You Have A Right To Rights!

Will our gun rights be violated? They already have been. I’m not talking about gun laws, but gun confiscation. In 2005, during hurricane Katrina, police and National Guard went house-to-house and confiscated guns. It took a lawsuit to get those guns returned. Law enforcement made a feeble attempt, but they claim it’s too difficult because of so many residents misplaced because of the hurricane. Yet the NRA was able to do a pretty good job of finding these citizens. In 2006, Congress passed the DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2006. The law was intended to prevent the government from seizing legally owned firearms during the time of a disaster. It was incorporated as an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2007 and signed into law on October 4, 2006. In H.R. 5013 it states: “(3) In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the safety of these citizens, and of their homes and property, was threatened by instances of criminal activity. (4) Many of these citizens lawfully kept firearms for the safety of themselves, their loved ones, their businesses, and their property, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, and used their firearms, individually or in concert with their neighbors, for protection against crime. (5) In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, certain agencies confiscated the firearms of these citizens in contravention of the Second Amendment, depriving these citizens of the right to keep and bear arms and rendering them helpless against criminal activity. (6) These confiscations were carried out at gunpoint by nonconsensual entries into private homes, by traffic checkpoints, by stoppage of boats, and otherwise by force. (7) The citizens from whom firearms were confiscated were either in their own homes or attempting to flee the flooding and devastation by means of motor vehicle or boat, and were accosted, stopped, and arbitrarily deprived of their private property and means of protection.” This is part of the Congressional record. So the politicians, Including our current President and Vice-President, have said they will not take anyone’s guns. Hopefully this law and others, will keep this from happening again. So left leaning people need to stop saying we’re paranoid, it’s already happened! Politicians talk about countries that they want to copy as far as gun confiscation Australia reports from the early 2000s estimate that only 20% or so of the banned firearms had been confiscated. Non-compliance is so widespread that the Australian government has seen fit to repeatedly offer extra periods of amnesty, most recently in 2016, after a government report estimated there were still 260,000 “illegal” firearms in civilian hands. Australia similarly banned the civilian possession of most semi-automatic firearms in 1996, but the country has spent the last two decades trying—and to a significant extent, failing—to enforce it. In Texas, Government Code Chapter 418 (EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT) permits the Governor to declare a State of Disaster which suspends certain state laws and regulations to allow local authorities to conduct rescue and recovery operations. However, it does not allow for the seizure of any legally owned firearms, University of Melbourne researchers Wang-Sheng Lee and Sandy Suardi concluded their 2008 report on the Australia’s debacle with the statement, “There is little evidence to suggest that [the Australian mandatory gun-buyback program] had any significant effects on firearm homicides.” “Although gun buybacks appear to be a logical and sensible policy that helps to placate the public’s fears,” the reported continued, “the evidence so far suggests that in the Australian context, the high expenditure incurred to fund the 1996 gun buyback has not translated into any tangible reductions in terms of firearm deaths.” The U.S. background check system prevented more than 300,000 firearm sales in 2020, a record amount indicating that nearly twice as many sales were blocked than the year before. Citing FBI data provided by Everytown for Gun Safety, The Associated Press reported that 42 percent of those denied sales of a firearm had previous felony convictions. The news comes as the number of potential gun buyers increased over the past two years from 0.6 percent to 0.8 percent, according to AP. One expert told the wire service that the increase in declined sales may be due to the fact that first-time buyers who have a previous conviction are unaware that they are legally prohibited from owning guns. “Some may have a felony conviction on their record and not think about it,” UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, who specializes in gun policy, told the AP. Winkler added that although making a false statement in a background check is a felony punishable by prison time, most are not prosecuted for essentially lying on a form filled out before making a purchase. U.S. gun sales surged during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. CNN reported that around 23 million guns were sold in 2020, a 65 percent increase from 2019, when 13.9 million guns were sold. Of those who were prevented from purchasing guns, 16 percent were blocked by state laws and 12 percent were blocked due to reasons related to domestic violence, according to the AP. “There’s no question that background checks work, but the system is working overtime to prevent a record number of people with dangerous prohibitors from being able to buy firearms,” Everytown research director Sarah Burd-Sharps said. “The loopholes in the law allow people to avoid the system, even if they just meet online or at a gun show for the first time.” The “loop-hole” she’s talking about is private sales. I’m sure Sarah is appalled at this practice but she is unaware of the black market guns that are out there. These are illegal guns being sold to illegal buyers. Regardless of law, this black market will always exist. Sarah also thinks that private sellers don’t care who they sell to. She is wrong. I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t care what is done with the gun that they sell. I know that I don’t want a knock on my door from law enforcement asking about a gun I no longer own. I don’t do background checks but I ask for personal information like a social security number and a drivers license. I like to have an idea who I’m dealing with. I also require a bill of sale and always ask if they have a concealed carry license. If they have a CC license at least I am assured they passed a back ground check. What Sarah doesn’t realize is how easy it is to find a black-market gun with no questions asked. This is usually an illegal sale but not necessarily. Banning the gun does not work. Confiscation does not work. The cat is already out of the bag with confiscation. More people trained and carrying would help. Background checks help but they will not cure what ills us. We have a problem with people. It won’t change with banning. It will change with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to get religious but this is the only true cure. Everything else is a band aid. Changing the way we think, how we handle stress, and how we act toward each other. These things will change a lot of this violence. But as one who has experienced his fair share of being involved with violence and evil, I’m here to tell you and Sarah that you can not stop it. I don’t understand the logic of making laws to stop law breakers. Some people don’t understand rights. These are not man-made even though men enacted the constitution. When I say God-given rights I’m saying that despite the affairs of mankind, despite human history, despite what you may want or I may want, despite the realities of our society, certain qualities of life are the birthright of every living soul. Defending ourselves and our families from those who would harm us IS a God-given right. How we do that may be disputed. I’m not sure of a better way to do this than with a gun. Other weapons are a possibility, but they do not address a threat the same way. This is why this amendment is in the bill of rights. You can’t just say “Oh you don’t need that anymore.” This right will always exist in spite of the above threats of gun control. Law enforcement is not the answer. Unless a cop lives with you, they cannot protect you. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. If we don’t pay attention to our rights they will be shaken and taken. Always be aware of what is happening to our rights. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Food Storage and Fires

This is a list of fires that have happened within the last 18 months or so. Some have said this is a conspiracy against food production, or to cause shortages. I don’t know if I agree, but this list is not “normal” as the fact finders and the left has said. I think fires are fairly common in food related industries. I’m not so sure about the number of fires that are common, and I think the “fact finders” don’t know either. But regardless of who knows what, this many fires in this amount of time to food facilities is unusual at best. I’m not convinced it will cause shortages, but it will not help already spiraling prices. 1. 1/11/21 A fire that destroyed 75,000-square-foot processing plant in Fayetteville 2. 4/30/21 A fire ignited inside the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Monmouth, IL 3. 7/25/21 Three-alarm fire at Kellogg plant in Memphis, 170 emergency personnel responded to the call 4. 7/30/21 Firefighters on Friday battled a large fire at Tyson’s River Valley Ingredients plant in Hanceville, Alabama 5. 8/23/21 Fire crews were called to the Patak Meat Production company on Ewing Road in Austell 6. 9/13/21 A fire at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island, Neb., on Sunday night forced a halt to slaughter and fabrication lines 7. 10/13/21 A five-alarm fire ripped through the Darigold butter production plant in Caldwell, ID 8. 11/15/21 A woman is in custody following a fire at the Garrard County Food Pantry 9. 11/29/21 A fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. at the Maid-Rite Steak Company meat processing plant 10. 12/13/21 West Side food processing plant in San Antonio left with smoke damage after a fire 11. 1/7/22 Damage to a poultry processing plant on Hamilton’s Mountain following an overnight fire 12. 1/13/22 Firefighters worked for 12 hours to put a fire out at the Cargill-Nutrena plant in Lecompte, LA 13. 1/31/22 a fertilizer plant with 600 tons of ammonium nitrate inside caught on fire on Cherry Street in Winston-Salem 14. 2/3/22 A massive fire swept through Wisconsin River Meats in Mauston 15. 2/3/22 At least 130 cows were killed in a fire at Percy Farm in Stowe 16. 2/15/22 Bonanza Meat Company goes up in flames in El Paso, Texas 17. 2/15/22 Nearly a week after the fire destroyed most of the Shearer’s Foods plant in Hermiston 18. 2/16/22 A fire had broken at US largest soybean processing and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana 19. 2/18/22 An early morning fire tore through the milk parlor at Bess View Farm 20. 2/19/22 Three people were injured, and one was hospitalized, after an ammonia leak at Lincoln Premium Poultry in Fremont 21. 2/22/22 The Shearer’s Foods plant in Hermiston caught fire after a propane boiler exploded 22. 2/28/22 A smoldering pile of sulfur quickly became a raging chemical fire at Nutrien Ag Solutions 23. 2/28/22 A man was hurt after a fire broke out at the Shadow Brook Farm and Dutch Girl Creamery 24. 3/4/22 294,800 chickens destroyed at farm in Stoddard, Missouri 25. 3/4/22 644,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, Maryland 26. 3/8/22 243,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in New Castle, Delaware 27. 3/10/22 663,400 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, MD 28. 3/10/22 915,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Taylor, IA 29. 3/14/22 The blaze at 244 Meadow Drive was discovered shortly after 5 p.m. by farm owner Wayne Hoover 30. 3/14/22 2,750,700 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Jefferson, Wisconsin 31. 3/16/22 A fire at a Walmart warehouse distribution center has cast a large plume of smoke visible throughout Indianapolis. 32. 3/16/22 Nestle Food Plant extensively damaged in fire and new production destroyed Jonesboro, Arkansas 33. 3/17/22 5,347,500 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Buena Vista, Iowa 34. 3/17/22 147,600 chickens destroyed at farm in Kent, Delaware 35. 3/18/22 315,400 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Cecil, Maryland 36. 3/22/22 172,000 Turkeys destroyed on farms in South Dakota 37. 3/22/22 570,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Butler, Nebraska 38. 3/24/22 Fire fighters from numerous towns are battling a major fire at the McCrum potato processing facility in Belfast. 39. 3/24/22 418,500 chickens destroyed at farm in Butler, Nebraska 40. 3/25/22 250,300 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Franklin, Iowa 41. 3/26/22 311,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 42. 3/27/22 126,300 Turkeys destroyed in South Dakota 43. 3/28/22 1,460,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Guthrie, Iowa 44. 3/29/22 A massive fire burned 40,000 pounds of food meant to feed people in a food desert near Maricopa 45. 3/31/22 A structure fire caused significant damage to a large portion of key fresh onion packing facilities in south Texas 46. 3/31/22 76,400 Turkeys destroyed in Osceola, Iowa 47. 3/31/22 5,011,700 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Osceola, Iowa 48. 4/6/22 281,600 chickens destroyed at farm in Wayne, North Carolina 49. 4/9/22 76,400 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 50. 4/9/22 208,900 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 51. 4/12/22 89,700 chickens destroyed at farm in Wayne, North Carolina 52. 4/12/22 1,746,900 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Dixon, Nebraska 53. 4/12/22 259,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Minnesota 54. 4/13/22 Fire destroys East Conway Beef & Pork Meat Market in Conway, New Hampshire 55. 4/13/22 Plane crashes into Gem State Processing, Idaho potato and food processing plant 56. 4/13/22 77,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 57. 4/14/22 Taylor Farms Food Processing plant burns down Salinas, California. 58. 4/14/22 99,600 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 59. 4/15/22 1,380,500 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Lancaster, Minnesota 60. 4/19/22 Azure Standard nation’s premier independent distributor of organic and healthy food, was destroyed by fire in Dufur, Oregon 61. 4/19/22 339,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 62. 4/19/22 58,000 chickens destroyed at farm in Montrose, Color 63. 4/20/22 2,000,000 chickens destroyed at egg farm in Minnesota 64. 4/21/22 A small plane crashed in the lot of a General Mills plant in Georgia 65. 4/22/22 197,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 66. 4/23/22 200,000 Turkeys destroyed in Minnesota 67. 4/25/22 1,501,200 chickens destroyed at egg farm Cache, Utah 68. 4/26/22 307,400 chickens destroyed at farm Lancaster Pennsylvania 69. 4/27/22 2,118,000 chickens destroyed at farm Knox, Nebraska 70. 4/28/22 Egg-laying facility in Iowa kills 5.3 million chickens, fires 200-plus workers 71. 4/28/22 Allen Harim Foods processing plant killed nearly 2M chickens in Delaware 72. 4/2822 110,700 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 73. 4/29/22 1,366,200 chickens destroyed at farm Weld Colorado 74. 4/30/22 13,800 chickens destroyed at farm Sequoia Oklahoma 75. 5/3/22 58,000 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 76. 5/3/22 118,900 Turkeys destroyed Beadle S Dakota 77. 5/3/22 114,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 78. 5/3/22 118,900 Turkeys destroyed Lyon Minnesota 79. 5/7/22 20,100 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 80. 5/10/22 72,300 chickens destroyed at farm Lancaster Pennsylvania 81. 5/10/22 61,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 82. 5/10/22 35,100 Turkeys destroyed Muskegon, Michigan 83. 5/13/22 10,500 Turkeys destroyed Barron Wisconsin 84. 5/14/22 83,400 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 85. 5/17/22 79,00 chickens destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 86. 5/18/22 7,200 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 87. 5/19/22 Train carrying limestone derailed Jensen Beach FL 88. 5/21/22 57,000 Turkeys destroyed on farm in Dakota Minnesota 89. 5/23/22 4,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 90. 5/29/22 A Saturday night fire destroyed a poultry building at Forsman Farms 91. 5/31/22 3,000,000 chickens destroyed by fire at Forsman facility in Stockholm Township, Minnesota 92. 6/2/22 30,000 ducks destroyed at Duck farm Berks Pennsylvania 93. 6/7/22 A fire occurred Tuesday evening at the JBS meat packing plant in Green Bay. 94. 6/8/22 Firefighters from Tangipahoa Fire District 1 respond to a fire at the Purina Feed Mill in Arcola 95. 6/9/22 Irrigation water was canceled in California (the #1 producer of food in the US) and storage water flushed directly out to the delta. 96. 6/12/22 Largest Pork Company in the US Shuts Down California Plant Due to High Costs 97. 6/13/22 Fire Breaks Out at a Food Processing Plant West of Waupaca County in Wisconsin These fires are not “normal” as some would have you believe. I’m not shouting conspiracy but I do feel this is a crazy “coincidence”. Really? That’s what we’re supposed to believe? Riiiiight… Like I said, I believe it’s somewhere in between these extreme views. One thing that I do believe, this is not good for the food consumers in this country. I don’t think it would be out of line to prepare food for a time when it is either very expensive (fast approaching), or scarce (which is happening in some areas with some products). Look at your food storage program. Tweek it or add to it as you feel is needed. I’m not advocating hoarding or panic buying, but if you have no food storage, this is the time to start. If you have food storage, take a look at it and assess where it is and enhance where needed. These fires may mean nothing, or they may make a difference in availability. Either way, be prepared. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

BYU Introspection and Pass the Ammunition!

Well guys, it's been 6 months since Elder Holland gave a momentous talk at the annual BYU Conference August 23, 2021. So how is BYU doing? Many were offended by his talk as is usual for those members and ex-members who fight against the church. But as i review his words I realize that he was kindly and lovingly rebuking some and calling them to repentance. There are many out there who critisize the church and its leaders on a regular basis. It doesn't really matter what is said in confernce talks, or other talks, they will find something to whine about. This talk was no different. He first prefaced his call to repentance with confessing his love for a school that has been a large part of his life. Then he talked about some of the great things and people that BYU has been connected with. He mentioned some who were disillusioned with the Y and how they have fallen away. I don't want to jump up and down on those who leave the church, I have my opinions about their exitus. But I do have an issue with those who want to change BYU and make it like any other school. Elder Holland agrees. He wants to put gospel priciples and the following of Christ at the for front of all learning and teaching at the Y. I wholeheartily agree and applaud his wonderful way of calling some of the practices out. I would have taken the J. Golden Kimball approach and would have told students and faculty alike, you pedal your critical thinking trying to buck the system, and you can leave. BYU is a private university. It is a privledge to attend and study there. I pound that into each of my childrens heads who have gone, and are going, there! Those who would not agree with me I would welcome your opinion. But as far as changing the school to accept prinicples and practices that are against church policy, and especially gospel doctrine, I say, "Load the muskets!" Or in my crude, military lingo, "Lock and load!" Opinion is fine and you can share it all you want, but don't Berkley my BYU! There's no room for that kind of crap being taught in a church school. Students think that their demonstrations are going to change the brethrens minds? Good luck with that! If you want to hand out flyers, bring in speakers, stage demonstrations go ahead, but don't be surprised when an Apostle does not agree with your opinions. Liberal thinking members think if they talk loud enough the Lord will change His church. I beg to differ. But that is just MY opinion. And liberal students can think and say what they please, we have a first amendment, but don't think that those students with oposing views should keep quiet! I get it liberal students, it's cheap to go to the Y. Faculty members can have their own opinions too but they need to be careful. If you are a liberal professor great, but keep your views out of my kids classes. If you teach contray to doctrine, you should be canned! I was in the military. I had very strong political views. But if I show up in uniform at a rally I should be expecting a visit with my CO. If you teach contrary doctrinal ideas I feel that you've crossed from free speech to something else. You represent BYU and there is no room for that type of teaching. I know that it still happens, but you'd better pray one of my kids isn't in your class. Because they have been briefed on what they are to do, and how they are to do it, to get you at the very least reprimanded. I don't mind other views, but when someone is in a position of trust, they should live up to a different standard. Even a standard they may not personally agree with. But as for me and my house, we will defend the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church by whatever means are necessary. If that scares you I'm sorry that words scare you. So now that I got that rant out of the way, I'll ask again, how is BYU doing? If Elder Holland's talk is any evidence, BYU needs to do a little repenting. As for the musket reference, people need to get a life! It's clear what he was saying. He wasn't being violent. Now had it been me that gave that talk, that would have been a different story! Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Defend The Faith, Defend The Church!

Defend the church "Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all. Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them." —Jeffrey R. Holland First and foremost know that everything that I present here is my opinion and my interpretation of scripture and leaders’ words. I don’t want to lessen my resolve and feeling that the way I see it is true with a disclaimer, but I want to be clear these are only my thoughts. I’ve seen this politically correct (PC) statement for some time called “crisis of faith.” I do not subscribe to this point of view. I do not believe in a crisis of faith (COF). I believe that some people may have questions and may not have a very strong testimony, but this COF business to me is a PC way of saying “I’m weak and vulnerable and some yahoo showed me a snippet of information or a quote that has me doubting.” Or worse, “I’ve just learned (through some “helpful” ex-member) of a policy that doesn’t agree with my present narrative of how the Church should handle fill in the blank.” I’m not saying someone can’t have their beliefs challenged because I know that you can. I’m saying that some people are shaken pretty easily. It’s not easy to be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It takes faith. And faith requires action. And action usually is work. Changing our lives to be more in line with our Heavenly father is sometimes painful. But, of course, it’s always worth it. In these troubled times the current political climate directs many to man-made ideas and wrong roads to follow. I’ve watched it many times. Apostasy starts in small, seemingly innocent, ways. If a person can ground their testimony in Christ, not necessarily in the Church, church policy, or even leaders, then a foundation will be more difficult to shake. I’m not saying a testimony that the Church is true or that we have living prophets, seers, and revelators is not important. It is. But without a foundation in Christ, it’s easy to lose faith in people and organizations. This is why it is important to defend our faith and our Church. Many years ago as I was serving my mission I starting to collect anti-Mormon material. This was pre-internet and information was slow in moving. I didn’t obsess over it, I just happened to have it reach my hands. I had the largest collection of anti-Mormon material in the mission. I bequeathed it all to my last area and hopefully they just disposed of it. I also didn’t study the information very much. It’s not very deep and they quote each other. Nothing has changed except it has moved to the internet. The anti-Mormon movement has become more sophisticated, but the foundation has not changed. In the 70’s and 80’s it was “The Godmakers”. Now it’s “The CES Letter”. In “The Daily Beast” an article by Tarpley Hitt titled The Bizarre Cult of #DezNat: Alt-Right Mormons Targeting Porn and the LGBTQ Community Updated Jan. 28, 2019 12:01PM ET / Published Jan. 24, 2019 5:15AM ET (https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-cult-of-deznat-alt-right-mormons-targeting-porn-and-the-lgbtq-community) In this article Hitt described a hashtag that was started in August 2018 by @JPBellum. “In early January, a post appeared on the Twitter account @MormonQueerconf, a page devoted to anonymous confessions from LGBTQ members of the Mormon Church, about a new hashtag circulating in LDS Twitter: #DezNat. “I am ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED of #deznat,” the post read. “I feel like it’s only one meltdown away from being the one who ends up killing someone like me.”” The article is pretty good about covering #DezNat’s origins, but rather than reporting Hitt decided she doesn’t believe the creator of the hashtag and that it has some ominous meaning or purpose on Twitter. I also found this article to be more about what former members and anti-Mormons think of Dez Nat rather than members that use the hashtag. Just by the title of the article it’s clear of Hitt’s opinion rather than an objective, journalistic view. But this is typical of most media these days. I suppose she would lump me in with alt-right Mormons but frankly, I’m not that concerned about the media, especially internet media. The only reason I mention this is I like the original idea of the hashtag. It was created to identify those willing to defend the Church. It has been used by all kinds including those that believe it stands for Deseret Nationalism and has acquainted it with skinhead-Nazi-anti everything stupidity. I do not believe this hashtag means those things. DezNat is something that I feel is needed. People defending the Church online. Wikipedia says this about DezNat: “#DezNat (shortened from Deseret Nation) is a Twitter hashtag created in 2018 by Twitter user JP Bellum, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church); Bellum stated the hashtag recognizes faithful Church members as "a unique people and should be united spiritually, morally, economically, and politically behind Christ, the prophet, and the church." It also refers to a loosely affiliated group of likeminded Church members who use the hashtag. It is considered by press outlets, such as The Daily Beast and The Daily Utah Chronicle, to be an alt-right, white nationalist hashtag. Many users of the hashtag disagree with these accusations. According to Bellum, "#DezNat is not endorsed by the LDS Church or its leadership. Instead it is the idea that devout members ought to work together to support the church, its doctrines, and each other, on social media and in their communities to further build the Kingdom of God.” Many have been called progmos or progressive mormons. I believe these people exist. I’m sure you have come across them. They seem to know more than the rest of us because they are “woke”. It’s my opinion that they don’t last as members but will fall away or leave the Church in other ways. Then they become exmos (ex-mormons) which of course is a former member of the Church. Some exmos move on with their lives but some can’t help but become antimos (anti-mormons). This is one who speaks out and fights against the Church. They can leave the church but they cannot leave the church alone. I do not believe in violence for violence sake. I do believe in neutralizing the threat. I do not think we need to defend the Church with violence. That may come but that day is not today. I do not agree with those that want to commit violence against those they feel are not welcome into the Church. What kind of crap is that? Defend, yes. And I’ve got to ask. What do these guys really know about violence or killing? Have they ever really been involved in either or are they just macho idiots who think it’s no big deal to harm or kill another human being. These are light thinkers who need to talk to someone who has experienced violence, and have been preparing for it, a large part of their life. So what do I mean by defend? It is just that. Do not allow derogatory remarks without some type of defense. If detractors know that there will be a consequence with every jab, they might think again. At the very least, detractors and anti’s will know they’re not just dealing with meely-mouthed little snowflakes. On August 23, 2021 an Apostle, Elder Jeffery R Holland, gave a devotional at BYU Provo. He spoke about how BYU has changed and how it needs to be. I believe because of some members and non-members, BYU has had this change come about. Because liberal, or extreme left, ideologies have crept into this school, it is no longer what it used to be. BYU doesn’t always uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is in some areas with some professors and students. I believe it should be rooted out, and I believe Elder Holland agrees. This talk was very controversial. Many members (my guess is progmos and other left leaners) had a real problem with it. I believe Elder Holland wants a change at BYU. He defends the gospel tirelessly. Detractors of the gospel already have hit Elder Holland and his “militant” attitudes. John Dehlin, one of my favorite exmos, did one of his shows “Mormon Stories”on this very talk. He called it “Losing control over Mormon LGBTQ support at BYU”. Believe me. If people supported Elder Holland and then heard this talk and no longer support him, I have doubts about the original support. What do people think? That this great apostle is giving new ideas? He signed the Family Proclamation. His views have not changed. Again I commit this challenge to you from Elder Holland in 2014: “Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them.” But in his BYU devotional in August 2021 he spoke of defending as did the builders of the Nauvoo temple “who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other.” He told of this quote coming from Neal A Maxwell. I could not find this in a talk by Elder Maxwell but he is quoted on a BYU website as saying it. I think it’s in reference to Nehemiah 4:17: “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.” Brigham Young uses this in Journal of Discourses: “…the great Prophet Joseph, in the stone quarry, quarrying rock with his own hands; and the few then in the Church, following his example of obedience and diligence wherever most needed; with laborers on the walls, holding the sword in one hand to protect themselves from the mob, while they placed the stone and moved the trowel with the other, (Neh. 4:17) the Kirtland Temple—the second House of the Lord, that we have any published record of on the earth, was so far completed as to be dedicated.” JD Vol2 Num 6, Brigham Young, April 6, 1853 I might update that statement to “Holding an AR15 in one hand, while holding a DeWalt impact drill in the other.” Some may read this article and believe that I am condoning violence. No, I am not. I’m sure some of the name-calling will happen too. I have spent a lot of time in the military and working on military bases and posts, but I don’t consider myself militant. But I have seen real violence up close and personal. I don’t care to see it again. Violence is rarely the answer. But when it is, engage first. This is not defense of this church. I’m not sure, and I hope, I’ll never have to defend this church with physical violence. But I will defend it with all the training, experience, knowledge, and faith that I have. Others should too! Be a thundering voice for the gospel! Be nice, but defend! Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

Disillusioned

I often don’t say a lot of specific things about myself. I try to keep it vague. For the last year I, like you, have watched this country go into an interesting spiral. 2020 will be remembered as a crazy year. I think I became somewhat disillusioned. I may be dealing with a little depression or something but for most of 2020 and into 2021 I have not been interested in sharing much in the way of this blog. I’ve ranted some and complained but haven’t really written anything of substance. I’d like to share a few thoughts here and then ease back into my writing routine. I know I don’t usually talk about personal things here but I am getting on in years. Without going into details I would probably be known as a “boomer”. That gives you an idea of my age. I’m not 25 jumping out of planes and getting into firefights anymore. I never served in the middle-east, although I don’t know how I got out of that! I have the National Defense Service medal. That gives you an idea of when I was in the military. It was not Viet Nam, but I saw a lot of Central America. Because of this service I look at things different from those who did not serve. I’m not better, but just different. I was up close and personal to some friends dying for our country. My thoughts on our flag are pretty passionate and I have little tolerance for disrespect even though that is anyone’s right. I took an oath that has never been rescinded and so I feel pretty “all in” concerning the United States of America. My wife was a military wife and has many of the same feelings as she was willing to sacrifice her husband in defense of this country. So with these strong feelings I come from a perspective that is often not looked upon with favor during times like these. During my short time in combat I learned that I can handle a lot. But being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I am striving to be better. I want to be meek and mild as I’m planning several ways of killing people. I’m not a serial killer and I usually can shrug off most things, but there are times when I get into “close and engage” mode. Getting in my face usually doesn’t end well. I want to be good and I want to be law abiding. So with that long explanation I say that liberal thinking and acting does not bode well with me. Having PTSD also doesn’t usually keep me very politically correct. I often say what I think. I don’t like the left leaning, liberal thinking that is going on in this country. I’m more like Edgar Friendly in the 1993 movie “Demolition Man”: Edgar Friendly “… I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think; I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind of guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder - "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" I WANT high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green jello all over my body reading playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to, okay, pal?” Ok this is extreme, but you get the idea. I’m not saying I can’t accept no, but I have a problem with someone trying to take away my choice, is what I’m saying. I’m concerned about COVID19. Not that I will get the disease, but that it’s being used to control and enslave a nation. I’m not denying that this disease exists, but it’s a pretty fishy deal, don’t you think? This reminds me of a Tom Hanks movie called “Joe Versus the Volcano” Joe (Tom Hanks) is told by a doctor that he has six months to live because of something called a “brain cloud”. This is the line I want to focus on: Joe: So I'm not sick except for this terminal disease? Dr. Ellison: Which has no symptoms. That's right. That’s what we’re being told. You can be sick with this deadly disease but you won’t know it. Then we also have the media and the government playing the fear game. Be very afraid. “Close the schools! Close the businesses! Don’t go anywhere! Stay home!” Then to top it all off they want us to wear masks. No one, the medical field, the science field, or anyone else can agree on masks. They think they may do some good. Then let’s ramrod a vaccine through the usual rigorous process we create vaccines with, and now EVERYONE GET IT! Holy bull crap batman! This is a true joke! They actually want us to buy this! The problem with telling a lie is that you must tell more lies to support the first lie. Somewhere in COVID is a lie. Whether it is the deadliness of the disease, or how communicable it is, or the vaccine, or how many deaths, or how many infected, or several of the above. Now there is a delta variant. And then to top it off, if you do not believe one or more of the aspects of this circus of a disease is true and you try and share your ideas with social media, you get cancelled and banned because you don’t believe everything hook, line, and sinker. In the military that is known as a “cluster” screw. It’s also very unconducive to the American way of freedom. They say “It’s for your own good.” And they say “You have to protect each other.” I even find my church shoving this down my throat. Well, I’m here to say right now, I’ve had enough! I will not comply! My freedoms will not be curtailed by your obvious unintelligent, fear mongering, baloney! You may ask me to mask up, you may ask me to vaccinate, but don’t be surprised if you get an answer that you don’t like to these requests. I’ve worked for the government in one form or another for over 30 years, and I’ve learned you cannot trust them as far as you can throw them. You, or they, can push, but from my past experience, I would not push too hard. That’s my take of this COVID thing. Another thing that is getting under my skin is the gender, LGBTQ activity that is going on in this country. Sexual preference is private. It is something between two adults. That’s how it should remain. I do not agree with lesbianism or homosexuality, but I almost died several times defending people’s right to choose. Don’t shove your sexual preference down my throat! It boggles my mind that there is a flag for a way of life! It’s nonsense! I guess we should have a flag and a parade for those of us who believe in eating only vegetables. When is vegan pride week or the vegan pride parade? I respect people who are good people. Sexual preference is not in the prerequisite. There are jerks of every race, creed, and yes, even sexual preference. People are people. Shoving something in others faces won’t produce anything but animosity. Making special days or events to single out groups usually isolates that group and doesn’t help their cause. And using pronouns? Are you serious? We all do the best we can, but if you’re upset because you look like something other than what you want to be, you should get a life. I’ll call you whatever you want to be called, but if you get your knickers in a bunch because you haven’t made it easy, then you’d better be OK with some making a mistake. I am also disillusioned with what some try to pass off as patriotism in this country. Just because you show respect for our flag or don’t badmouth the USA or don’t “take a knee” doesn’t mean you don’t think there are any problems currently in this country or with its history. I was not alive when slavery was alive in this country. Just as black people now were not prevalent when my ancestors were considered for “extermination” in the state of Missouri. Are all currently living Germans responsible for the mistreatment and death of Jews in the past? No! So don’t try to tell us or make us believe any one race, religion, or any other category you can think of, is in need of special treatment because of the past. It makes no sense! I know that there are some serious racism problems in this country but that doesn’t mean everyone and everything is racist! Stop being stupid with this so we can actually work on the changes that need to happen. Taking down a statue does not do anything. It doesn’t erase the racism in our history nor does it change hearts and minds. It is also my contention that all of us have said or done racist things in our lives. That doesn’t mean we don’t try to change and be better. Problem is, many don’t want to change. As long as there are humans on this earth there will be racism. I don’t understand those that think we can survive without law enforcement. Even the Wild West had law enforcement. They are out of touch with reality if they believe this. Law enforcement is a thankless job that puts them in harm’s way with regularity. Like teachers, law enforcement is under-appreciated. Thank you men and women who work tireless to help those they serve. You should be taken care of and instead of defunding, you all should make more money than you do now. You should be super-funded! One other thing that I’ve talked about before are exmos, and progmos. Ex members and progressive members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The exmos just need to shut up. If you’re not interested and can’t/won’t live Church standards then leave and have a nice life. Leaving the church is not what bothers me, it’s never leaving the church or its members alone that gets me into “lock and load” mode. And then you progressive members are just an interview away from being exmos. You don’t like a lot of things in the church and think you can change it. You can’t! You won’t! This is not a church where we vote in doctrine. But if you think I’m just going to sit back while you try to run my church into the ground then you are gravely mistaken. I will fight you! Not physically, (unless you want to go bro, kidding of course) but in every way I know how. If you are willing to listen to reason and discuss your problems you have with the church then I’d be willing. But if you think you’re going to “save” the church with your progressive ideas then I don’t think you’re going anywhere. Progmos think they have changed things with their protests and their food strikes, when in reality, they’ve had their 15 minutes of fame and that is all. And for those of you who have a cause that goes against church policy or doctrine, then you’d better check yourself and think about what your membership is worth. Are you willing to trade it for your cause? Many have yet they swear their membership means a lot to them. Many years ago I fought next to guys who gave their lives for this country. For you and for me. What have we done to deserve that freedom they died for? Have we strengthened this country and made it a better place to be? Or have we abused that freedom and actually weakened this country? I wish every American would evaluate their lives and ask these questions. I know we won’t always agree on politics but surely we can agree on keeping a strong country. The same goes for members of the church. If we are centered in Christ we can do whatever God would have us do. Instead of contention, we should try to find common ground. As far as Afghanistan is concerned. How can we trust a government who leaves Americans behind? Yet we trust everything we hear from the CDC? Take some advice from someone that same government almost killed twice. Do not trust them! They have showed us time after time that they are not trustworthy! I didn’t mean for this to be a rant so I hope it isn’t. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn

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

Military Grade Gun Laws And Reporting

I was reading the other day. Dangerous, yes, but often I like to live dangerously. I came across several articles pushing for gun regulation. These purveyors of journalistic art are pretty tricky with how they are presenting their agenda. Many find current or ex-military to give their take on military weapons in the hands of civilians. I’m here to tell you that the difference between “military grade” guns and “civilian” guns is very little. There are only so many actions on modern guns. There are pump, lever, bolt, semi-auto, select-fire, and automatic. The last two are regulated already. Shotguns, rifles, machine guns, firearm mufflers and silencers are regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934. The purchase of semi-automatic weapons is legal in most states, as are automatic weapons made before 1986. You must be licensed and adhere to regulations concerning select-fire and automatic guns. (SEE Correction below) The federal government started regulating and keeping records of machine guns back when it passed the National Firearms Act of 1934. That law mandated strict guidelines for manufacturers and put them in place for owners to register their machine guns. Then in 1986, the feds imposed the Firearm Owners Protection Act which expanded on the original law. It also banned possession and transfer of new automatic firearms and parts that fire bullets without stopping once the trigger is pressed. Legal machine guns must be manufactured before May 19, 1986 -- the cutoff date imposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF). Because of their scarcity, legal machine guns are very expensive, still require the original 1934 Machine Gun Tax stamp of $200 and the owner or trader must undergo extensive background checks and also permit the federal government to conduct searches. So, military guns are already heavily regulated.
Currently there are over 300 gun laws in this country (20,000 if you include local laws and laws that are redundant)
A study from the Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy counts only 300 "relevant federal and state laws regarding the manufacture, design, sale, purchase, or possession of guns." The key word is "relevant."
If you can trust the Brookings Institution and their studies.
Even Canada is getting in on the action. May 1 Canada has banned about 1500 different guns. Even their law reads “military grade assault weapons”. I thought laws were legal, professional documents. The words “military grade assault weapons” have no definition. I guess they interpret to “whatever guns we don’t like, even though we know nothing about guns.” And what the heck is “high capacity?” My gas tank takes a high capacity of fuel. How many gallons is that? I’ve never seen such nincompoops writing laws. Throw in some vague, non-words. Or better yet, let’s make up words.
I’m also very tired of the mainstream media with their biased, liberal view of defense and guns finding these ridiculous ex Generals or soldiers who have problems with guns to speak as if they know what they are talking about. CNN did a video of an ex Army General shooting an AR-15 and telling me I don’t need such a weapon. I watched him shoot this gun like I’ve watched many first time shooters in my many years as a gun instructor. CNN says he knows all about the gun he’s shooting where clearly, he does not. Just because he served in the Army for 37 years doesn’t mean much. He probably qualified on an M-16 before the M4 was issued! When he shoots in the video he does not shoulder the gun correctly and the way he aims looks like he’s never held a rifle in his life! But he’s going to tell me all about what I need and don’t need. I was reading an article by a returned infantry soldier who is clearly suffering from PTSD. He talks about being back and reaching for his weapon in his vehicle or when he is startled. He wants nothing to do with an AR. I suffer from PTSD and have no physiological training, but even I can recognize the signs that the guy needs help! Yet because of his traumatic experiences he wants nothing to do with guns. I get it. I’ve got several combat vet friends that want nothing to do with a gun ever again. I have many that are still involved with guns. So I wish the media would stop traipsing inexperienced Generals and PTSD soldiers, and frightened reporters in front of us to try and prove how much we don’t need guns. You look like idiots when you do it and all you really do is put a spotlight on your lack of experience and knowledge about guns.
Let’s look at some guns that have been actually used by the military.
The Browning Hi Power was actually the most commonly issued sidearm going by the sheer number of adopters. Canada, the UK, Belgium and more than 50 other nations selected the Hi Power for their standard issue military pistol.
Even the Smith & Wesson Airweight J-frame revolver was issued in limited numbers, to some pilots in the Vietnam War and beyond.
The Smith & Wesson Model 10, a K-frame .38 Special, was issued to personnel on guard duty in the US armed forces (on a limited basis, but widely enough) from the Second World War all the way into Desert Storm. Additionally, the Model 10 was the service revolver of several dozen countries, even into the late 20th century
The Beretta M9 or the 92FS as you may know it, was the US military’s standard sidearm for over a generation until just recently. It’s also widely owned by millions of civilians and is one of the more popular semi-automatic handguns on the market.
Two of the most popular bolt action rifles in the world have seen extensive military service.
During the Vietnam War, a number of pre-64 Winchester Model 70 rifles were issued to Marine Corps snipers, Carlos Hathcock being a famous example. These rifles had been gone over by the Marine Corps armory, of course, but were still production rifles.
That conflict also saw deployment of the Remington Model 700 bolt action rifle, known by the military as the M24. It’s served in sniper roles from Viet Nam conflict into the Operation Enduring Freedom, albeit with modifications by the US Army and US Marine Corps as those branches saw fit. Both branches are in the process of switching to a new sniper rifle platform, but both are still based, oddly enough, on the 700’s action.
The classic 1911 remains one of the most popular handguns on the civilian market. John Moses Browning’s design saw military duty from 1911 until just a few years ago when the last special operations unit still using the 1911 moved to the Glock 19.
Everything from the Colt pocket hammerless to the Glock 17 has been issued and used by our military in war time. So just like the gun grabbers’ favorite label, “assault rifle,” the term “military grade” doesn’t really mean anything at all since it could technically apply to almost any firearm in civilian use.
The media and politicians revert to using the word “military” as a scare tactic. I understand their position and I could respect it if they would only stop lying! An informed argument would be a nice start. All that has to be done is to talk with a liberal gun expert. The problem that they have is that there are not many of them around. So they resort to petty, pathetic “experts”. Serving in combat or in the military does not make you knowledgeable about guns. Only a few guns. If someone sees combat right now they will have a good knowledge of the M4. But maybe little or possibly no experience in a lever action gun. I have trained many military and law enforcement members that had very limited experience and knowledge of guns. Some of them were downright dangerous even having been taught safety. I was enlisted in the military. I have known many great officers. But I’ve also thrown some officers off my range! Looking for a gun “expert” is still not that hard. Instructors and competitors is a good place to start. Some competitors only know their competition weapons, but many like guns and have a great knowledge of them. I’ve met some instructors that I was not very impressed with, but I can say that they knew guns. Being a General and in the Army for 37 years will not make you a gun expert. Many officers pick up a gun only when they have to qualify.
So please, politicians, I know this is a lot to ask but can you be honest? Can you write laws that have real words in them? Can you stop the ambiguity and be honest about what you want to ban? If you want to ban all guns just say so. Don’t try to come across as someone only interested in one thing when you are actually trying to do something else. At least Francis Beto was clear about what he wanted to do! You can’t be appealing to every American. It’s not possible! Stop using words like “good sense gun laws”. Be specific and clear. Your good sense and mine are different things. I know I’m probably wasting my time but can the media stop being biased? I know you think you’re not but you clearly are. You are supposed to report the news. Not tell me what I should think or worse, come off as an expert and tell me what to believe. I do not believe mainstream media. I’m not concerned with which one you lean toward, they are all hacks. I may see a faint glimmer of journalistic integrity once in a while but usually it’s crap. Usually it has an agenda behind it. Why? What’s wrong with telling me the news or at least giving both sides of an issue. I don’t believe you can do it but I implore you to try.
As a consumer be extremely dubious about everything you hear and see on the news and internet. Find good sources for news. It’s tough so good luck. Hold the media to a high standard. I can hardly stand any of them! But I don’t want them to stop because I believe in the first amendment. I just want them to die. I’m kidding of course, but that is what free speech is all about.
I guess this post is “military grade!”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn


Correction from reader comment

Anonymous said:

"Just to let you know, this sentence is wrong,


'You must be licensed and adhere to regulations concerning select-fire and automatic guns.'

You do not need a license to purchase a Class 3 firearm. If you are a SOT, then you do need to have certain criteria from the government to make machine guns.
However, a person can purchase a full auto firearm, machine gun, by passing a background check and then submitting the requested paperwork. No need for a license." The FFL (Federal Firearms License) must be a SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer)


Thank you. Whoever commented on that is correct, to own a fully automatic weapon requires a tax stamp and a background check. The gun is registered and must be a legal machine gun. (Pre 1986 made guns) You also must not be a prohibited person (felon, drug user, mentally stable, there are other criteria and ways to be prohibited)
If you really want to know all the details about NFA firearms, buying, selling, possessing, see the ATF's website:

www.atf.gov

This is why I say to research your questions and don't rely on one source online. I did not intend to mislead, but I did. Find good sources on the internet!

I Stand Accused! (But I'm Not Very Upset By It)

I’ve been accused! I’ve been tied to several fringe LDS “organizations” because of my politics and my penchant toward violence. Well, let one of them say that to my face, I’ll fillet… wait maybe they’re right.
All of the above was said in jest. Someone or maybe several someones, have put me on the same page as so called “Mormon Militants.” Because of my hero Porter Rockwell (I have some other heroes, my Dad, Bruce R McConkie) and my love of guns I am now a part of #DezNat. I had never heard of Deseret Nation (They say it’s like “Red Sox Nation”) before being accused of being part of them. I’m not much for Twitter so I’m not surprised I didn’t completely understand #Twitterstake, antimo, exmo, or progmo. Now I’m up to speed. Back in June (June 18, 2019) I wrote an article about bringing back Danites. I guess that coupled with some of the other things I mentioned above put me on the fringe of “violent” members of the Church. Let me set a few things straight right here and now.
I am a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I am and have always been an active, recommend holder in the Church.
My calling at the moment is as a representative of the Church in a Presidency form.
My “violent” state is from my years in the military and from combat.
I do not think that violence should be our first, second, or third choice. But only in defense.
Because of my military experience I have a dark sense of humor that I try to keep in check.
I do not believe in breaking the law or Church policy. (Though on occasion I think I’ve broken both)
I do not belong to a militia.
I feel that doing evil in secret, including violence, is tantamount to a secret combination.
I sustain our Prophet and the Brethren as God’s mouthpiece.
I have strong personal feelings about homosexual and like behavior that I deem my private opinion. But I do not agree with ostracizing anyone and there is a place for everyone in this Church. Although, I do not believe doctrine should be, or will be, changed to make someone feel better.
I do believe that many ex-members of this Church are bent on destroying it. I am a defender of it!
I am too “in your face” and “close and engage” and am trying to keep that in check.
I am also not so dedicated to the internet that I would trade my blog for my membership. If I get out of hand and am asked to stop, I will. I am not a Kate Kelly or a Sam Young.
I am devoted to my family. God, Family, Country, in that order.
I suffer from PTSD but am dealing with it. It has never controlled me and it does not define me.
I took an oath to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I take that oath seriously.
I do not belong to a political party though I know I am Conservative.
I do not trust my government (I have been part of what I see them capable of) or the media (they lie, lie, lie!) But I have been in enough other countries to know that our government, while imperfect, is the best thing out there.
I also believe that happiness is zero at fifty.
Here is an explanation of the #DezNat hashtag by its creator. I tend to believe him.
This from teancumsjavelin.com
“ By J.P. Bellum 1 year ago
A user guide for the Faithful Latter-day Saint wading through Twitter and the purpose of #DezNat

Upon logging onto Twitter for the first time a faithful member of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ is faced with a world of decisions. You have almost direct access to anyone in the world provided they also have a Twitter account. You might follow some of your favorite sports teams, your favorite actors, maybe some political leaders you side with, and of course, you’d follow the official Twitter account of Russell M. Nelson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then as you begin on this journey through social media you notice hashtags that fellow saints use to make their thoughts and opinions more accessible.
Twitter’s algorithm accounts for the tweets you “like” and retweet and begins to make suggestions for new people you could follow. You like being part of a worldwide community of Saints, so you follow them. But then you notice something: not all of the voices you hear online in the church are saying the same thing. Some are disagreeing, and even worse, some are attacking the church and its leaders. Politics has been infused with the religious and devotional conversation on Latter-day Saint Twitter. People are taking stances against the doctrine and the Brethren leading the church, and murmuring is creeping in everywhere. You think to yourself, “Is this what everyone else thinks? Am I alone in my devotion to the principles of the gospel? Why are those most vocal against the Church getting the most likes and retweets?” You are then faced with a choice: you either adjust your testimony to fit in with the great and spacious criticism of the church online or you give up on that part of social media forever as lost to the Enemy. To the faithful still on Twitter, you were the reinforcements that never arrived

#DezNat
I was at that very crossroads in August of 2018. Something had to be done or I had to leave Twitter. As is usually the case sometimes we have to look backward to go forward. Deseret was the answer. When the Saints fled Nauvoo and eventually found their way to the Salt Lake Valley, they established a government and political boundary. They called it Deseret and used the beehive as its symbol. Their bid to become a state was rejected multiple times and the name Utah was given to them. Deseret was what could have been if the federal government had left the church, lead by Brigham Young, to rule themselves. It was to be a safe haven for members of the church and fellow believers in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. All were welcome as long as they recognized God’s authority and were willing to work together to build the Kingdom of God. This was my inspiration to start a new hashtag that would be welcoming to all who were willing to build the kingdom and defend the church and its leaders online.
Before Twitter expanded the length of its tweets to 240 characters, hashtags had to be compact and succinct. Deseret Nation was shortened to “Dez,” as we all pronounce the “s” in Deseret as a “z,” and “Nat” for Nation. I was proud of my own pioneer heritage and wanted to honor them building a civilization in a difficult part of the national geography just as those who use the tag today are building an online community in a very hostile environment.
So, in August 2018, I began simply by sharing quotes, scriptures, pictures, and opinions supportive of the church, its leaders, and the Family Proclamation. It started slow, but as more and more noticed that I was supportive of the church and not backing down from defending it, #DezNat started to catch on and I noticed not only by other faithful members but by some of the Church’s largest detractors
Bowie Knives
A major part of #DezNat is being unapologetic about supporting the church and following the prophets. This means supporting and sustaining even past prophets who may not be seen as politically correct looking through our modern lenses, most notably applying to Brigham Young. Much has been written and said about Brother Brigham to discredit him, and thereby, the Church. #DezNat would stand firm on supporting him and all of Joseph Smith’s successors in this dispensation. One particularly famous speech Brigham Young gave involved him reportedly unsheathing a large Bowie knife and placing it on the pulpit, theatrically threatening all apostates who were harassing the church and its members to leave the territory or be driven out. This story is often used by church opponents to show how Brigham Young was “a terrible man bent on violently enforcing his dictatorial power in his oppressive theocratic regime.” Some users of the hashtag, including me, used this story in memes and jokes in order to show how absurd the church’s detractors were and how unafraid we were to embrace our history, even the ugly parts. The Bowie knife became a symbol of #DezNat. Those harassing the church and its members on Twitter would not be met with weakness and apologies. Memes have become a common language on a platform where words are limited, so this has been a tactic employed to quickly and boldly state our positions. Not all memes are funny and not all memes are to be taken seriously
ProgMos
One of the biggest opponents to the new hashtag are those who have self-identified as “Progressive Mormons” (ProgMo for Twitter utility). These are individuals who seem to have placed a greater emphasis on changing the church to fit their political ideology rather than framing their politics according to their religious beliefs. These are individuals who think The Family: A Proclamation to the World is a hateful and harmful document. ProgMos preach that the Church is racist, sexist, and homophobic and should “get on the right side of history.” ProgMos want the worthiness standards for temple attendance relaxed and desire the doctrine be shifted to allow for abortion. They often claim to have received revelation contrary to what the church currently teaches in order to justify their doctrinal heresies.
Seeing all this as a believing Latter-day Saint and Twitter user is shocking and disheartening, doubly so when it’s done by popular blogs and local lay church leaders looking for a larger “flock” on Twitter. Rather than building each other up and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed to us through His prophets they are tearing down the Church and creating one in their own permissive political image.
Following the Prophet
#DezNat may not be to everyone’s taste. Those who use the hashtag can be combative, rude, crass, aggressive, even mean. However, one thing you will never have to worry about with #DezNat is that when the prophet speaks, we listen, and when he directs, we obey. We’ve been called Danites (this topic deserves its own blog post) and worse, but the truth of the matter is if we were asked to cease, we would do so immediately. There are many ways to use the tag. I still post quotes and scriptures that have fortified my faith and strengthened my testimony and I invite all who want to use the tag to support the Church and the Brethren to use it to share their faith on Twitter and elsewhere.
More than anything, #DezNat is a banner waving in the midst of a battle. The battlefield is Twitter and beyond and #DezNat was created for the purpose of being a rallying point and a symbol to the faithful and unapologetic and for those who are firm in the faith and are still out there fighting for what we believe to be right.
tl;dr
#DezNat is not a movement, it is not political (especially not alt-right), racial, national, or sexual. It is simply a hashtag used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are unapologetic about their belief in the restored Gospel, Christ as our Savior, Joseph Smith as the prophet of the Restoration, and Russell M Nelson as God’s current prophet, seer, and revelator on the earth today.
• We do not agitate for change within the Church but anxiously seek to submit our wills to that of the Lord — as revealed through His proper channels and authorities.
• We believe in and support The Family: A Proclamation to the World and recognize the family as the foundation of both earthly and celestial civilization.
• We are not limited by a one-dimensional, overly simplistic view of a Christ who teaches that only unconditional acceptance is true love. We know that Christ was both the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the “meek and lowly lamb” of the New. When He returns, we will see and know Him in all His power and glory.
• Those who use the hashtag will and do vary in our personalities, countries of origin, views of the world, family situations, goals, and ambitions — and we all gladly place any other desire or belief at the feet of the Lord.
While the questions, conditions, and problems of the world may be myriad, our response is simple — we follow the prophet.
Supplemental Reading:
• “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” -Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, April 2015.
• “A Defense and a Refuge” -President Boyd K. Packer, October 2006.
• “Yes, We Can and Will Win!” -Elder Ulisses Soares, April 2015
• “Where Do We Stand?” -Elder Mark E. Peterson, April 1980
JP Bellum is the founder of the #DezNat hashtag and is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can follow him on Twitter @jpbellum.”

Some of what I have said above is echoed in JP Bellum’s explanation of what #DezNat is. So I guess I can see why I have been equated with the hashtag. Although I agree with some of this I am not affiliated with this hashtag or anything like unto it. I am also not a militant Mormon. Sometimes my aggressive attitude might be considered militant at times, but really, I’m a marshmallow with a 9mm. Label me what you will. I may seem aggressive but it’s nothing more than poking the bear. I won’t attack unless provoked. I believe in a strong defense. Then again, I also believe that the world and life is cruel and you can wring your hands in “wo is me” or you can “suck it up cupcake!” I prefer the latter. I also think that we can be kind but not a push over. Being firm is often mistaken for militant by people who have a hard time with hard things. Safe places are for those that get hurt at every turn. We create our own safe places. I call them “green zones”.
Maybe some movements, organizations, or hashtags may seem to agree with my politics or ideology, but I only belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am a citizen of this great country. I am a husband, a father, a grand-father, a father-in-law, a son, a veteran, and a priesthood holder. I do my best to live as a follower of Christ though I know I fall short.
I hope this post may explain some of my beliefs and a little of who I am. I guess I felt threatened or something. When things go down I don’t want to be remembered as someone who is on the fringe of the Church but smack dab in the middle of it!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Nationalism and Patriotism

I’ve been accused of many things. Usually I don’t care because I have an attitude problem. Usually I don’t care about my attitude problem being a problem for someone else. I’ve lived in a few places. One place that I identify with is the state of Texas. I like the pride that Texans have of their independence and the perceived arrogance of being a Texan. Some people have a problem with that. That is a problem they must “struggle” with. Because of my attitude problem I don’t care about others problems that they can fix with an attitude adjustment. My family has a saying that actually came from my son-in-laws family. It is “Suck it up, cupcake!” And so I usually dole out this advice as a product of my attitude.
Why do liberals have such a problem with those who love their country? I call it patriotism and they call it nationalism and ultimately racism (sometimes I think liberals think EVERYTHING is racism!). I’ve tried to explain that I don’t think I’m a racist. I have lived and now live among those not of my race. I am actually the minority. I accept that and have actually embraced many cultural and linguistic differences that I’ve known for years. But because I feel that the interests of the United States should come first in this country I am labeled a “nationalist” and “xenophobic”. I really don’t think it’s a bad thing to care about my country and its interests. I know that it is unrealistic to think that the U.S. is not affected by other countries or that we don’t affect other countries. I have no problem with other countries. I think the citizens of other countries should feel about their country the way I feel about mine. I was raised to have national pride and a love for my country. My father served during WWII and my Grandfather served in WWI. I have fought aggressors while wearing the flag of the U.S. I’ve watched my brothers die for this country. That changes you a little. So when I push a nationalist agenda I am doing so without malice for other races and other countries. I am also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church is global. There are more members outside the U.S. than in the U.S. So I can understand my Church being more world-wide than I am. Also the gospel of Jesus Christ includes everyone in the world. God is not interested in borders. This too I understand. But I am different from the extreme right. I don’t think this country would be as great as it is without immigrants and the melting pot of race that is here. So, liberals and other small children, not everyone that doesn’t agree with you is racist. Some of us have given our blood for this country. We have a close bond with this country and its symbols. We can live with you and your views but I’m not sure you can live with us. So, call us what you may, and we will try to explain. You may, or may not care about my explanation. That is OK. The only thing I ask is that you not get in my face with your views and opinion. I can listen to them, and respect you for your opinion, but if you try to shove it down my throat I will not warm to the idea. When someone is aggressive with me I seem to double down and close and engage. It’s in my nature and my training and comes from past experiences. If you don’t care about my “feelings” then that’s OK too. Just know what you may get if you get in my face. I have tried to control myself over the years.
I don’t completely understand why Nationalism is a bad thing? Some think that nationalists feel that nothing would come before the interests of our country. I don’t think that precludes a country from being charitable, and helping other countries that need help. We do not think that laws should be broken to do this. But to survive as a country we need to strive to take care of ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we don’t trade with other countries either. But sanctions and tariffs might be something needed to influence countries to try and do right things. We are Americans first, members of the world second.
Nationalism has been used to equal white supremacy and it just is not so. I tell you one thing that gets under my skin is skinheads that use certain symbols and then all of a sudden anyone who uses that symbol is a supremacist. The Confederate flag for instance. All of sudden it means racism. In reality the civil war was not a war of slavery, but an economic war. Some people on the left have an idea that anything that reminds us of a civil war is racist. I think they would like to change history. I wish they would just leave history alone. If I found I was related to a horse thief (which I probably am) then I don’t think ignoring the fact or hoping no one will notice would change the fact.
While the words patriotism and nationalism were once considered synonyms, they have taken on different connotations. While both are the feelings of love people feel for their country, the values upon which those feelings are based are very different.
Feelings of patriotism are based on the positive values the country embraces like freedom, justice, and equality. The patriot believes that both the system of government and the people of their country are inherently good and work together for a better quality of life.
In contrast, feelings of nationalism are based on a belief that one’s country is superior to all others. It also carries a connotation of distrust or disapproval of other countries, leading to the assumption that other countries are rivals. I do not believe that nationalism means being better than anyone else. I think sometimes people read into words things that are just not there. Liberals tend to do this a lot. That’s why it seems like everything offends them.
I believe that we should have our country in our best interests. But then again, I think other countries should do the same. No country should treat another country bad. If we believe that we are truly a good country then we should show it by being kind and benevolent to the world. At times that has got us into trouble. I think we have honestly tried to fight communism and tyrants in the past but sometimes that does not work as it should.
I think it’s amazing to think that a country exists that believes it’s important to safeguard individuals rights even for those intent on destroying that same country. It matters not if you are left or right, Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian, your rights are important.
I’m not sure of the difference between a nationalist and a patriot. But I am in favor of the United States taking care of itself. I’m not naïve and know that helping other countries, trading with other countries, and sometimes protecting other countries is the best for our own country. We should be the champions of freedom through-out this entire world.
I think labeling is not generally a good thing. I often label people liberal or left. I don’t think giving your opinion about the way someone behaves is necessarily labeling. Maybe some whining, leftist, commie, snowflake, would prefer my “in your face” labeling, if that is true then me and my attitude would probably oblige.
Can’t we all just get along?

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Gun Registration in The U.S.

I get this question from many different people. Do I have to register my gun?
Let me try to set the record straight. Hollywood and the left mainstream media have been somewhat successful in their propaganda war against the 2nd amendment. At least in the area of registration. Most people think that guns must be registered. Even those who have bought a gun think that filling out an ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, is registering their gun. There is no national database or system or registry that ties gun owners to their firearms. The background check is not even in a system for more than 24 hours. In 1986 the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act makes it illegal for the national government or any state in the country to keep any sort of database or registry that ties firearms directly to their owner. The exact wording of the provision is as follows:
“No such rule or regulation prescribed [by the Attorney General] after the date of the enactment of the Firearms Owners Protection Act may require that records required to be maintained under this chapter or any portion of the contents of such records, be recorded at or transferred to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or any political subdivision thereof, nor that any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions or disposition be established. Nothing in this section expands or restricts the Secretary's authority to inquire into the disposition of any firearm in the course of a criminal investigation.”
A few things here you should understand. First notice the use of the word “after” in the first sentence. That means that any law that existed prior to the passing of FOPA, that required guns be registered, can still exist and be legally enforced.
FOPA revised many of the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Remember that just because something is illegal doesn’t mean it isn’t being done. New York for example. It’s interesting to me that those that are for “sensible” gun laws, decide to ignore a federal law. They are for federal gun bans, but FOPA they ignore.
The NYPD has a record of the manufacturer, model, serial number and caliber of every firearm (handgun and long arms too) in NY. You need to have a registration certificate for every long arm in addition to needing a “Permit to Possess Rifles or Shotguns In New York City” (which are limited to 5 rounds among other restrictions). Other municipalities also have a track record of ignoring the Federal Firearm Owner's Protection Act.
Local Jurisdictions that Register Guns:
States that Require Registration of All Firearms
1. District of Columbia
2. Hawaii
States that Require Registration of Handguns
New York
States that Require New Residents to Report Their Firearms
1. California
2. Maryland (handguns and “assault weapons”)
States that Require Registration of Pre-Ban “Assault Weapons” and/or 50 Caliber Rifles
1. California
2. Connecticut
3. Hawaii
4. Maryland
5. New Jersey
6. New York
Despite FOPA There Are Some Limited Government Gun Databases
In addition to the local authorities who may disregard the local law we also know that the ATF keeps at least 5 databases of specific firearms and their owners to include:
1. Multiple Sale Reports. Over 460,000 (as of 2003) Multiple Sales reports (ATF F 3310.4 – a registration record with specific firearms and owner name and address – increasing by about 140,000 per year). Reported as 4.2 million records in 2010.
2. Suspect Guns. All guns suspected of being used for criminal purposes but not recovered by law enforcement. This database includes (ATF's own examples), individuals purchasing large quantities of firearms, and dealers with improper record keeping. May include guns observed by law enforcement in an estate, or at a gun show, or elsewhere. Reported as 34,807 in 2010.
3. Traced Guns. Over 4 million detail records from all traces since inception. This is a registration record which includes the personal information of the first retail purchaser, along with the identity of the selling dealer.
4. Out of Business Records. Data is manually collected from paper Out-of-Business records (or input from computer records) and entered into the trace system by ATF. These are registration records which include name and address, make, model, serial and caliber of the firearm(s), as well as data from the 4473 form – in digital or image format. In March, 2010, ATF reported receiving several hundred million records since 1968.
5. Theft Guns. Firearms reported as stolen to ATF. Contained 330,000 records in 2010. Contains only thefts from licensed dealers and interstate carriers (optional). Does not have an interface to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) theft data base, where the majority of stolen, lost and missing firearms are reported.
Gun registration DOES NOT STOP CRIMINALS! How could it? Even if law enforcement know who owns a gun used in a crime, that does not convict anyone! It does, however, burden a law enforcement agency. All registration does is track the innocent. Criminals are not going to participate.
Making it easy for our government to identify what they perceive as a threat, and ignoring Constitutional, God given rights, is always pursued in the name of law enforcement. Please don’t misunderstand my attitude toward law enforcement. I think they are the best in the world! I’ve trained, and trained with, many of these fine men and women. I applaud their tireless efforts to keep Americans safe and secure. But they do work for the people. The people’s rights should not be ignored in the name of making law enforcements jobs easier. I want law enforcement to succeed. But not at the expense of my rights. Why is anyone so trusting of government? I agree that our governments are not perfect, but I’ve never seen a better one. But the people should ALWAYS have power over government, not vice versa. A good example of government gone crazy is the case of the FBI trying to force Apple to open the phone of a terrorist. What kind of police work is that? It’s not the responsibility of the people, or Corporations, to do the FBI’s work! Then, after taking Apple to court, they did what they should have done all along, hired someone to hack into the phone. Instead they took Apple to court and tried to force an American citizen to do their work! What kind of lazy police work is that? This is what I think of gun registration. I’m not really worried that my government is going to storm into my house demanding guns, but I do know that if they don’t know who has guns it would make it much more difficult. I should be difficult. That’s why the 2nd amendment is there. So that the people have power over the government.
Regardless of those governments that think they rule over the people (yea I’m talking to YOU Hawaii and Washington D.C.) there is no gun registration in the United States.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Being Offended Is Offensive

Excuse the rant...

In the 1980’s there was a comic strip that was my favorite. It was Bloom County by Berkley Breathead. I love his humor with a political edge.
The star of the comic is Opus, a penguin. He is sitting at a bus stop with several people. One of them says to him, “Ya know…you penguin types offend me.” Then another guy reading a newspaper says, “Hey…I’ll tell ya what offends me…dirty words, that’s what.” The next panels have others telling each other what offends them. Then they all say at once, “My gosh…LIFE is offensive!!” and all run off screaming. The last panel has Opus looking at you and saying, “Offensensitivity.” This is a humorous way of saying all of us can be overly sensitive and offended. One of my favorite quotes applies to offensensitivity. It’s from Eleanor Roosevelt and she said, “No one can offend you without your permission.”
In a time where free speech is being silenced I think we need to follow the counsel of former President George H.W. Bush, in his 1989 inaugural address, said:
“We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the Nation and gentler the face of the world.”
What is that you say Burn? Are you turning into a sissy? No. I’m still pretty “Close and engage” minded. But I do feel there is a time and a place for everything. We should be kinder and gentler toward our fellowman. Most Americans will pitch in and help and are pretty good people. It’s the reprobates that make it seem that there is no good out there.
But by the same token, we should all have much thicker skins. No one “makes” you mad. You choose to get mad. We choose how we feel. Others can do a lot to trigger some of these emotions, but it’s in our control. I don’t understand what happened to the old rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? Since when did names or insinuations or out and out lies told to us or about us really change us into what we are not? I don’t want my reputation or trust lost, but these days you can’t just live your life. When you get right down to it, we all judge wrong. We all misunderstand other cultures and races. We all get frustrated with the way others think. I’ve never met another human being who didn’t at least have one of these shortcomings. In my belief, only Christ was the perfect being on this earth. The rest of us should be trying. But in the process, patience and tolerance should be our watch word.
I have a real hard time with liberals. I can’t understand how they think and usually feel their actions are asinine. But, I still feel they have a voice and should have a voice. We either have free speech or we don’t. We don’t have freedom of speech only if we agree with what is being said. There are some cases where speech may incite a riot and maybe that is still free to do, but you may have to live with consequences of that speech. Hate speech is similar if that speech tells others to do something wrong and they do it. That doesn’t stop you from using the speech, it just means that consequences may follow. I don’t like pornography. I think it causes a lot of problems for people in many ways. I think it is evil and it should be limited in where it can be displayed and sold, but we have that freedom in this country. I’m not advocating porn but I am advocating freedom of speech.
In this country these days we have a nation of whiny babies. Every one of us has a complaint about something. I’m not saying we should not participate in the debate process but in a civilized, adult manner. What the heck do we need “safe” places for? Should we shield our children from every little mean or bad thing? Bullying is not a new thing. I have red hair and I grew up being taunted because of it. I have great parents who told me that by not reacting to name calling, or laughing along with it, I could disarm the attacker. Most of the time it worked. For the times that I need to defend myself, they taught me to do that also. But they taught me to be very sure before I did anything.
I’m not sure how being “left” or even “liberal” made adults bring up kids that can’t seem to handle anything. I don’t know if it was the “free love” generation or the “activist, anarchist” mentality, but there seems to be an overabundance of wimps out there. I agree that racist words are not “kinder and gentler”. But they are just words. I’m tired of people getting their knickers in a bunch about words. Yes sometimes words hurt, but the alternative is some crazy newspeak stuff that tries to control people’s minds, and I don’t think it can be done. Nazi Germany couldn’t do it, Socialism doesn’t do it. There is an old German song that no one is really sure who the author is called: "Die Gedanken sind frei" which is basically “My thoughts are free.” I think that is a basic right thought of throughout the world as God-given.
Some people and groups have being offended down to an art. They are offended by words, actions, signs, music, books, newspapers and magazines, the internet, and just about everything you can think of. No group, person, or organization hasn’t been hurt by one of the above. We’ve all experienced it. Will it ever stop? No! Not as long as there are human beings on this earth. I’m not saying we should not try, but I’m tired. Black people have an issue. Women have an issue. Native Americans have an issue. Jews have an issue. I believe this is true of all these groups and more. I’m a Mormon. Were Mormons run out of Missouri with an “extermination order” given by Missouri’s governor? Yes! It is a fact. So now should I be offended with every disparaging remark about my religion and cry “Anti-Mormon” when someone disagrees with our doctrine? I guess I could, but I prefer to look upon haters with pity and to get on with my life. I’m not saying there is nothing to bring out as a problem, like those who claim the Holocaust never happened. But I know that the past was horrible for many. Some of my ancestors were driven from Illinois. No one has ever given me money for that injustice. Nor should they. This kind of discontent breeds division in this country. And then, some get offended that you tell them they shouldn’t be offended!
Everyone of us has offended and been offended. Mostly it can be avoided. Strive to teach your children that life can be offensive, but they don’t have to be offended. Do not accept injustice, but be picky about what you choose to fight for. Make sure it is worthy of your time and energy and not someone’s whiny pet peeve.
Do you remember the Seinfeld episode called “The Outing”? In this episode George and Jerry are mistakenly viewed as being gay. As they discuss this they deny it by saying, “We’re not Gay! …not that there’s anything wrong with that…”
Well this is a typical person trying not to be offensive. They are being politically correct.
I think that it’s not a horrible thing to not want to be offensive. We all should be more kind. But sometimes that can be to the extreme …not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn