The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL ^[1]”. We have finally learned why Venezuela is starving

DHS Surveillance

DHS, who has consistently denied, or at least refused comment, has finally admitted ^[2] that contentious surveillance technology is used by the government. The DHS acknowledged in a letter to Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon that it found unauthorized cell site simulators (stingrays) in Washington DC. Details about who is operating and using them are not included in the report, but it also appears that not much is being done to force their removal. Thanks to G.P. for the link.

Venezuela

We have finally learned why ^[3] Venezuelan socialism isn’t working and why the people there are starving. In a bizarre rant, the former Vice President, and current Minister of Education, Elias Jaua, claimed that the supermarkets would be full of food if people just didn’t eat so much. I can’t help but note that the average Venezuelan has lost something like 24 pounds and Jaua looks a bit rotund to me. Perhaps he’s thinking of his eating habits, though I doubt one man could make that much difference in consuming an entire nation’s food supply. Of course the official response to the crisis is “What starving people?”. Former foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez states “There is no hunger in Venezuela. There is only will. There is no humanitarian crisis in Venezuela … only love.” Thanks to reader H.L. for the link.

Troops on the Border

Many readers have written in about Trump’s statement about putting “troops” on the border and the problems with posse comitatus. Rest assured that while Trump himself may have no qualms or understanding about such a move, those who are in a position to implement the policy know better. I think it is far more likely that Trump’s comment was referring to asking the states to deploy the national guard which the feds will then pay for. Note that while the administration is credited with “sending troops ^[4]”, it is actually the state governments that authorize and mobilize the deployments. It would also appear that the move is having the desired effect ^[5].

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has doubled down on their anti-gun hypocrisy. ^[6] While still authorizing their pilots and other “trained” personnel to carry firearms on board, they have previously suspended the standard group rates (that they offer to all corporate entities) given to the NRA. Now, we find that Delta donated and funded three round trip charter flights to the anti-gun movement. This comes after they were spanked by the Georgia Legislature and they claimed that they were severing ties with politically-divisive groups. I guess they don’t consider the violent, lying progressive/left, anti-gun movement divisive while simultaneously considering the helpful, educational, fact based initiatives of the NRA decisive. Remember to vote with your wallet. The airline industry has enough competition that, in the majority of cases, there is no need to fly an airline like this. Thanks to T.P. for the link.

Firearms Confiscation

Reader G.T. sent in this article on Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago and their new firearms policy. ^[7] A new city ordinance completely outlaws the ownership of “assault weapons” and “high capacity” magazines and empowers the police chief to confiscate them from those who refuse to give them up. We note a few of things about this ordinance:

1. There are serious questions about confiscation without compensation.
2. Illinois does have state preemption on certain firearms related laws. We expect that this law will be challenged on this bases because it attempts to supersede state law.
3. How would police know who owns these firearms unless they previously registered them through the prior existing law. Take note here – registration of firearms always leads to confiscation.

South Africa

The crises in South Africa is continuing ^[8]. One example of the situation is the racist policies of the new government. In an effort to help the black population take up farming on the land they are confiscating from the whites, the government has a program in place to give farming equipment like tractors to the new black farmers. In one of these programs in Mpumalanga, 32 tractors were donated and six are still running due to lack of maintenance. I don’t know why they can’t figure this one out though. When you have someone who gets expensive machinery (or land) and they don’t have a personal stake in it, they don’t really care about it. If those same farmers had had to pay for those tractors, you can bet they would be taking care of them. Any parent worth their salt understands that concept.

Kenya

Reader G.P. sent in this interesting article about a giant crack opening up in Kenya ^[9] and swallowing a highway. While the article spends some time on plate tectonics and suggests that the African continent is splitting apart, I think that may be stretching things a bit far. The crack is only 50 foot deep and a couple of hundred feet long (though the article claims 65 feet long, the pictures belie that). The highway is already being repaired, but the farmers fields may be a loss. I can’t help but think of the stories in Genesis where the ground opens up and swallows people. Yikes, I’m glad that is not my property.

o o o

Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact ^[10] form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who watch news that is important to them. Due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” news. We often “get the scoop” on news that is most likely ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!