Day: January 9, 2013

Notes from JWR:

I was shocked to hear that Keith Ratliff, the manager of the video blog FPS Russia was recently found murdered in Carnesville, Georgia. His relatives sound dubious about the reported details. You’ve probably seen some of the very popular YouTube videos featuring Keith’s buddy Kyle Myers demonstrating various exotic weapons. (In the videos, Kyle mimics a Russian accent and uses the stage name Dmitri Potapoff.) FPS Russia is reportedly the third most popular video channel on YouTube. His death comes as very strange news. If it was indeed a robbery (as some claim), then why were so many guns found …


A Call to Action: The Impending Weapons Ban, by James M.

The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary was as profound a tragedy as one can imagine; period. In light of this and similar events we need to have a national discussion about the real causes of mass murder. Contrary to what we will hear in the coming days and weeks, guns were not the cause of the Sandy Hook murders. Nevertheless, local, state, and national leaders, lead by California’s Senator Dianne Feinstein, will use this awful event as a rallying call to push for the most serious infringement of our Second Amendment rights ever proposed in this country’s history. They will …


Letter Re: Advice on Washing Military Utility Uniforms

Sir: What would you recommend when washing military uniforms at home? I was wondering if soap nuts are a wise choice since they have no optical brighteners. What do you use? Thanks, – Brian X. JWR Replies: I’d recommend using Atsko Sport Wash. Not only does it not have any brighteners, but it is also unscented. Dogs and even people with sensitive noses can smell detergent scents and perfumes, which could reveal your position if you are in a close ambush situation. Laundry scents also overwhelm your own sense of smell, making it less likely for you to smell your …


Letter Re: Why Civilian Disarmament in the U.S. is Just a Statist Fantasy

James, The Internet is replete with potential gun confiscation scenarios. Many people voice the opinion that this confiscation will take the form of armed troops going house to house searching for guns. This would be a potential source of revolution, would demonstrate the true nature of government and would result in the deaths of many of the regimes ostensible supporters. I’ll make the assumption that The Powers That Be are not stupid (evil, probably, but stupid, no). Since they are not stupid, and can foresee the difficulties with house-to-house searches, they will use other methods. Let’s explore some of these …


Economics and Investing:

H.L. sent: Silver Prices in the Event of a Comex Default Jim W. suggested this article about the underground economy: My Name is Cash A Graphic View of How Shale Gas Could Change the Future Obamacare Guarantees Higher Health Insurance Premiums — $3,000+ Higher Items from The Economatrix: It’s Not Too Early To Worry About The End Of Fed Easing Economy Adds 155,000 Jobs In December:  “It’s A Slow And Steady Recovery” Social Security: It’s Worse Than You Think


Odds ‘n Sods:

Kevin S. recommended the very informative (link-heavy) web site of ham radio operator Ron Herring (W7HD.)    o o o Kevin also mentioned this from the Family Research Council: Hunger, Plenty, and Population    o o o Peter Ferrara of Forbes sums it up well: ‘Assault Weapon’ Is Just A PR Stunt Meant To Fool The Gullible. (Thanks to J.B.G. for the link.)    o o o F.G. suggested this video: Sight In Your Rifle in Two Shots