I think a lot about mental health. Many years ago I was diagnosed with combat related PTSD. Many people with this problem turn to substance abuse, experience depression, and sometimes violence either to others or self-inflicted. I am very blessed that either my experience didn’t affect me that severely, or I was able to handle it. I think it’s a little bit of both. I still have moments of anxiety in crowds. I still have hyper-vigilance in security and defense, but I think these have been mitigated. I’ve had some great friends and brothers, and a great family. I only saw a mental professional because I was ordered to. Others have not been so blessed. I only bring this up to emphasize the importance of mental health, and the proper mindset when carrying a gun.
We must be honest with ourselves. We all know if we’re a jerk or not. We all know if we’re a hot head or not. Hopefully, we are trying to improve ourselves with each day. If that is so, then we can tell if we’re making progress or not. If you’ve had anger issues don’t carry a gun. Learn to control your emotions and then you can consider it. If you’re not sure of your attitude then ask your spouse or your children. They will probably be brutally honest. Once you realize you have the right temperament or control then you need to find the right mindset.
What the heck am I talking about? Mindset is everything. Your mindset sets you apart from the average. It doesn’t mean you’re special or anything, it only means that you have thought long and hard about the implications of carrying a gun. The things you must contemplate is what you are really preparing to do. You are preparing to defend yourself or your loved ones with lethal force. By using a firearm in this way you may kill someone or leave them maimed for the rest of their lives. It’s easy to think about in the abstract, but in reality, it is much different. Talk to someone who has taken another human beings life. Usually that would be in a combat situation unless you know someone who has defended themselves. It’s not an easy thing to live with and you must be prepared well in advance.
Another thing that is not talked about a lot is our personalities. We should be the best version of ourselves. With the responsibility of carrying a gun comes acknowledging our personal short comings and working to improve with each day. There’s not room for pride or arrogance. There’s no room for anger and impatience. If you end up with a drawn gun you need to understand the implications of shooting as well as not shooting. This where training and discipline come in. If everything annoys you or you have anger issues, don’t carry. We have to be worthy of the gun. We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Regardless of the upheaval of COVID and protesters, we’re not in the wild west. Having strong moral values will help us with carrying a gun and in many other aspects of our lives.
Being able to physically fit is just as important as being mentally fit. I understand that we all have lives and that time is at a premium, but like going to the range we should set aside time for fitness. I’m speaking to you as one who needs to take my own advice. I’m not talking about going to the gym every day and becoming a body builder, but just taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Taking a walk after dinner in the cool of the evening. Eating a little more healthy and keeping away from the junkfood. Being able to leave an area quickly to avoid or de-escalate a situation may be more difficult if you are 380 pounds and can hardly climb a flight of stairs.
Every time you strap that gun onto your side, your mindset should change to be the very best version of yourself. I’ve heard people comparing it to being a peace officer or taking the role of a good guy just looking to help people. Having a set of standards when conceal carrying is a great way to automatically get into a certain mindset to respect your rights and responsibilities. Being physically, as well as mentally healthy, when deciding to conceal carry will take you a long way. Not only will it make for a safer community but it will also give you personal satisfaction knowing you did the right thing.
Whether it’s passing up going to the bar or going for a walk after dinner to get a little more exercise, every little thing helps to make you more prepared for what life throws at you. It doesn’t take a guy looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger to conceal carry a firearm daily. It just takes someone who values their safety and wants to protect themselves.
Make sure you have the temperament and mindset of carrying a gun.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, July 30, 2020
A Reluctance To Train
What is the deal with everyone thinking law enforcement (LE) and military are the only people we can depend on to handle and carry guns? This thinking is idiotic. I have trained law enforcement and military members that have no interest in guns. The requirements for them to qualify with a weapon are annoying to them and some don’t take it seriously. Just because these professions involve arms does not automatically make those with those jobs experts! Some of them only have knowledge of their service weapon. Give them something else and they are lost. At a point in my military experience we only qualified annually. And that was only with an M-16, not a pistol! I had to seek out more training and then was offered a small arms instructor SEI (Special Experience Identifier) because of my gun disease, I mean interest. Anyway, those that know nothing about guns think that the military teaches you so much about guns. There is a familiarity with certain guns, but general gun knowledge comes from somewhere else. Without trying to be arrogant or full of myself, real gun knowledge is something that has to be sought out. I would probably be safe to say that an instructor is pretty knowledgeable. But even an instructor can be wrong. At the very least, instructors don’t always agree about how things should be done. Generally speaking though, most instructors agree about safety.
Civilians (non-military or LE) can and do have extensive knowledge of firearms. There are more experts that are civilians than military or LE. So can the media and politicians stop bringing up that lame excuse for gun possession? It is like so many things non-gun people do no research on. I guess this is turning into a rant about how irresponsible the media and politicians are. Talking to one person about guns is like talking to one economist about the economy, you only get one view! And that view may, or may not, be reality!
Seek out competent instruction. Be prepared to pay a premium because this knowledge does not come easy or cheap. I feel in many ways I was lucky because of my affiliation with the military I was given opportunities to receive training not given to the general population. I also had the opportunity to receive training at a discounted rate because of my instructor status. I’m grateful for the kindness that other instructors have given me. But as I look at some of the instruction I’ve received that I’ve paid full price for, I see that over 30 years it has been in the thousands! Sometimes it’s not worth it, other times, even though it was expensive, it was a bargain!
There is a reluctance for training in the concealed carry world with those who are not really into guns but want to defend themselves and their families. I wish we could change our “gun culture”. I’m not sure it exists but I do know there are many different cultures in one. There are competitors. There are hunters. We have self-defenders. There are tactical gurus. Most of us are a mixture of several of these. At one time I competed. At one time I hunted. I have not either of those things in over a decade! But what I do know is the quest for more knowledge continues. There are some instructors that are very desirable to me to seek out. Masaad Ayoob, Clint Smith, and others I’d love to receive training from. Perhaps one day I’ll make the opportunity. But if you just got your carry license you should be more than casually thinking about addition training. Put together a plan for your training. Find the courses you want to take and start budgeting for them and planning time to take them. It’s not that important that you go to several courses in a year, but it’s important that you are saving and planning for training. By doing this you will get see progress and be kept up to date on the latest training, laws, and techniques. There are other ways to learn than just physical courses. There are some good online or recorded courses and there is even some merit to youtube. Be careful and picky about your training. Seek out competent instruction. If you have a training plan in place and you’re working that plan you will see progress. If you have an interest in competing or hunting these can help you learn more. But be realistic and have a plan. You may not turn into a gun nut like me and many others, but you should have an up to date, well rounded knowledge that will serve you for a life time. Don’t be reluctant to train.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Civilians (non-military or LE) can and do have extensive knowledge of firearms. There are more experts that are civilians than military or LE. So can the media and politicians stop bringing up that lame excuse for gun possession? It is like so many things non-gun people do no research on. I guess this is turning into a rant about how irresponsible the media and politicians are. Talking to one person about guns is like talking to one economist about the economy, you only get one view! And that view may, or may not, be reality!
Seek out competent instruction. Be prepared to pay a premium because this knowledge does not come easy or cheap. I feel in many ways I was lucky because of my affiliation with the military I was given opportunities to receive training not given to the general population. I also had the opportunity to receive training at a discounted rate because of my instructor status. I’m grateful for the kindness that other instructors have given me. But as I look at some of the instruction I’ve received that I’ve paid full price for, I see that over 30 years it has been in the thousands! Sometimes it’s not worth it, other times, even though it was expensive, it was a bargain!
There is a reluctance for training in the concealed carry world with those who are not really into guns but want to defend themselves and their families. I wish we could change our “gun culture”. I’m not sure it exists but I do know there are many different cultures in one. There are competitors. There are hunters. We have self-defenders. There are tactical gurus. Most of us are a mixture of several of these. At one time I competed. At one time I hunted. I have not either of those things in over a decade! But what I do know is the quest for more knowledge continues. There are some instructors that are very desirable to me to seek out. Masaad Ayoob, Clint Smith, and others I’d love to receive training from. Perhaps one day I’ll make the opportunity. But if you just got your carry license you should be more than casually thinking about addition training. Put together a plan for your training. Find the courses you want to take and start budgeting for them and planning time to take them. It’s not that important that you go to several courses in a year, but it’s important that you are saving and planning for training. By doing this you will get see progress and be kept up to date on the latest training, laws, and techniques. There are other ways to learn than just physical courses. There are some good online or recorded courses and there is even some merit to youtube. Be careful and picky about your training. Seek out competent instruction. If you have a training plan in place and you’re working that plan you will see progress. If you have an interest in competing or hunting these can help you learn more. But be realistic and have a plan. You may not turn into a gun nut like me and many others, but you should have an up to date, well rounded knowledge that will serve you for a life time. Don’t be reluctant to train.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
My Problem With Anti-Mormon Attacks
Exmos finally got on my nerves yesterday. I know I shouldn’t read or watch their crap. But as I said before, me and Church detractors go waaaay back! I saw my first anti literature on my mission in Eastern Canada in the early 80’s. I’d grown up in a largely LDS community and was somewhat sheltered from that kind of thing. I never really had a challenge to my beliefs except from a few other churches. But out in the real world of the mission field I saw plenty of it. About halfway through my mission I attended a lecture of a guy who claimed to be a “Mormon scholar”. He had “studied” the Church for 8 years. I looked at my companion who had grown up in the Church in Utah and asked him how long he had studied the doctrine of the Church. He said, “Well, I’m a seminary graduate” (at that time to be a missionary in Canada you had to be “clergy”. The Church complied with this requirement by sending only Seminary graduates to Canadian missions). We probably had been studying Church doctrine since we were 14 but really all our twenty years. So between the two of us we probably had at least 20 years. I was amused by the twisted understanding of basic gospel principles that this “scholar” displayed. It wasn’t until he started to talk about missionaries and the MTC that I took any issue with this guy. So at the end when he asked for questions (this was a standing-room-only college auditorium) I stood and told this charlatan he was wrong with his information about the MTC. He balked at me a young kid questioning his scholarly report. I told him I didn’t want to argue with him but I had just been in that MTC 11 months ago and I could assure him he was giving out wrong information. He tried to change the subject by asking me a completely off the subject doctrinal question. I told him that had nothing to do with what I had called him out on. He fumbled around and I finally said to the crowd, “If he’s wrong about the MTC and what missionaries do, what else is he wrong about? Thank you Sir” and sat down. The next day while tracting we taught many lessons. It is true that no unhallowed hand will stop the work of the Lord. Anyway, as time went on I had amassed a shoebox full of anti pamphlets and books. I bequeathed it to my last apartment. Here several years later the internet turns into the biggest purveyor of anti-mormon literature since the Ex-Mormons for Jesus pushed the movie “The Godmakers” in the 80’s. Most of what I see out there is nothing new. Most of it is a skewered view of LDS doctrine sprinkled with opinion and downright lies. The latest kick is called The CES Letter. Sounds ominous doesn’t it? It’s a collection of questions by a guy named Jeremy Runnells. From what I’ve seen, Jeremy is a typical exmo. His lifes work seems to be to pull people away from the Church. He’s been a little successful to the weak-minded. I know that I’ve offended some with that statement. It seems pretty weak-minded when someone is so hung up on history that they give away what they know. Almost every exmo that talks about the CES letter starts off their tirade telling us their “credentials”. They grew up in the church, or held important callings, or served a mission. These things are supposed to lend credence to what follows. I guess this is the place I should tout my credentials. I was born and raised in the Church with ancestors going back to 1831 when they joined the Church. I’ve always been active, have served in just about every calling you can think of including the “big” ones. I’ve never been in a Stake Presidency though. I served on the High council for 6 years, was a Bishop, YM Pres, Stake YM Pres, SS Pres, Every Scouting position, EQ Presidency, I was just released from the Bishopric and called as the EQ President. So, according to exmos, I’m well seasoned. I served a mission and even was a Nursery Leader twice! I was not “shocked” by the info in the CES letter because, unlike a lot of exmos, I actually studied Church history. None of what the CES letter said surprised me. What surprised me is the interpretation of some of this history. I’m surprised Jeremy had never run across this information. Apparently he had not really studied. It’s not buried anywhere. It’s not hidden. It doesn’t take much to find this information but it does take a certain kind of person to come to the conclusions these clowns come to. I’m sorry, seekers not clowns. But Jeremy said he was not a scholar. And I agree, he’s not. But he got a bunch of scholars together and asked them. I’m not really sure that’s what he did. But anyway, he’s devoted a little bit of bandwidth to tearing down the Church. I’m not sure what he gets out of it. I guess the satisfaction of knowing he’s “saved” someone from the cult that we are. (sarcasm is not pretty) I also believe that the latest antagonists of the church are sneaky and deceptive, sometimes the very things they accuse leaders of being. Many of them have recorded things and shared things I feel should be confidential. In my opinion I think they share and record their councils to only try and “shame” the Church. They are really not interested in anything but that. I think it’s interesting that the Church never shares confidential information but the exmos think it’s their duty. To me that’s just being a jerk. It makes me feel like I should do to them what they do to the Church. But as I’m trying to do what is right in my life, I won’t. It grieves my heart that they can’t leave the Church alone. But it fits right in with my theory that the worst enemies of the Church have always been ex members. I call them Zarahemnas because they are not content to leave what they believe is not true, alone. They must “stir up the Lamanites to war”. Coming to know that a religion is not for you is fine, but when you try to actively destroy a religion and tear down a church, that is different.
I know that my PTSD can put me into a fight mode. I don’t look for a fight, but when someone makes it their lifes work to discredit my beliefs that’s when I close and engage. These people need to shut the heck up! If you don’t believe it great. But don’t try to convince the rest of the world that they need to see things your way! Debate is one thing. I don’t mind someone honestly wanting to talk about doctrine and to ask honest questions, but most of this crap is just that, crap. I’ve listened to them and their podcasts and Youtube videos. I see right through the same tactics that have been used since I was on my mission. The CES letter in particular uses a million questions to attack with. Some of them are easy. Others require some research. To answer all these questions would require a lot of time and 3 times the pages of the actual letter! What I can’t understand about these people is that at one time they had a testimony. Were they wrong about what they “knew”? Are they easily persuaded? Some of them grew up in the Church as I did. Are they stupid or lazy? My opinion is that they are weak. I’ve never been stumped by an anti’s question. I’ve never had my world fall apart. I do not doubt what I know. Some of them actually want me to believe that after years in the church, professing spiritual experiences, telling people they know with their testimonies, and then they hear some “earth shattering” information that makes all that they experienced and professed null and void? What kind of commitment and “testimony” is that? That’s why I believe there is either sin involved, or weak minds. Or maybe they just wanted a beer… Look, I’m not trying to insult anyone, but do you see what I mean? I know it was not just one moment they were active and the next they thought “I think I’ll leave the church today.” Often I see a leader involved. Some leaders don’t necessarily drive people away, but I’ve met a few that need a little help dealing with people. There is always some slight, some mean treatment, some one-sided, unfair thing. The CES letter guy kept getting his meeting changed. He never could get his questions answered. Why the heck could he not find answers himself? None of his questions are that difficult. But he couldn’t find it within himself to find these answers. You know something Jeremy, I don’t wish you any ill-will, but I’m grateful people like you are not in this church. It’s not that the church isn’t for everyone but people like you only are a burden on progress. Not because you have questions but because you can’t handle regular life. You have this idea that if a few people can’t or won’t answer you that there are no answers. Often the pursuit of truth takes a life time and sarcastically speaking, “I see you’re in it for the long haul.” No matter how much you tout your mis-information, lies, and opinionated crap it will not stop the progress of the church. No unhallowed hand will. You’ve “saved” other weak people. You will continue to reap the whirlwind. But when anti’s start to get nasty and attack because they don’t like the church, it’s members, or leaders, don’t expect no one to defend those things. If you threaten physical harm on the church or its leaders then you better expect a visit from an unofficial Danite. That is not a threat, but if you promise physical harm we can promise defense. I guess I’m just fed up with attacks on my church, my beliefs, and sometimes threats. I’m sure you can find someone else to harass. Or you could just say no. Otherwise, I survived shots fired in anger, you want a piece of me? Bring it on!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
I know that my PTSD can put me into a fight mode. I don’t look for a fight, but when someone makes it their lifes work to discredit my beliefs that’s when I close and engage. These people need to shut the heck up! If you don’t believe it great. But don’t try to convince the rest of the world that they need to see things your way! Debate is one thing. I don’t mind someone honestly wanting to talk about doctrine and to ask honest questions, but most of this crap is just that, crap. I’ve listened to them and their podcasts and Youtube videos. I see right through the same tactics that have been used since I was on my mission. The CES letter in particular uses a million questions to attack with. Some of them are easy. Others require some research. To answer all these questions would require a lot of time and 3 times the pages of the actual letter! What I can’t understand about these people is that at one time they had a testimony. Were they wrong about what they “knew”? Are they easily persuaded? Some of them grew up in the Church as I did. Are they stupid or lazy? My opinion is that they are weak. I’ve never been stumped by an anti’s question. I’ve never had my world fall apart. I do not doubt what I know. Some of them actually want me to believe that after years in the church, professing spiritual experiences, telling people they know with their testimonies, and then they hear some “earth shattering” information that makes all that they experienced and professed null and void? What kind of commitment and “testimony” is that? That’s why I believe there is either sin involved, or weak minds. Or maybe they just wanted a beer… Look, I’m not trying to insult anyone, but do you see what I mean? I know it was not just one moment they were active and the next they thought “I think I’ll leave the church today.” Often I see a leader involved. Some leaders don’t necessarily drive people away, but I’ve met a few that need a little help dealing with people. There is always some slight, some mean treatment, some one-sided, unfair thing. The CES letter guy kept getting his meeting changed. He never could get his questions answered. Why the heck could he not find answers himself? None of his questions are that difficult. But he couldn’t find it within himself to find these answers. You know something Jeremy, I don’t wish you any ill-will, but I’m grateful people like you are not in this church. It’s not that the church isn’t for everyone but people like you only are a burden on progress. Not because you have questions but because you can’t handle regular life. You have this idea that if a few people can’t or won’t answer you that there are no answers. Often the pursuit of truth takes a life time and sarcastically speaking, “I see you’re in it for the long haul.” No matter how much you tout your mis-information, lies, and opinionated crap it will not stop the progress of the church. No unhallowed hand will. You’ve “saved” other weak people. You will continue to reap the whirlwind. But when anti’s start to get nasty and attack because they don’t like the church, it’s members, or leaders, don’t expect no one to defend those things. If you threaten physical harm on the church or its leaders then you better expect a visit from an unofficial Danite. That is not a threat, but if you promise physical harm we can promise defense. I guess I’m just fed up with attacks on my church, my beliefs, and sometimes threats. I’m sure you can find someone else to harass. Or you could just say no. Otherwise, I survived shots fired in anger, you want a piece of me? Bring it on!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, July 17, 2020
Range Etiquette and My Reverence For the Range
I was at the range yesterday. I really love the outdoor range I’m a member of. It has lots of room, adequate shelter and even bathroom and water facilities. Out there amid the spent brass and smelling the burnt powder I can honestly say I’m “Home on the range!” It is a place I can relax even in inclement weather. I like to shoot for about 15 or 20 minutes and then take a break and sit and enjoy the breeze and some water. I often put my feet up and just soak up the atmosphere. Most other shooters are respectful of my space but occasionally I’ll get someone who asks a lot of questions that I sometimes feel obligated to answer. “How long have you been shooting?” “What kind of training do you have?” “What are you shooting?” meaning guns or ammo. If I give them an honest answer I will usually get more questions. I don’t mind answering questions or helping someone. It’s not an imposition unless the person goes too far. I’m an instructor and don’t mind helping someone with their shooting. But it’s rude to expect me to abandon my training to give you a free lesson for an extended period of time! I usually end up leaving no matter where I was in my own training. I wish new shooters would find a mentor. A friend they get along with who is willing to take them under their wing and show them and hopefully teach them safety and range etiquette.
Range etiquette consists of a few things:
Number 1 is always safety. Learn the safety rules of your range. I teach 4 rules but your range may have more. Always follow the safety rules! Make them a part of you. My wife teases me because every time I pick up a drill or a nail gun, my finger is off the trigger and I’m pointing it in a safe direction.
Most ranges have other rules. Follow them like you would the safety rules. Do not break them. You could get banned from that range if you are not careful with the rules. If your range has an RSO (range safety officer) do what they say! It’s not hard. RSO’s get a bad rap because of some who should not be. You have to have lots of patience and tolerance. I have a problem with stupidity. Unfortunately humans are stupid. I haven’t been an RSO for years and that’s probably why. Think about the rules and then think about what you’re doing. The range is no place to do your own thing, within reason of course. If you’re just starting out (like a LOT of shooters these days!) don’t be overwhelmed. Take it slow and think about what you’re doing.
Remember there are often others shooting with you. Courtesy should always be in your range bag. Never point a gun to your right or left. Others get a little nervous when you point a gun at them.
I once threw an Air Force Major off of “my” range. I told him he could come back when he had authorization from his commander. He even tried the “Do you know who I am?” I was a mere buck Sargent at the time and I said “I don’t care who you are sir. You’re off my range!” So RSO’s do get a little testy when someone who knows better keeps pointing an M16 at everyone on the range. So be safe and follow all the range rules.
During a Cease Fire most ranges require you to stop shooting, open your action and step back behind usually an actual physical line.
I’ve learned that everyone’s a shooting instructor. Everyone has their own opinion about how to shoot well. Some have no training, some have bad training, and others never used the training they received. Those that know usually don’t volunteer correction. I’ve seen just about everything and I rarely open my mouth. I do with safety matters but that’s it. If asked I usually help. Correcting someone else is just bad manners. Don’t do it.
Make sure you clean up after yourself. Pick up brass, ammo boxes, target material, water bottles, or anything else that needs to be put in trash. Cleanliness is important in every aspect of your life but just as important for a trip to the range as well.
Being mindful of those around you in all things is just the kind courteous thing to do. My range bag has extra ear plugs, safety glasses, and ear muffs. I also have lots of targets. They’re just paper plates but they serve my purpose. I want to encourage people to shoot. Being courteous and safe are good ways to do that. Sometimes that first visit to the range can make or break a return shooter.
I’ve developed some great friendships meeting others on the shooting range. If we keep range etiquette we can find a lot of friends who feel as we do. Remember to some like myself going to the range is a rejuvenating experience. Don’t ruin my reverence for the range!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Range etiquette consists of a few things:
Number 1 is always safety. Learn the safety rules of your range. I teach 4 rules but your range may have more. Always follow the safety rules! Make them a part of you. My wife teases me because every time I pick up a drill or a nail gun, my finger is off the trigger and I’m pointing it in a safe direction.
Most ranges have other rules. Follow them like you would the safety rules. Do not break them. You could get banned from that range if you are not careful with the rules. If your range has an RSO (range safety officer) do what they say! It’s not hard. RSO’s get a bad rap because of some who should not be. You have to have lots of patience and tolerance. I have a problem with stupidity. Unfortunately humans are stupid. I haven’t been an RSO for years and that’s probably why. Think about the rules and then think about what you’re doing. The range is no place to do your own thing, within reason of course. If you’re just starting out (like a LOT of shooters these days!) don’t be overwhelmed. Take it slow and think about what you’re doing.
Remember there are often others shooting with you. Courtesy should always be in your range bag. Never point a gun to your right or left. Others get a little nervous when you point a gun at them.
I once threw an Air Force Major off of “my” range. I told him he could come back when he had authorization from his commander. He even tried the “Do you know who I am?” I was a mere buck Sargent at the time and I said “I don’t care who you are sir. You’re off my range!” So RSO’s do get a little testy when someone who knows better keeps pointing an M16 at everyone on the range. So be safe and follow all the range rules.
During a Cease Fire most ranges require you to stop shooting, open your action and step back behind usually an actual physical line.
I’ve learned that everyone’s a shooting instructor. Everyone has their own opinion about how to shoot well. Some have no training, some have bad training, and others never used the training they received. Those that know usually don’t volunteer correction. I’ve seen just about everything and I rarely open my mouth. I do with safety matters but that’s it. If asked I usually help. Correcting someone else is just bad manners. Don’t do it.
Make sure you clean up after yourself. Pick up brass, ammo boxes, target material, water bottles, or anything else that needs to be put in trash. Cleanliness is important in every aspect of your life but just as important for a trip to the range as well.
Being mindful of those around you in all things is just the kind courteous thing to do. My range bag has extra ear plugs, safety glasses, and ear muffs. I also have lots of targets. They’re just paper plates but they serve my purpose. I want to encourage people to shoot. Being courteous and safe are good ways to do that. Sometimes that first visit to the range can make or break a return shooter.
I’ve developed some great friendships meeting others on the shooting range. If we keep range etiquette we can find a lot of friends who feel as we do. Remember to some like myself going to the range is a rejuvenating experience. Don’t ruin my reverence for the range!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Masks Research
Please hear me out. What I’m going to say here is wildly unpopular. Some think it’s downright dangerous. But I’ve come to the conclusion that wearing a mask is a complete, and total, waste of time! I’m not sure why the medical world is heaping this silly practice upon the world. I’m not a healthcare worker, nor do I have an education in medicine. Because of this, I had to really get in there and study this out as best I could. I’ve come to the conclusion that we are being duped. Masks do little to nothing.
Not having a background in medicine and not being familiar with medical terms and phraseology made it difficult for me to understand and read these studies and analysis. So I had to really read these things. My conclusions may not be the same as yours. I originally only wanted to know how much, in percentage numbers, cloth masks helped the wearer or those around the wearer. I was thinking I would find 30% or even 20%. What I actually found was 0.02%, which to me is next to nothing.
Here is my research: (I read the articles thoroughly but also looked at some, but not all, of the footnotes, resources, and supplemental material for these articles.)
https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/masks-dont-work-review-science-relevant-covid-19-social-policy-0
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cloth-masks-are-useless-against-covid-19
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-health/cloth-masks-given-ok-do-they-work
https://www.nap.edu/read/25776/chapter/1
“Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others”
“A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
This is the definitive conclusion that the CDC has come up with? You “may” be, and “most likely” will be safe with masks. How less sure can you be?
“Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.”
If your mechanic described your fixed brakes in this way would you drive the vehicle? I think it’s criminal to put people’s lives in danger by telling them something will protect them when it won’t. Too bad no one will account for it.
I love the 90’s series “The X Files”. It just fed my appetite for conspiracy. But as I watch the mess that has unfolded in this country I feel like I’m living a X files episode. Between COVID-19 and the racial divide in this country I get the feeling there is more afoot than bad timing. I’m not saying this virus does not exist but I think there are sinister hands involved in it. The race angle is constantly used for those with an agenda. I’m also not saying bigotry and racism does not exist. As long as there are humans on this earth there will be racism. Be very careful about what you accept. If the mainstream media is pushing something then be very careful. They usually ignore facts and quote each other.
Research this mask thing yourself. See what you think. I just saw another “study” that had to do with 2 cosmetology workers. I don’t think this was actually a scientific study, but it fit the “mask up” narrative just fine. Beware of where you get your information and what that info is based on.
This article is not about masks but about COVID-19 deaths.
https://www.technocracy.news/cdc-confirms-extremely-low-covid-19-death-rate/?fbclid=IwAR2obGmDzyss5ueBPbC1lpqPGLDng-HD0dRm5yxOhQuVeB0rqk5_1y5qsx0
A quote from a Star Trek character comes to mind.
“Spock, I’ve found that evil usually triumphs… unless good is very, very careful”
Dr. Leonard McCoy, Star Trek
Be very careful out there my friends.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Not having a background in medicine and not being familiar with medical terms and phraseology made it difficult for me to understand and read these studies and analysis. So I had to really read these things. My conclusions may not be the same as yours. I originally only wanted to know how much, in percentage numbers, cloth masks helped the wearer or those around the wearer. I was thinking I would find 30% or even 20%. What I actually found was 0.02%, which to me is next to nothing.
Here is my research: (I read the articles thoroughly but also looked at some, but not all, of the footnotes, resources, and supplemental material for these articles.)
https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/masks-dont-work-review-science-relevant-covid-19-social-policy-0
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/cloth-masks-are-useless-against-covid-19
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19-health/cloth-masks-given-ok-do-they-work
https://www.nap.edu/read/25776/chapter/1
“Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others”
“A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
This is the definitive conclusion that the CDC has come up with? You “may” be, and “most likely” will be safe with masks. How less sure can you be?
“Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.”
If your mechanic described your fixed brakes in this way would you drive the vehicle? I think it’s criminal to put people’s lives in danger by telling them something will protect them when it won’t. Too bad no one will account for it.
I love the 90’s series “The X Files”. It just fed my appetite for conspiracy. But as I watch the mess that has unfolded in this country I feel like I’m living a X files episode. Between COVID-19 and the racial divide in this country I get the feeling there is more afoot than bad timing. I’m not saying this virus does not exist but I think there are sinister hands involved in it. The race angle is constantly used for those with an agenda. I’m also not saying bigotry and racism does not exist. As long as there are humans on this earth there will be racism. Be very careful about what you accept. If the mainstream media is pushing something then be very careful. They usually ignore facts and quote each other.
Research this mask thing yourself. See what you think. I just saw another “study” that had to do with 2 cosmetology workers. I don’t think this was actually a scientific study, but it fit the “mask up” narrative just fine. Beware of where you get your information and what that info is based on.
This article is not about masks but about COVID-19 deaths.
https://www.technocracy.news/cdc-confirms-extremely-low-covid-19-death-rate/?fbclid=IwAR2obGmDzyss5ueBPbC1lpqPGLDng-HD0dRm5yxOhQuVeB0rqk5_1y5qsx0
A quote from a Star Trek character comes to mind.
“Spock, I’ve found that evil usually triumphs… unless good is very, very careful”
Dr. Leonard McCoy, Star Trek
Be very careful out there my friends.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
4th of July 2020
It is a few minutes to midnight CDT. Soon another glorious 4th of July 2020 will be passed. What have we wrought in 244 years? Have we paid our debt to those who fought at Concord and Lexington? What about the battle of Cantigny? The battle of Guadalcanal, Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir. The battle of Ia Drang or Hue? Do we owe anything to those that fought in the battle of Falluja or Ramadi? No I don’t think those debts are paid. Some of these battles you may not even know. What would those who gave what Lincoln called “ the last full measure of devotion“ think of what we’re doing as a nation?
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
When Benjamin Franklin was asked by
Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia the final day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, ‘What do we have, a republic or a monarchy?’ Franklin replied, ‘A republic, if you can keep it.’
By letting riots and mobs rule we are not keeping the Republic. We the people should not let politicians write bad laws or be corrupt.
We have a debt to pay this 4th, will we pay it?
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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