So, are you truly ready any time, any place, for anything?
The news, talk, and comments today are focused around the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The perpetrator appears to be a white male. Some preliminary statements about his manifesto appear to indicate he supports President Trump, among others. I take all of this initial information with a giant block of salt. Many, many stories and articles initial information now days are proved to be false. Distractions. People taking advantage of a situation, in this case a despicable act, to push their personal agenda, opinion or disinformation.
So, what it brings to me is this:
Are you ready? Any time? Any place?
Are you ready to be attacked by someone you may deem to be 'like you' - same race, color, neighborhood, religion?
There was a shooting in the United States in a Jewish Synagogue recently. A few years back, one in a church in Texas.
There is an escaped convict on the loose in our area right now, so we are extra vigilant. He's white, tattooed and known to take hostages. So far, he hasn't committed murder, that we know of. He escaped with a police cruiser after he drove it off while handcuffed. He has nothing to lose. For all we know he may be long gone or holed up with someone hostage in the area. Are we ready? We try to be. Now instead of just stepping outside of the house armed on my own, I have Frank with me. Four eyes are better than two.
The world continues to get dicier, closer to the edge, more aggressively divisive. I don't think all the votes in the world will save us from an all out, mass violent storm that will sweep the world into a chaos of our own making.
Don't trust anyone.
DON'T TRUST ANYONE.
ANY TIME. ANY PLACE. ANY ONE.
If you are in a building, church, parking lot, your front yard, your child's school yard, there could be the next attack. It's not personal, for most victims are total strangers.
The world is crying out in anguish for the condition we have brought it to. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. It's just our turn.
It's very difficult to be 'on' all the time. To be ready all the time. I did not have the honor of being in the military due to my hearing, but I can only imagine what it must be like to be 'on' all the time. It is exhausting and wears you down. But......
Any time. Any place. It could be your turn. Are you ready?
Until next time - Fern
The Road Home
There is no place like home.
Hi Fern. As women, I think more and more of us are "on" because we have to be. From being out in public and being aware of our surroundings and the people nearby, to being vigilant at home. Living out in the country can be peaceful and isolating at the same time. Just today some stranger in a large service truck came to our security gate and tried to gain access by using our gate entry keypad. Unsuccessful, he paced back and forth between his truck and the gate. I got his attention (safely from quite a distance), asked why he was there, and was told he was with our electric company to perform maintenance on the transformer where our gate security light is. I verified this by calling the electric co-op and speaking with the dispatcher. I told them next time to notify me if there was to be a service performed on our property, or else no entry. I then gave the utility rep access (him only, not his truck) & watched as he performed his maintenance. When he was finished and had left, I thought about what could have happened if the situation had evolved into something different altogether. What if I had thoughtlessly let him in without verifying his story? What if he had somehow gained entry and made his way to the house? Would I have used my weapon to defend myself? You betcha. In a New York minute. Something as benign as a utility maintenance service could just as easily have turned into a dangerous situation. So. As women (especially since we are perceived to be the weaker sex) we need to be "on" all the time. You just never know.
ReplyDeleteGood example, Mary, thank you. Especially the part about verification of identity.
DeleteUnfortunately, I see so many people, women and men both, that walk around with their heads in the clouds, or their eyes glued to their phones, that don't have a remote clue what is around them. Safe, dangerous, suspicious, it's all the same to them because they wouldn't know if something was happening around them at all. Totally clueless.
Then there is the group that always thinks the situation is none of their business, or 'it's ok' as long as it's not affecting them. It's nothing serious.
I have no doubt that the reaction to danger of most people is to throw their hands in the air and beg not to be hurt. Totally surprised to find themselves in a situation that may end up in injury, terror or death.
You ask, what could have happened? Anything and everything terrible that you can think of. Again, thank you for the example and very good learning scenario.
Fern
It occurred to me some time ago that if I am back in my bedroom and my protection is two rooms away, it does me no good whatsoever if someone were to choose that moment to kick in my door. I have also awakened from a sound sleep in my recliner with the realization that if necessary, I could never reach my desk drawer in the same room and grab my firearm in time. Just because I live in an apartment and rarely go out doesn't mean that trouble can't find me. I have since altered my attitude and my actions. I thought for a while I was just being paranoid, but I am not. What I am being is cautious and a bit smarter than I was. Be safe. The world seems to be getting uglier by the minute.
ReplyDeleteUglier by the minute is right, Vicki. Your observations and actions are interesting because I have had some of the same thoughts recently. I always want to know that protection is within arms reach.
DeleteWe also make sure the doors are always locked, day or night. It's easier to go in and out without having to unlock the door each time, but better safe than a few seconds inconvenience. My life is worth more than a few seconds of inconvenience. Thanks for the lesson and good reminder.
Fern
"honor of being in the military". Cough. I agree there is honorable actions and positions in the military. Helping defend your country, even if you are only part of the long tail logistics, I applaud. And I'm not trying to take away anything from those actually getting shot at. But the vast majority of those of us who served were civil servants only serving the Empire. Not defending our country.
ReplyDeleteHi, James, thank you for the comment.
DeleteI joined on the buddy plan with two other guys. Both of them went to Vietnam, I went to South Korea. None of us got to choose where we went, therefore, the day we put our name on the dotted line, we signed a blank check for our futures. We did not get to choose. Even in a combat arena, many folks still do not actually see combat. I believe all that serve, serve equally and honorably. Yes, some see combat, some don't. Very few actually get to choose one way or the other.
I donated my life to my country. I came home alive, many didn't.
Jim, thank you for your service.
Frank Feral
"Defense" occurs on many levels. Someone has to shoot the gun. Someone also has to do the logistics so that the guy who shoots the gun has the bullets, food, and medicine. The guy who shoots the gun is brave, but the guy who helps him hold the hill is no less honorable. Neither are the ladies who people the USO. I didn't serve "the empire;" I served THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES... and will continue to do so, even as a military retiree...
Delete"It's very difficult to be 'on' all the time." How true! I believe the hardest part of preparing is STAYING prepared, constantly assessing what's going on around us and responding accordingly. I think that once the SHTF, the ability to maintain this posture will determine who lives and who dies even more than being materially prepped will!
DeleteHi Pete, thank you for the comment.
DeleteI have not thought of a donut dolly in years, and I'll leave it at that. But it was always nice to see them once a week.
Pete, I signed on the dotted line, they sent me where they wanted me, and I came home. I would do it again tomorrow.
Thank you, Spec. 5, Frank
Pete, you're right. I have friends that got all excited about preparation, then when the collapse didn't happen on the day they thought it would, they quit.
DeleteThe Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has a guard 24/7. Rain or shine. Our military is on guard 24/7. Rain or shine.
Some folks just give up way too easy and I'm afraid they will pay the price.
Thank you for the reminder, Pete.
Frank Feral
Being always on guard.on alert, at a high awareness level is difficult and very tiring. In today's world I believe it is mandatory. We try and stay away from crowds, any crowds.
ReplyDeleteA recent mid afternoon gang shooting at a local gas station was an eye opener for me . We could easily have been at the next pump over . Gangs are everywhere. Gangs are evil. Evil lies ,cheats and steals. You cannot reason with evil, you cannot trust evil. There are a lot of evil people out there and being on alert at all times must become a habit that everyone needs to develop.
Safety to all,
Bluesman
Bluesman, it is tiring, but I think I'd find it a whole lot more tiring if someone were to injure my unarmed wife, or worse.
DeleteI read an article somewhere the other day. It went something like this. If teachers are armed then there might be a shoot out at school. So, what's the problem? If there is a shoot out you at least have a chance of your kids coming home. Or you can pick up an eraser and throw at them, or maybe a box of chalk. What has gotten into the minds of these people? I would think that being dead would be very tiring also, but I don't know. I would rather have a teacher armed and trained, than have an unarmed teacher trained to throw a rock.
An example. I could not carry a gun at the schools I worked in in Oklahoma. I am former Army, Navy, a state certified Reserve Police Officer and I could not carry a concealed gun in a classroom. I could drive up in a police car in that same school and carry a gun. That was stupid and is stupid.
People have lost their minds. Bluesman, thank you for the comment, again. Avoid crowds. It can happen anywhere, any second. It doesn't have to be gangs. It can be a domestic disturbance.
Frank
Frank, your reply to the above comment reminded me of when I told my adult children I planned to buy a shotgun. Some were against it. Some said I might hurt myself. Some said a bad guy could grab the gun from me and kill me with it. So I asked them just what they thought I should do if some bad guy kicked in my door with mayhem or murder on his mind. Throw a jar of canned tomatoes at him? And I wondered which of them would volunteer to stop by to identify my body afterward. My shotgun arrived two days later.
DeleteHi, Vicki, two days? That's pretty quick.
DeleteAs stated earlier, a shotgun is a tool. A dangerous tool. Some mental and physical preparation needs to be done before using a shotgun, or any gun for that matter. Or any tool that can be dangerous.
I'm getting ready to use a grinder to cut off some metal pieces. It can be very dangerous. I knew a man using a grinder that almost lost an eye and this is what he did for a living.
The old saying is, 'having a surf board, does not make one a surfer'. Prepare accordingly. Good for your kids, it only took two days.
Frank
I understand your concern, Frank. I was raised around firearms and learned safety from my father many years ago. I have the utmost respect for those tools and am always careful with them. My son now has the shotgun since my physical capabilities have diminished. I just found it interesting how their opinions changed when faced with the mental picture of having to identify my body should I not have the means for self defense.
DeleteI teach in a public school and can't legally carry in my workplace. It's a helpless feeling to know that we're a perfect target, and I'm responsible for the lives of children. We had an active shooter training a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it nice to know that a pair of scissors or a can of bug spray are all I can legally use to fight off an individual with a firearm?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about carrying at home too. When I was outside last summer in the garden, I did't carry. I also didn't carry when I went for a walk on my rural road. That's all changed. My husband isn't a worry wart, but he doesn't want me to be walking without my G. (Fern, What kind of holster do you use? I don't have one. I carry in my bag/pack, but I won't have that with me in the garden.) When I told this to my friend/neighbor who walks with me, she was thrilled. Our world has changed. I refuse to go down without a fight, whether that fight be with four-legged animals or two-legged animals.
Grammy, look at the holster under the flashlight in the header picture (before we change it). It is made for inside the waistband, but I put it in my back pocket. With the extended magazine, it's easy to access the pistol. We bought the holsters on Amazon. I like having my gun in my back pocket. It doesn't matter what I am wearing, a T-shirt or heavy coat, if it's always in the same place, I don't even have to think about it.
DeleteI was talking to a woman that drives to work (as a teacher) through the area where the escaped convict is on the loose. She has her young son with her as she drives through the rural mountain area. When we asked her about being protected her response was, "I am locked and loaded. Don't worry." I was pleasantly surprised. She and I have talked about many things, school, teaching, cooking, etc, but never guns. She grew up hunting with her dad and has been shooting her whole life.
Good for you, Grammy. Being able to protect yourself is invaluable, as you already know. I'm grateful to have a husband's support and it sounds like you do, too. We are blessed women in this day and age.
Be safe, take care, Fern
Do you think it would hold a G43?
DeleteI do not know, Grammy. You will have to go to Amazon and see what they recommend. Frank took care of this for us.
DeleteFern
the correct procedure that was followed phone for verification and still watch the guy.while here,the Rhodesians that came here in the 80s brought the idea of safty gates inside their houses in passages,on bedrooms. what do others think
ReplyDeleteCT SA
Hi CT. I'm not familiar with the Rhodesian safety gate technique. If others have comments, please contribute.
DeleteThank you for commenting, Frank
It's my firm believe that the days of going unarmed in America are over.
ReplyDeleteBetween the hate for certain demographics, the rampant kooks etc you never know when or where you are going to need to defend yourself or others.
I'll make some comments to add to and amplify what's been said above.
"Carry your damn gun!" -- Tom Givens
That quote is from Tom Givens who is a nationally known professional gun trainer with 40+ years experience. That was said in the lecture portion of a class I took from him. This goes well with these two points:
1. Carry your gun. As somebody pointed out that nice pistol or shotgun in the other room will not help you when an assault is in your face right now.
2. Get training. Ok, you bought a nice gun. You carry. Can you shoot it accurately even under stress? Taking a class for a carry permit is not training. Tossing a box of two of bullets downrange twice a year is not training.
The additional price of living our society today is vigilance. Keep your eyes open. look around. If something feels wrong it prolly is. Remember, Wal*Mart parking lots are one of the most dangerous places around.
Last. Holsters. Whatever you do *NEVER* carry your gun on your person while not in a holster. With the trigger area uncovered you are just asking for an ND (Negligent Discharge). Safety safety safety.
Be sure to buy a holster intended for your gun. These "fits all" holsters are just a bad idea. Also avoid those silly fabric holsters like the Uncle Mike's brand. They are dangerous due to their overly flexible design. The leather holster linked above is also not optimal if it does not have a reinforcement that keeps the mouth of the holster open when the gun is not inserted.
The biggest reason for not using the above is you risk an ND when you reholster. If the thing flattens out or an edge rolls over it can entangle the trigger and go BOOM or you end up fighting to try and return the gun to the holster. All are a bad thing with a loaded firearm Especially guns like the Glock pistols and others without a manual safety.
Buy a good holster. One that *fits* your gun. There are many different brands and styles to pick from. Most are under $100. Often under $75. You just invested hundreds into the shiny new shooter. Don't by a $20 holster. Is your life worth more than that?
Always watching.
TW
TW, thank you for your comment, it is right on.
DeleteWe need to practice. We need to prepare. We need to have our minds set right. Get to know your gun.
Holsters. Again, you're right on with the holster part of the comment. A hard sided holster made for the gun you carry is essential. Don't try to be a John Wayne type and stick a gun under your pants that could leave you talking funny.
In our case with the leather holsters. We never re-holster the gun without removing the holster from our body. Ours is carried exclusively in our right back pocket of the jeans we are wearing. When it is drawn to shoot, it is not replaced while the holster is still in the back pocket.
You are exactly right. In fairness, Uncle Mike's makes a number of rigid holsters. Many police officers carry them as duty holsters, concealed and unconcealed. But you are right, do not re-holster a weapon unless it is a rigid type holster.
Thank you for your comment and please continue to do so.
Frank
An atmosphere of distrust is a control tactic. The government can steal more trust than it can earn.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. There are lots of methods of control. The one I find the most distasteful is enticing folks to join through a common shared relationship or principal. It can work for both positive or negative.
DeleteThank you for your comment, Frank
"The old saying is, 'having a surf board, does not make one a surfer'"
ReplyDeleteHaving a rifle does not make you a Rifleman either. Get thee to an Appleseed. We don't teach tactics, but we do make folks safer and far more proficient with a rifle.
Hello, thank you for your comment. I am familiar with Appleseed and from what I can tell, it is a good program. Thank you for the recommendation, Frank
DeleteI have the "stuff" in the picture. Never go to bed unless they are on my night stand.
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom. Just be careful that little fingers don't touch the wrong places. Can't have too many flashlights. Thanks for your thoughts.
DeleteSleep tight, Frank
As discussed on BisonPrepper, our global population passed Peak Oil about a half-century ago.
ReplyDeleteWith it, we passed Peak Agriculture and Peak Manufacturing.
And Peak Civility. Mayberry and Leave It To Beaver are history, gone with zero possibility of returning.... our neighbors among the VibrantUrban folk never watched that televisionprogramming.
As BisonPrepper recommends, I suggest paying attention to your Lizard Brain. It senses trouble at the basic levels; ignore it, and your lineage ceases to exist. Heed it, and you live another minute.
And as Ol' Remus counsels:
Avoid crowds.
Hi, Marge. I like Bison Prepper. He's a little rough around the edges at times, but he is direct, to the point and appears to be very intelligent. I read him everyday.
DeleteJames Howard Kunstler wrote a book called The Long Emergency. We read it ten or so years back. I would recommend it to all. It dealt with Peak Oil and a lot more.
There are other names for Lizard Brain, but that works well. Around here we just call Bison Prepper, BP. More people need to pay attention to that inner voice instead of following the herd. There is a lot of noise that drowns out natural intuition, way too many distractions.
Thank you for sharing, Frank