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”. Dominating the news today is the escalating battle over Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
Troubled Iran
From reader D.S.:
Do you remember the Iranian Hostage Crisis of President Carter? I do. and I will for all my days. The nightly news feature”America Held Hostage,” was etched into my sensibilities. A weak American government had no answer as we suffered the shame for our inept leadership. The parading flagellants with their chain whips brought me to Psalm 2…the heathen certainly were raging to chants of ‘Death to America.’ The leadership regime they empowered has only grown in its hate for us.
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Like a spoiled child, Iran is throwing a temper-tantrum since the Trump administration pulled out of the horrible nuclear deal where Obama gave the farm away for nothing in return. This article, sent in by reader G.P. suggests that Iran will probably start launching cyber attacks against western countries within months in retaliation for Washington’s move. A most risk are banks and financial services, government departments and critical infrastructure providers along with oil and energy firms.
Convicted by Computer
Technology is not always good for the citizen. Part of the problem with relying on computer code is that the average person has to trust that the programmer is making honest assumptions and decisions in that coding. As an example, a recent court case of DUI in Washington has revealed some serious flaws is the coding of the state’s breathalyzer. The breathalyzer is making assumptions about the accuracy of it’s sensors that may not be accurate. In addition, the device may be operating out of its allowed temperature range and may not be calibrated properly. The case brings these serious flaws to light, but both the state and the manufacture will lose an important revenue stream if they admit to the problems. Thanks to reader T.Z. for the article.
Aussies Crack Down on Cash
Under the guise of cracking down on money laundering and tax evasion, the Aussie government will limit cash payments to $10,000 for goods and services. As you read this article sent in by reader J.M. you’ll notice that while the government alludes to money laundering as a primary reason, the real reason is tax collection. When you pay cash, the government has no real method of tracking and taxing that transaction. As their budget gets squeezed by the promises of free stuff, they start looking for money everywhere. Not their money of course, but your money. While this is an Aussie problem right now, make no mistake about it. This is where every government is headed.
March for Murder
As the racism in South Africa continues ratchet up, we are now seeing marches organized with the intent of whipping the black population into a frenzy. A pack mentality is much easier to manipulate into violent action than an individual as the member of the pack has some measure of anonymity within the pack. We see that now in the national strike organized by SAFTU in South Africa. The leaders are inciting the masses to “Kill the farmer, Kill the boer”. Notice how the blame for all the violence is laid at the feet of the white farmer. Thanks to S.M. for the video and article.
Light Infantryman when the SHTF
Max Alexander has a post over on his site (Max Velocity Tactical) that does a good job debunking the concept in the prepper community that you are not a light infantryman and you don’t need to train like one. The whole concept of light infantry is to hone your combat skills to a point where you can offensively or defensively accomplish your goal and stay alive. Just because you probably won’t be part of an organized infantry in TEOTWAWKI does not mean that those skills are useless. Combat skills will be a highly prized asset if they are needed. Be that person with those skills. Without that training, you have no clue.
Concealed Carry Essentials
Thinking about finally getting your CCW license? Reader H.L. sent in the link to this article on seven things that are essential for every person who is considering this. While this article is targeted towards men and their common dress, there is valuable wisdom in it for the ladies too. Standing out on this list to me is the last one though. You can’t just carry a weapon and expect to be safe. Training is essential. Carrying a weapon (concealed or not) is a lifestyle and knowing how to use that weapon, especially under duress, is a critical part of the lifestyle. Don’t be like a significant portion of those who carry and just expect that you’ll know what to do when the time comes. Get regular training and practice until it is natural.
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Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact 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!
Concealed carry essentials mentioned a loose shirt. I would like to add that your loose shirt have some kind of pattern. I have a few shirts that have kind of a subdued Hawaiian pattern. This helps break up any printing that is still inevitable with a solid color shirt. Many like a Tommie Bahamas are meant to be worn casually untucked and have a flat bottom hem rather than the tucking tails of a shirt that should be tucked in. Whenever I see that kind of shirt untucked I always look for the gun print.
I too remember the Iran Hostage Crisis, since I was the Reconnaissance Officer in the heavy division of the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and took part in planning and exercising the various War Plans dealing with Iran. As part of the Tactical Command Post for the 4th Mech Division, I would have accompanied the Headquarters, 18th ABN Corps in any movement to the Middle East. Of course in those days (1980), we didn’t have the prepositioned materials and sealift capabilities used in Gulf War One, so it would have been fairly lonely out there for a month or two. The good news was that our exercises pointed out the logistics deficiencies, and they were corrected before that first Gulf War.
Comment on ‘Aussies Crack Down on Cash,” In the United States, Federal law requires financial institutions to report currency (cash or coin) transactions over $10,000 conducted by, or on behalf of, one person, as well as multiple currency transactions that aggregate to be over $10,000 in a single day. These transactions are reported on Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs).
So, they are already assuming you are doing something shady and want to know about it in the United States. (After all, since most people are broke, they assume anyone who saves money and has cash must have obtained it illegally.) If you try to make a series of smaller payments to avoid this $10,000 reporting requirement, they can charge you with a crime called ‘structuring.’
Who do we think we are? What gives the U.S. the moral authority to determine what weapons other nations can and cannot have for their own defense? Eight nations have nuclear weapons to protect themselves. Why doesn’t Iran have the same right? That is NOT a rhetorical question. I challenge anyone answering ‘No to Iran’ to give us a list of only those nations you believe have the right to protect themselves with nuclear weapons.
‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.’ Proverbs 16:18
I can’t give you an approved list of those nations who should be allowed nuclear weaponry, but I can give you several reasons why Iran should NOT. 1) They have already engaged in actively attacking Israel. To draw from your own words, what gives Iran the right to decide Israel should be a smoking crater in the earth? 2) Iran has historically been an instigator of anti-western and anti-American sentiment and a key player in destabilizing the Middle East. 3) They have lied about using their nuclear capabilities for energy only, and have been proven to be developing bombs.
Since Iran has shown that they HATE Israel and the U.S., bully other countries in the region for trying to establish trade and diplomatic relations with U.S., AND gleefully reniged on the terms of the Obama nuclear “deal”, I think it’s safe to say that Iran can’t be trusted to use nuclear arms for defense only. If you had a neighbor who beat up your kid, shot your dog and set fire to your house, would you want him to house-sit for you while you were in vacation? Trust must be earned, and to be trusted with bombs that are capable of killing millions Iran needed to prove that they were worthy of that trust by adhering to the terms of an extremely generous nuclear agreement from the previous administration. (Several billions of U.S. dollars generous out of taxpayers pockets, too I might add.) They did not do so.
If we have to explain, you wouldn’t understand.
(trollocrats….. -_-)
Breathalyzer: I thought this was an interesting take from the article. “Kyle Moore, a spokesperson for Washington State Patrol said the police department “tested and approved the instrument that best fit our business needs,””
Since when is law enforcement a “business”? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it is, a source of revenue generation for the state.
Preeeeety sure if they say “we’re going to annihilate you” repeatedly, not letting them have nukes isn’t an issue of pride.
Mr D, Regarding the Iranian “right” to nuclear weapons. The daily chanting of “Death to America” explicitly sanctioned by Iranian government personnel combined with ICBMs creates a clear danger to the USA. Rhetorical question: Does the USA have a “right” to a preemptive nuclear strike? The 8 nuclear nations comprehend MAD; Iran does not appear to. Also, the USG NNSA expends about $10B per year insuring the nuclear arsenal is “safe”. Rhetorical question: Will Iran dedicate new $B funds to truly support UN regulated nuclear weapon activities (e.g. Pakistan) to protect the Iranian arsenal or will Iran continue to fund (and provide nuclear weapon to?) Hamas, Hezbollah, proxy wars in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen? Iran does not have funds for all.
Before I get into the meat of this, let me first say that if I have had even a drop to drink, I never get behind the wheel of a car. It just isn’t worth the trouble.
If you are ever pulled over for anything your best course of action is to give the state as little evidence as you can. Roadside tests are voluntary and designed for you to fail them even if sober. It is a personal choice if you submit to a breath test at the jail as there are consequences with the implied consent law. You should always choose a blood test over breath if you have a choice. If you submit to a breath test, your next move is to tell the police you want a blood test. It might be at your cost but that’s okay. If they refuse, it is ammo for your attorney. There is strong evidence that the blood test is more accurate than the breath test. Also with a blood test, your defense can have it independently analyzed. The blood test is more expensive and complicated and that’s why the states want the breathe test.
TX Driver: Let’s not forget the highly profitable business of incarceration, either. Many prisons are now privately owned and operated. If only all the dishonest lawyers, judges and LEOs had to serve sentences in their own systems. Now, with asset seizure common-place it is only going to get more dangerous to be a citizen in the US.
RogerD: Hmmm. Iran may has demonstrated remarkable restraint in all their actions, I’m sure that letting them develop atomic weapons will be in the best interests of everyone.
On the IRS 10,000$ reporting once received, they then notify DEA so they can do their thing to, since 2005 that I’m aware.