1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: current events

From the Desk of John Rourke – January 10th, 2017

Interesting that there were several mainstream media outlets including CNN that edited pictures of Florida mass murderer and terrorist Esteban Santiago to remove his Muslim hand sign from pictures.

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Let me make this perfectly clear: Although I have promoted the purchase and use of steel case ammunition as a practice cost saving I do not promote their use in a defensive situation. Steel cased ammunition can provide for increased rounds and more training thus better preparation. They are certainly less reliable and somewhat less accurate than their brass-cased relatives. Steel cased = practice. Brass cased = reliability/performance.

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My 2017 Gold’s Gym Challenge start got delayed until yesterday due to weather. Spent Sunday prepping food for the week. I truly believe if I stick to my plan I can place. We’ll see. Any success is still success.

Great workout Monday and diet plan went well.

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Man get’s a ticket for warming up car in his own driveway.

This is government overreach at its best. Man leaves a car running on his own property and he gets a fine. Insanity.

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Picked up three more American Silver Eagle 1 ounce pieces. Folks over at eBay are offering some at very competitive prices. I haven’t posted the weekly “Prep’s This Week” in a bit. Ever since switching to Saturday’s I’ve struggled to remember. Hmmm……maybe another day or every couple weeks.

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Something for you……

January 9, 2017
Bad Things Happen In a Free Society

It’s an inevitable question asked by children everywhere. There is no easy answer. I remember in 10th grade having a local minister visit my home and attempt to answer. The shooting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida just begs the question as to why bad things happen.

A simple answer could be if bad things didn’t happen then there would be no comparison – no reference – which to understand what is good. In my mind the answer is quite simple – evil. There is evil in this world. While we have wonderful, generous, and compassionate people all over this country and in this world we also have the opposite.

Here’s another couple questions that get asked:

What do we do about these bad things that happen?

How can we prevent them from happening?

Tough questions and the answers are not easy. Living in a free society there are consequences to this freedom. There is no way around it. What I do know is you cannot pass a law to prevent evil from carrying out evil. While laws, ordinances, and policies may guide behavior in the end evil will be evil.

Case in Point: Chicago.

While Chicago has some of the strictist gun control laws in the United States this city also has some of the highest murder and shooting rates.

It’s people. It’s culture.

It’s complicated.

Rourke

January 9, 2017
From the Desk of John Rourke – January 9th, 2017

The snow we were supposed to get never showed up. It went to the north of us. Maybe next time.

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Mentioned I had an old Casio G-Shock watch with a broken band. I found a band kit on eBay for around $14 and ordered it. Planning on getting a few more G-Shock’s or similar watches for kits – including one to EMP-proof.

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Watched Captain America: Civil War for the second time. Excellent movie and if you like action the entire Avengers/Captain America/Iron Man series is first rate. “Civil War” in particular is extremely relevant to current times. Why? The United Nations wish to have oversight and control over the Avengers due to their incredible power. See – it’s the same old “government always knows best”.

There is a split in the Avengers Team as to sign up or not. Conflict ensues – thus….Civil War.

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I’ve started my stippling project. Read around on gun forums and people have a love-hate relationship with stippling. After handling a pistol with custom stippled grip the purpose is clear = superior control and retention. Starting with some PMAG’s while I learn.

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Something for you…..Another example of why we need to put celebrities and their opinions in perspective. This guy – although a great actor – does not live in the same world as the rest of us……

January 8, 2017
From the Desk of John Rourke – January 3rd, 2017

17 days until Obama is out of office.

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I’ve started working on a post to remind people that there are lots of reasons to continue to prepared efforts – food storage, security, defense, gardening, bug out plans, fuel storage, bug in plans, etc. Well here’s one: Kim Jung Un in North Korea is prepping to test an ICBM in their continuing nuclear armament efforts.

Let’s remember North Korea has two satellites orbiting the planet and passes over the United States. What if they contain nuclear weapons?

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Last couple weeks been going through serious organization efforts. Still a ways to go. Way too much clutter and saving EVERYTHING. A lot of people do Spring Cleaning well guess we are doing Winter Cleaning. Old clothes heading to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Misc supplies have been placed into storage unit until retreat shed is complete. This is freeing up some serious space. Firearms and all things related to firearms getting a place. Purchased another metal gun cabinet – a Stack On 10 gun. Will get an actual safe at some point.

Making headway is better than going backwards.

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Added my 2017 Goals & Objects to the Projects page.

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Something for you……

January 2, 2017
From the Desk of John Rourke – December 19th, 2016

Interesting the attention that the “DNC email leak/hacking” situation is getting right now. Four years ago when Romney suggested that Russia was the biggest threat t the United States he was labeled ridiculous and “old school” by Obama and the mainstream media. Now those very same people are all over Russia for hacking the DNC – even though Julian Assange has stated Russia was not responsible.

To a certain degree it really doesn’t matter where Wikileaks received their information. It has been proven that the DNC is corrupt and election was completely rigged. Hillary was selected early on and it didn’t matter what Bernie Sanders did she was going to get the nomination. Beyond that evidence was massive that Hillary was chosen to be elected President by the “powers that be”. The uniqueness of Trumps message managed to pull him out the win – even though he managed to best Romney’s totals in 2012 by a couple million votes.

Here is some truth for you…..

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Huge Star Wars fan when I was a kid. A fanatic really. Going to See Rogue One Tuesday night.

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Went from the 20’s to about 70 degrees in my area within a little over 24 hours. Crazy. Frigid temps all over the country though. Check out a live temperature map HERE.

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Christmas shopping is way past done. Spent a ridiculous amount of money this year.

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Something for you…..

December 18, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – December 9th, 2017

Ran into a true unicorn today – the Kel-Tec CMR-30. I have been to gun shows and numerous gun shops in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia – never seen one – ever. If not familiar the CMR is the carbine version of the popular Kel-Tec PMR-30 .22 magnum semi-automatic pistol(which I own). I have wanted a CMR since their manufacturing was announced.

It was soooo tempting but had to walk out empty handed. I schemed all the way home how I could afford it. Was there something I could trade in? Was there something I could sell? Oh well – they are really fun guns but will just have to wait.

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John Glenn dead at 95. I have known his name since I was a little kid. An amazing American!

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Appreciate the support while shopping over at Amazon.com. Click this link or any other on the site, purchase anything – and a small commision will go to keeping us going. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.

Thanks.

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Heading into the woods Saturday morning hunting again. It is going to be cold!!!! Estimated 20 degrees. Brrrr……

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A large topic in social media and mainstream media is related to “fake news”. Fake news comes from a variety of different sources including websites that post fake articles and from people or organizations that create “propaganda” for a desired effect. I have myself fell for fake news before believing it to be real. It can be very embarrassing.

Fake news goes to the concept of doing your own research and think for yourself. Base opinions and beliefs on facts and logic – rather than emotion and fantasy.

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Have a great weekend everyone!!!

December 8, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – December 8th, 2016

I continue to put together a survival library that will be second to none. The goal here is to have everything on a large flash drive – possibly 128 gigabytes. Insert the USB drive into a laptop and a menu will pop up. Super easy to use and accessing all the information will be a breeze. Well – that is the goal.

Most everything will be PDF – plus lots of video’s. The drive should also work on a Windows-based tablet as long as there is a USB port available.

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Favorite superhero: Batman

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For some reason been thinking a lot about survival back in the 80’s. I remember certain products, magazines, books, and guns that were popular back then. For those old enough to have been into preparedness back in the 80’s there were some pretty cool stuff back then. This was all before the Internet and folks were fairly sure who the enemy was – the Soviet Union.

Think I’ll write up an article about 80’s survivalism.

Until then here is a sampling from the 80’s:

[slideshow_deploy id=’4170′]

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Hope everyone’s week is going fantastic!!

December 7, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – December 7th, 2016
It was on December 7th, 1941 that 353 Japanese bombers attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, destroying 19 ships, 188 aircraft and killing over 2,000 Americans. It was this act that drove the United States into World War II. Always remember.

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Attended the second class towards getting my ham license. So far pretty cool and have learned a decent amount. Actually I probably have more questions now than before. Hopefully I’ll pass the test when I take it on December 17th.

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Trump met with Gore to discuss global warming. Holy crap.

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Reports are that Area 51 has expanded greatly over the last few years. This is important as we prep for the coming galactic war……right?

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The Ultimate Prepper’s Weapons Collection – per Arnold:
- The 12-gauge auto-loader
- The .45 long slide, with laser sighting
- Phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range
- The Uzi nine millimeter
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Here’s a little something for you…..
December 6, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 23rd, 2016

Appreciate all the positive comments about the “situation” at home. A lot of work to be done this weekend.

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So – Trump is going back on his promise to pursue charges against Hillary. I disagree with that and suspect this will not be the last promise he twists and turns into something else. He has to play politics and although I’m not in agreement – it is likely for the best. He has over half the country not part of his fan base. He needs to prove their rhetoric and propaganda wrong.

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If you plan to do any Amazon shopping this Black Friday week or Christmas holiday I would appreciate it if you would head over there through any Amazon link from this website. Any purchases made earn us a small commision at no additional cost to you.

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We’ll get back on track with the Jericho reviews and discussions after Thanksgiving. If you haven’t been watching it now is a great time to catch up.

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Here’s a little something for you…….

November 22, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 22nd, 2016

Fairly impressed with the moves that Trump has made so far with his transition team and those selected to be part of his Administration. He appears to be making selections that are right in line with his agenda as well as making attempts to improve relationships with those in Washington. Teamwork is going to be needed to get his ideas implemented.

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Silver prices have dropped over the past two weeks. While some may look at this as a negative I look at it as a buying opportunity.

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I mentioned a few days ago about my son’s best friend and the troubles he was having at home. He actually spent the night outside on the street as he did not want to “be a burden” on anyone. I set him straight that he was absolutely NOT to do that again and that if he had nowhere to go he could stay with us.

The wife and I talked and proposed a couple of things. We found local assistance that would provide him shelter and food. He was not interested in public assistance. The other involved us taking our shed in the backyard and converting it into a spare room. The shed is larger than my son’s room. So – this weekend everything will be moved out and cleaned up. Moisture barriers will be laid on floor and walls after the insulation is installed. The bare walls will be covered with plywood.

Some carpet will be laid down, an electric heater, a couple of twin beds, and a TV installed. LED lights will be installed as well. At some point the walls painted white.

Home, sweet home…….

I’m taking him to school every morning and I hope everything works out. He is going home for Thanksgiving. I also told him he is under no obligation to stay even though we are making all these accomodations.

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If looking for a compact, concealed carry gun check out the S&W Shield 45. I have held it several times and really like it.
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Here’s a little something for you…..

November 21, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 21st, 2016

NOTE: I am going to start publishing posts in the evening as for some reason some posts are missing their morning scheduled times. This post is an example of a missed one as it was supposed to go live at 7:15AM EST but failed to publish. Thanks.

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Right now is a great time to be a prepper. With all these sales going on and with Black Friday coming up there are some great deals out there.

My local Cabela’s has 9mm ammo in brass cases for $11.99 – plus a $5.00 rebate per box. $6.99 for a box of 50 rounds. Wow! Haven’t seen prices like that in years.

Click to Enlarge

Home Depot and Lowe’s has an assortment of flashlights, grills, and tools at great prices.

WalMart same with the flashlights but also other outdoor equipment such as binoculars and game cams.

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As an experienced paintball player I have always wondered why firearms have not gone high tech like paintball guns. I am assuming it involves BATF regulations within the manufacturing process. Trigger pulls are directly linked to accuracy. An electronic trigger could provide a substantial increase in accuracy on some firearms for some shooters.

Picture above is very similar to my Invert Mini

I would imagine 3 shot burst, reactive trigger, and full auto modes may create some unneeded attention. Man – it would be cool though.

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Started watching the TV series Cheers on Netflix. Wow – been a long time. I remember watching it as a kid and loved it then. Still a great show.

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Enjoy this video. Watch it all the way through – even watch it twice. Never ceases to amaze me the ignorance that has led this country astray.

November 21, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 18th, 2016

From the “It Never Ceases to Amaze Me File” – Man goes into Starbucks where they write your name on a cup and states “TRUMP”. You guessed it – they refuse and call the cops because he gives them a hard time.

Unreal.

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I’ve been on a cooking binge lately – primarily steak and stir fry’s. Just last night I took a large 12 oz. top sirloin and marinated it for 3 hours in KC Masterpiece “Steakhouse” marinade. Pan fried it on both sides until slightly blackened – then placed it in the oven at 375 degrees for I guess 25-30 minutes. Added a coating of Weber Chop & Steak while in the oven……WOW!! A1 Steak Sauce finished it off.

Seeing some great prices on beef right now.

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I’ve been off cable and satellite for a few years now and really don’t miss it. Just ordered a new long range HD antenna planning to install in my attic for upstairs TV.

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I am a big planner and every year around this time I start looking at specific goals I want to accomplish. Like many others many go to the wayside a few months in but I am going to give it a shot anyways.

I really want 2017 to be a fantastic year.

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So – my son’s best friend had left home and was staying with friends. He is 17. I took him out to dinner to find out what was going on with him as home with mom and dad is where he should be. Well – this kid has always been smart and very well-mannered and mature. He described a fairly unhealthy home life thus the reason he left. He has filled out college applications all on his own. He has kept his job although he has no license and no car – thus relies on others all the time. He was asked to leave where he was staying(girlfriend). So – now he is here at my place.

Yeah – fairly uncomfortable and the stress is on the rise. Need to find him somewhere else to go though I feel for him and want to help.

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Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!

November 18, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 14th, 2016

The recent earthquake in New Zealand offers a reminder that it doesn’t take an economic collapse, EMP, or alien invasion to find yourself in a survival situation.

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I just saw Carol Burnett is still alive. Holy crap she must be like 130. I remember watching her when I was just a little tike.

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Here is the latest video of Jake and Bella:

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I have really been enjoying my Ruger 22/45 Lite with AAC AVIATOR 2 suppressor. Due to recent events I am definitely interested in getting more. Next up will likely be a 45ACP suppressor(which can be used for 9mm as well). For rifle I like the idea of the .300 Blackout however I have avoided that cartridge due to the possibility of getting magazines, guns and ammo confused with each other. Possibly a 45ACP/9mm carbine.

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Took the family to the range this past weekend. I really need to get them out to where we can do some serious training. They are not close to being adequate.

November 14, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 11th, 2016

Thank you to all those that have served – Happy Veterans Day. If it were not for the brave who have protected this country we would not have the freedoms we so often take for granted. Thank you!

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I know everyone’s tired of hearing about the election but it is very relevant and will be for some time.

Now we have people in the streets protesting – and even getting violent – due to the results of the election. These are the very same people who have been calling Trump a racist and that he would bring about violence, hate, and division. Um….yeah….right. As it goes with Liberals the hypocrisy runs deep. All over social media people are calling for Trump to be killed and numerous celebrities are promoting violence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8xt2uD3OOw

The above video represents the mindset of a certain segment of the Liberal populace.

Folks – this is just the start.

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Reminder: Comment on the GearBest Flashlight Giveaway to enter to win. Winner to be chosen on the 15th.

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I heard reports from within the firearm community that AR’s will drop to prices NEVER seen before around February. Manufactures and gun shops had stocked up expecting Hillary to be elected and a run on guns and ammo shortly after.

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Hey – I hope everyone has a great weekend. Be safe!

November 11, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 8th, 2016

Get out there and VOTE!!! Get your friends and family and get them to the poll to vote for Trump.

…….and pray.

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I see silver has slid in price a bit lately. I recommend Montana Rarities, eBay, and APMEX for purchases. I have no interest in any of those and get nothing if you purchase from them. I am a customer of Montana Rarities and am set up on their monthly purchase program. I have used eBay and APMEX as well.

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Adventure: Been awhile since I have talked any about adventure’s I have gone on. Well – guess it’s been awhile since I have gone on any. Planning a hiking trip during an upcoming weekend. So easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business of life and sometimes we forget to truly LIVE.

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A lot to think about once the results of the election is determined. Not really sure how I will react if it goes the way of Killary.

November 8, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 7th, 2016

Pretty much the only thing on my mind is the election. Just cannot comprehend how so many people could be fooled or are so ignorant to such a large extent that we are seriously looking at “President Hillary Clinton”. I shouldn’t be shocked after all Obama was elected twice.

Back in November of 2012 I predicted this country would never see another Republican President. Hope I was wrong.

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Testing on the Imalent DN12 LED Flashlight is complete. Review hopefully later this week.

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So – I finally got around to shooting my Hi Point 9mm Carbine. I hate it. Hey – lots of other people like it and that’s why so many options are available. Guess if you’re used to driving a Cadillac and then have to drive a Pinto you may get there but it will suck along the way.

I’m not giving up. Going to place the gun in a new chassis – the ATI Hi Point stock. I’ll add a red dot as well and go from there.

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So – Obama is now promoting illegals to vote in the election. Nothing shocks me anymore.

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Looking at how my supplies are stored. Currently I use many 18 gallon plastic totes. Not the most durable containers in the world but they are cheap and work. After a couple of years they tend to get brittle and need replacing. Thinking about investing in gamma lids and start switching to Home Depot buckets for various supplies.

Curious what everyone else uses to store their supplies.

November 7, 2016
Q & A Day……Kel-Tec, Colt, Glock, Taurus and the Springfield “Saint”

Ask a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, or “Why do they sterilize lethal injections?“ – whatever.

Go ahead – “make my day.”

JR

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From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES

Christmas Lodge – great movie

Christmas Vacation

Hillary’s America

The Sound of Music – a classic

Terra Nova – TV series

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

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

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The prepper’s tablet – perfect for a survival library!

November 4, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 3rd, 2016
Working on an Operational Cache this week to stow away at one of my bug out locations. Hoping to get it completed by Friday and running out of time.

An Operational Cache is a resupply of critical items often accessed while on the go. These caches are often – but not always – buried to hide from others. Major components often placed in an Operational Cache are defensive supplies.

Mine will be inside a large Rubbermaid Actionpacker.

What would you store in your own operational cache?

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Here is something to remember what happens when gun control becomes a focus by certain segments in Washington:

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Spent an hour or so looking up some “old stomping grounds” I used to visit on a regular basis(websites). Found well over half of them were closed – or haven’t posted in months.

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It’s really a shame……

The youth today have no clue what real frustration is. Real frustration is dialing long distance on an old rotary phone and on the last dial short-stroking it……and having to start all over.

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Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:
- MTM Survivor Ammo Cache
- Desiccant Packs for Protection from Moisture
- Rubbermaid 35 gallon ActionPacker Tote
- MTM Tactical Mag Can for AR Magazines
- Heartbreak Ridge – one of my favorite movies
- Casio Men’s G-Shock Watch
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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.

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.

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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.

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…..

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Thank you!!
November 3, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – November 2nd, 2016

I caught myself recently telling a friend that I just could not understand why a carbine such as the old Marlin Camp 9 was not made today. I mean – Ruger made a 9mm carbine and others have. Some were ridiculously expensive but I am looking for something like the Camp 9 – reasonably priced.

Then it hit me – the Hi Point 9mm carbine. Hell – I even have one that I picked up cheap via private sale. Brand new under $300 it certainly is an answer for those asking the right question.

I still miss my Camp 9.

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“Give the laziest man the hardest job he’ll find the easiest way to do it.”

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This day in 1755 – 70,000 people were killed due to an earthquake and resulting tsunami in Lisbon. Also November 2nd, 1765 the first direct tax was levied on the American people. There has been a steady increase in taxes ever since.

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GearBest.com is having a great sale on specialty batteries shipping from their US warehouse – check it out HERE.

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“Just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean you’re wrong.”

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Leaving Magazines Loaded: Often a topic that creates heated arguments is whether to leve magazines loaded or unloaded over the “long term”. There is the key, isn’t it? What is “long term” to one person may not be to another. Here is my bottom line:

“If they must be loaded leave them loaded for as short of time as possible.”

If a box of magazines is stuck up on a shelf to sit and gather dust for a few years why load them? If a vest hangs in the corner ready-to-go in a moment’s notice load ’em up but regular practice should allow some rotation.

If one truly feels the need to load up a hundred magazines and store them away for years to come in ammo boxes real-world evidence shows they SHOULD function fine. Understanding that metal fatigue does occur EVENTUALLY regardless of the spring type I don’t see the reason to take the risk.

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Question: Does anyone follow Anonymous on YouTube?

November 2, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke – October 31st, 2016

Happy Halloween!!! Pay extra close attention to the evil clowns lurking in your backyard….and in your closets.

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Interesting that on this day in 1841 Nevada become a state. Also worth noting that on October 31st in 1941 Mount Rushmore was officially completed and in 1984 Indira Gandhi was assassinated .

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From the “Like We Need Anything Else To Worry About” Department: Russia has developed a huge ICBM capable of carrying 10 tons of nuclear payload.

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I am curious. If Hillary wins what will happen with ammunition, magazine, and gun purchases? Month after month sales records are broken. With that said I suspect that most shooters have bought 90% of what they want/need. Most preppers have already stocked up and spent a ton of money. On November 9th if America wakes up and “President Hillary Clinton” is the headline no doubt there will be some boost – but shortages? I doubt it.

I’ve done well putting back brass and lead as well as a few “boomsticks”. Depending on the results of the election I’ll likely be motivated to do a bit more.

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I have been watching the TV series “Containment” on Netflix. Not a bad show. Basically a pandemic breaks out in Atlanta and a quarantine is established.

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HUNTING TRIP PLANNED: Thanksgiving morning.

A friend of mine is taking my son and I to the hunting club he belongs to. We’ll be in the woods and in a stand well before light – and stuffing our face with turkey by afternoon.

October 31, 2016
Q & A Day…….Civil Defense, Nuclear War and the “All New Fire HD”

Ask 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 true that cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste funny? “ – whatever.

Go ahead – “make my day.”

JR

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From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES

Fire in the Sky

The Magic of Belle Isle – awesome movie!

Killing Season

The DaVinci Code

Ride

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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.

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

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The prepper’s tablet – perfect for a survival library!

October 20, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke

My regular posting schedule has been interrupted this week. Super busy. Will get back on it next week including the regular Jericho posts on Wednesday’s.

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Alot has been on my mind. I am feeling an overwhelming need to step up my preps as quickly as possible. Paranoia? I hope so. Who knows – maybe 10 years from now I’ll be playing with my grandkids and everything is just fine. Not taking any chances -I suggest you don’t either.

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Things progressing well with group preps and hitting new levels of readiness as well as new members. Timing couldn’t be better. Retreat location is set. Supplies – such as food and fuel – are soon to be pre-staged for several members. Although things are going well multiple backup plans are a must.

Another area I frequent is in Georgia at my brothers place. This is certainly an alternate bug out location and supplies must be pre-staged there as well.

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I published Part 2 of my American Reformation series on a Friday recently. Friday being a low traffic day if you missed it check it out HERE.

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I picked up a Hi-Point 9mm carbine a few months ago. It came in very rough condition as the previous owner screwed a picatinny rails into the stock. I have considered just dumping it off on someone else but I have it and it is off the books. Need some magazines and do some shooting with it.

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Most recent picture of Jake!!!!

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To those that recently ordered the Sawyer Bucket Kits I am awaiting an order that should be arriving any day containing one essential part. I will get them shipped out as soon as it come in.

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Take care everyone – be safe.

October 19, 2016
Obama Executive Action – Protect United States from EMP

Obama just signed an Executive Order on October 13th acknowledging the danger of solar activity possibly affecting the electrical grid of the United States. This new Executive Action sets up governmental organizations and delegates responsibilities for research and implementation of programs to forecast, detect, and respond to solar activity.

This is a major position shift of the US Government who in 2008 received testimony on July 10th, 2008 in front of the House Armed Services Committee from the EMP Commission and took no action as a result. The EMP Commission provided a full report to Congress. To summarize – this report concluded an EMP attack could result in a 90% die-off of all US citizens.

Although this Executive Order specifies solar activity as its focus in it my belief that its true function is EMP preparedness.

Of interest is Section 4 sub-section D –

(d) The Secretary of Energy shall facilitate the protection and restoration of the reliability of the electrical power grid during a presidentially declared grid security emergency associated with a geomagnetic disturbance pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 824o-1.

Beyond the language dictating responsibilities for research, communication, and reporting there are suggestions of overreach.

(e) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall:

(i) ensure the timely redistribution of space weather alerts and warnings that support national preparedness, continuity of government, and continuity of operations; and

(ii) coordinate response and recovery from the effects of space weather events on critical infrastructure and the broader community.

Section (ii) above could reference an authority for Homeland Security to do whatever they deem necessary in recovery such as seize private materials and supplies and even people – as evident in the National Defense Security Act(NDSA).

Overall the United States preparing its infrastructure for solar/EMP activity is long overdue. It is at a minimum interesting the timing of this Executive Action and the current activity going on between Russia and the United States.

J Rourke

1776PatriotUSA.com

Don’t forget to vote for this website over at the Top Prepper Sites. Click HERE to vote.

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From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES

In the Valley of Elah – just watched. Excellent. Some profanity.

Double Jeopardy

San Andreas – Action packed!!!

MAX – dog lover? Must see.

Tomorrow When the War Began – a bit cheesy but worth it.

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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.

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

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Need clean water?

October 16, 2016
World War 3? Barack Obama Could Take A Major Step Toward War With Russia On Friday

Rourke: The following post was originally published over at The Economist Collapse Blog. This is a very situation please read the following…….

By Michael Snyder

Because the mainstream media is devoting almost all of their time and energy to covering the Trump and Clinton campaigns, most Americans don’t realize that the Obama administration is bringing us perilously close to war with Russia. On Friday, Barack Obama is going to sit down with his foreign policy team and discuss “military options” in Syria. As you will see below, the options under consideration include direct strikes “on Syrian military bases”. Russia has already pledged to respond militarily to any direct strikes on Syrian forces, and so the decisions that Barack Obama makes regarding Syria on Friday could literally be the spark that sets off World War 3.

The daily drama surrounding Trump and Clinton is far less important than a potential war with Russia. This should be front page news all over the country, but unfortunately most of the big news organizations are giving it very little coverage. The following is an excerpt from an extremely important Reuters report that so far is not receiving nearly enough attention…

U.S. President Barack Obama and his top foreign policy advisers are expected to meet on Friday to consider their military and other options in Syria as Syrian and Russian aircraft continue to pummel Aleppo and other targets, U.S. officials said.

Some top officials argue the United States must act more forcefully in Syria or risk losing what influence it still has over moderate rebels and its Arab, Kurdish and Turkish allies in the fight against Islamic State, the officials told Reuters.

One set of options includes direct U.S. military action such as air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases, said one official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

If Barack Obama decides to directly hit the Syrian military, that will be crossing a “red line” that Russia has already established.

And unlike Obama, Russia actually takes their red lines deadly seriously.

In my recent article entitled “Russia Is Preparing For A Nuclear War With The United States“, I included a quote from a major Russian news source that demonstrates what the Russians are thinking at this point. The Russians recently deployed additional S-300 and S-400 air defense systems to Syria, and they have warned that any strike against Syrian forces “would put Russian personnel in danger”…

Russia’s Defense Ministry has cautioned the US-led coalition of carrying out airstrikes on Syrian army positions, adding in Syria there are numerous S-300 and S-400 air defense systems up and running.

Russia currently has S-400 and S-300 air-defense systems deployed to protect its troops stationed at the Tartus naval supply base and the Khmeimim airbase. The radius of the weapons reach may be “a surprise” to all unidentified flying objects, Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson General Igor Konashenkov said.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, any airstrike or missile hitting targets in territory controlled by the Syrian government would put Russian personnel in danger.

If the Obama administration is insane enough to start ordering airstrikes against Syrian positions, let us hope and pray that the Russians are willing to back down and show restraint.

Because if Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems start shooting down U.S. military aircraft, that could set off a chain of events that may be unstoppable.

And right now the Russians are taking the threat of war with the U.S. very seriously. For example, the Kremlin has ordered all top officials to return to Russia as soon as possible…

Russian citizens have reacted with fear over reports Moscow has ordered officials to fly home all relatives living abroad – with some residents claiming it is ‘another step towards war‘.

The Kremlin is said to have told high ranking officials to bring their loved ones back to the ‘Motherland’ immediately – with any who disobey being overlooked for promotion.

It comes against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating relations with the West over Russia’s role in the Syria conflict and just days after Putin moved nuclear-ready missiles closer to the border with Poland.

In addition, the Russians recently concluded an unprecedented “civil defense drill” that involved 40 million people.

Here in the United States, we never have those kinds of drills and there isn’t even anywhere for the general population to go in the event of a nuclear war.

If and when the missiles start falling, the only thing that will be left to do is to say our prayers and kiss our family members goodbye.

Over in Russia, there is a tremendous amount of interest in the U.S. election right now, because it is widely believed that Donald Trump could dramatically improve relations between the United States and Russia.

But if Hillary Clinton gets elected, many top Russian officials believe that will make the possibility of nuclear war much more likely. For instance, just consider what Vladimir Zhirinovsky told Reuters earlier this week…

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters in an interview that Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.

By contrast, Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russia’s parliamentary election last month.

And anyone that watched the second debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump got to see the intense disdain that Clinton has for Russia.

Hillary believes that the Russians are trying very hard to keep her out of office, and she tends to take any threats to her political career very, very personally. The thought of her having her finger on the nuclear trigger is beyond terrifying.

And I am certainly not alone in this opinion. Even presidential candidate Jill Stein believes that nuclear war with Russia will be much more likely if Clinton is elected…

“It is now Hillary Clinton that wants to start an air war with Russia over Syria by calling for a no-fly zone,” Stein said. “We have 2000 nuclear missiles on hair-trigger alert. They are saying we are closer to a nuclear war than we have ever been. Under Hillary Clinton, we could slide into nuclear war very quickly from her declared policy in Syria.

“I sure won’t sleep well at night if Donald Trump is elected, but I sure won’t sleep well at night if Hillary Clinton elected. We have another choice other than these two candidates who are both promoting lethal policies,” she continued. “On the issue of war and nuclear weapons, it is actually Hillary’s policies which are much scarier than Donald Trump who does not want to go to war with Russia. He wants to seek modes of working together, which is the route that we need to follow not to go into confrontation and nuclear war with Russia.”

And the ironic thing is that Hillary Clinton actually played a key role in starting the civil war in Syria when she was Secretary of State in 2011. At the time, the “Arab Spring” was sweeping across the Middle East, and the Obama administration, Saudi Arabia and Turkey decided that it would be a wonderful time to try to overthrow the Assad regime in Syria and make Syria a full-blown Sunni puppet state. So they helped organize protests, they armed and funded the rebels, and the rest is history.

Now the civil war that Hillary Clinton played such a key role in starting has brought us to the brink of World War 3 with Russia.

And most Americans don’t realize this, but Russia now has nuclear superiority over us. For anyone that doubts this, please go and read this article that I recently published.

So we definitely don’t want to tangle with the Russians, because there is a very good chance that we would come out on the losing end.

But whether we would win or we would lose, there is absolutely no reason to go to war with Russia in the first place. Barack Obama has got to be absolutely insane to even consider getting us into a direct military conflict with the Russians, and let us hope that he backs off while there is still time to do so.

October 14, 2016
From the Desk of John Rourke……..

Just a reminder to check out the Projects section of the site. I will announce additions and updates to different projects every so often. I’ve got some good stuff planned coming up.

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I just received word that Emergency Essentials is having a HUGE sale in October on Mountain House and their own in-house brand freeze dried foods. Discounts are up to 50% off with an average of over 30%. This sale will go throughout the month of October. Passing this on now so if interested in taking advantage finances can be planned. Myself? I am trying to shore up my food storage by year end and this is going to help. Remember – MH Chili Mac is awesome!

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RE: Trump/Killary Debate – Was disappointed he was not more concise with his answers. He did not take the time to prepare. Trump really needs to emphasize that he is not a regular politician and point out every time she twists facts, manipulates information, and spins – “Well there you go again Hillary – doing what politicians have been doing for decades. Now – here’s the truth…..”

If he would do that it would appeal to those tired of the same old political Washington rhetoric. It didn’t help the moderator was obviously biased.

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I have some things coming up that will take me “off grid“. When this happens I will have limited Internet access so will likely schedule a few reposts and be slow in responding to comments and emails.

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Couple hunting trips scheduled. Can’t wait. Not much like getting out in the woods and enjoying nature. Great thing is my 13 year old boy will be with me. Hopefully he gets his first deer this season.

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Emergency Funds are an important thing to have. Author Dave Ramsey suggests an emergency fund of $1000 as an initial goal to cover small emergencies. Next up is 3-6 months worth of expenses. When you think about it there is a higher likelihood of a car breaking down or even unemployment than a complete economic collapse. Cash in the bank could be more important and valuable than guns in the safe(though they can be quickly turned to cash).

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The 3 kayaks I bought a few months ago is one of the best investments I have ever made. Less than $600 spent the family is able to utilize the local waterways and have a very enjoyable time. I highly recommend trying it out for yourself.

September 29, 2016
Prep’s This Week
This week flew by. Normal life combined with events going on in Charlotte, a DOA stove, and a trip to my brothers in Georgia things have been busy.

A few things:
- Finally completed the first raised bed in the garden. Sized 4 foot by 4 foot. Added soil so it is ready to go.
- Received in my order of 10 7-round 1911 45ACP magazines.
- Purchased a spare Springfield XD9 magazine.
- Purchased the Mossberg Patriot bolt action in .243 for my youngest(bottom). Hunting season is fast approaching.
- Installed a scope on my Ruger American .308 Winchester(top). Need to sight both in while in Georgia.
- Picked up 200 rounds 5.56 for $6.46 a box(brass case). Great deal!
- Worked on designing an audible perimeter alarm for property/camp security. Almost done.
That’s about it….

Your turn.

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.

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From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES

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

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

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

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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.

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

* * * * * * * * * * *

Need clean water?
September 25, 2016
Riots in Charlotte, NC

As I type this events are unfolding in Charlotte, NC. Large groups made up primarily of black youth are rioting in Charlotte in a variety of locations. It was just reported that someone was shot in the head and is near death.

Complete insanity.

These rioters have looted stores, blocked a major highway, thrown rocks off of bridges onto traffic blow, and injured police officers. What are they accomplishing? They are confirming what many already believe is that these people are a cancer on our society. Ignorant and racist.

A black man is shot by a black police officer. The police report that the black man had a gun. What happens? Well – rather than let the facts play out ignorant people freak and make statements that inflame the situation claiming that no gun was involved and he was holding a book. This appears to be a complete fabrication as pictures have been released showing the gun and witnesses have watched dashcam video showing the man holding the gun.

I mentioned different categories of people the other day. These people rioting are part of the Oblivious. A cancer on our society may be an understatement. They are dangerous. Consider a collapse situation and organized, roving groups of these people.

Folks – this is a sign of the times. Keep your head on a swivel.

Be safe.

Rourke

The video below contains profanity. Want to see an example of the Oblivious – here you go.

NSFW LANGUAGE: Tonight hear reaction from the brother of a @CMPD shooting vitcim on @wcnc at 11. pic.twitter.com/Kckyyi2Oni

— Trey (@TreyWCNC) September 21, 2016

September 21, 2016
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.

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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!

August 19, 2016
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…..

July 19, 2016
What Did You Do To Prep This Week?
This past week has been an interesting one. I drove approx 9.5 hours and met up with Goingray58 and Panhandle Rancher and spent a couple days with them. I had a great time and enjoyed talking all things preparedness, politics, life philosophy, and current events with them. Looking forward to next time.

My driving and visit with them took up quite a bit of time so prepping was minimal.

Here are a few things I was able to get done:
- Picked up a copy of the latest addition of The Survival Medicine Handbook by Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton. This edition was just revised and represents an incredible medical resource for us preppers. It is not a cheap book but like in many areas if your life depends on it get the best. I think someone recently mentioned that concept to me. 700 pages of extremely useful information. I’ll try to write up a review soon.
- Started clearing out my garden of overgrowth. I will begin removing all weeds and grass and then making raised beds. Soil analysis will be important. I have considered several materials to use for the raised beds including cinder blocks, wood planks, and hay bales. Goingray58 has used hay bales with great success as grass was unable to infiltrate the interior of the bed. Biggest problem for me using hay bales is the amount of space it takes up. My garden is approx 25′ x 30′.
- After returning from my trip spent some time cleaning my guns. I often use Gun Scrubber to speed up the process. This time used some Hoppe’s solvent and really gave them a thorough cleaning.
That’s about it as far as preps. Getting together with my childhood best friend to do some firearms training. He has never owned a gun before and now he has a Glock 17 and an AR. Should be fun.

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Amazon is having a huge sale for Amazon Prime members on July 12th. Often with these sales preparedness related items can be found. If interested and not a Prime Member click the banner below and get a free month of Prime.

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Oh – I bought a Plano gun case and fitted it for my AR pistol. Love it!

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Hope everyone has a good week out there. Stay safe – the world is getting crazier by the day.

Rourke
July 10, 2016