Preparedness

Q & A Day…..Movies, Books, and the 2nd American Civil War

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Alright folks – an overdue 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 “When at the movies which armrest is yours?” – whatever.

Go ahead – “make my day.”

JR

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62 Comments

  1. Oren says:

    OK John, here’s one.

    You see all the advertisements on TV and elsewhere about the standby generators. I would imagine they are great for outages during the winter. However, what if we have an EMP event or a CME, which appears to be waning with the current cycle on the sun diminishing. Are these generators shielded? I already know the answer about fuel availability. Once the fuel in the propane tank is gone, no more generator. Or if the natural gas supply shuts down, again no more generator.

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Oren – no expert on EMP but have talked to many people and read a lot. opinions are all over the place. Providing some type of shielding MAY assist depending upon the type of EMP and its location/height, etc. Ideally placing the generator away in a hardened structure would be best. At a minimum maintain specific venerable components in protected container for replacement after the event.

      Of course looking into different types of generators you will see they have different level of sophistication. Simplicity would work in your favor here and keep potential damage to a minimum.

      Reply
    2. goingray58 says:

      I looked at several generators with an eye to what you are saying JR… I’m on LP Gas not city, and you can get a generator that will use that as well for a common fuels source, then just keep your tanks topped of. Simplicity is right, but modern equipment has solid state components chips, and boards that are vulnerable. If you use it for storm relief etc etc .. you might want to keep spare components in a vault (an insulated can that is sealed with a metallic tape shoudl work). You can build a metal she around it but keep in mind the exiting cord and exhaust leave “holes” in your shield. I could argue leaving it hoked up allows you to maintain a weekly staring cycle (automated on some), that cranks it up to speed .. tests then posers down. That has some value for storms, just some risk for EMP/CMP unless you have spare and know what to do.. Unless yo just want to have a sealed spare generator new in the box sitting around.. Even equipment that is protected can decay just sitting idle due to age.

      Reply
      1. Panhandle Rancher says:

        I’ve several items of equipment powered by 10-25 hp engines generally Kohler or Brigs&Stratton. Living in the country, I stocked spares for all of the items that can give problems, those pesky vacuum powered fuel pumps, all electronics, starting motors, etc. Anything remotely susceptible to emp goes into secure storage. So worse case, I may have to strip items from my small motor powered devices but the motor will again eventually work. Some of the 10hp motors still have magneto ignition via the flywheel, especially the big cylinder one lungers. So it isn’t a far stretch to resurrect a small engine powered device. Lot of my tools are air powered but it would be nice to have the Lincoln welder and generators work as well, hence a fortune in spares.

        The Pennsylvania Dutch power some of their tools from a windmill powered air compressor piped to a large propane tank. This is a neat non electronic solution for many powered tools and were I still in the Texas panhandle with all of the wind, likely I would have such. See: http://windcompressor.com/html/compressors.html

        PR

        Reply
        1. GotUR6 says:

          Sounds like you have a large Faraday cage to house all the items you mentioned. What do you use that large you have confidence in to shield such critical electronic components?

          Reply
          1. Panhandle Rancher says:

            Not so large. The ignition and similar replacement components are small items and starter motors the largest. All fit in several .50 cal ammo boxes sealed with metallic duct tape and labeled appropriately. I store printed instruction sets with the more complex to install items. I have a metal tool box commonly seen in pickup beds, in the garage in which to store the ammo boxes. I am careful to unplug all tools when done with the alternators/welder and won’t even leave an extension cord connected. The generator in the basement is always unhooked from the mains (I made a ‘suicide’ cord to connect it to a 50A receptacle that in turns connects to the house via a standard disconnect switch so that the house is powered either from the AC Mains, completely disconnected, or connected to that 50A receptacle.

            I think it relatively impossible to shield a whole generator while connected to long power lines (even to a house) as it is those very lines that will pass a component of emp to the alternator/motor. I do have several ‘prepared’ shipping containers that a wheeled alternator could be rolled into along with smaller vehicles. Such is more of a reduce a total emp component rather than exclusion. All should subscribe to the space weather prognostication service.

            I keep a spare set of ignition components for the old Jeep in a prepared ammo box in the vehicle and another spare set in that metal box in the garage.

            The very best insurance is out grazing in the pastures. Horses, our kept democrat (a donkey or burro as it is called in Texas), and cattle. Of course I have the best Swiss made pack frames and as a rancher we are horse literate. Self fueling, get stronger with exercise, natural watch dogs, what’s not to like about horses.

            PR

          2. GotUR6 says:

            Thanks for the feedback. I have ammo cans and a big metal trash can too. I had considered getting a small Conex but didn’t know how to totally seal it against an EMP. I’ll probably go with a layered approach like you describe.

          3. Panhandle Rancher says:

            GotUR6 Preparing conex for emp is a complicated project. I welded on one and found the cladding a nasty material to work with. The two (or more) pressure relief ports, floor and doors are the weak emp points. I bought a lot of copper screen and laid it down on the floor such that the sides curled up. Next I soldered the screen down the lengthly overlaps and built a 2×4 frame around the floor a foot or so short to the doors. The overlap screen was formed around this frame. Walls and ceiling were fabricated the same way along with doors. The end result was a sealed screen room that would let air circulate. The conex simply provided theft deterrence and water tight housing. Lot of effort that I’ll not likely duplicate.
            PR

  2. JBernDrApt says:

    If Jack and Jill went up the hill with each a $1.25 and Jill comes back with $2.50 was this a tax issue?
    If you StaBil a 5 gallon gas can. How long would you guess the gas remains useable?
    -Keep Looking UP?

    Reply
    1. jh says:

      JB, if it was cash transaction it shouldn’t be a tax issue at all.That’s why feds want to go to digital currency so everything can be taxed!
      I’ve used 89 octane gas with stabil that were in two USGI fuel cans and two standard “blitz” fuel cans that was 3 years old. I only noticed a little knock during acceleration in my Jeep. I’ve used gasoline treated with PRI-G that was 5 years old in a ‘blitz’ fuel can with my lawn mower and didn’t notice any difference except a little bit of a weird smell to it. I’ve recently filled two 5gal USGI cans with non-ethanol fuel (3.99gal) treated with PRI-G as our emergency fuel stash. That’ll be in the ground for at least 2 years.

      Reply
    2. JR says:

      JernDrApt – StaBil is good and if you double the dosage and keep it in a cooler environment upwards of 4 years is POSSIBLE. I would suggest a metal rather than plastic container. 2 years is a good bet. If using in simple motors rather than modern vehicle then the timeframe of 4 years is more realistic.

      Pri-G is a better alternative to StaBil. The company that makes Pri-G makes additive used in massive ships and is an advanced additive that not only assists in shelf life but engine care. You can actually take old gas and add Pri-G to it to make it usable again. Of course “useable” is determined by equipment involved and intended purpose. Pri-G all the way!!

      Oh – and I have to question Jill’s motives if she goes up with $1.25 and comes down with Jack’s $1.25. Hmmmm……

      Reply
      2. Panhandle Rancher says:

        JBernDrApt, modern computer controlled vehicles will ‘burn’ old gasoline better than the less complex small engines. My one lung motors are the most sensitive to gasoline age. I suspect the E85 flex fuel capable engines will burn the oldest of all gasolines. PRI-G is much better than Stabil.

        PR

        Reply
    1. JR says:

      Good question. Disease is an issue that I know little about and have little exposure to. All my years of gardening never really had a problem. Bugs – hand picking and stored Seven dust.

      Reply
    2. Oren says:

      Guineas. They’ll take on snakes, rats, all bugs and spiders right down to ticks. Just don’t let them in the garden until the plants are established. Some people say the guinea is a wild fowl. I’ve had my neighbors follow me around like a pack of small dogs with just a whistle to call them. Great and interesting birds.

      Reply
    3. goingray58 says:

      Guineas are good watch dogs too.. can’t have em with bees though .. they will sit in front of the hive and eat em like candy. One of the things I do now and it works to a degree. Plant mint and marigolds around and among your plants. The moths and such that lay eggs don’t like the smell.. as well a mixture of soap and different essential oils can remove nematoads and some fungus (soap being a surfactant it makes water .. wetter or a better solvent). It doesn’t hurt plants, but dissolves the joints in the exoskeletons of some bugs including wasps. If you have em around the place.. get your favorite drink and a spray bottle with 1 to 1 soap and water, and put it on stream.. and have fun shooting the pests.. it’ll turn a fly into a walk in a heart beat. Yeah I know redneck fun. Whatcha gonna do.

      Reply
      1. JC says:

        Nope, PR. I always have a couple of hundred pounds of diatomaceous earth in the shed. I’m more concerned about what happens when the supply of gardening products become unavailable. I have been gardening organically for around 10 years now and still find myself using products likeSafer soaps and natural fungicides like organic copper and Serenade to help with blight and insect control.

        Reply
      2. joyce says:

        Nope PR…..LOVE that stuff ! The only drawback is it needs reapplied after it gets moist. Trying to keep the toxic chemicals out of our lives makes it a great choice…..23$ for a 50# bag in a farm store is pretty inexpensive. I apply it with a plastic sauce/ketchup bottle though you need to be careful not to inhale the airborne dust.

        Reply
  4. Capt.Michaels says:

    Okay, here is a situational awareness/practical situation question that will effect anyone at any time. This is why I’ve promoted and my next challenge is combat pistol training.

    What did this person do wrong or not do right? What would you do? (Understanding this is pure speculation on the home owner’s part)

    – Did this person not seek cover?
    – Did this person not have illumination and/or was it improperly used?
    – Did this person practice for a situation like this?

    The homeowner saw the suspects and shot at them, deputies said. However, the suspects also had a gun and shot back at the homeowner, shooting him in the upper chest
    http://www.khou.com/news/crime/hcso-homeowner-shot-as-suspects-try-to-steal-trailer/294763470

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      Capt – I can only theorize a few things and it is much easier to Monday-morning Quarterback the situation than live through it:

      First – the guy should have called the cops rather than risk his life by venturing into a threat zone and confront trespassers. I am assuming that he lived in an area with a moderate response time. The trailer was in the street and not on his property. This could have certainly been a large factor in the DA’s determination to bring murder charges should he had killed one of the men.

      Second – if the call is placed and it is deemed prudent to stop the would-be thieves a very loud vocal command indicating to the perpetrators that if they failed to stop what they were doing they would be shot. Did this happen? Not sure. Either way – doesn’t sound like shooting was justified based on the location of trailer.

      Third – seems like cover was certainly an issue. They must have been around that trailer which would at a minimum offer concealment. He may have been standing on his front porch in his skivvies. Not sure.

      If I had a trailer on the street and someone was trying to steal it. I would not start blasting at them. i would call the cops and if I needed to try to stop them it would be from excellent cover and concealment with vocal commands and threats.

      My 2 cents.

      Reply
      1. Fred says:

        +1 for calling cops. Risking death to save property is a bad idea. These crooks were apparently prepared and had a plan. Every time I hear a noise at night and thinking of going out with a pistol I remember that the first rule of life is don’t be a dumbass.

        Reply
        1. Capt.Michaels says:

          Well, I guess being former military and a cop I would confront robbers. However, not for something parked on the street. It would have to be in my yard. Likewise, I have confront situations like this before. HOWEVER, I did it tacitly, quiet, and took a position of upper hand from cover.

          Still though, in any situation. Are people mentally preparing for this scenario from a lunatic road rage driver? From someone that forces their way into your space and it’s more than one person?

          Reply
      2. Capt.Michaels says:

        Thanks for the response. I kind of figured you might say that based on your previous comments.

        I was thinking very close to the same thing. Parked on the street? Pffft, they could’ve thought it was abandoned so your setting yourself up for failure already.

        My second thought, skivvies or not. No cover and missed shot seems to be indicative of countless poor decisions.

        Reply
    2. Oren says:

      Capt. it appears the person did not have cover and based on the outcome I doubt he ever practiced for this. But the bottom line I see, if he shot first and they returned fire, it would seem he missed. Or he intentionally missed with what a lot of people would do, a scare shot. Good way to die. My training started at the foot of my grandfather. He told me when I guess I was about 10 yrs old (I’m 70 now), if you have to pull a gun, you have to kill someone.

      Reply
      1. Capt.Michaels says:

        Oren,
        I’m totally with you on this one. Seems like he made a series really bad, bad decision. And I’m for sure thinking he never practiced.

        Reply
    3. goingray58 says:

      Ditto on what everybody said .. getting dead over a trailer is not smart. 911, and turn on-lights. Trip security system to alarm if you have it and make big noise. I’m thinking I’d have used a long gun rather than a pistol, and I might have had the pistol as well.. depends.. on time location number of bad guys…. I doubt the bad guys were uber smart but lady luck is fickle.. Or Murphy if you prefer. In my head I see a guy running out int he yard in his boxers blazing away and hollering.. not worried abotu wher his bullets go after they go by or through someone else. Yeah that would is a stud tax. Now he’ll see the scar every morning…. I hope it was educational since he paid for it.

      Reply
  6. GotUR6 says:

    I need to develop a communications strategy. I live in a suburb in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and have adult children (and grandchildren) who live within 2-3 miles of me. But my wife and I, as well as our sons, all work 10-15 miles in various directions from where we live. I want to acquire hand-held radios for each of us to keep in our vehicles. What kinds do you recommend so we can help each other if necessary to get back to our homes before bugging out in a SHTF situation? I have had CB’s but the reliable range is limited to 3 or 4 miles on most days. I have thought about hand-held hams like the Baofeng UV5R, but to be honest I know next to nothing about radio communications. Suggestions??

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    2. JR says:

      GotUR6 – In my experience regardless of radio type range is antenna dependent or I should say antenna height dependent. The advantage of the Baofeng’s and ham radio is the ability to connect to a repeater and increase range dramatically.

      CB can get longer ranges than the 3-4 miles if you increase antenna height and possibly power(yeah – check your local laws).

      My suggestion would be to create SOP – Standard Operating Procedures – for what to do in any situation and keep these in all vehicles. Regardless of the ability to communicate over distance everyone will know what everyone will be doing based on the SOP’s. The inability to communicate today in a world where communication is instant anywhere will be stressful no doubt. If part of the SOP is a rally point then as everyone gets close they can power up there FRS/GMRS/ham/CB radio’s and possibly connect up 2-3 miles out.

      Reply
      1. GotUR6 says:

        Great, that’s exactly what I was looking for. As mentioned I am totally uninformed when it comes to anything but CBs so this is very good info. Thanks!

        Reply
  7. Fred C says:

    OK, someone has to do it; Politics! What is your opinion about Trump’s tactics now and what he is saying? I know the media is out to get him but he does say some not so wise stuff that the media and Hillary run with to shoot him down. I plan to vote for him just to keep Hillary out but he seems to be losing ground to her. Even the Republican leaders are using things he says against him. Concerned, yes a little.

    Reply
    1. GotUR6 says:

      Somebody glue that idiot’s lips together! I will NOT vote for Hitlery, but Trump just needs to keep his mouth shut or she will be our next President – God help us!

      Reply
    2. JR says:

      You had to do it Fred, didn’t you?

      Trump is NOT a politician and is no different today than 30 years ago. He says things like most of us do – no political correctness. Hillary and the rest of the corrupt crew in Washington are groomed for years on how NOT to answer questions, maneuver around answers in order to provide information to fit their agenda, and spin.

      Trump does not do that or at least not well.

      Often initial impressions are “I can’t believe he just said that!” but then take a look at what he said. Often there is truth there and we are just not used to hearing it. So – he makes a side comment about 2nd Amendment people maybe being able to take care of those involved in gun confiscation. THE MEDIA FREAKS!!! Yet this is the absolute truth and I and numerous others have written and theorized that if government came to take our guns there would be a 2nd American Revolution. He spoke the truth and was politically incorrect.

      The crazy thing is others do it and the MSM hides it. Look it up – Biden suggests that if Obama tried to take his shotgun Biden would pull out his Beretta. Where was the MSM reporting Biden was threatening to shoot Obama. Hillary in 2008 speaks in a manner that some say she was suggesting Obama would be assassinated. That’s not what she meant but if Trump said the same thing the MSM would be all over it.

      The “Republican Leaders” that are against him are all part of the same corrupt Washington group that Hillary is in = the establishment. This is the same establishment on both sides that say that the budget should be balanced, that the debt reduced, that immigration needs to be resolved, and that our dear, poor children need the best education in the world. What do we get? None of the above.

      Trump is different. Period.

      BUT – he will not win. He will not win because far too many people fail to understand what is really going on. They fail to understand that Hillary is the epitome of evil. She is totally out for herself and for power and feels no sense of Patriotism. She worships communists, socialists, and baby killers. She laughs at getting a child rapists off and tears down her husband’s sexual victims yet gets on TV and says those victims of sexual abuse need to be believed.

      I’m on a roll.

      The future of this country is truly at stake as the Supreme Court will receive several new members over the next 4-8 years and if Hillary is appointing them it’s all over. Freedom and Liberty will become a thing of the past while fluid genders and races will be the norm. Today i am John…..tomorrow? Who knows?

      Lastly – if by some miracle Trump is elected which I do not believe will happen – he is but one man. You have an entire Congress tainted with corruption and greed. How will any changes be implemented? How will laws be passed?

      That can only occur if the public got involved and took to the streets to support him. That, my friends, isn’t going to happen when the vast majority of American’s will only take to the streets to look for cartoon characters.

      I need a beer.

      Reply
      1. Fred C says:

        Sorry JR, I had to do it and I like the way you summed it up. Unfortunately, I believe you are correct in who will be President. God help us all!

        Reply
    3. Oren says:

      Fred, and others….
      Start your regimen for going grey. He was not my first choice because of his mouth, but I was going to support him. He just keeps putting his foot in his mouth up to his ankle! Hillary is riding him like a sore donkey. An election he should be able to win hands down, he is throwing away. I just read an article where the Republican party realizes they are trapped with him. Women Republicans are deserting in droves, independents supposedly don’t like him but the party knows if they dump him the conservatives will desert the party. Either way, the Republican party is going to take a major hit this year. I just pray that the Republicans maintain a majority in Congress. It’s going to be hard to control Hillary, especially with her using the Obama philosophy of using the Executive Order to get her way.

      Reply
    4. goingray58 says:

      I don’t think the guy can goof it up too bad if he puts good people around himself. He needs to put in a filter that says THINK.. nod.. look contemplative and wise.. then talk slowly and sincerely.. his off the cuff poorly worded responses may have killed him politically. I’ll still vote for him even if he burns it down i’s better than what HC will give you. IMO And maybe it needs burned down just now.

      Reply
  8. steve j says:

    Both Hillary and Trump are corrupt: her in politics and fundraising, him in bankruptcies and ripping off suppliers, contractors, etc. But at least she is competent…he is a know-nothing idiot and a racist. I don’t understand why average, blue collar Americans want him. He wouldn’t urinate on us if we were on fire.

    Reply
    1. GotUR6 says:

      Competent? Here’s the problem with Hillary as I see it… she is clearly anti-first and second amendment. If she becomes President she will likely be appointing two or three SCOTUS judges. That will tilt the balance of the court WAYYY to the left for a generation or more and result in a horrendous loss of free speech, how we get to worship and gun registration (if not outright gun confiscation). Now those liberties may not mean anything to you… but they’re damn important to me.

      Reply
    2. Oren says:

      Steve, please define competent. Hillary has a long history of doing what is good for her and be damned everything else. The reason the blue collar worker is for Trump is that he is attempting get a program to bring jobs back to the US. Hillary , while senator in NY introduced numerous bills to that effect and had none pass. In fact, there was a 25% loss of jobs in NY under her watch. The only thing she did was rename 2 US Post Offices. As far as her competence rating, what did she do when she was Sec. of State? She left Libya in turmoil. It was stabilized until she introduced her hand. She weakened our national security in a deal in Russia to partner with them to develop a “Silicon Valley” like technology center. Through her Clinton Money Washing Foundation, she encouraged large corporations to support this endeavor. Through sharing technology, which was encouraged by Hillary, this effort led to the weaponization of the same technology we were sharing. She is the ultimate in collecting funds funneled thru the Clinton foundation from donors who are willing to pay to play. There are numerous accounts of foreign countries dropping bundles into the CF and then getting preferential treatment from the State Department. And the list goes on. Yeah, she’s competent alright. Why do you think the Clinton’s as a family are referred to as the Clinton Crime Family? Sorry, just hit a raw nerve there and I couldn’t stop myself.

      Reply
    3. goingray58 says:

      I get what you are saying but competent is not the word I would use. I’d say .. well informed. HC has been around a long time and is up on all the issues. However she will not do with that information anything that is good for the US, not at all. I see a lot of civil unrest coming, and heavy handed jack boots responding to it… worst case they will have blue helmets.. too much ?
      cram your days full of learning all you can.. plan plan plan, train train train.. and I think we all struggle with when to hit the execute button.

      Reply
  9. jh says:

    JR, two part question.
    1) what ratio of store bought – canned soups,meats,veggies, easy prep boxed/packages vs long term food (bulk grains, freeze dried #10 cans) should be in your food storage pantry for 6 months? 10/90, 50/50?
    2) If grid goes down, you meet at BOL with your MAG, what is your thoughts about having certain people doing only specific jobs/chores around the BOL? There’s been talk on interwebz that it should be divided up into two categories those that only deal in security – patrols, guard, recon etc and those in homesteading – gardening, repairs, medical, day to day chores.

    Reply
    1. JR says:

      jh –

      #1 – I like 40/60 or close. The longer the period the more the scale should slide in the direction of the bulk grains, freeze dried.

      #2 – I think that makes a lot of sense. i am working on a retreat checklist to be used upon arrival. This checklist is for allowing people to use their brains for thinking rather than for remembering. Things like sanitation, cooking, security, communication – even sleeping arrangements need to be taken into consideration. How about a standard first aid station in case of injury? Who will cook? Rotate that responsibility or develop a team? Up to the group but it is good to put some things in place before rather than after.

      Reply
  10. goingray58 says:

    related to one of my comments.. and it doesn’t have to be definitive as much as thought provoking cuz all of us are smarter than one of us .. occasionally 🙂

    part 1
    What KEY factors will you use to determine when to abandon day to day life and begin to execute your plan?

    part 2
    What are the first 5-0 thing s you will do to execute it.

    I know what I think, but I am interested in comments that lead to the WHEN and based on WHAT.

    Reply
    1. Fred C says:

      Great question GG58. I have been wondering that myself. In my case, I have about 80 miles to travel to my BO location with about 20 miles interstate and the remainder through country roads and small towns. It is imperative that I/we choose the right time to get to our BO location. I also have to take all my supplies with me as I/we BO since I can’t leave them at my land. There has to be a Key, an event or something major like HiLIARly coming after our 2nd amendment rights. Another could be a stock market crash or a huge ISIS attack on our power grid.
      Knowing WHEN is so important because if you wait too long, you won’t make it anywhere. I am not normally a procrastinator…BUT this will be such a huge decision.
      I wish that all of us on this Website had a way to communicate with each other outside this website, that would be great and we could share with each other when to implement our plan.
      Here are my 5 (6):
      Step 1 – Recognize situation and notify everyone bugging out with me to get ready to go.
      Step 2 – Pack all BO supplies into vehicles
      Step 3 – Arm self and all BO members
      Step 4 – Begin trek to BO location
      Step 5 – Set up everyone on BO land ( should have sleeping arrangements and job duties pre-planned. (I have this in my head but need to put it on paper)
      Step 6 – Stay alive!

      Reply
      1. Panhandle Rancher says:

        Comms are simple. Pass that general examination and get an HF transceiver. In the process you will add to your knowledge and capabilities. Then join AMRON or similar.
        PR

        Reply
    2. JR says:

      GG58 – Great question. Tough to answer.

      Part 1 – My group has talked about this and nothing definitive has been determined. So many scenario’s. I think the first indication to start implementing plans is if I feel resistant to go to work and leave my family. That is a tell right there. It only increases plan implementation from there.

      Part – Same as above as far as a definitive list of things to do. i mentioned in another comment I am putting together a list of things to do once retreat arrival has occurred. As far as the first 5 things or so to do to implement plan if I understand you correctly would involve making sure family is safe, security of supplies and possibly loading up on more if the ability exists, deciding when to go to retreat if necessary, gaining information as events unfold, and potentially warning others. Not sure if this is what you are looking for or if I misunderstood.

      Reply
      1. goingray58 says:

        So on part 1 . yeah .. Gut plays a part.. think is gut is not the same for all group members right ? If you gotta go you gotta go and everyone might not make it, so your plans have to be freestanding regardless of who shows up.
        I was kind of thinking about keeping political issues in mind.. and there are types of events.. planned and unplanned
        Planned is political and watch the financial markets.. big guys will know first to protect their fiscal interests.. and that tells you something is coming that is planned. If you wait on a planned “EVENT” its likely too late. Also a LACK of chatter means plans being executed normally. So are you seeing an issue or being chicken little.. could be some of both if I have my tin foil hat on that day. everybody has those days.

        Part 2 yeah I guess that is close .. a list is good .. do yo go to the trouble of practicing a load out ? If you don’t what’s the risk.
        Bill Ingvol “You moving neighbor?”.. “Nah we just thought we pack everything up and load it to see how many boxes it’d take” .. “Here’s your sign”

        I’ve about come to the point where fiscally you have to commit to Bug In or OUT.. but not both. With enough time and money maybe you can do both. OR you buy and move to your BO ahead of time, and rent small until you need it or retire.
        It’s probably semantics, given my expectation for the election. But you have to act and do what you can as best you can.
        “Faith with out works is dead” James 2:14-26.. Pray hard.. Work Hard.. have faith and be diligent/deliberate.

        Reply
    1. JR says:

      steve – I’ll take a stab at answering your question.

      The reason so many of Trumps – and everyone else’s products are made overseas is simple: trade regulations and domestic manufacturing costs. Trump is a business man and in order to stay in business must turn a profit. The exception to the rule is an American made clothing item. You cannot compete against cheap overseas labor. If trade policies and governmental corporate regulations and polices were different then domestic manufacturing could return back closer to what it once was. Hillary will only make things worse.

      Reply
  12. steve j says:

    goinggrey58…well said: “well informed” is a better description of Clinton. Trump scares me: one explosion (verbal bomb) after another. As president, there would be lots of things he couldn’t “take back” later. He is unstable, perhaps the worst trait the most powerful person in the world could have.

    Reply
    2. goingray58 says:

      Well… Steve j, GotUR6 et al.. I am not defending Hillary. I agree she is some version of evil.. and a bad one IMO. I will not vote for her, but thse is better and politicaly nuanced than Trump. Note I did not say more correct or right.. She is not any of that IMO. She is a liar.. but pathological ? probably not.. I think there is a good deal of reason behind her lies.. Pathological lying or (mythomania) being defined in part as “falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view”. I think there is a very deliberate end view. I also think there is a huge amount of money and support behind developing the campaign to make that view represented as commander in Chief.
      Do I agree with it .. absolutely not. But you can’t ignore the enemy or their methods if you want to fight them. Trump has been ignoring them by either not getting or not taking good advice. It weakened his position with some segment of the voters.
      I will say that in recent days and several recent interviews he is better and may be actually switching to general election mode from campaign mode.
      I will vote for him regardless.. as Hilary will not be good for our country for 40 years not just 4 and worse.
      I am saying too that one must not ignore or discount the weight of the machine and finance HC has behind her, and doing so puts you in peril.

      Reply
    3. Jim says:

      What I have found hilarious is people complaining about career politician and wanting “something different”…. and then complaining that the “something different” doesn’t act or sound like a politician.
      I wish Trump would control his “shoot from the lip” responses, but have no problem trusting him in the Oval.

      Reply
  13. RocketCityPrepper says:

    It’s not a hard choice for me. When I think back to Romney, McCain, Bush II, Dole, Bush I, etc. I like Trump better than everything the Republicans have offered up. Because every one they have offered up has been a pseudo-conservative, elite establishment, corrupt politician (and in some cases worse!).

    On the other hand Hillary is clearly evil. I agree that some of Trump’s words could cost him the election, but that is because the progressives have been so successful in brain washing the people and absolutely controlling the news media. Nothing Trump says comes anywhere near as bad as what Hillary represents though. If she wins that may be the “balloon” event for me and my family.

    If the American public can’t see their own doom if they elect Hillary, then I doubt anything will wake them up…short of the second coming of God.

    Reply

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