1776PatriotUSA.com

Category: Current Events

  • A second Civil War or American Revolution?

    A second Civil War or American Revolution?

    It is interesting as I travel through my everyday life and talk to acquaintances or meet with vendors as part of my job the things people say. These folks do not know my political leanings nor my concern for troubled times ahead. These are just regular people that they themselves voice concern about the future. More than once I have heard things such as:

    “Something is coming. I don’t know what but something is coming.”

    “It is about time that people stand up and take back our country. It’s just a matter of time.”

    “There’s going to be another Civil War and this time the South will win!”

    From the last one you can tell I live in the South.

    These feelings are widespread among many and I feel them too. The division in this country is significant. This division has divided the American populace when it comes to religion, race, abortion, economics, and social concepts. The country is even divided on which bathroom someone is to use. It’s crazy.

    I can’t predict the future no matter how hard I try. For arguments sake let’s say things don’t get better they in fact get much, much worse. I know – it’s a stretch. Will we experience some form of Civil War, a second American Revolution – or something else?

     

    Civil War

    Generally a civil war is between two or more groups within a country or a region fighting to gain control or create change.  Governmental forces are usually involved and to what extent can vary. Looking at the United States why would a civil war be fought? A civil war could be fought over race, political strife and beliefs, removal of entitlements, social classes, economic division, and of course religion.

    The United States as of this writing is extremely divided politically with much of the country sitting on opposite ends of the opinion spectrum on many issues. Many believe a civil war could occur between Patriots and “Tea-baggers” on one side and Socialist Progressives on the other. Others believe a race war of sorts may break out and drag in other groups into the conflict.

     

    Second American Revolution

    A revolution usually involves the overthrow of a government by a segment of the country’s population.

    I most often see references to a Second American Revolution in regards to an overbearing government which is continuing to restrict freedoms and admonish the Constitution. The foundational beliefs concerning the Federal government and its tyrannical grip on its citizen run so deep that talk of state succession is not uncommon and widely supported.

    The 2nd Amendment is often the subject that brings talk of revolution when Progressive gun control advocates call for government intervention.

     

    Checking out a few forum threads over at SurvivalistBoards I came across the following entries on the matter:

    “I don’t really see any armed resistance. I view AmeriKa now much like the movie Idiocracy. We are gradually and steadily being converted into non-thinking, dumbed down, complicit, politically correct zombies that will “tolerate” mediocrity, incompetence and even injustice. When people don’t have the brains to evaluate and vote for good candidates, why would you expect them to rebel against completely incompetent ones.”

     

    “There won’t be any revolution or civil war per say. There will be just a steady downhill spiral into a police state that enforces the policies of the ruling party. Pretty much what we have going on right now, only getting worse by the year..”

     

    “Every country, dynasty and empire has failed in history and been replaced by another.”

    “It is nearing the time where we will all have a choice to make, and I for one am getting a little sick of just being an armchair commando and bitching about everything. I’m not inviting insurrection here, I just don’t know what the hell to do other than wait for our government to kill itself.”

    “Maybe here sooner than we thought now.”

    “If there were to be a legitimate armed revolution, the leaders of such a revolution will be folks who were initially leaders in the military and LE. Think about how many leaders of the American Revolution served and/or fought for the crown before they became disillusioned with it.”

    “As some have stated, it won’t happen as long as people are fed and they have things to lose.”

    “I’m still of the belief that one or more states will vote to secede first. How the federal government reacts to that will determine whether or not a civil war takes place.”

     

    Opinions are all over the place and generally saying that civil war/revolution is possible however it is years away.

    I tend to agree with the quote above stating that as long as people have food to eat and stuff to lose things won’t change much although history may paint a different picture. Less than 10% of the population fought in the civil war suggesting a small population can insight war/revolution. How about the American Revolution against Great Britain? 3 percent.

    American Reformation: Likely a combination of civil war and revolution is the American Reformation. If you have read the book series 299 Days I envision something similar. The Reformation would include aspects of civil war with infighting between segments of civilians as well as groups included in an anti-government Patriot movement. A slow steady decline in economic freedoms and viability with a steady rise in governmental intrusion and division in the country. Sound familiar?

    Thoughts?

    Rourke

     

  • From the Desk of John Rourke…..

    From the Desk of John Rourke…..

    No more “From the Front Lines….” I decided to go back to the old title of “From the Desk of…”

     

    Looking at some website statistics it looks like only a few people have visited the PROJECTS section since I announced its creation. I’m going to maintain it however I’m going to publish those completed projects as articles as well just to get them out there.

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    I swear I can smell Fall in the air. Maybe it’s the local waste treatment plant not sure but I am looking forward to the cooler weather. Some property project are suffering as I have been enjoying air conditioning too much. I need to jump on my gardening improvements pronto.

    bright-autumn-road-popular-trees

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    Being involved with a few forums and a declining number of Facebook groups(I am about done with social media) here is my answer to the 9mm vs. 40S&W vs. 45ACP question: Get one.

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    Recently watched a video where a #blacklivesmatter protester stepped out on a busy road and got hit by a car. A horrific event that was totally preventable. It’s also an example of something called accountability. I feel bad for the driver. Incredibly the protesters who had been hating on law enforcement suddenly found themselves screaming for their help.

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    The email service I have been using to notify subscribers of new posts has been deactivated. Those who recently signed up via my new service will now receive only one announcement.

    If you have not signed up yet you can do so below:

    [jetpack_subscription_form]

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    Hope everyone has a great weekend. Be safe!

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Madame President Clinton’s Coming War on the Blogosphere, and Your Countermeasures

    Madame President Clinton’s Coming War on the Blogosphere, and Your Countermeasures

    Rourke: The following is reprinted with permission via SurvivalBlog.com. The original post can be seen HERE.

     

    Now that Hillary (“Hitlery”) Rodham Clinton (HRC) has received the Democratic Party nomination for president, there is a strong likelihood that she will win the election in November and then be enthroned as president in January of 2017. I predict that she will waste no time in launching an onslaught of punitive new policies via executive orders, presidential memoranda, and policy directives promulgated through her cabinet and Federal agencies to eviscerate our Constitutional rights (most notably the 1st and 2nd Amendments). A key goal this campaign will be silencing dissent in the alternative press and the American blogosphere. Given HRC’s history in government “service”, her outlook on life, her socialist agenda, and her vindictiveness, I anticipate that any or all of the following measures will be undertaken by the HRC Administration:

    • The Department of Justice (DOJ) will be used to selectively prosecute dissenters for “hate speech”. For instance, simply objecting to illegal immigration or state sponsored relocation of Muslims will be called “evidence of hate.” They will also declare blogs, news sites, and podcasts to be “public accommodations” and hence saddle them with a long list of new restrictions that would effectively muzzle them from making any comments opposed to HRC’s agenda and “protected” classes. Even the use of “trigger words” could be restricted.
    • The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) will be used to target dissenters who make any comments about any corporations, mutual funds, or banks, for “operating as unregistered investment advisors”.
    • The Federal Election Commission (FEC) will be used to target Libertarians and other dissenters for “unlawful campaigning”.
    • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will use their newly-assumed powers over the Internet to enforce a new radicalized version of the moribund Fairness Doctrine upon bloggers, vloggers (video bloggers), podcasters, as well as newspapermen, magazine writers, and talk radio hosts. Under this new and improved fairness policy, any media outlet that is deemed a public accommodation will be forced to free of charge provide equal space to assorted perverts, leftists, and Social Justice Warriors. Failure to do so will open up these news outlets to both criminal prosecution and costly civil lawsuits.
    • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be used to selectively audit tax filings, levy bank accounts, garnish wages, and refer criminal prosecution of anyone who voices dissent of HRC’s statist/collectivist agenda. Lois Lerner’s group was just the precursor!
    • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be used to target dissenters who own property with seasonal puddles that could be deemed “wetlands” or creeks that could be arbitrarily declared “navigable waters”.
    • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will be used to target dissenters living within 50 miles of the Mexican or Canadian borders for harassment and intimidation, searching their homes without warrants.
    • The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and associated Tribal Police will be used to target dissenters living within 100 miles of any Tribal Reservation for harassment and intimidation.
    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will crack down on any bloggers who make posts that might be construed as a product review or product endorsement.
    • The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) will be used to limit the travel of anyone deemed by HRC’s cronies to be an Enemy of the State (through expansion of the No Fly List, Terror Watch List, and Selectee List).
    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will crack down on producers of raw milk and nutritional supplements (and also on the bloggers who promote them).
    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will prosecute anyone operating unlicensed drones weighing more than just a few ounces.
    • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will use both its own agents and paid (or coerced) surrogate agent provocateurs to infiltrate militias, patriot groups, and secessionist organizations. There, they will foment schemes that can be prosecuted under loosely-worded Federal conspiracy laws. (This is precisely what was done with the Bundy Ranch and Malheur Wildlife Refuge protestors.)
    • Working in conjunction with the FCC, the U.S. Coast Guard will board any ship within Territorial Waters that they suspect of operating an unlicensed transmitter.

    I can see all of this coming, and I refuse to be muzzled. I aim to misbehave. If need be, I will relocate so that I can still blog freely. In anticipation of HRC’s possible upcoming coronation, here are some possible countermeasures for my fellow bloggers to seriously consider:

    1. Contract for the use of an offshore server in a country that has minimal influence from the United States government, and move your web pages there.
    2. Get set up for encrypted e-mail. (The free GPG software installed on your local PC works quite well. And for those who are less tech savvy, the paid Unseen.is service in Iceland works fine.)
    3. Post provisos on your web site that are similar to my own. (Most importantly, these provisos must declare that you do not operate a “public accommodation.”)
    4. Buy an Iridium satellite telephone and a set of Iridium international power adapters. (Unlike cell phones or other sat phones, calls made from Iridium constellation phones can be traced only to a particular oval satellite “footprint” that measures hundreds of miles across.)
    5. Buy several inexpensive prepaid “burner” cell phones. Pay greenback cash for these phones, and use an assumed name when you eventually activate them.
    6. Buy a nondescript camping trailer or RV and quietly (via face-to-face contacts only) develop a “hospitality list” of like-minded families who own parcels of land that you can bounce between, in the event that you need to take refuge.
    7. Buy a spare laptop computer (preferably one that is ultra-reliable, such as a Panasonic Toughbook), a 12 VDC car adapter, and a set of international power adapters.
    8. Buy a USB external long range Yagi wireless antenna to use with your laptops. (The standoff distance that these provide will make it harder to pinpoint your location when using a public wi-fi hotspot.)
    9. Buy a batch of at least 40 inexpensive 2 GB USB memory sticks that you can use to physically mail (or courier) digital content, to keep your locale secret.
    10. Make sure that your passport is updated.
    11. Do some research to develop a short list of countries where you would consider relocating. Ideally, a country should have respect for the freedom of speech, minimal taxation, minimal influence from the United States government, and NO rendition (extradition) treaty with the United States.
    12. Establish an offshore bank account.
    13. Beyond just offshore residency, if you can afford it, then buy a second passport. (Typically, this is done with a “Citizenship Through Investment” program.)
    14. Via encrypted e-mail, develop contacts with foreign bloggers, and get their tentative agreement to post your ghost-written articles, if circumstances change.
    15. Pray hard.

    I don’t mean for the foregoing to sound alarmist. Consider me a realist. – JWR

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  • Scenario: The Future of Gun Control

    Scenario: The Future of Gun Control

    by John Gault

    This may break some hearts but as preppers we are obligated to look honestly at future challenges and attempt as best we can to prepare for them. Per the rules of this site I will keep politics to a minimum. I hate rules but like everyone else I try to follow them. This may end up long but your a curious bunch so hopefully you’ll stick it out till the end. Let’s get started….

    Fast forward to the year 2019. The balance of power has shifted in Washington as well as the Supreme Court in a dramatic and for many, disastrous direction. Gun control has become the number one issue in Washington. Likely because the previous administration’s 8 year run had been so successful at solving all this countries other problems…chuckle… Per the Presidents directive congress drafts, votes on and passes a new and sweeping gun control bill. Here we could dicker over the specifics and legalities, but toward what end? We know with certainty that the next atrocity “which never happens anywhere but here” would usher in even stricter controls, so for this exercise let’s just go full monty.

    “I stand in support of this common-sense legislation to license everyone who wishes to purchase a gun,” she says. “I also believe that every new handgun sale or transfer should be registered in a national registry, such as Chuck is proposing.”

    Hillary Clinton

    They pass a complete ban on semi-auto rifles, shotguns and pistols. Anything that self loads another round all by its own-self becomes illegal within 8 months. In a calculated ploy to take advantage of the now perpetually under performing economy a generous buyback program is initiated with an incentive paying 2 to 3 times market value, its only money and they have the keys to the vault. To sweeten the incentive they include an up to 10 year prison sentence for anyone in possession of a self loader once the buyback period ends. Possession of a non-permitted machine gun or silencer currently carries an up to 10 year prison sentence. See how well it works….

    Home break-ins and gun thefts immediately spike.

    A third of the country revolts, but break no laws. There are huge rallies, protests and marches, the government ignores them. Talk of revolution fills social media. “The time has finally arrived, tyranny is at our doorstep”. “Don’t Tread On Me”, “Cold Dead Hands” and all that. “Molon Labe” becomes the clarion call. A thousand + one lawsuits are filed. But they will take forever or near enough to adjudicate and everyone knows what the outcomes will be once SCOTUS has its say. The government is under no obligation to wait for any ‘predetermined’ rulings and besides they tell us…”it’s for the children.”

    During the months preceding the vote every brick & mortar and online gun store is stripped of its inventory, every avenue of purchase is exhausted. After the vote gun and accessory suppliers act as if semi-autos never existed. Soon rumors spread of backroom deals between the government and the main players in gun manufacturing. Whispers of lucrative guaranteed contracts, subsidies and zero interest bailouts that need never be paid back are all but admitted to. The smaller manufacturers will either convert to manufacturing legal items such as car parts, or will shutter their doors. Their skilled craftsman forced to trade in their calipers, micrometers and bore scopes for part time service jobs at 7/11, a local Jiffy Lube or if lucky, a full time position at Walmart. New job training is promised, it always is. But like the displaced coal miners in West Virginia and displaced manufacturing workers across the country who were trained for jobs that didn’t exist, the skilled craftsmen are forced to join the hundreds of thousands of others who’s talents grow stale in a country that doesn’t make anything.

    “Well, you know, my shotgun will do better for you than your AR-15, because you want to keep someone away from your house, just fire the shotgun through the door.”

    Vice President Joe Biden

    As each month folds into the next government commercials run endlessly touting the benefits of the buyback program and its “stimulus” effects, and the promise of a new, safer America that’s sure to follow. They compete with looped NRA fundraising commercials warning of lost liberty and of encroaching tyranny, but everyone knows the fight has already been lost. Meanwhile the buyback deadline looms. Few guns have been turned in but the effects of the ban are obvious. Webmasters across the interweb proactively begin to scrub any and all content related to the now offensive semi-auto. Once reliable links return only ERROR messages. Trading and enthusiast sites are disappeared. Videos and pictures, now  seemingly more objectionable than child porn are deleted. Repeat offenders are banished. Printed publications suffer the same. No more reviews, no more tests, no more comparisons.  No more drooling over glossy centerfolds of the latest and greatest in semi-auto weaponry. In their stead are the industries latest in revolvers, bolt actions and new lines of ‘tactical’ lever actions along with ‘refreshed’ tactical pump guns sans the pistol grips and flash hiders which are now illegal. Everything anyone might need to fight off the next round of tyranny….sigh….

    As the buyback period nears its end so to do the rallies, protests and tough talk on the internet. There’s been no bloody confrontations and the protesters are bored and tired of being ignored. Few guns have been turned in and this has created an imaging problem so a week before the deadline the buyback period is extended 2 months. Another $200 per weapon enticement is added. A small price to pay for crime free streets. No matter, the new deadline passes, hardly any guns have been turned in. The totalitarians in Washington declare victory. Two days later a Syrian refugee walks into a Catholic church during mass in New Jersey with an AK smuggled across the Mexican/Arizona border. He kills 33 before killing himself…….

    “We have federal regulations and state laws that prohibit hunting ducks with more than three rounds. And yet it’s legal to hunt humans with 15-round, 30-round, even 150-round magazines.”

    Senator Dianne Feinstein  

    And what of all the guns not turned in? Some are hidden or buried, most are simply stashed away and out of view. There are no mass confiscations, no door to door searches. The government doesn’t want a bloodbath anymore than the gun owners do. Besides it wouldn’t play well on the nightly news. Occasionally there’ll be a news story about some poor sap who’s house was searched because of some unrelated issue and will be found to have a couple of the banned semi-autos and a stockpile of 300 rounds. The media will make vague references to militia groups, separatists and the Tea Party, and the countless lives that may have been saved…..

    I believe we are much closer to this or something like it than many realize…..

  • Pray for law enforcement and our country

    Pray for law enforcement and our country

    Another day goes by and more police are targeted. Whether they are targeted due to the color of their skin or the jobs they do – the results are the same.

    My wife in response to headlines broadcasted on TV proclaimed….“There are some sick people in this world.” I corrected her…“Honey – it’s evil. Pure evil.”

    Maybe evil has always existed at the level of today and we just hear more about it. Regardless law enforcement across the country is under attack. The combination of the #blacklivesmatter movement and radical Islam has made being a police officer much more dangerous.

    A friend of mine who has been a cop in my hometown recently posted on Facebook that he had been thinking he didn’t know if he could keep doing it.  He said the outpouring of support and love from the public recently has dismissed his thoughts of a career change. 

    I am sending out prayers today that God protects those that protect us. 

    Rourke

  • Video: Time to take a stand against evil is NOW…Or is it too late already.

    Video: Time to take a stand against evil is NOW…Or is it too late already.

    Video below is the latest from SouthernPrepper1. David voices concern over the radical Muslim expansion and presence in the world – and America. I agree with David. I believe Islam is a more dangerous factor today than the mainstream media will report and the sheeple believe.

    Just yesterday I had a conversation with a co-worker about the radicalization of Muslims in America. He had no clue whatsoever but was willing to listen.

    I am not a racist. I am not an Islamophobe. I am an American who is deeply concerned with the forces of evil inside this country and out.

    Rourke

     

     

     

     

  • Video: The Torch of Freedom is Almost Out

    Video: The Torch of Freedom is Almost Out

    Chaos is being reported in areas across the United States by the news media. In just the past few weeks governmental corruption, terrorism, and attacks on police have filled the headlines. Perspective is everything. Is this the beginning of a long, dark time in our country’s history or a bump in the road?

    With the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email scandal coming to a close with no charges it is becoming more obvious that Washington protects Washington. The vast majority of these politicians do care about Americans. The precept for which the government serves us is long, long gone.

    Below David(aka SouthernPrepper1) voices his opinion and concern related to the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton and the current state of the country.

    Thoughts?

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  • Active Shooters: When Violence Is The Answer

    Active Shooters: When Violence Is The Answer

    NOTE: The following article was originally published over at DoomandBloom.net.

     

    As a physician, my focus is how to heal wounds rather than how to cause wounds. A terrorist, however, has quite different goals. Normally, they have a short window of opportunity, and their focus is to cause as many casualties as possible during their brief (hopefully) remaining time on Earth.

    I’ve been asked quite a bit lately about what to do in active shooter situations. My standard answer has been the same as that given by the Department of Homeland Security: Run, Hide, Fight, in that order.

    Just as Stop, Drop, and Roll may save the life of someone on fire, Run, Hide, Fight may save the life of someone under fire. This is the order of the actions that I have been recommending in recent articles regarding active shooter situations.

    This sequence of actions is based upon the expected lifespan of the attack, and the attacker, in an active shooter event. Most active shooter events are over in a few minutes. Following the Run, then Hide, then Fight paradigm is often effective in these short-term events.

    When potential victims put distance between themselves and the shooter by running, they make themselves a more difficult target than someone laying on the ground two feet in front of the gunman. When targets remove themselves from the line of sight of a shooter by hiding in a different room, preferably with a barrier against the door, the gunman may, knowing his time is short, search for easier victims. Fighting back is recommended as a last resort; it’s a superior strategy to closing your eyes and taking a bullet to the head.

    Which takes us to the Orlando shooting. This horrific event took a full three hours before the threat was neutralized. This amount of time gave the gunman ample time to seek out people that were hiding, often in bathroom stalls, and make casualties out of those that would have survived if the event had been terminated more quickly.

    I’m not a member of a SWAT team, just an old sawbones, so I can’t comment on the time it took for SWAT team members to abolish the threat. I assume it had to do with concern about hostages and the safety of the team, all perfectly reasonable concerns.

    I have seen accounts of brave individuals helping people out of the building, which certainly saved lives, but I have yet to see any 9/11 Flight 93 “let’s roll” moments which indicated that some of the bar’s patrons tried to stop the killing by dropping the attacker.

    This disturbs me, as it is thought that the gunman fired off 200 rounds, something that would have required reloading magazines into the rifle multiple times. This was a rifle that the gunman had little experience with, so there must have been a number of opportunities to intervene in the killing and end the event. This, apparently, never happened and the casualties were a record for a lone gunman attack.

    The “success” of this terrorist may serve as a blueprint for future attacks. If there’s an exit to run through, it’s still the best option, in my opinion. Always be situationally aware and mentally mark where those exits are anytime you’re in a crowd. But if a gunman has three hours to find you, is hiding the next best thing? If someone was given three hours to find you in your house or your place of work, what do you think of their chances? Probably pretty good.

    This leads me to think that, in the Orlando shooting, fighting back would have cut down significantly on the casualties. Why did some of the 300 young and able people in the bar not take that option? It’s not as if the objective of the gunman wasn’t clear.

    It all comes down to the natural paralysis that occurs when something happens foreign to the average person’s thought process. We are all victims of normalcy bias: that is, we believe the events of the day will follow a certain pattern, because they always have. When this pattern is broken by an atrocity, the human brain processes it slowly; denial and hesitation makes for a soft target. Certainly, becoming violent is not part of the mindset of the average person in most scenarios.

    Yet, there are circumstances when violence is the answer. Statistics published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin indicate a significant minority of attacks which ended before law enforcement arrived were aborted by a single citizen without a firearm. In fewer instances, a firearm-carrying citizen terminated the event and, in other cases, the shooter terminated himself or law enforcement arrived to do him (and us) the favor.

    I’m not saying that it’s a great idea for 300 people in a bar to be carrying loaded weapons, but an unarmed citizen can still make a difference. The patrons of the Orlando nightclub where the shootings occur were, indeed, armed. There were bar glasses, bottles, and 300 cell phones that could have been used as projectiles to hurl at the gunman, while a number charged the attacker from different directions to drop him to the ground and grab his weapon.

    This guy wasn’t James Bond. He would have been disconcerted by multiple attackers and objects thrown his way. He would have ducked and flinched, and would have had to make decisions as to who to shoot. I’m not saying someone might not have been killed attacking the gunman, but the fatalities would have been held to a minimum and the event would have ended with far less loss of life.

    A faulty strategy doomed to failure? Well, three unarmed men were able to stop a shooter on a train in Paris a while ago without any fatalities. It may be extreme, but sometimes violence is necessary to prevent worse violence.

    I recently saw a video of lions taking down a water buffalo. A few other water buffalo charged the lions, flipping one high into the air and ending the attack. When a herd takes action, the prey has a good chance of surviving.

    It’s time for us to decide that we are not going to be soft targets for these mass murderers. It’ll take a major change in mindset to do it, but it might just save some lives in the end. Your life. The lives of friends and loved ones. Prepare physically and mentally to both avoid and confront these situations with commitment, and we might see a little more reluctance on the part of those who wish harm to decent people.

    Joe Alton, MD

    author, “The Survival Medicine Handbook”

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  • Cheaper Than Dirt boycott continues

    Cheaper Than Dirt boycott continues

     

    Remember when Cheaper Than Dirt jacked up prices on ammunition and magazines right after Sandy Hook? I do – and have avoided them like the plague ever since. Of course they had every right to charge whatever they wished and I  – and countless thousands  – have every right to tell them “Keep it!!”

    I’ve had numerous people tell me they were practicing capitalism in a free market. Sure. They were also price gouging their customer base and taking advantage. My local gun shop went up in prices approx 20%. I gave them my business. This means I paid $1200 for a $1000 AR.

    Why was it OK for them to increase their price and not Cheaper Than Dirt? I am not saying CTD shouldn’t have raised their prices. My local shop HAD to raise their price as supplies were drying up. They looked at a situation where they may have significantly lower inventory in the coming months thus severe decrease in business. The cost on future products – AR’s, magazines, ammunition was also going up. They very well couldn’t sell me a box of 5.56 for $8.00 that was going to cost them $8.00 or more to resupply. In order to stay in business they had to raise their prices.

    No – Cheaper Than Dirt was different. They gouged the hell out of 2nd Amendment lovers and many others did the same thing. Hyatt Guns in Charlotte, NC started selling 5.56 and .223 rounds for $1.00 a round shortly after Sandy Hook. I haven’t set foot in that place and won’t.

    Many predict another similar environment is just a matter of time when supply will pale in comparison to demand and prices will skyrocket. Those in a position to watch from the sidelines knowing their inventories are set will enjoy the show while those still in need of supplies will stress over their ability to stock up.

    Stack it high – right now.

    Rourke

     

     

  • Independence Day

    Independence Day

    July 4th, 2016. Many will be celebrating with friends and family the greatest country in the world and using words like freedom, liberty, and patriotism. New American flags will be flown and red, white and blue t-shirts worn. While others will be looking at this Independence Day a little different than years past. For many this Independence Day will be looked at from a more historical and almost “memorial” perspective.

    To illustrate the severity of just how far modern America has distanced itself from the shining beacon of freedom and liberty it once was look no further than California.  In just the past few days Governor Jerry Brown signed into law sweeping new gun control laws on top of some of the most strict in the nation. The assault on the 2nd Amendment is significant. These new laws include making it illegal to possess a magazine holding more than 10 rounds. Background checks on ammunition purchases(including online) and making it illegal to allow anyone other than a family member to use your gun. 

    Insanity.

    Governmental intrusion in all of our lives often goes unnoticed to the majority but for us that pay attention and understand the facade reality provides a different perspective. 

    Happy Independence Day. Celebrate the greatest country in the world. Just not as great as it once was.

    Rourke

  • Q & A Day…..Going Gray, Encryption, and Ultimate Survival Food

    Q & A Day…..Going Gray, Encryption, and Ultimate Survival Food

     

    Alright folks – another installment of “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, or “Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers?” – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

        *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Webslides3

     

  • The Two Party Political System

    The Two Party Political System

    I was listening to a local radio talk show host and the subject of the 21016 Presidential election came up. He took a call and was asked the question who he was going to vote for and he answered “Probably Gary Johnson.”

    I scoffed at the idea.

    Then I started thinking about why I discounted this very intelligent man’s choice. Well – the reason is pretty simple and we all know it: Votes going for the Libertarian Party are votes taken from the Republican Party thus it favors Hillary Clinton. I firmly believe this to be true and also firmly believe our two party system is broken – or at least highly damaged. With that said – I understand why he is looking at Gary Johnson.

    hillary-trump

    The political system in Washington is corrupt beyond measure. Politicians all say similar things such as “We must improve education” and “We need to reduce the national debt” – yet they accomplish quite the opposite. Donald Trump proclaims he will accomplish so much that you and I would likely agree. Here is the problem: It is not up to him. He cannot simply order a wall to be built between Mexico and the United States. He cannot simply say “No Muslims allowed to enter the United States.” So much of the President’s powers are at the mercy – or at the approval – or Congress. 

    Feel better? I don’t.

    This Republican-controlled Congress was voted in the get things done and stand up against the Obama regime. They have been anemic at best. The corruption and empty promises surround any real accomplishments. 

    President Hillary Clinton? Seems just as Obama has been able to accomplish numerous objectives with Congress she would likely be able to do the same. Damaging. 

    Back to the two-party system. It could work. I don’t believe even a viable third party would make a difference with the state of Washington today. Fundamental change has to take place and I just don’t see it happening. 

    Rourke

     

    If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    From the Supply Depot:

    Pocket Fisherman – awesome portable fishing system.

    CAMTOA Lightweight Sleeping Bag – under 2 pounds. Perfect for a pack.

    Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot Sight – highly recommended

    Frontline Flea and Tick Products – protect your pets

    Magnesium Firestarter  – self contained and waterproof

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    Print

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for AR magazines? 

    Magpul PMAG 30 round AR Magazines (1)

  • Q & A Day…..Beans, Bullets, and Life Philosophy

    Q & A Day…..Beans, Bullets, and Life Philosophy

    Alright folks – another installment of “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, or “What happens when you get scared half to death twice?” – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

    If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

    UTG Medium Height Sight Riser – perfect for small red dots

    RTIC Tumbler – about half the price of a Yeti and works just as well

    Ozark Back Up Flip Up Sights

    WindyNation 100 watt Solar Panel Kit – I own this system

    Rachael Ray Grain Free Dry Dog Food – yup. Dog food. This is what I feed my three dogs. Available often on Amazon cheaper than I can buy it at the grocery store and free shipping.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

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    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Recommended reading for every Patriot? 

    Untitled design (8)


     

  • VIDEO: Will any politician take a very public stand?

    VIDEO: Will any politician take a very public stand?

     

    SouthernPrepper1 voices his opinion on 9th District Court concealed carry decision, Hillary Clinton, Patriots being targeted by the government and politicians taking a stand.

    David suggests NOT flying the American flag until the Constitution is restored. Not sure I agree with that though I understand where he is coming from. Flying a different flag than that which most people are familiar with could draw unwanted attention. I could see the black Gadsden flag being looked at as some crazy terrorism symbol by neighbors.

    How about the Betsy Ross flag? 

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *     *     *     *     *     *

    Ranger Up Military and MMA Apparel
     

    Ranger Up Military and MMA Apparel
     

    Ranger Up Military and MMA Apparel
     

  • Gun sales on the way up

    Gun sales on the way up

    With the anti-gun rhetoric from the Left being spewed since Orlando guns and ammo sales are climbing. Obama just called for the establishment of a new assault weapons ban. I spent some time checking a few online dealers and found a few of their more popular selections sold out. There was still plenty of ammunition available and prices seemed decent – for now.

    Call it panic buying or call it common sense. When the threat exists to take away or limit the ability to defend oneself  – well – you go out and stock up.

    My childhood best friend contacted me a few weeks ago. We see each other a couple times a year. He mentioned that he and his wife wanted to buy a couple guns. I asked why and he said – “The world is getting crazy.” He knows I’m a gun nut. Last week he bought a Glock 17 and just today he ordered a S&W AR. We are scheduled to get together beginning of July so we can do some training.

    I have no idea his political beliefs. I have always avoided the topic as I was afraid it could affect our relationship.  I will avoid the subject of politics but will certainly discuss gun control, governmental monetary policy, and the direction the country is going.

    Are you doing anything as a result of the Orlando attack and gun control talk?

    Rourke

    If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    From the Supply Depot:

    Anker 21W Portable Solar Panel – highly rated portable charging solution. Includes 2.1A USB outlets for charging cell phones. ALso great for charging batteries of all kinds.

    Chili Mac MH Freeze Dried Food – my favorite

    Becker BK9 – THE BEAST of the knife world.

    The Pocket Fisherman – a classic that is fun and actually works!

    YAESU FT-1900R Ham Radio – powerful option from a quality company.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    Print

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Cheap Bulk Ammo at Lucky Gunner

    Looking for AR magazines? 

    Magpul PMAG 30 round AR Magazines (1)

  • Orlando mass shooting

    Orlando mass shooting

    Terrible event that happened in Orlando. If you need the details see this news story here.

    Several of us have been talking and like other similar events the Liberal Left is coming out aiming directly at guns rather than placing blame where it belongs – radical Islam and the Muslim shooter. There is little doubt gun control advocates will take full advantage of this to promote further restrictions on the 2nd Amendment. This event combined with the 9th Circuit Court’s recent decision on concealed carry is setting the stage.

    Hillary Clinton will also politicize Orlando to her advantage. She will motivate her electorate to drive her numbers up to secure the election.

    It is difficult for many to look past the death and the needless waste and separate out the value of the free to bear arms over the often too-quick reaction to just ban that which causes the pain. Well – in my mind that which caused the pain in this instance is Islam – not the guns.

    JR

  • Why 1776PatriotUSA?

    Why 1776PatriotUSA?

    Confused by the title? That’s OK. Couldn’t figure out what to call this post so I guess I am a bit too.

    Why did I call this website 1776PatriotUSA.com? Previous endeavor was solely preparedness-based. Plain and simple. With the direction this country is taking I meant to make this a place of relevant information for an adapting populace. This “populace” includes you, me, and every other like-minded Patriot we can find and convince that deliberate steps must be taken to secure our future.

    This isn’t conspiracy. This isn’t crazy talk. This country is threatened from forces both inside AND out. All it takes to see it is someone to open their mind, pay attention – and think for themselves. Oh – and a belief in the Constitution and what the Founders established would be beneficial as well.

    The last decade or two have generated societal change so significant that there is actually a debate going on within government as to what bathroom someone should use. Seriously. Government is spending valuable time on this subject. Imagine what Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin would think. Society has degraded to such a point that the majority of Americans believe that capital punishment is wrong but abortion is OK.

    Society has fallen so far that in 2008 a man who said he wanted to fundamentally change the greatest country in the world and sat in a church whose pastors beliefs included “…not God bless America, God damn America…” was actually elected President.

    Even after four years in office and well on his way of fundamental change President Obama was re-elected in 2012.

    America continues to be fundamentally changed. Changed from a solid foundation of principles and beliefs that if you are a visitor at this website you more than likely believe in. Capitalism has provided an avenue for the United States to grow into an economic superpower providing countless millions with jobs and opportunity. Today there is a growing segment of the population that believes capitalism is evil.

    President Obama provided insight into this anti-capitalistic belief system in 2012 when he stated your success is not due to your hard work rather it falls on the backs of others.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren continued Obama’s anti-capitalist thoughts in a rant where she continued to proclaim that there is an “underlying social contract” that successful people owe everyone else.


    These are leaders in our government.

    Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders continue to push the “it’s us against them” rhetoric demonizing successful business people and placing barriers between them and the lower and middle class. Bernie Sanders has tremendous support and is an admitted socialist. Growing up I looked at the United States as a force for freedom against socialism and he we sit with a socialist so close to the White House.

    Hillary Clinton is corrupt, dishonest and I am not at all hesitant to use the word evil. The evidence is massive. This women is actually calling the relatives of those killed in Benghazi liars. Unbelievable – yet she receives millions of votes and will very likely be our next President.

    Trump? Love or hate him I would prefer him well over Hillary or Bernie any day. He  – like every other candidate – is far from perfect. He has professed his love for this country for decades and while his beliefs may have wavered and changed(like many citizens) his platform is solid. Not perfect – solid.

    Back to why I created 1776PatriotUSA.com.

    Consider the name. 1776 is significant as it is the year of the Declaration of Independence. The original 13 colonies severed ties with Great Britain and set a path for greatness.  Patriot is what I am and patriotism is what we need more of. Patriotism for me is an emotional thing and difficult to explain. It is a belief in an incredible idea revolving around freedom and liberty – and a moral determination of what is right.  USA is pretty self explanatory.

    The future is uncertain and I believe it will be riddled with trouble. I hope to keep 1776PatriotUSA as a portal for navigating the coming storms.  Patriots may find themselves targeted. They may find themselves being victims of prejudice. They may find themselves fighting to take their country back.

    As I wrap this up I could have brought up Obama’s celebrations of Islam and suppression of Christianity. I could have brought up the immigrants protesting in the streets, waving another country’s flag – and burning ours. I could have brought up the country’s outcry over the death of a celebrity but near silence over illegals continuing to cross our southern border. No need to. I’m sure you are already well aware.

    Thoughts? What do you see coming?

    Rourke

     

    If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

    Condor Plate Carrier

    Nebo 190 Lumen Weapons Light

    Streamlight CR123 Batteries/12-Pack

    Angel Soft Toilet Paper/48 ct.  – often available for less than $22.00 free shipping

    Mechanix Gloves – Tactical model

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    728x90june2016 (1)

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Recommended reading for every Patriot? 

    Untitled design (8)


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • From the Front Lines…….

    From the Front Lines…….

    Here is another installment of “From the Front Lines”. Basically a collection of random thoughts related to preparedness, current events, and whatever else that’s on my mind.

    • I just received two 348 Nichia 240 Lumen penlights. These came from GearBest.com and were purchased on sale for only $6.99 each(no gift box). I’m going to write up a short review but these are great. 240 Lumens for $6.99? The machining is fantastic. I couldn’t stop myself. If ordering use coupon code: GBBLF348 .

    20160531_193712

     

    • If you’re not a subscriber and wish to receive email updates whenever a post goes live just use the form located towards the top along the right-hand  side of this page.
    • Tomorrow will be attending another pistol/carbine class. Training provided by Wolf-Fire Firearms. I’m sure I will tell everyone how it goes and have some pics and maybe a video or two.
    • Speaking for firearms training a Facebook preparedness group I belong to recently had an interesting question posted. Basically everyone was asked if they have had any firearms training. I was surprised at how few people have had any training whatsoever.
    • If you’re on Facebook please come over to The Patriot Podcast’s page – Like and Share if so kind. Prepper Ralph and I post several times per day.
    • Well – my garden is shot. Severe storms – several of them – have come through and washed away much of the topsoil and damaged the plants. I think it would be best to redo the garden and prep it for the Fall. If I was dependant on the garden for food it would be a definite problem. If I was needing food by growing my entire front and backyard would likely be used as well.

     

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Below: Another shot of me shooting recently. This one has me shooting a Remington 783 in .300 Winchester Magnum. Firing at a Level III steel plate down range.

    The round passed through the plate as expected.

    FB_IMG_1464749894780

     

    Have a great weekend everyone.

    JR

     

  • Take Action: Guns. Magazines, Ammunition versus Gun Control

    Take Action: Guns. Magazines, Ammunition versus Gun Control

    This is the first of a new ongoing series – Take Action – which will emphasize a very specific action to take based on my recommendations. The recommendation may be due to current events, predictable future events, or just importance for preparation.

    Recommended Action: Secure supplies of firearms, ammunition, and magazines as soon as possible.

    This first Take Action recommendation is related to firearms.  Ever since Barack Obama won the Presidency there have been a massive run on guns, ammunition, and magazines. Year after year historical sales have awarded Obama “Gun Salesman of the Year”. The reality is little has been accomplished on the gun control front  certainly not due to a lack of desire. A Republican Congress, the NRA, and a vocal gun owners have stopped gun control efforts in their tracks.

    Enter: Hillary Clinton.

    Watch at least the first couple minutes of the video below:

    Hillary leaves little doubt of her desires to remove guns from the hands of law abiding citizens. I will be the first to admit that I fell victim myself to “panic talk” and believing that after Sandy Hook serious gun control measures were likely going to be implemented. I am not ashamed as I took what I felt were logical steps to secure my supplies. With the potential election of Hillary Clinton I see right now as no different.

    July 25th marks the Democrat National Convention.  I believe that once Hillary is the official nominee it will just be a matter of time before the next massive sales run on guns, ammunition and magazines will begin. Thus my recommendation to secure any needed firearms, ammunition and magazines NOW. Once the run starts prices will go up and supply may dwindle depending on how likely it is for her Hillary to win the election.

    There are many that say Hillary cannot accomplish her gun control desires due to Congress will not pass such laws. Folks – I don’t make plans on what is likely or what should happen. I make logical and fact-based decisions on relevant possibilities taking into consideration the impact the event will have on my life. I agree that Hillary likely will not be able to accomplish Australia-like gun confiscation but who knows? What if the makeup of Congress moves way Left? What if there are a series of mass shootings and there is an outcry for gun control?

    Who knows?

    Recommendations to Take Action:

    1. Purchase any firearms you wish to own as soon as possible at the current prices.
    2. Purchase firearms “off the books” via private sale if at all possible.
    3. Purchase ammunition for any firearms you have as much as you can afford.
    4. Purchase extra magazines for all firearms you own in quantities.

    That’s it. Not rocket science. The four above steps will help cushion the blow of any future implemented gun control.

    Thoughts?

    Rourke

     

    If you have enjoyed this article and would like to receive email notifications when new posts are published – feel free to subscribe for email updates. No SPAM will be sent to you.

      *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    From the Supply Depot:

    Anker 21W Portable Solar Panel – highly rated portable charging solution. Includes 2.1A USB outlets for charging cell phones. ALso great for charging batteries of all kinds.

    Chili Mac MH Freeze Dried Food – my favorite

    Becker BK9 – THE BEAST of the knife world.

    The Pocket Fisherman – a classic that is fun and actually works!

    YAESU FT-1900R Ham Radio – powerful option from a quality company.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.

    Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.

    Print

    From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    Looking for AR magazines? 

    Magpul PMAG 30 round AR Magazines (1)

     

  • Q & A Day…..politics, ammo, flashlights, Chuck Norris movies

    Q & A Day…..politics, ammo, flashlights, Chuck Norris movies

    Alright folks – another installment of “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, why’d the chicken cross the road – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

  • From the Front Lines: Supplies, Illegals, Movies, SPAM?

    From the Front Lines: Supplies, Illegals, Movies, SPAM?

    Here is another installment of “From the Front Lines”. Basically a collection of random thoughts related to preparedness, current events, and whatever else that’s on my mind.

    • Organization: I need to seriously organize my preps. Far too many times I have needed something and couldn’t find it in a reasonable amount of time. Unacceptable. Last night worked on it and making just a little headway is motivating. Once mostly complete I am going to inventory everything. A spreadsheet I created a while back will calculate how many days of food I have based on “X” number of people and “X” number of calories needed per person.

     

    • I haven’t forgotten about the “Operational Cache” series. Last part is rather involved and working on a couple now to include.

     

     

    • Just watched the movie “The Edge” with Alex Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins. What a great movie. I have sen it several times before but it had been awhile. Can be picked up on Amazon for around $5.00 on DVD.

     

    • Consider that over the next 5 years there is a very good chance that several Supreme Court Justices will be appointed. If Hillary wins this will sway the court far to the left. If younger Justices are appointed we could be faced with a Liberal Supreme Court for an entire generation. Goodbye 2nd Amendment.

     

    • Just started reading American Exit Strategy again. What a great series. It is so timely with the way the political winds are blowing.

    american-exit-strategy

     

    • Things are going decent with 1776PatriotUSA.com. I’m certainly not putting the time into it that I spent with my previous site – priorities. I appreciate all the comments and interaction which is much better than over at MSO. I did notice that after my email to website subscribers about a special deal on Sawyer Mini Water Filters a bunch unsubscribed. Disappointing. I guessed that maybe some people thought it was SPAM but I also noticed some of those unsubscribed were longtime subscribers. Hate to see that but not much I can do. I don’t send out a lot of emails and will continue to pass on really good deals or special information when necessary.

     

    • Going to add some regular featured posts similar to Q&A and What did you do to prep this week? posts. These may be more than once a month or more frequent.

     

    • If anyone would like to comment on some things they would like to see more of – or less of – I would welcome it.

     

    Here’s a little something to think about…….

    FB_IMG_1462616773074

    Take care all –

    JR

     

     

     

     

     

  • What is going on?

    What is going on?

    This past week has been very stressful and frustrating. This happens to me every so often when I try to comprehend the state of this country and the actions of some people. I fully realize that it is an effort in futility but nevertheless try to I do. To get back my sanity I have to tune out the news and spend time out in God’s creation.

    A few things that are simply blowing my mind:

    • Actor James Woods recently stated……

    “The world is fighting Islamic terrorism, starvation, and disease, but Democrats are fighting for men to pee in the ladies’ room. Insanity.”

    Mr. Woods is correct. It is insane with the severity of issues at hand that the Federal government is not only filing a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina but also withholding Federal money in an effort to pressure NC into compliance.

    Bathroom Debate

    All this because some sexual pervert in Charlotte managed to get a city ordinance passed to force businesses to allow men and women to use the bathroom of their choice. I can’t believe I just typed that.

    For the record – transgenders are not normal and should not be treated as such. Period. Why should my rights be affected because a tiny minority of the population decides to play multiple-choice with their sexual organs and gender identity? What do you tell a little girl who goes into a Planet Fitness women’s locker room and sees “franks and beans”?  Transgenders have been using the bathroom of their choice for years now with no issue. There was no need for a bathroom equality law to begin with and was put into place to justify the existence of certain politicians and special interest groups. The laws created the problem allowing sexual perverts to gain legal access to the bathroom of their choice.

    Priorities. They are absent in government.

     

    • There is a movement for the Federal government to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour –

    My brother recently mentioned he thinks the minimum wage should be raised. His reasoning is that today’s economy is not what it used to be. Good paying manufacturing jobs are a rarity and more and more people are in fact living  – yes living – on minimum wage jobs or close. While I agree wages are stagnant and opportunities have slimmed the Federal government really should have no say so whatsoever on what wage people earn.

    Consider the effect on businesses across the United States if suddenly everyone had to be paid $15/hr. First of all it would not only be those making $7.25/hr that would get a raise. What about those companies that start their manufacturing employees out at $14.33? Now in order to remain competitive and attract the nest workers they may need to start their new employees out at around $18.00 per hour. This will have a domino effect on costs of products which will be passed on to the consumer. Of course companies will search for every opportunity to keep costs down including getting rid of headcount. Thus – unemployment will increase.

    The free market and the States themselves should decide on what wage someone should earn – not the Federal government.

     

    • Illegal immigration is ILLEGAL!

    Comes to America and holds the flag of the country they ran away from and demands that the new country they ran to turns into the country that they ran away from…..and nobody sees a problem here?

    mexico

    Ok – some of us see the problem.

    This isn’t illegal immigration. It is an invasion.

     

    • The country is divided.

    Democrats versus Republicans.  Black versus White. Conservatists versus Socialists. Republicans versus Republicans. Democrats versus Democrats. Illegal immigrants versus Constitutionalists. States versus Federal Government. Transgenders versus Men. Transgenders versus women. Homosexuals versus Christians. Atheists versus Christians. Government versus Christians.  Muslims versus Christians. Muslims versus Atheists. Muslims versus Jews. Muslims versus…..well…..everybody.

    846939b9f8e15995dbda3f68b959d171

    Everyone has an opinion and feels the need to FORCE it down everyone else’s throat. Hey – I don’t mind a debate or hearing someone else’s thoughts on a subject but in today’s world people freak out when you don’t agree. I have been called every name in the book and heard all kinds of things mentioned about my……genitalia….just because I  disagree with someone on a topic. My wife has been called names and and I have been told that I should put a bullet in my own head. There is a certain vile tone to people today that goes beyond disagreeing.

    It is called hate.

     

    • Age of the entitlement.

    Growing up I looked at America as a land of opportunity…..for those that went out and earned it. I looked at America as a land full of AMERICANS who were capable of extraordinary feats of courage and incredible ingenuity. America was a shining beacon of freedom to the world. Now? It is crumbling under the weight of entitlement.

     

    There is a growing populace that believe that they are owed an existence which they have not earned. This growing mindset whereby people believe that just their sheer existence entitles them to money, food, medical care, shelter – and even cell phones.

     

    • An admitted socialist is receiving millions of votes for President of the United States.

    The support Bernie Sanders is receiving is incredibly discouraging. Someone who represents quite the opposite of those principles which this country was founded is being supported by a huge portion of the population. I think back to the generations that fought against communism, socialism, and oppression and here we are with Bernie Sanders.

    berniememe

    Just another piece of the puzzle to the crumbling of America.

     

    • The Mainstream Media is totally lacking any investigative reporting.

     The amount of corruption and anti-American activity that has been going on in government has been unreported and covered up by most of the mainstream networks. They fail to report information responsibly so that their viewers  hear the truth. One example of this is when a politician stands up and says that they have cut the deficit by $200 billion dollars – but the reality is they simply reduced the amount they are going to increase the budget the next year by $200 billion. Most people listening think that they actually are spending less money.

    truth

     

    • Over 300,000 children are killed every year via abortion but America freaks out when a lion in Africa is killed.

    The perspective of society as a whole is seriously misdirected. The Liberal left will protest against capital punishment but then support abortion. Liberals are Pro-Homosexual and Pro-Muslim at the same time.  Yet Islam often has a death sentence for homosexual activity. Liberals will often go out of their way to support religion as long as it’s not Christianity. Liberals say they are Pro-Education yet they do not support school choice. Hmmmm……..

    lion

    Liberals say they are for equality and against racism yet they continue to divide the population into segments. Race should be blind. Affirmative action is inherently racist. Continuing to point out and support programs for certain races does nothing but divide.

     

    • America continues to run away from God.

    Do the research – America’s founding was deeply rooted in Christianity. Even many of the oldest colleges across the country have inscriptions carved into walls and buildings all over the campus about God. Decades of anti-religious indoctrination has his Christianity’s presence in the origin of this country.

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    Christianity has provided a moral foundation for millions for hundreds of years. Today? It still occurs but to a much lesser extent. The decaying morality of its population is being led by a decreasing relevance of God.

     

    This is but a minor sample. Nearly $20 trillion in Federal debt. Millions on food stamps. A growing segment of the population who is anti-law enforcement and pro-thug. Flag burning is becoming more acceptable.

    Gee……I don’t feel any better.

    You?

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

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    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

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    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

       
     

       
     

       

    Thank you!!

  • Q & A Day…..world news, EMP, N Korea, gardening

    Q & A Day…..world news, EMP, N Korea, gardening

    Alright folks – a new regular feature will be “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, favorite Charlie’s Angel – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

  • The Patriot Podcast episode #6 is live!

    The Patriot Podcast episode #6 is live!

    A few people have inquired for updates on the podcast I co-host with Prepper Ralph. It has been slow going and a few technical difficulties have limited how much I wanted to promote it. For the most part issues have been fixed.

    Visit ThePatriotPodcast.com to listen to episodes. We cover topics suggest as the state of the country – and the world, preparedness, and all stuff related to guns.

    Visit our page on Facebook and Like and Share our post. Pretty good stuff!

    If there are any specific things you would be interested in hearing about please leave a comment here or over at the site.

    Episode 6 is my favorite s far. We talk a bit about our “weapons of choice” for the zombie apocalypse. We also cover a controversial video recently uploaded by SouthernPrepper1. While recording we received some surprising news and it created an interruption. Lastly – the bathroom policy at Target is brought up.

    It would be very helpful if you feel so inclined to share the website, the episodes and the facebook page via email and/or social media.

    Right now we are posting about once per week. No set day just depends on when we can get to it.

    Take care all –

    JR

     

     

  • Q & A Day…..knives, backpacks, hammocks, fire

    Q & A Day…..knives, backpacks, hammocks, fire

    Alright folks – a new regular feature will be “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, boxers or briefs – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

  • Where Have all of the Heroes Gone?

    Where Have all of the Heroes Gone?

     

    When I was a kid, everyone looked up to President Eisenhower with respect for his wartime service. He was a genuine hero. Along with him were a veritable host of other general officers, some alive, some dead who were also genuine heroes. I read all about the doings of Gen. Frank Everest (one of the 1950s, Fastest Men Alive), Gen. Chuck Yeager, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle (now he had some big ones), and the list goes on and on.
    I remember my father and his friends standing up suddenly from their coffees at the Rexall drug counter one Saturday morning. In walked a thin old man whose face looked like any other weathered West Texas rancher. The stranger was wearing an old leather jacket with a bunch of patches and scruffy boots. Gen. Tex Hill (David Lee “Tex” Hill – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) had come to visit an acquaintance in town. I saw nothing but respect shining in the eyes of those men. What’s more, that respect seemed to go both ways. Sure Tex was a really big shot and some of dad’s friends had been WWII privates, but the great man spoke with each and shook their hands. I may even have had my crew cut rubbed as I stood sheepishly at dad’s side, wondering about this stranger suddenly in our midst.
    My Boy Scout troop was led by a WWII Colonel. I shot on a rifle team led by another WWII Colonel. I was blessed to be raised at a time when there were an abundance of genuine heroes, both local and national. When the Cold War suddenly became hot in the 1960s, I could see confidence in these steady men and knew that not only that they would not run, I understood they knew how to take care of war’s deadly business. Those men held my trust and admiration. They were my heroes. I wanted to grow up and be just like dad and his friends.
    My dad and his brothers along with mom’s brothers were all veterans. From what little I overheard, my father and one of his brothers did some really dangerous things in occupied France. My soft spoken mom worked for Boeing in Wichita helping make B24 and B17s flown by brave men who helped put the final end to WWII. The people in my young life were all bigger than life. I wanted to grow up and be just like them.

     

    Something different happened in Korea. One of dad’s youngest brothers lost fingers and toes at a place called Frozen Chosin and his attitude was slightly different than that of the older siblings. Then came my generation’s war, Viet Nam. Sure we all knew who Gen. Westmoreland was, but his name didn’t carry the same respect of those WWII generals. Neither did President Johnson.

     

    Somehow being a combat veteran was no longer admired – and the country changed.

     

    Every generation needs heroes. My generation revered the WWII greats. Whom does the millennial generation revere? Madonna, movie actors, I don’t even know. Somehow this country has lost touch with its heroes. They are still here, but now real heroes have to compete with Hollywood fakes – and with video games.

     

    I have seen the stars on the Memorial Wall at CIA headquarters and read from the associated Book of Honor. I have read the names inscribed in the FBI Hall of Honor at Quantico. I have read many of the citations associated with recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Some of you might even be alive today because of the unsung sacrifice of that band of brothers. Most of you I fear, cannot name even one of those many, those brave souls who so loved his country and brother – and paid the ultimate sacrifice for that devotion.

     

    This generation has genuine heroes but I can’t think of one extant national politician who qualifies. I think it would behoove each of us with children to find genuine heroes. Men and women who live or have lived their lives in a way that is both glorious and honorable and who represent all that is good in our culture.

     

    I took what is likely a final trip to my hometown a few years ago. It was to attend the funeral of a man whom in my youth was a small town merchant. Royce Jones ran the local Western Auto where all of us boys would go to look at those neat chrome Western Flyer bicycles. I’m sure my parents knew, but I didn’t. As a lad, I didn’t have a clue who Royce really was. You see, Royce Jones flew B17s in Europe during WWII. Among his honors was the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a real hero and worthy of adoration. Yet, I grew up in that small dusty West Texas town, never knowing who was actually running the local Western Auto.

     

    Folks, we need to ferret out those real life heroes hiding silently in the crowds. Your children need to know them and about them. Heroes inspire greatness in each of us, their lives shining examples of what we might aspire to do or to become.

     

    In all humbleness and with great debt,
    Panhandle Rancher

     

  • Q & A Day…..life, guns, food storage, podcasting

    Q & A Day…..life, guns, food storage, podcasting

    Alright folks – a new regular feature will be “Q & A Day”. Basically, ask me a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, underwater basket weaving – whatever.

    Go ahead – “make my day.”

    JR

     

  • Ignorance is Truly Bliss

    Ignorance is Truly Bliss

     

    I am writing this sitting in a quaint coffee shop in the town which I live. The young and the old are flocking in…lining up to buy these tiny creations of cake, chocolate, fruit fillings and numerous things I cannot pronounce. The guy behind the counter is metro-sexual to the highest level and I would place him at the opposite end of the man spectrum compared to Si from Duck Dynasty.

    Uncle SiYeah….I’m being a bit judgmental as I sit with my Diet Coke and chocolate “torte” in front of me.

    I can tell you I feel about as comfortable in this environment as a Trump supporter at a Hillary rally. My son is upstairs getting tutored for Algebra. Figured you were wondering why I was in here.

    I’m watching these people. One right after the other. Manicures, pedicures, and perms(not that there’s anything wrong with that). They talk….well….gossip really about who did what to whom and how many times. Each seems to be making a fashion statement and consider the importance of the brand of their purse(both men and women) well over the government’s monetary policy or the number of vets that committed suicide today.

    Out front sits a Prius. Is it there? Could it be? Yes! A “Bernie” sticker rides on the back of this car. Fitting.

    A guy just walked in wearing skinny jeans and I am fairly certain black fingernail polish. Hmmmm…..

    I need a beer.

    Of course, they serve wine….no beer.

    These people have no clue. Well, I’m generalizing of course but since I’m writing this I’m allowed. The Federal debt is approaching 20 trillion. They have no clue. Over 300,000 babies will be killed this year because it just isn’t convenient to take responsibility. They have no clue. There is a North Korean satellite flying overhead that MAY contain a nuclear weapon that could send us back to the stone age. They have no clue.  I am sitting here armed…..yet somehow this evil gun doesn’t kill them. They have no clue.

    What the hell is a torte anyways? Seems like a piece of cake to me.

    Ignorance is bliss.

     

     *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

    A New Knife Recommendation – CURRENTLY TESTING

    I received the HX Outdoors Survival Knife a couple weeks ago and in the midst of evaluating. I can tell you this is the sharpest knife I have ever had EXCEPT for a Cold Steel Recon Tanto I owned back in the late 80’s. This thing came SHARP.

    201509251955473928

    Here are a few of the features:

    D2 coated blade and Kydex sheath, more durable, wear-resistance
    G10 material handle
    Tail hammer will help you break the window or hammer
    Two holes of the handle make it easy to make into the spear
    Detachable magnesium rod for firestarting
    Built in diamond sharpener on sheath

    [slideshow_deploy id=’1416′]

    More-Info

     

  • VIDEO: Surviving the Active Shooter

    VIDEO: Surviving the Active Shooter

    JR: The following post can be seen HERE in its original format over at DoomandBloom.net.

     

    What would you do if you were unarmed and at the scene of an ongoing active shooter/terrorist event? Joe Alton’s latest video examines your options in this situation and the strategies that give you the best chance of getting out of it in one piece. Companion video to a recent article…

    To watch, click below:

     

     

    Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad,

     

    Joe Alton, MD

    Amy Alton, ARNP

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    Check out Nurse Amy’s entire line of medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net .

  • Panhandle Rancher on Finicum shooting

    Panhandle Rancher on Finicum shooting

    The following is a letter sent to me from Panhandle Rancher and is being published with his permission. I inquired with him about a video regarding the Finicum traffic stop and subsequent shooting. Some minor editing has been done for security reasons.
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    JR,
    There is a lot about that shooting that is troubling. I hope there will be hard lessons learned. Finicum was overcome with unbridled anger which sadly led to his demise. If that was his wife in the back seat [Rourke: It was not his wife in the back of the truck], she should have put away the cell phone and instead tried to calm her husband. It also appeared that she shoved her daughter out of the car first, a most unmotherly behavior.

     

    In more urban settings, there are usually more options for dealing with felony car stops. At the xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx where I taught briefly, the instructors set up a novel and generally unwinable (is that a word?) car stop for each graduating class. One of the more innovative solutions was to call for the FD hook and ladder which had a remote controlled water cannon mounted to ladder’s end. They manipulated the ladder/water cannon to knock out a side glass and then literally washed the occupants from the car, a surefire non-lethal and terminal end to the event. The trouble is what happens in the heat of the moment – when passions flare, reason runs. I can’t tell you how hard it is to hold fire when one hears gunshots all around. I have an anecdote about the sad end of a bunch of serial jewelry store robbers sometime if you are interested. It is most unsettling to end a sudden gunfight and realize the slide is locked back with weapon empty – and not recall firing a single round. Most one on one gunfights end in a second and at close range.

     

    Fortunately many can go their entire career without firing a round in battle, others however are vexed to end up shooting time and time again. This I do know, after surviving that first gun fight, one becomes sudden and accurate. From that point on, focus shifts to having the finest, most dependable, and most lethal equipment allowed, when walking into that valley of the shadow of death. My life certainly changed and probably not for the best. By career’s end, I found myself with a collection of ‘trophy’ photos of the slain – seemingly without conscious effort. I ran across the box of these when moving and can report them shredded. Not something to be proud of, not something I would want grandchildren to see, but even now in my 60s, you can count on me to be sudden and accurate – and to remember each and every situation in vivid detail, often revisited nightly in dreams.

     

    The wife said it seemed to her as if the cops just wanted to kill Finicum. If that officer hadn’t run from behind the barricade ending up in front of speeding truck, then no officer’s lives would have been endangered and there would have been no rationale to shoot. I can see no action being taken against the officers (other than the HRT agents who have much to explain), but can also see a lot of training points on how to better contain a dynamic situation and control escalation. Want to bet the FBI was blocking cell phone coverage from their airplane?

     

     

    The wife and I hadn’t been married long when one evening she likely saved someone’s life and me from going to jail. Another case of unbridled anger but I had a wife that defused the situation rather than focusing on her cell phone. Fortunately I have learned to better govern my emotions.

     

    I didn’t see Finicum reaching for a weapon and I watched it twice. I was likely too busy reliving private personal horror.

     

    I am most troubled with the way the whole event was managed; ending up in an unconfined felony car stop. It reminded me of the way I learned how to set up combat area security checkpoint stops. Have a few troops at a barricade to effect the stop, ID, and search if necessary, and then have a battle tank just out of sight around a curve or behind cover – a sure end for any who run the stop. I find the whole Finicum event, chilling.

     

    Panhandle Rancher