Many believe that the time to be publicly vocal about the assault on our freedoms and rights is over due to potential repercussions. The premise of going silent – or at a minimum shading activities and intent – is called “Going Gray”.
Going Gray can be used in a variety of situations from office parties to cookouts where someone does not want to attract attention to themselves. Depending upon the political environment those who stand out and are vocal can be targeted by the opposition. Due to this dangerous potential situation blending in and attracting no attention is desired. For the purpose of this post the premise revolves around going gray so as not to attract attention to oneself due to political and governmental strife and potential repercussions during the American Reformation.
Remember –
This country is made up primarily of four different groups – Patriots, Loyalists, the Undecided, and the Oblivious. Author Glen Tate coined these terms while describing the American population in his book series 299 Days. The events which will make up the American Reformation will involve these four groups.
Patriots – Patriots are those who believe in the Constitution and the founding principles which this country was created. They believe that the United States is more than a country – it’s an idea. Freedom, liberty, and personal responsibility. Patriots are willing to stand up for what they believe in. Most Patriots are Christians. The United States is made up of only about 5% of Patriots.
Loyalists – Loyalists are those who depend on and are loyal to government. They believe big government has a responsibility to take care of the people rather than people being responsible for themselves. The Constitution is often considered outdated by Loyalists. Loyalists make up close to 10-15% of the population.
Undecided – These folks don’t really care about politics. They often sit back and watch the show and just go along with whatever happens regardless of how they personally feel about an issue. This group represents the majority of the populace. The Undecided make up 50%-60% of the population.
Oblivious – The Oblivious are those who care more about what is on TV and when the latest cell phone will be released than their own country. The oblivious range from young to old with varying distractions keeping them preoccupied. Most criminals and those with opportunist criminal intent are in this group. Ignorance runs wild through this segment of the population. Go to your local Wal-Mart to discover the very definition of “oblivious”. They make up approx 20-25% of the country.
The coming war – and yes it will be a war – will include multiple sides made up of these four groups. Patriots will be targeted by the government – and Loyalists. The Undecided will often go for whatever side is winning – or makes things the easiest. The Oblivious will only care if their modern conveniences and precious caffe’ lattes are interrupted – or if there are opportunities to take advantage of. The Oblivious are extremely dangerous.
How do people who don’t know you – know you?
Sit in the food court at any large public mall and see what you see. Watch people as the walk by and carry on about their business. Can you tell which ones are ex-military? How about those that are more educated? Less educated? Which ones do you think are carrying concealed? Which ones appear to hold low morals and which ones high? Can you pick out the criminals?
The exercise above requires profiling. The mainstream media and Liberal politicians would have you believe that profiling is an evil discriminating practice. In reality profiling is completely logical and we all do it every day. You see a man limping it is a logical conclusion that he is injured or handicapped in some way. You see a guy with neck tattoo’s, a bandana around his head, wearing an oversized jacket and pants along with sunglasses indoors – logic would dictate a high probability he has a criminal background and low morals. The same can be done to you.
Do you wear shirts with pro-Constitution sayings? When you sit down do you adjust your holster? Car have an old Ted Cruz bumper sticker? How you carry yourself and even what you wear tells people a lot about you.
How many people know you have firearms and shoot? Be honest.
Simply having an American flag in front of your house could get you labeled as a “Patriot” and “Tea Bagger”.
Facebook is probably one of the most common ways that your political beliefs can be found out. Posting political meme’s or even Liking certain posts can alert others to what side of an issue you’re on.
Of course the most obvious way that others can find out about you is through conversation.
“Loose lips sink ships.”
Steps to blending in – and “going gray”.
- Mannerism and Personality. The method by which the gray man conducts himself can provide an avenue to blend in and not draw attention. A couple of people carrying on a conversation about politics and one grabs your arm and asks your opinion – “Man I don’t know – I really don’t pay attention to that stuff” would be an appropriate answer. In all reality the gray man will be very well versed in the subject matter. The mouth must stay shut so as to appear clueless or at least disinterested. The Gray Man will not appear overly confident nor dominating. Remember – the gray man is “just some guy/women that works in the corner office.”
- Clothing. Clothing should blend in to what most people wear and not stand out. Dressing in tactical cargo pants and an M65 jacket does nothing but scream – “GUN OWNER!” to the Loyalists. No shirts with patriotic sayings such as “Don’t Tread on Me” or images of the American flag. Not all military style clothing is bad. Walk across any college campus and you will see plenty of military-looking backpacks.
- Purchasing Preparedness Supplies. Purchases of survival equipment and guns/ammunition must be done “off the books”. This means no electronic trail. If you happen to be purchasing a 7.5″ pistol upper at a local gun store no credit or debit card use. Cash only. Don’t have massive amounts of freeze-dried food or ammunition delivered to your house. Not only might neighbors see but no doubt the delivery man will know what you are receiving. Guns and ammunition purchases should be made via cash and private sales. While this may seem paranoid today at some point governmental surveillance may head in a direction to create lists of “Patriots” that engage in such activities.
- Vehicles. No bumper stickers stating “Hillary for Prison” or “The Original Welfare: Jobs” allowed. These identify the driver as a possible Patriot and certainly NOT a Loyalist. Oh – do not drive some big 4×4 with a 6″ lift kit that screams “FREEDOM!!!” Drive a plain Jane car that does not attract attention.
- Storage of Supplies. Supplies should be hidden from prying eyes. Having your garage open and your son’s best friend walk in and see guns, ammunition, and cases of Mountain House freeze-dried food all over invites talk. While the son’s friend may not be the source of any danger when he talks to his buddy’s later and tell’s them “Man – you won’t believe what Jonny’s dad has!!” – the cat will be out of the bag.
- Caution on Social Media. Posting Conservative and Patriotic views on social media pretty much tells anyone who see’s it who you are and what you believe in. During the American Reformation this is not something that will provide positive results. There is zero doubt that government agencies use social media to gather information on groups they wish to identify. Friends on Facebook with any Loyalists? Ever heard of the governments “see something.say something” initiative? This is basically an anti-terrorism program to get American citizens to spy on each other. While the concept is fairly easy to understand where will the line be drawn – and crossed?
- Blend in – economically and financially. If an area is being hit with degrading economic conditions appearing to be untouched could paint a target on your back. Where others may be struggling financially to provide for themselves and family – blending in and appearing to be in similar circumstances is important to being gray and unnoticed. Having a steak cookout while neighbors are eating rice and beans would certainly bring some unwanted attention.
Summary
Being the Gray Man and “going gray” does not mean giving up, not fighting, and being complacent. Not even close. The coming American Reformation – which many including myself believe we are in the beginning stages – will involve divisions of the population and they will most certainly will be at odds with each other. Whether exposed to violence due to your beliefs and the side which you stand – or some type of repercussions – if you are to stay in the fight for many environments going gray is ideal.
How can you fight in the American Reformation and still remain gray?
Stay tuned……
Rourke
Going “Gray” means fading into the background in your surroundings. I would also say using “Opsec Rules” about your plans & gear. [at least while on line] There are some very unfriendly eyes & ears out there, looking for lots of things. [either to loot, or cause real harm & can even be gov’t operators too]
Yes I talk about my air guns a lot on line [I have been told to much too] But other than that OPSEC RULES………………
Semper Gumby [Always Green & Flexible] my friend
Good points Mike.
Well alright then. I like where this is going.
Thanks Anonymously Gray.
Being “gray” means having no balls (to me). Stand up man! Grow a pair. Let them know what you believe and have the means to defend yourselves. No one has any doubts of where I stand and they know better then messing with me.
CaptTurbo – did you read it until the end?
“Being the Gray Man and “going gray” does not mean giving up, not fighting, and being complacent. Not even close. ”
“How can you fight in the American Reformation and still remain gray?”
“Stay tuned……”
In certain geographic and geopolitical environments being upfront with your beliefs and standing up for what you feel is right will result in imprisonment or worse. THIS will be the environment for many during the American Reformation. While one can certainly choose for themselves how to react – sometimes there are better ways to fight then straight on.
Being “Grey” is a type of camouflage for your environment/s. A way of being seen & not noticed, and there for not a target. So then you can gain more intel or target information. Why paint yourself as a target when you don’t have too.
Agree with your points Mike.
to borrow from Glenn Tate, those of us behind Loyalist Lines will be the Gray Resistance
hmmmm.. I’m divided some days .. Like Capt Turbo. I want to scream it at times… or maybe shake someone real good… The election has proven one thing though.. NOTHING you say can change someones mind.. They either think correctly or they don’t, and they get exposed over time if they never thought about it. until they start actively looking for solutions and digging for answers. I personally think that is why a group is hard to establish.. timing.
someone has to be a leader .. and that bares public risk.. if it is done openly and off a soap box.. There are family, jobs and personal situations to think about as well. It really would not take much to have all of that forfeited to the legal system.. doesn’t even have to be legal… something else the elections have proved. Maybe we are not talking about no risk in being gray, but managed risk. You get one shot at gray .. once known you might glow in technicolor .. possibly… I don’t have access to multiple ID’s anonymously like the movies, and my family is a good deal softer than I am.. softer people make easier targets.. I have to account for that. I’m the Dad and husband…
The French resistance in WWII did a fair job being covert and no one would ever accuse them of stopping their struggle. There was a time to come out and fight, but after allies were established in numbers sufficient to make a difference…
I’m not suggesting guerrilla armed conflict.. not at all.. I am suggesting that being covert doesn’t mean you don’t care or are a sissy though either. I am also suggesting that timing and methodology are important if you plan to have a measurable impact on any system that is large and unwieldy.
You can be certain our government is aware of many people that disagree with the direction our nation is heading. You can also be sure they have plans to cut off avenues of supply and support for whomever they think is a risk. Being noisy at the moment might get more attention than you want. .. maybe not .. dunno
I think going gray means work, pray and get ready for as much as you physically and intellectually can as privately as possible. Of course dressing in penny loafers with tassels and aint in me, but if it were needed, i would and have my GHB clothes in my bag, disguised in a Job Box or trash bag in a trunk whatever.
People see what they want to see, and what is comfortable. Use that to manage risk.
Around folks not in your group and in venues that are not controlled ..
treat it like fight club.. “don’t talk about it” IMHO
I can be as noisy as anyone .. just ask JR 🙂 I’m just going to pick my battles. Avalanches start with pebbles, but they must be the right pebbles in the right spots.
enough rambling.. sorry
we will see what we will see.
GG58
Excellent points GG58. I also took tomorrow off. I suspect I will need it for reflection and planning.
Excellent article Rourke. I’ve been a proponent of staying as gray as you possibly can for a very long time now. I’m still here and following you my friend. Keep up the great work and stay safe!
Zoomie
Making it count with a bullseye on your back is tough. Good points all since they are making us THINK/ASSESS what our best options are…….
The most lethal weapon we can possess is the space between our ears. If you can think you can fight. Sometimes force is not what is needed to defeat your enemies, just out think them & plan accordingly.
More than one of my instructors has said the only fight you win is one you are not there for. Of course many have said if you are in a fair fight, you screwed up. I suspect that is true and that would be a battle of the mind and planning.
Ever read the “Art of War” by Sun Tzu? If not, I would highly recommend getting it & reading it.
Yessir I have .. several times.. Sun Penn as well.. multiple translations. Deception is a key component… and no battle is fair nor has it ever been wisely so… Know your enemy and know yourself equally well
It makes me sad that so many people no longer have bumper stickers-of any kind.We have always had them.Now the points you make are good .Its a balancing act to be vigilant and also avoid being a target.
A few more hours until the winner is announced. Lightning