“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.”
Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence
“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”
James Garfield, the twentieth president of the United States, 1877
“I am a strong Christian. Not a perfect one—not close. But I strongly believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible. When I die, God is going to hold me accountable for everything I’ve done on earth. He may hold me back until last and run everybody else through the line, because it will take so long to go over all my sins. “Mr. Kyle, let’s go into the backroom. . . .” Honestly, I don’t know what will really happen on Judgment Day. But what I lean toward is that you know all of your sins, and God knows them all, and shame comes over you at the reality that He knows.”
“I believe the fact that I’ve accepted Jesus as my savior will be my salvation. But in that backroom or whatever it is when God confronts me with my sins, I do not believe any of the kills I had during the war will be among them. Everyone I shot was evil. I had good cause on every shot. They all deserved to die.”
“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.”
Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence
January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33 degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this women drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she laid just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.
He saved her life.
This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.
Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.
I have had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.
Saturday evening I was walking through uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the busy car filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kids life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.
My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”
The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.
As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.
My latest AR is the result of the “Katrina” rifle concept. Katrina rifle you ask? The term came about after Hurricane Katrina devasted the Gulf and left many residents in a state of WROL(Without Rule of Law). Widespread looting, lawlessness, and general civil unrest provide a very dangerous environment. Add to this the absence of law enforcement the need for a Katrina rifle is evident. This single weapon – like in New Orleans – may be used at 25 yards or 250 yards. Yeah – there are a lot of AR’s and other firearms that will fit the bill. A firearm similar to this should be part of every preparedness system. This is merely one example.
Lower: The 80% lower started this project. No particular reason I used an 80% other than it was sitting on my shelf. The fact that there is zero traceable paperwork connected to it is just the icing on the cake. While many may fear to attempt an 80% build jigs and instructions provide an avenue for the manufacture of the lower with minimal equipment.
Mine came from 80-Lower.com and the finish is fantastic and I have zero fit/function issues.
Upper: The 16″ Mid State Firearms Specter .223 Wylde upper is amazing. The slim configuration along with available picaninny attachment rails offer tremendous comfort as well as real estate for attachment of accessories. This is my second Mid State Firearms upper and couldn’t be happier. Free float barrel and a 1:8″ twist rate provide a high level of accuracy with a variety of bullet weights. I shoot 55-grain almost always with 62-grain making an appearance periodically. Accuracy? I readily admit that I am not the best shot and every gun I own will shoot better than me. So far 3 shot groups at 100 yards under 2″ is repeatable with XM193 ammunition. I plan to work with some premium rounds and reduce to 1″ or under.
Charging Handle: Historically a standard AR charging handle has always worked fine for me. With this project, I decided to look and see what was available for a little more than the cost of a standard one. Once I saw the Strike Industries I bit. While a normal charging handle still works fine on some of my other guns the Strike Industries definitely provides a secure grip especially in lieu of the Vortex optic. A standard handle would be more difficult to reach. For an extra $10 or so it was so worth it.
Magpul Grip: I have several AR’s with Magpul MOE grip or a slight variant of it. It simply works and provides not only comfort but a more secure grip than an A2 grip.
Stock: I had a standard M4 stock with buffer tube sitting on the shelf so I used it. Nothing special and it works just fine. I have considered moving on to the Magpul but so far just cannot justify the cost.
Flash Hider: The Mid State upper came with the Specter Flash Hider. I had wanted a flash hider that was more “tactical” than a standard A2 cage. Hopefully “poking” someone is not in the future for the Patriot but if the need arises I like the sharper edges of the Specter. Night time shooting? It’s on par with a standard A2 flash hider which by the way is way better than many aftermarket models costing a lot more.
Optic: The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24mm Rifle Scope w/Mount is precisely the kind of optic I was looking for. When set at 1X it is very close to true 1X allowing operation with both eyes open similar to a red dot. For CQC this is great. For longer ranges the power can be twisted up to 4X bringing things closer for more precise shooting. The Vortex is very clear.
Summary:
I’m in the process of selecting a sling. I want something simple and a 2-point rather than my normal single point. I mounted a TruGlo Micro Laser for use at night as being able to see black crosshairs would be problematic at best. Not a huge fan of throwing a bunch of attachments on a gun but the Micro Laser is tiny and super lightweight. I’ve run into a roadblock as about 10 minutes after mounting and during the sight-in process it stopped working. Strange. I am sending it back for replacement and am confident I’ll have a new one mounted soon.
A flashlight has yet to be added though I am considering an Inforce 200-lumen model. We’ll see.
I have the standard trigger in the lower that came with the lower parts kit. It feels very good however an upgrade is likely in the near future. I’ve been using D&H aluminum magazines as well as PMAG’s – no issues.
Reliability has been 100%. At a little over $800 invested I am loving the “Patriot” AR and glad it is part of my battery.
Oh – the small American flag perfectly located on the right side of the lower? Amazon.
SouthernPrepper1 voices his opinion on 9th District Court concealed carry decision, Hillary Clinton, Patriots being targeted by the government and politicians taking a stand.
David suggests NOT flying the American flag until the Constitution is restored. Not sure I agree with that though I understand where he is coming from. Flying a different flag than that which most people are familiar with could draw unwanted attention. I could see the black Gadsden flag being looked at as some crazy terrorism symbol by neighbors.
Confused by the title? That’s OK. Couldn’t figure out what to call this post so I guess I am a bit too.
Why did I call this website 1776PatriotUSA.com? Previous endeavor was solely preparedness-based. Plain and simple. With the direction this country is taking I meant to make this a place of relevant information for an adapting populace. This “populace” includes you, me, and every other like-minded Patriot we can find and convince that deliberate steps must be taken to secure our future.
This isn’t conspiracy. This isn’t crazy talk. This country is threatened from forces both inside AND out. All it takes to see it is someone to open their mind, pay attention – and think for themselves. Oh – and a belief in the Constitution and what the Founders established would be beneficial as well.
The last decade or two have generated societal change so significant that there is actually a debate going on within government as to what bathroom someone should use. Seriously. Government is spending valuable time on this subject. Imagine what Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin would think. Society has degraded to such a point that the majority of Americans believe that capital punishment is wrong but abortion is OK.
Society has fallen so far that in 2008 a man who said he wanted to fundamentally change the greatest country in the world and sat in a church whose pastors beliefs included “…not God bless America, God damn America…” was actually elected President.
Even after four years in office and well on his way of fundamental change President Obama was re-elected in 2012.
America continues to be fundamentally changed. Changed from a solid foundation of principles and beliefs that if you are a visitor at this website you more than likely believe in. Capitalism has provided an avenue for the United States to grow into an economic superpower providing countless millions with jobs and opportunity. Today there is a growing segment of the population that believes capitalism is evil.
President Obama provided insight into this anti-capitalistic belief system in 2012 when he stated your success is not due to your hard work rather it falls on the backs of others.
Senator Elizabeth Warren continued Obama’s anti-capitalist thoughts in a rant where she continued to proclaim that there is an “underlying social contract” that successful people owe everyone else.
These are leaders in our government.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders continue to push the “it’s us against them” rhetoric demonizing successful business people and placing barriers between them and the lower and middle class. Bernie Sanders has tremendous support and is an admitted socialist. Growing up I looked at the United States as a force for freedom against socialism and he we sit with a socialist so close to the White House.
Hillary Clinton is corrupt, dishonest and I am not at all hesitant to use the word evil. The evidence is massive. This women is actually calling the relatives of those killed in Benghazi liars. Unbelievable – yet she receives millions of votes and will very likely be our next President.
Trump? Love or hate him I would prefer him well over Hillary or Bernie any day. He – like every other candidate – is far from perfect. He has professed his love for this country for decades and while his beliefs may have wavered and changed(like many citizens) his platform is solid. Not perfect – solid.
Back to why I created 1776PatriotUSA.com.
Consider the name. 1776 is significant as it is the year of the Declaration of Independence. The original 13 colonies severed ties with Great Britain and set a path for greatness. Patriot is what I am and patriotism is what we need more of. Patriotism for me is an emotional thing and difficult to explain. It is a belief in an incredible idea revolving around freedom and liberty – and a moral determination of what is right. USA is pretty self explanatory.
The future is uncertain and I believe it will be riddled with trouble. I hope to keep 1776PatriotUSA as a portal for navigating the coming storms. Patriots may find themselves targeted. They may find themselves being victims of prejudice. They may find themselves fighting to take their country back.
As I wrap this up I could have brought up Obama’s celebrations of Islam and suppression of Christianity. I could have brought up the immigrants protesting in the streets, waving another country’s flag – and burning ours. I could have brought up the country’s outcry over the death of a celebrity but near silence over illegals continuing to cross our southern border. No need to. I’m sure you are already well aware.
Thoughts? What do you see coming?
Rourke
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A few people have inquired for updates on the podcast I co-host with Prepper Ralph. It has been slow going and a few technical difficulties have limited how much I wanted to promote it. For the most part issues have been fixed.
Visit ThePatriotPodcast.com to listen to episodes. We cover topics suggest as the state of the country – and the world, preparedness, and all stuff related to guns.
If there are any specific things you would be interested in hearing about please leave a comment here or over at the site.
Episode 6 is my favorite s far. We talk a bit about our “weapons of choice” for the zombie apocalypse. We also cover a controversial video recently uploaded by SouthernPrepper1. While recording we received some surprising news and it created an interruption. Lastly – the bathroom policy at Target is brought up.
It would be very helpful if you feel so inclined to share the website, the episodes and the facebook page via email and/or social media.
Right now we are posting about once per week. No set day just depends on when we can get to it.
