drills can help you. So can dry fire. I will admit that dry fire is boring. But so is cardio in my workout. But we do what we have to do. Dry fire is easy, cheap, and can be an important part of your training. Drills are designed to challenge you or to help you to repeat some actions over and over. They can help build muscle memory weather they are on the range or dry fired.
Movement
In basketball how you move on the court without the ball is as important as how you move with the ball. Defense is similar in that movement can be a great advantage. Be sure you are moving cover to cover and not just concealment. Concealment is very useful but if the enemy knows you’re behind concealment then they will shoot right through the concealment hitting you. If you keep the enemy changing then you change their OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) and that advantage may be all you need. Granted, most gun fights don’t last very long. So there may not be a lot of time to move off the “X”.
Putting together a good training plan is an important part of self-defense. I would suggest coming up with three or four routines to mix up in your training. This way it will be fresher and more varied. I get less bored working on things I don’t like and less stagnant.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
I just went through a 3 week training course for my job. It covered many things I did know, but some things I had never dealt with. All in all it was a good experience. But it was still interesting and also at times boring. Training is not always exciting and fun. Most of the time it is work. Training with a gun is no different. It’s not always shooting at the range, although that is the ultimate ingredient. Dry firing is an easy, cheap, part of training. Many people start the New Year trying to set up exercise or eating plans. I would suggest you look at your gun training and commit to taking some more formal training and stepping up your training/practicing plans. At this time a year I usually evaluate my program and step it up. Adding drills, dry fire or range time, changing the frequency of your plans, all of these things should be considered. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a class, maybe you should consider taking another for a refresher. I recommend anything from Gunsite Academy but there are many reputable, good schools around the country.
Here are some things to get you started.
Mindset
Find ways to develop a mindset that will help you to practice ADD (avoidance, deterrence, de-escalation). Also learn and practice good situational awareness.
Presentation
Learn grip, stance, and draw. These are basics but should always be looked after. Stance is not such a big deal since you may have to shoot from any number of positions.
Drawing is probably the most important part of presentation. It’s not so much of a quick draw, although sometimes it can be, but getting to your weapon. If you can flawlessly draw from concealment then half the battle is won. Practice clearing your clothes and any other hang-ups. If you can consistently draw your gun, then you can try drawing from cover or concealment. That might entail sitting, kneeling, laying, or clearing a seatbelt while sitting in a vehicle.
Reload and Immediate Action Drills
Learn to reload and clear malfunctions quickly and smoothly. I will sometimes randomly load magazines with snap caps to simulate a malfunction. If you don’t really see it coming you will be able to realistically react.
Distance
Distance can be your friend if you’re being attacked. But if you must fight, close and engage. Do most of your training from 7 to 12 yards but don’t completely neglect training from 15 to 20 yards.
Different Barricades
In combat, or in any armed confrontation for that matter, you may find yourself unable to stand flat-¬footed and shoot rounds like you have practiced at the range. Getting shot at will wake you up if you are lucky enough to survive the first volley.
The smart person seeks cover or concealment as fast as they can, but the fight isn’t over. You must get back into the fight, quickly. This is where a nine-hole barricade comes in as a training tool. This is the 4 x 4 board you’ve seen with several different shaped holes cut out of it at different levels. You can buy one or make one.
Drills
There are many drills out there to improve many different aspects of shooting. Accuracy is not everything. Especially under fire. Sometimes you fire just to keep the enemies heads down, and that’s called cover fire. Shoot, move, communicate. In self-defense you will not need this. But getting to the trigger fast is equally as important as accuracy. Drills can help you. So can dry fire. I will admit that dry fire is boring. But so is cardio in my workout. But we do what we have to do. Dry fire is easy, cheap, and can be an important part of your training. Drills are designed to challenge you or to help you to repeat some actions over and over. They can help build muscle memory weather they are on the range or dry fired.
Movement
In basketball how you move on the court without the ball is as important as how you move with the ball. Defense is similar in that movement can be a great advantage. Be sure you are moving cover to cover and not just concealment. Concealment is very useful but if the enemy knows you’re behind concealment then they will shoot right through the concealment hitting you. If you keep the enemy changing then you change their OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) and that advantage may be all you need. Granted, most gun fights don’t last very long. So there may not be a lot of time to move off the “X”.
Putting together a good training plan is an important part of self-defense. I would suggest coming up with three or four routines to mix up in your training. This way it will be fresher and more varied. I get less bored working on things I don’t like and less stagnant.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Who Said It? March
February 2020 Quote
"Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised."
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was a successful Hollywood star who did over 100 movies in his career. He was also an activist who, when asked why he changed from the Democratic Party, said:
"I didn't change. The Democratic Party changed."
In a 1997 speech called "Fighting the Culture War in America", Heston rhetorically deplored a culture war he said was being conducted by a generation of media people, educators, entertainers, and politicians against:
“... the God fearing, law-abiding, Caucasian, middle-class Protestant – or even worse, evangelical Christian, Midwestern or Southern – or even worse, rural, apparently straight – or even worse, admitted heterosexuals, gun owning – or even worse, NRA-card-carrying, average working stiff – or even worse, male working stiff – because, not only don't you count, you are a down-right obstacle to social progress. Your voice deserves a lower decibel level, your opinion is less enlightened, your media access is insignificant; and frankly, mister, you need to wake up, wise up, and learn a little something from your new America; and until you do, would you mind shutting up?”
He went on to say:
“The Constitution was handed down to guide us by a bunch of wise old dead white guys who invented our country! Now some flinch when I say that. Why! It's true-they were white guys! So were most of the guys that died in Lincoln’s name opposing slavery in the 1860s. So why should I be ashamed of white guys? Why is "Hispanic Pride" or "Black Pride" a good thing, while "White Pride” conjures shaven heads and white hoods? Why was the Million Man March on Washington celebrated by many as progress, while the Promise Keepers March on Washington was greeted with suspicion and ridicule? I'll tell you why: Cultural warfare!”
In 1987, he first registered as a Republican. He campaigned for Republicans and Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
Heston was the president (a largely ceremonial position) and spokesman of the NRA from 1998 until he resigned in 2003. At the 2000 NRA convention, he raised a rifle over his head and declared that a potential Al Gore administration would take away his Second Amendment rights "from my cold, dead hands”. In announcing his resignation in 2003, he again raised a rifle over his head, repeating the five famous words of his 2000 speech. Heston became an honorary life member
March 2020 Quote
"Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician."
"Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised."
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was a successful Hollywood star who did over 100 movies in his career. He was also an activist who, when asked why he changed from the Democratic Party, said:
"I didn't change. The Democratic Party changed."
In a 1997 speech called "Fighting the Culture War in America", Heston rhetorically deplored a culture war he said was being conducted by a generation of media people, educators, entertainers, and politicians against:
“... the God fearing, law-abiding, Caucasian, middle-class Protestant – or even worse, evangelical Christian, Midwestern or Southern – or even worse, rural, apparently straight – or even worse, admitted heterosexuals, gun owning – or even worse, NRA-card-carrying, average working stiff – or even worse, male working stiff – because, not only don't you count, you are a down-right obstacle to social progress. Your voice deserves a lower decibel level, your opinion is less enlightened, your media access is insignificant; and frankly, mister, you need to wake up, wise up, and learn a little something from your new America; and until you do, would you mind shutting up?”
He went on to say:
“The Constitution was handed down to guide us by a bunch of wise old dead white guys who invented our country! Now some flinch when I say that. Why! It's true-they were white guys! So were most of the guys that died in Lincoln’s name opposing slavery in the 1860s. So why should I be ashamed of white guys? Why is "Hispanic Pride" or "Black Pride" a good thing, while "White Pride” conjures shaven heads and white hoods? Why was the Million Man March on Washington celebrated by many as progress, while the Promise Keepers March on Washington was greeted with suspicion and ridicule? I'll tell you why: Cultural warfare!”
In 1987, he first registered as a Republican. He campaigned for Republicans and Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
Heston was the president (a largely ceremonial position) and spokesman of the NRA from 1998 until he resigned in 2003. At the 2000 NRA convention, he raised a rifle over his head and declared that a potential Al Gore administration would take away his Second Amendment rights "from my cold, dead hands”. In announcing his resignation in 2003, he again raised a rifle over his head, repeating the five famous words of his 2000 speech. Heston became an honorary life member
March 2020 Quote
"Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician."
Monday, March 16, 2020
Hiding or Caching Your Guns
I have a friend from my military days. He is retired Special Operations, and retired Diplomatic Security (yes, he’s double dipping his retirement!). He has worked for the government in security and combat roles for over 35 years! Needless to say, he doesn’t trust the government. I’ve teased him about being paranoid and he’s said “I’ve carried out so much covert stuff for the government I know what they are capable of!” So maybe his paranoia is justified. According to fed data nearly 200,000 firearms are reported lost or stolen every year. This is problem for the gun owner. Keeping your firearms secure from theft and unauthorized use is a challenge. You want your guns close at hand if needed, but you want them to be secure and safe. There are many happy mediums in small, quick access safes. These will work but what if you need security from confiscation? I, like our founding Fathers, feel there are inalienable rights given us by God, not government. Defending myself and my family and country has been something I’ve done most of my adult life. So what would happen if things went crazy and my government turned on us as citizens? One thing about preparing is that you don’t really know what the future holds. I’ve been a firm believer in first aid kits and learning medical skills. I’ve guessed at what skills I would need and what I would need from a first aid kit. In real world situations I’ve come to know better what to learn and what to have. Sometimes that has been far from what I prepared for. Most times it’s been close. I’ve observed, sometimes first hand, what would happen in a total societal and governmental break down. Crazy things happen! So how do we prepare? The old saying is “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” And so we must assume that gun confiscation may come. We must prepare for it.
The first part of this is operations and communication security. Is it clear to everyone around you that you are pro-gun and possibly the owner of more than 3 guns? If you are a typical gun enthusiast, either for defense, sport, or hunting, then you probably have at least 5 to 8 guns. My estimate is more. By the standard of government and non-gun enthusiasts you have an arsenal. If someone owns 8 guns of 4 different calibers then you would most likely have a lot of ammunition too. I also have a storage of ammo because I shoot a lot. So I rotate my ammo. If people saw how much ammo I store they would think I’m starting a war! It’s not at all what it looks like. To shoot as much as I do and to always have a set amount, I have to keep a lot of ammo. I’m not preparing for Armageddon, I’m just keeping up my skills. So let’s say you shoot 300 to 400 rounds of 9mm per month. I would need 4800 rounds to shoot for a year. And what if my goal was to keep 2000 rounds for that gun (or 2 guns) then at any given time I may have 6000 or 7000 rounds stored at a time. Most non-shooters would consider that excessive. Also, if I shoot 4800 rounds a year it would be economical to buy 5000 rounds in bulk at one time. So keep this information from others. It’s not secret, but don’t post your gun collection on Facebook. Keep these things private.
Even if you take measures to secure your home against intruders, home invasion is still a possibility. You must make sure your guns are well hidden or secured.
Hiding guns during martial law is NOT the same as during real world times!
There is a lot of debate about what would happen during martial law. Some believe that the authorities would come with X-ray equipment and gun-sniffing dogs to find your guns. Others believe that confiscating guns wouldn’t be a possibility because there would be too much chaos to organize the authorities into a thorough cordon and search operation.
Anyone who tells you they know exactly what will happen during a grid down situation is full of baloney!
We don’t know what will happen, which is why we always prepare ourselves for the WORST CASE SCENARIO. While simultaneously praying that it won’t actually happen. Prepping for the worst means hiding your guns as best as you can.
The first thing about hiding guns during martial law is knowing where not to hide them. Remember, we are prepping for the worst. Which means armed soldiers with gun-sniffing dogs and ground-penetrating radar coming into your home.
Hiding your guns in the normal places, like a hidden compartment under your kitchen cabinets, isn’t going to work in these worst-case scenarios. Ideally you don’t hide your guns inside your home. If you must hide your guns inside, count on the fact that authorities during martial law probably won’t have a lot of time to do a thorough search (again, we don’t know what will happen. We can just weigh the likely possibilities).
Places like inside a hollow hot water tank or a watertight bag under the gravel in a fish tank could work. Ammo could go in a hollow curtain rod. Crazy places like that.
An off-site hiding place might also work. I’m not talking about your Uncle Jim’s house, because the authorities will go there to confiscate firearms too. By off-site, I mean a storage shed somewhere. Of course, the authorities could also search all storage sheds. It just might take longer for them to get to those so you may have time to grab your stored guns and GO before they are confiscated.
Most experts agree that the best place to hide your guns during martial law is underground. Yes, authorities do have ground-penetrating radar that would allow them to find buried guns. However, it is unlikely that there will be time to search every square inch of your property so underground is likely the best way to go.
Backwoods Home magazine has a great article on how to hide your guns underground. (http://www.backwoodshome.com/bury-a-gun-and-ammo-for-15-years/)
There are some advanced strategies there for hiding guns underground. Like digging a trench from your home to a shed or barn. The trench has a heavy metal cable or conduit in it. The firearm is at the end of the trench. If authorities detect metal and start digging, they find the cable first and don’t bother to dig anymore.
Burying a gun is very problematic:
You need to find an unobservable place that no one will bother
The place also needs to be accessible so you can get your guns when it goes grid down
You need to protect your gun against the elements
Rather than rehashing all of this info, I really recommend reading the Backwoods Home
article. The author does a great job of explaining options for storage containers, locations,
and other logistics of hiding guns underground.
In addition to hiding your guns underground or indoors, here are some other strategies which can help keep your guns safe when the grid goes down:
1. Have a Decoy Gun
Have a gun badly-hidden somewhere in your home. When the authorities come and find it, make a big deal about turning it over.
“How am I going to protect myself without a gun?”
“You are going to take my ONLY gun!!!!”
If the authorities come with a list of all of your guns, this probably isn’t going to work. But if
the grid is down and they don’t have access to the registers (such as after a major EMP
event), then this could work.
2. Build a Gun
It is actually easier to build a gun than you might think. You can find instructions online.
There are also a lot of people who have made guns with 3D printers.
3. Report Your Gun as Stolen
If the authorities have a list of the guns you own, you could get thrown in jail for not turning
them all over including those ones you’ve got hidden underground.
One way to get your guns off the register is to report them as stolen. This is illegal and I’m
not condoning it in normal situations. However, if you see the situation getting really bad,
you could report your gun as stolen and your name could get taken off the list.
I am not encouraging or promoting illegal activity. These strategies are only mentioned in
context of Grid down situations where your survival is on the line.
4. Know When to Resist
I’ve heard a lot of preppers say that, “If it is time to bury your guns, then it is time to use them.” They argue that, if the authorities come to take your gun, it is your patriotic duty to start shooting That it is worth risking your life to stop even one of the soldiers.
I personally don’t agree with this logic. Getting yourself killed isn’t going to do society any
good. It is just going to leave society with one less person to stand up against martial law.
And you most certainly will get killed if you start shooting at soldiers with superior
technology who are lined up outside of your door or cordoned neighborhood.
Throughout history, the groups who have succeeding in resisting and overthrowing martial
law have done so by organizing and planning and NOT randomly shooting at the first
authority figure to show up.
Resistance involved organized cache and distribution systems, and planned attacks.
Remember, prepping means taking steps to prepare for the WORST POSSIBLE SITUATION.
We don’t know what will happen in a grid down situation, so can only do our best (and what
is within our means) to prepare.
Prepping for the worst means that you should assume they will find your guns and you will
be left without a firearm for protection.
To prep for this situation, be ready to bug out, to build your own DIY weapons, or to group
with others for survival. You always need a Plan B (and C, D, E)!
This is the extreme event. I’m not sure it will ever happen but it may happen in part.
Being prepared is what we strive to be. Even in these “zombie-” scenarios.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The first part of this is operations and communication security. Is it clear to everyone around you that you are pro-gun and possibly the owner of more than 3 guns? If you are a typical gun enthusiast, either for defense, sport, or hunting, then you probably have at least 5 to 8 guns. My estimate is more. By the standard of government and non-gun enthusiasts you have an arsenal. If someone owns 8 guns of 4 different calibers then you would most likely have a lot of ammunition too. I also have a storage of ammo because I shoot a lot. So I rotate my ammo. If people saw how much ammo I store they would think I’m starting a war! It’s not at all what it looks like. To shoot as much as I do and to always have a set amount, I have to keep a lot of ammo. I’m not preparing for Armageddon, I’m just keeping up my skills. So let’s say you shoot 300 to 400 rounds of 9mm per month. I would need 4800 rounds to shoot for a year. And what if my goal was to keep 2000 rounds for that gun (or 2 guns) then at any given time I may have 6000 or 7000 rounds stored at a time. Most non-shooters would consider that excessive. Also, if I shoot 4800 rounds a year it would be economical to buy 5000 rounds in bulk at one time. So keep this information from others. It’s not secret, but don’t post your gun collection on Facebook. Keep these things private.
Even if you take measures to secure your home against intruders, home invasion is still a possibility. You must make sure your guns are well hidden or secured.
Hiding guns during martial law is NOT the same as during real world times!
There is a lot of debate about what would happen during martial law. Some believe that the authorities would come with X-ray equipment and gun-sniffing dogs to find your guns. Others believe that confiscating guns wouldn’t be a possibility because there would be too much chaos to organize the authorities into a thorough cordon and search operation.
Anyone who tells you they know exactly what will happen during a grid down situation is full of baloney!
We don’t know what will happen, which is why we always prepare ourselves for the WORST CASE SCENARIO. While simultaneously praying that it won’t actually happen. Prepping for the worst means hiding your guns as best as you can.
The first thing about hiding guns during martial law is knowing where not to hide them. Remember, we are prepping for the worst. Which means armed soldiers with gun-sniffing dogs and ground-penetrating radar coming into your home.
Hiding your guns in the normal places, like a hidden compartment under your kitchen cabinets, isn’t going to work in these worst-case scenarios. Ideally you don’t hide your guns inside your home. If you must hide your guns inside, count on the fact that authorities during martial law probably won’t have a lot of time to do a thorough search (again, we don’t know what will happen. We can just weigh the likely possibilities).
Places like inside a hollow hot water tank or a watertight bag under the gravel in a fish tank could work. Ammo could go in a hollow curtain rod. Crazy places like that.
An off-site hiding place might also work. I’m not talking about your Uncle Jim’s house, because the authorities will go there to confiscate firearms too. By off-site, I mean a storage shed somewhere. Of course, the authorities could also search all storage sheds. It just might take longer for them to get to those so you may have time to grab your stored guns and GO before they are confiscated.
Most experts agree that the best place to hide your guns during martial law is underground. Yes, authorities do have ground-penetrating radar that would allow them to find buried guns. However, it is unlikely that there will be time to search every square inch of your property so underground is likely the best way to go.
Backwoods Home magazine has a great article on how to hide your guns underground. (http://www.backwoodshome.com/bury-a-gun-and-ammo-for-15-years/)
There are some advanced strategies there for hiding guns underground. Like digging a trench from your home to a shed or barn. The trench has a heavy metal cable or conduit in it. The firearm is at the end of the trench. If authorities detect metal and start digging, they find the cable first and don’t bother to dig anymore.
Burying a gun is very problematic:
You need to find an unobservable place that no one will bother
The place also needs to be accessible so you can get your guns when it goes grid down
You need to protect your gun against the elements
Rather than rehashing all of this info, I really recommend reading the Backwoods Home
article. The author does a great job of explaining options for storage containers, locations,
and other logistics of hiding guns underground.
In addition to hiding your guns underground or indoors, here are some other strategies which can help keep your guns safe when the grid goes down:
1. Have a Decoy Gun
Have a gun badly-hidden somewhere in your home. When the authorities come and find it, make a big deal about turning it over.
“How am I going to protect myself without a gun?”
“You are going to take my ONLY gun!!!!”
If the authorities come with a list of all of your guns, this probably isn’t going to work. But if
the grid is down and they don’t have access to the registers (such as after a major EMP
event), then this could work.
2. Build a Gun
It is actually easier to build a gun than you might think. You can find instructions online.
There are also a lot of people who have made guns with 3D printers.
3. Report Your Gun as Stolen
If the authorities have a list of the guns you own, you could get thrown in jail for not turning
them all over including those ones you’ve got hidden underground.
One way to get your guns off the register is to report them as stolen. This is illegal and I’m
not condoning it in normal situations. However, if you see the situation getting really bad,
you could report your gun as stolen and your name could get taken off the list.
I am not encouraging or promoting illegal activity. These strategies are only mentioned in
context of Grid down situations where your survival is on the line.
4. Know When to Resist
I’ve heard a lot of preppers say that, “If it is time to bury your guns, then it is time to use them.” They argue that, if the authorities come to take your gun, it is your patriotic duty to start shooting That it is worth risking your life to stop even one of the soldiers.
I personally don’t agree with this logic. Getting yourself killed isn’t going to do society any
good. It is just going to leave society with one less person to stand up against martial law.
And you most certainly will get killed if you start shooting at soldiers with superior
technology who are lined up outside of your door or cordoned neighborhood.
Throughout history, the groups who have succeeding in resisting and overthrowing martial
law have done so by organizing and planning and NOT randomly shooting at the first
authority figure to show up.
Resistance involved organized cache and distribution systems, and planned attacks.
Remember, prepping means taking steps to prepare for the WORST POSSIBLE SITUATION.
We don’t know what will happen in a grid down situation, so can only do our best (and what
is within our means) to prepare.
Prepping for the worst means that you should assume they will find your guns and you will
be left without a firearm for protection.
To prep for this situation, be ready to bug out, to build your own DIY weapons, or to group
with others for survival. You always need a Plan B (and C, D, E)!
This is the extreme event. I’m not sure it will ever happen but it may happen in part.
Being prepared is what we strive to be. Even in these “zombie-” scenarios.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, March 13, 2020
Preparation Inventory
I have been involved in preparedness my entire life. I don’t mean just a long time, I mean literally my whole life. I grew up with a food storage room. I don’t mean just a pantry, but a room devoted to food storage. I didn’t know anyone lived differently until I was old enough to play at a friend’s house. I remember one of the only non-members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my neighborhood (I think there were about 4 families that were not members). Tony was from one of those families and we were friends. We built a lot of forts together and I rode faster than I have ever ridden in any vehicle in his brother’s hot rods they built. So when I went to Tony’s house for the first time I wondered where the food storage was? And the glass grapes (this is a reference to an old Relief Society craft that seems to be universal from the 60’s I think) Anyway, I am used to yellow Walton Feed wheat bags being stored under every bed in the house. So the Prepper craze and even Y2K was not a big deal for me. Neither is this Corona virus problem. So one of the biggest pet peeves that I have is not knowing what, or where something is. I want to be sure we have what we need, not just a guess. So I inventory (and date) everything! From my food to my ammo. I like to know where it is and how much I have. I also want to know how old it is. So we work hard to keep inventory of all that we have.
Take an inventory! Actually, make multiple inventories. Make one for food, for water, for lights, for off-grid cooking gear, for bug-out bags, for seeds, and every other prep you have. It’s important to know what you have so you know what you need and what you don’t need. This will save you money and sanity.
Homes with a lot of preparation tend to get messy and dusty. Take time to clean and organize what you have. This helps you with taking an inventory and knowing the location of things.
You need living space, however you can also get creative and store things in unusual areas. Many people have made furniture that has storage space inside. You can store things under beds and in attics. Always be aware of the temperature; food especially will not last long in extreme temperatures (or extreme temperature swings).
If you want to store preparation items you might have to make some hard decisions. You may have to part with something that won’t do you any good in an emergency situation. It’s probably not doing you any good now, anyway. If you haven’t used it in 6 months then consider getting rid of it or donating it.
Get A System–There are a lot of organization systems out there. I like labeling things and storing things in transparent container so that I can see what’s inside the box. Consider storing like items together. Whatever system you decide to use, whether it’s color coding or inventory sheets, make sure you stick to it and continue to work it.
Create a map to the location of your different preparation items. This will come in handy when you really need things and are too distracted to remember or too busy to rummage.
Create your own kits for specific things. Create your own first aid kit, or your own car kit, or your own power outage kit. You can gather all the supplies you need or have needed in the past and make them into a kit. This will allow you to grab what you need quickly.
Rotate–This is especially true with food. You should have a rotation system and stick to it. However, it’s a good idea with all consumables. Paper products get old after a few years, medical supplies expire, vitamins expire, batteries lose their charge. You get the idea. Rotation is a good idea for all preparation items.
Eat what you store. This is a big one that I know a lot of people are guilty of. Don’t store what you don’t eat, or what you don’t like. If you don’t like it or don’t eat it then it probably won’t be part of your rotation, so you run the risk of it going bad or expiring. Plus, it’s taking up valuable real estate in your home. Often you hear someone say “I’d eat it if I was hungry enough!” This not always the truth. Often if someone really does not like something, they will go without any food at all.
It’s great when things go on sale and it’s certainly a good idea to stock up when they do, except if you really don’t need the item. So keep a list of things that you need so you don’t buy things that you don’t need.
An organization system is only as good as it being used. If you don’t put things back in their place then your system of organization will not be usable and you’ll wind up with a big mess.
Figure out what works for you but it’s so much easier to have a system in place when you start than to try and implement inventory control on a large number of items. If you started your preparedness a while ago then take small bites to get it organized. Eventually it will all be organized and documented making it easier to rotate and find what you need.
During this Corona virus thing we decided to inventory our pandemic kits and review our procedures if we need to isolate someone. We hadn’t done it in a while. Put yourself on a schedule to review what you have for preparedness items. Note if you need training on how to use the item or what may be missing or need replacing.
An inventory of what you have can show you holes in your preparedness plans. It makes it easier to review what you have and can help you with rotation and restocking what has been used. A running total is gold.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Take an inventory! Actually, make multiple inventories. Make one for food, for water, for lights, for off-grid cooking gear, for bug-out bags, for seeds, and every other prep you have. It’s important to know what you have so you know what you need and what you don’t need. This will save you money and sanity.
Homes with a lot of preparation tend to get messy and dusty. Take time to clean and organize what you have. This helps you with taking an inventory and knowing the location of things.
You need living space, however you can also get creative and store things in unusual areas. Many people have made furniture that has storage space inside. You can store things under beds and in attics. Always be aware of the temperature; food especially will not last long in extreme temperatures (or extreme temperature swings).
If you want to store preparation items you might have to make some hard decisions. You may have to part with something that won’t do you any good in an emergency situation. It’s probably not doing you any good now, anyway. If you haven’t used it in 6 months then consider getting rid of it or donating it.
Get A System–There are a lot of organization systems out there. I like labeling things and storing things in transparent container so that I can see what’s inside the box. Consider storing like items together. Whatever system you decide to use, whether it’s color coding or inventory sheets, make sure you stick to it and continue to work it.
Create a map to the location of your different preparation items. This will come in handy when you really need things and are too distracted to remember or too busy to rummage.
Create your own kits for specific things. Create your own first aid kit, or your own car kit, or your own power outage kit. You can gather all the supplies you need or have needed in the past and make them into a kit. This will allow you to grab what you need quickly.
Rotate–This is especially true with food. You should have a rotation system and stick to it. However, it’s a good idea with all consumables. Paper products get old after a few years, medical supplies expire, vitamins expire, batteries lose their charge. You get the idea. Rotation is a good idea for all preparation items.
Eat what you store. This is a big one that I know a lot of people are guilty of. Don’t store what you don’t eat, or what you don’t like. If you don’t like it or don’t eat it then it probably won’t be part of your rotation, so you run the risk of it going bad or expiring. Plus, it’s taking up valuable real estate in your home. Often you hear someone say “I’d eat it if I was hungry enough!” This not always the truth. Often if someone really does not like something, they will go without any food at all.
It’s great when things go on sale and it’s certainly a good idea to stock up when they do, except if you really don’t need the item. So keep a list of things that you need so you don’t buy things that you don’t need.
An organization system is only as good as it being used. If you don’t put things back in their place then your system of organization will not be usable and you’ll wind up with a big mess.
Figure out what works for you but it’s so much easier to have a system in place when you start than to try and implement inventory control on a large number of items. If you started your preparedness a while ago then take small bites to get it organized. Eventually it will all be organized and documented making it easier to rotate and find what you need.
During this Corona virus thing we decided to inventory our pandemic kits and review our procedures if we need to isolate someone. We hadn’t done it in a while. Put yourself on a schedule to review what you have for preparedness items. Note if you need training on how to use the item or what may be missing or need replacing.
An inventory of what you have can show you holes in your preparedness plans. It makes it easier to review what you have and can help you with rotation and restocking what has been used. A running total is gold.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Who Your Friends Are
Vice President Biden has aligned himself with self proclaimed gun grabber Representative Robert O’Rourke. Then VP Biden got into a shouting match with an auto worker in Detroit swearing and challenging him to “go outside”. My money is on the 30 something auto worker rather than the 77 year old in that match up...
VP Biden kept saying “I didn’t say that” to the auto worker. That is true VP you never said the actual words “I’ll take your guns”. Just my AR-14 which shows his ignorance of guns to begin with. I want to ask a question. If VP Biden had said to a known criminal that he was going to have this criminal work for him if he were elected wouldn’t we accuse him being a criminal in guilt by association? Who you align yourself with says volumes to the world. My parents taught me to be careful in picking my friends and that's what I taught my children. There's a reason for that. Because those who we align our lives, or our campaign, influence us. My parents were concerned that if I had friends that did things they did not want me to do, that they would influence me in the wrong way. And they were right. So if VP Biden thinks that Rep O'Rourke won't make him the gun grabber that the Rep is, I think he's sorely mistaken. Rep O'Rourke has said he would confiscate guns by sending law enforcement to "visit". That's a pretty fascist, draconian method that I don't even think is constitutional. Frank Sinatra was painted with a broad brush concerning his connection to the Mafia. Was he part of them? I don't know but because he hung out with some of them he was considered in some circles dirty. Vice President Biden, you too are being considered for those you align yourself with. Rep O'Rourke can not be trusted in my opinion. VP Biden can not be trusted either when it comes to the second amendment. He thinks confiscating a particular rifle that he, and others like him, deem too dangerous for civilians is upholding the second amendment. Why the gun grabbers are fixated on the particular gun I don't know. I think the idea of this is beyond these politicians experience. They know nothing about these weapons or the ballistics of their rounds. They are being dictated to by who knows who? This should concern every American. VP Biden asked the auto worker if he needed 100 rounds? I'm not sure why. AR-15's are not military guns! I carried several guns while in the military, but not one was ever, nor would it ever be, and AR-15. The problem is that when they describe the guns they want to ban it is not just the AR-15. From their descriptions they would band my Ruger 10-22 .22 rifle! They keep saying they don't want to take my guns but they lie. Once in a while they are up front like Nancy Pelosi who said turn 'em in. I still don't understand why they can not see that it will not change crime. As if only guns are to blame for violence and crime.
So don't believe VP Biden when he says he doesn't want to take your guns. As if he owning a couple shot guns turns him into a gun expert knowing the difference between and AR-15 and AR-14...
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
VP Biden kept saying “I didn’t say that” to the auto worker. That is true VP you never said the actual words “I’ll take your guns”. Just my AR-14 which shows his ignorance of guns to begin with. I want to ask a question. If VP Biden had said to a known criminal that he was going to have this criminal work for him if he were elected wouldn’t we accuse him being a criminal in guilt by association? Who you align yourself with says volumes to the world. My parents taught me to be careful in picking my friends and that's what I taught my children. There's a reason for that. Because those who we align our lives, or our campaign, influence us. My parents were concerned that if I had friends that did things they did not want me to do, that they would influence me in the wrong way. And they were right. So if VP Biden thinks that Rep O'Rourke won't make him the gun grabber that the Rep is, I think he's sorely mistaken. Rep O'Rourke has said he would confiscate guns by sending law enforcement to "visit". That's a pretty fascist, draconian method that I don't even think is constitutional. Frank Sinatra was painted with a broad brush concerning his connection to the Mafia. Was he part of them? I don't know but because he hung out with some of them he was considered in some circles dirty. Vice President Biden, you too are being considered for those you align yourself with. Rep O'Rourke can not be trusted in my opinion. VP Biden can not be trusted either when it comes to the second amendment. He thinks confiscating a particular rifle that he, and others like him, deem too dangerous for civilians is upholding the second amendment. Why the gun grabbers are fixated on the particular gun I don't know. I think the idea of this is beyond these politicians experience. They know nothing about these weapons or the ballistics of their rounds. They are being dictated to by who knows who? This should concern every American. VP Biden asked the auto worker if he needed 100 rounds? I'm not sure why. AR-15's are not military guns! I carried several guns while in the military, but not one was ever, nor would it ever be, and AR-15. The problem is that when they describe the guns they want to ban it is not just the AR-15. From their descriptions they would band my Ruger 10-22 .22 rifle! They keep saying they don't want to take my guns but they lie. Once in a while they are up front like Nancy Pelosi who said turn 'em in. I still don't understand why they can not see that it will not change crime. As if only guns are to blame for violence and crime.
So don't believe VP Biden when he says he doesn't want to take your guns. As if he owning a couple shot guns turns him into a gun expert knowing the difference between and AR-15 and AR-14...
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, March 6, 2020
Come And Take It!
Come and take it or anciently Molon Labe. This is quite a statement that seems to have been used in battle by many commanders. My favorite historical use is from the Texas battle of Gonzalez.
The phrase was reportedly the defiant response of King Leonidas I of Sparta to King Xerxes I of Persia when Xerxes demanded that the Greeks lay down their arms and surrender. This was at the onset of the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC). Instead, the Greeks held Thermopylae for three days. Although the Greek contingent was defeated, they inflicted serious damage on the Persian army. Most importantly, this delayed the Persians' progress to Athens, providing sufficient time for the city's evacuation to the island of Salamis. Though a tactical defeat, Thermopylae served as a strategic and moral victory, inspiring the Greek forces to defeat the Persians at the Battle of Salamis later the same year and the Battle of Plataea one year later.
Sunbury, Georgia is now a ghost town, though in the past it was active as a port, located east of Hinesville. Fort Morris was constructed in Sunbury by the authority of the Continental Congress. A contingent of British soldiers attempted to take the fort on November 25, 1778. The American contingent at Fort Morris was led by Colonel John McIntosh (c. 1748–1826). The Americans numbered only 127 Continental soldiers plus militiamen and local citizens. The fort itself was crudely constructed and could not have withstood any concerted attack.
The British commander, Colonel Fuser, demanded Fort Morris' surrender through a written note to the American rebels. Though clearly outnumbered (he had only about 200 men plus artillery), Colonel McIntosh's defiant written response to the British demand included the following line: "As to surrendering the fort, receive this laconic reply: COME AND TAKE IT!". The British declined to attack, in large part due to their lack of intelligence regarding other forces in the area. Colonel Fuser believed a recent skirmish in the area, combined with Colonel McIntosh's bravado, might have reflected reinforcements and so the British withdrew.
In early January 1831, Green DeWitt wrote to Ramón Músquiz, the top political official of Bexar, and requested armament for defense of the colony of Gonzales. This request was granted by delivery of a small used cannon. The small bronze cannon was received by the colony and signed for on March 10, 1831, by James Tumlinson, Jr. The swivel cannon was mounted to a blockhouse in Gonzales and later was the object of Texas pride. At the minor skirmish known as the Battle of Gonzales—the first land battle of the Texas Revolution against Mexico—a small group of Texans successfully resisted the Mexican forces who had orders from Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea to seize their cannon. As a symbol of defiance, the Texans had fashioned a flag containing the phrase "come and take it" along with a black star and an image of the cannon that they had received four years earlier from Mexican officials. This was the same message that was sent to the Mexican government when they told the Texans to return the cannon; lack of compliance with the initial demands led to the failed attempt by the Mexican military to forcefully take back the cannon.
Another reply with the same attitude is recorded in history during the 2nd World War. In a battle near Bastogne the Germans sent 2 officers and 2 soldiers with white flags to deliver a message to the U.S. commander.
Upon receiving Maj. Jones' phone call at Division Headquarters, the Acting Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Ned Moore entered Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe's sleeping quarters adjacent to the communications center. Moore wakened McAulliffe and told him, "The Germans have sent some people forward to take our surrender." Moore recalled that Brig. Gen. McAuliffe, still half asleep, said "Nuts!" and started to climb out of his sleeping bag.
Moore then went back out into the Communications Center where he briefed the rest of the Division staff of the on-going situation, including telling them of McAulliffe's remark of "Nuts!"
If I am ever asked to surrender my guns I don’t think I would comply. Firstly, the government would have to be aware that I have guns unless the Constitution is suspended and there is an illegal search. Then it would not matter anyway. In time of rule of law I do not consent to searches. In time of no rule of law I think a search would be the least of my problems.
I like the Texas reply, “Come and take it!”
So, Vice-president Biden and Representative O’Rourke, you’ll find if you get as far as the White House, which I highly doubt, that many good, veterans, Americans will not comply. We won’t comply with any of your draconian, Communistic confiscation demands. We will follow our Constitution. To put it the way of a fictional character:
Mr Biden we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Beto? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for the 2nd Amendment and you curse the gun owners. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that the 2nd Amendment, probably saves lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t care what you think you are entitled to!
I've disobeyed unlawful orders, how do you think I'm going to react to an unlawful law given by civilians!?
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
The phrase was reportedly the defiant response of King Leonidas I of Sparta to King Xerxes I of Persia when Xerxes demanded that the Greeks lay down their arms and surrender. This was at the onset of the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC). Instead, the Greeks held Thermopylae for three days. Although the Greek contingent was defeated, they inflicted serious damage on the Persian army. Most importantly, this delayed the Persians' progress to Athens, providing sufficient time for the city's evacuation to the island of Salamis. Though a tactical defeat, Thermopylae served as a strategic and moral victory, inspiring the Greek forces to defeat the Persians at the Battle of Salamis later the same year and the Battle of Plataea one year later.
Sunbury, Georgia is now a ghost town, though in the past it was active as a port, located east of Hinesville. Fort Morris was constructed in Sunbury by the authority of the Continental Congress. A contingent of British soldiers attempted to take the fort on November 25, 1778. The American contingent at Fort Morris was led by Colonel John McIntosh (c. 1748–1826). The Americans numbered only 127 Continental soldiers plus militiamen and local citizens. The fort itself was crudely constructed and could not have withstood any concerted attack.
The British commander, Colonel Fuser, demanded Fort Morris' surrender through a written note to the American rebels. Though clearly outnumbered (he had only about 200 men plus artillery), Colonel McIntosh's defiant written response to the British demand included the following line: "As to surrendering the fort, receive this laconic reply: COME AND TAKE IT!". The British declined to attack, in large part due to their lack of intelligence regarding other forces in the area. Colonel Fuser believed a recent skirmish in the area, combined with Colonel McIntosh's bravado, might have reflected reinforcements and so the British withdrew.
In early January 1831, Green DeWitt wrote to Ramón Músquiz, the top political official of Bexar, and requested armament for defense of the colony of Gonzales. This request was granted by delivery of a small used cannon. The small bronze cannon was received by the colony and signed for on March 10, 1831, by James Tumlinson, Jr. The swivel cannon was mounted to a blockhouse in Gonzales and later was the object of Texas pride. At the minor skirmish known as the Battle of Gonzales—the first land battle of the Texas Revolution against Mexico—a small group of Texans successfully resisted the Mexican forces who had orders from Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea to seize their cannon. As a symbol of defiance, the Texans had fashioned a flag containing the phrase "come and take it" along with a black star and an image of the cannon that they had received four years earlier from Mexican officials. This was the same message that was sent to the Mexican government when they told the Texans to return the cannon; lack of compliance with the initial demands led to the failed attempt by the Mexican military to forcefully take back the cannon.
Another reply with the same attitude is recorded in history during the 2nd World War. In a battle near Bastogne the Germans sent 2 officers and 2 soldiers with white flags to deliver a message to the U.S. commander.
Upon receiving Maj. Jones' phone call at Division Headquarters, the Acting Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Ned Moore entered Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe's sleeping quarters adjacent to the communications center. Moore wakened McAulliffe and told him, "The Germans have sent some people forward to take our surrender." Moore recalled that Brig. Gen. McAuliffe, still half asleep, said "Nuts!" and started to climb out of his sleeping bag.
Moore then went back out into the Communications Center where he briefed the rest of the Division staff of the on-going situation, including telling them of McAulliffe's remark of "Nuts!"
If I am ever asked to surrender my guns I don’t think I would comply. Firstly, the government would have to be aware that I have guns unless the Constitution is suspended and there is an illegal search. Then it would not matter anyway. In time of rule of law I do not consent to searches. In time of no rule of law I think a search would be the least of my problems.
I like the Texas reply, “Come and take it!”
So, Vice-president Biden and Representative O’Rourke, you’ll find if you get as far as the White House, which I highly doubt, that many good, veterans, Americans will not comply. We won’t comply with any of your draconian, Communistic confiscation demands. We will follow our Constitution. To put it the way of a fictional character:
Mr Biden we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Beto? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for the 2nd Amendment and you curse the gun owners. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that the 2nd Amendment, probably saves lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t care what you think you are entitled to!
I've disobeyed unlawful orders, how do you think I'm going to react to an unlawful law given by civilians!?
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, March 5, 2020
You CAN Handle The Truth!
You can’t handle the truth! This is a quote that is often used in humor throughout our everyday lives. But you know, it’s not far from the truth.
I was confronted by a left leaning friend who is completely paranoid about guns. I’ve offered to take them out and train them to alleviate their fears, but they say they are too afraid. It’s sad to see fear rules someone’s life but there it is. They told me how offensive I am because I encourage self-defense. I explained that it’s important that those who want to defend themselves should learn. He informed me that I was “encouraging violence”. I said “Yes, I am!” This disgusted my friend. I asked if my friend had ever feared for their life. He said no he hadn’t. I said that many people don’t see the need for self-defense until after they have experienced violence. This made me think of Colonel Jessup, the character in the movie “A Few Good Men” from 1992.
“The fact that this speech was delivered by a fictional character doesn’t diminish its effectiveness or its power. The entire exchange, involving Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Kaffee and the incomparable Jack Nicholson as Colonel Jessup is worth quoting in full:
Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I’m entitled to.
Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessup: You can’t handle the truth!
[pause]
Col. Jessup: Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that Santiago’s death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
The crowning achievement in this exchange is captured by Colonel Jessup’s unanswerable proclamation: “You can’t handle the truth!” He is absolutely right, regardless of the wrong decision he made in the case of Private Santiago in this fictional representation of a tragic incident in the Marine Corps. There’s no question that Colonel Jessup is rude, crude, arrogant, and profane, that he was responsible for Santiago’s death, and that he tried to cover it up. Unfortunately, such behavior does not make him unique in military history. Actions that are tolerated or overlooked during wartime are unconscionable during times of peace. It’s also true that he devoted his life to a righteous cause, which invariably entailed making life or death decisions under conditions of extraordinary stress.
That’s what commanders do. Indeed, anyone familiar with military history understands how many lives have been lost—sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands—from tragically mistaken command decisions. The role of the Colonel Jessups in our history, as this scene reminds us, is to keep such decisions to a minimum; in short, in spite of everything, to save as many lives as possible. That is the truth that snowflakes can’t handle.
The movie comes to a close with Lieutenant Kaffee calling Colonel Jessup a son-of-a-[expletive], to his face. Probably he is right. Still, who would you want to defend our country, the Lieutenant Kaffees or the Colonel Jessups? Or, worst of all, our incredibly sensitive snowflakes? My vote goes for Colonel Jessup, every time.”
The above was a quote from Ricochet.com
“Colonel Jessup Was right”
By Marvin Folkertsma August 30, 2017
https://ricochet.com/452339/archives/colonel-jessup-right/
I could not have said it better myself…
My experience in the military making small, personal decisions that saved my own life, and perhaps the lives of those around me, has brought me to a place of wanting to defend myself and my family. Many civilians “Can’t handle the truth!” The truth is there are bad, violent people in this world. We need to defend ourselves. But I must admit, The United States is the safest country in the world. But terrorists and criminals constantly test that fact. To say that it won’t happen to you is to hide your head in the sand. You may go through your life without experiencing violence, but you’re taking an awful chance if you do nothing to change those odds and mitigate the violence. Talk to someone who has experienced violence. Ask what they would have done differently.
I recognize those military members, police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and other first responders that do their job so well and keep us safe. They are amazing. But unless you have one with you always, there is little they can do to keep you safe short of just existing. Your security is your responsibility. And to those who think it is someone else’s responsibility to defend you, you are partly right. But those who defend this country are often looked upon as bottom feeders and the bottom of the barrel. There are things involved by the name of honor and sacrifice. It takes a certain type of person to do this and we wish you’d just say “thank you” and went on your way. Trying to judge why someone feels strongly about defending themselves or others is a mistake. “Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.” It takes a lot out of your life training and keeping watch. And then when called upon to give your life, or offer your life in defense, that also takes a special person. I don’t expect everyone to be that type of person. But “I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it!” You don’t have to understand or agree. But understand and show a little respect.
That’s how you handle the truth!
Semper Parates
Check 6
Burn
I was confronted by a left leaning friend who is completely paranoid about guns. I’ve offered to take them out and train them to alleviate their fears, but they say they are too afraid. It’s sad to see fear rules someone’s life but there it is. They told me how offensive I am because I encourage self-defense. I explained that it’s important that those who want to defend themselves should learn. He informed me that I was “encouraging violence”. I said “Yes, I am!” This disgusted my friend. I asked if my friend had ever feared for their life. He said no he hadn’t. I said that many people don’t see the need for self-defense until after they have experienced violence. This made me think of Colonel Jessup, the character in the movie “A Few Good Men” from 1992.
“The fact that this speech was delivered by a fictional character doesn’t diminish its effectiveness or its power. The entire exchange, involving Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Kaffee and the incomparable Jack Nicholson as Colonel Jessup is worth quoting in full:
Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I’m entitled to.
Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessup: You can’t handle the truth!
[pause]
Col. Jessup: Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that Santiago’s death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
The crowning achievement in this exchange is captured by Colonel Jessup’s unanswerable proclamation: “You can’t handle the truth!” He is absolutely right, regardless of the wrong decision he made in the case of Private Santiago in this fictional representation of a tragic incident in the Marine Corps. There’s no question that Colonel Jessup is rude, crude, arrogant, and profane, that he was responsible for Santiago’s death, and that he tried to cover it up. Unfortunately, such behavior does not make him unique in military history. Actions that are tolerated or overlooked during wartime are unconscionable during times of peace. It’s also true that he devoted his life to a righteous cause, which invariably entailed making life or death decisions under conditions of extraordinary stress.
That’s what commanders do. Indeed, anyone familiar with military history understands how many lives have been lost—sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands—from tragically mistaken command decisions. The role of the Colonel Jessups in our history, as this scene reminds us, is to keep such decisions to a minimum; in short, in spite of everything, to save as many lives as possible. That is the truth that snowflakes can’t handle.
The movie comes to a close with Lieutenant Kaffee calling Colonel Jessup a son-of-a-[expletive], to his face. Probably he is right. Still, who would you want to defend our country, the Lieutenant Kaffees or the Colonel Jessups? Or, worst of all, our incredibly sensitive snowflakes? My vote goes for Colonel Jessup, every time.”
The above was a quote from Ricochet.com
“Colonel Jessup Was right”
By Marvin Folkertsma August 30, 2017
https://ricochet.com/452339/archives/colonel-jessup-right/
I could not have said it better myself…
My experience in the military making small, personal decisions that saved my own life, and perhaps the lives of those around me, has brought me to a place of wanting to defend myself and my family. Many civilians “Can’t handle the truth!” The truth is there are bad, violent people in this world. We need to defend ourselves. But I must admit, The United States is the safest country in the world. But terrorists and criminals constantly test that fact. To say that it won’t happen to you is to hide your head in the sand. You may go through your life without experiencing violence, but you’re taking an awful chance if you do nothing to change those odds and mitigate the violence. Talk to someone who has experienced violence. Ask what they would have done differently.
I recognize those military members, police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and other first responders that do their job so well and keep us safe. They are amazing. But unless you have one with you always, there is little they can do to keep you safe short of just existing. Your security is your responsibility. And to those who think it is someone else’s responsibility to defend you, you are partly right. But those who defend this country are often looked upon as bottom feeders and the bottom of the barrel. There are things involved by the name of honor and sacrifice. It takes a certain type of person to do this and we wish you’d just say “thank you” and went on your way. Trying to judge why someone feels strongly about defending themselves or others is a mistake. “Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.” It takes a lot out of your life training and keeping watch. And then when called upon to give your life, or offer your life in defense, that also takes a special person. I don’t expect everyone to be that type of person. But “I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it!” You don’t have to understand or agree. But understand and show a little respect.
That’s how you handle the truth!
Semper Parates
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Coronavirus, Pandemics and Being Prepared
This is a message from a nurse friend of mine:
My Aunt forwarded this to me...she is a Medical doctor/staff at university of Cincinnati
Good morning all, I am sure everyone has been getting all kinds of forwards re the Coronavirus, however I received this one and personally think it makes more sense to me, that’s just my personal opinion so I am sharing
The author is James Robb, MD UC San Diego
Subject: What I am doing for the upcoming COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic
Dear Colleagues, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.
The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March and April.
Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip - do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home's entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can't immediately wash your hands.
7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:
1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.
Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average - everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs) The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.
2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you - it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth - it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.
3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective.
4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY "cold-like" symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.
I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be. Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.
I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. You are welcome to share this email. Good luck to all of us! Jim
James Robb, MD FCAP
I agree with the above information. Influenza virus kills 291,000 to 646.00 worldwide. 12,000 to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Corona virus (COVID-19) has killed 3,085 this year worldwide. 6 deaths in the U.S. I think this particular virus has been hyped by the media. I’m not saying to not be careful and take precautions, but I think the flu season should be treated this way every year. Now there is a flu immunization where Corona won’t have anything this year.
If we take the above advice seriously always during this season, then we can be spared sickness and possibly some deaths.
During this “crisis” we should review and take stock of our pandemic preparations. As a basic kit I would recommend the following:
1. Plastic Sheeting is one of the most important items to have an abundance of. It can do things as simple as separate a few rooms to becoming a way to safely transport those who have died from the pandemic. The sheeting can also be used to cover windows and doors, if the pandemic gets out of hand. Have at least 200’ for all your needs.
2. Disposable Gloves
3. Disposable Foot Protection
4. Disposable Aprons
5. N95 Respirator Masks
6. Face Shields or eye protection
7. Tyvek Disposable Coveralls offer great body protection.
8. Thermometers
9. Fever Reducer
10. Congestion Meds
11. Antidiarrheal
12. Throat Lozenge (Zinc and Vitamin C)
13. Inflammation Reducer
14. Both Crystalline Vitamin C and cone flower (Echinacea) will give you an option to boost the immune system. These two are critical in assuring your ability to stave off the disease, as well as fight it off once it’s attacking you.
15. Echinacea
16. Water Storage will be crucial and you will want to have at least 2 gallons per person per day. This water will play a massive role in the hydration of those who become sick.
17. Water Filter
18. Hydration Powder will add a little oomph to your water through things like electrolytes. You may not have an IV on hand, but that doesn’t mean you cannot stay hydrated properly.
19. 100 Contractor Trash Bags
20. 100 Indoor Trash Bags
21. Cans with Tight Fitting Lids
22. Plenty Antibacterial Soap for hand washing
23. Quality Bodily Fluids Cleanup Kit (SUPER SORB)
24. Hardback copy of serious medical volumes like The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, The Survival Medicine Handbook, Where There Is No Doctor.
This only a list to start from. You can add to or take away from this list to your situation and needs. Pick a room or corner of a room to put the sick to recover. We chose a room that is very close to a bathroom and that has a window. We could isolate that room and it could hold several sick people. We store our pandemic supplies in that room’s closet.
I hope that this virus will be destroyed. But if it is not, I want to be as ready as I can to help my family to get through the pandemic that has deadly potential.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
My Aunt forwarded this to me...she is a Medical doctor/staff at university of Cincinnati
Good morning all, I am sure everyone has been getting all kinds of forwards re the Coronavirus, however I received this one and personally think it makes more sense to me, that’s just my personal opinion so I am sharing
The author is James Robb, MD UC San Diego
Subject: What I am doing for the upcoming COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic
Dear Colleagues, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.
The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March and April.
Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip - do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home's entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can't immediately wash your hands.
7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:
1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.
Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average - everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs) The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.
2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you - it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth - it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.
3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective.
4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY "cold-like" symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.
I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be. Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.
I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. You are welcome to share this email. Good luck to all of us! Jim
James Robb, MD FCAP
I agree with the above information. Influenza virus kills 291,000 to 646.00 worldwide. 12,000 to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Corona virus (COVID-19) has killed 3,085 this year worldwide. 6 deaths in the U.S. I think this particular virus has been hyped by the media. I’m not saying to not be careful and take precautions, but I think the flu season should be treated this way every year. Now there is a flu immunization where Corona won’t have anything this year.
If we take the above advice seriously always during this season, then we can be spared sickness and possibly some deaths.
During this “crisis” we should review and take stock of our pandemic preparations. As a basic kit I would recommend the following:
1. Plastic Sheeting is one of the most important items to have an abundance of. It can do things as simple as separate a few rooms to becoming a way to safely transport those who have died from the pandemic. The sheeting can also be used to cover windows and doors, if the pandemic gets out of hand. Have at least 200’ for all your needs.
2. Disposable Gloves
3. Disposable Foot Protection
4. Disposable Aprons
5. N95 Respirator Masks
6. Face Shields or eye protection
7. Tyvek Disposable Coveralls offer great body protection.
8. Thermometers
9. Fever Reducer
10. Congestion Meds
11. Antidiarrheal
12. Throat Lozenge (Zinc and Vitamin C)
13. Inflammation Reducer
14. Both Crystalline Vitamin C and cone flower (Echinacea) will give you an option to boost the immune system. These two are critical in assuring your ability to stave off the disease, as well as fight it off once it’s attacking you.
15. Echinacea
16. Water Storage will be crucial and you will want to have at least 2 gallons per person per day. This water will play a massive role in the hydration of those who become sick.
17. Water Filter
18. Hydration Powder will add a little oomph to your water through things like electrolytes. You may not have an IV on hand, but that doesn’t mean you cannot stay hydrated properly.
19. 100 Contractor Trash Bags
20. 100 Indoor Trash Bags
21. Cans with Tight Fitting Lids
22. Plenty Antibacterial Soap for hand washing
23. Quality Bodily Fluids Cleanup Kit (SUPER SORB)
24. Hardback copy of serious medical volumes like The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, The Survival Medicine Handbook, Where There Is No Doctor.
This only a list to start from. You can add to or take away from this list to your situation and needs. Pick a room or corner of a room to put the sick to recover. We chose a room that is very close to a bathroom and that has a window. We could isolate that room and it could hold several sick people. We store our pandemic supplies in that room’s closet.
I hope that this virus will be destroyed. But if it is not, I want to be as ready as I can to help my family to get through the pandemic that has deadly potential.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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