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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]”. The wall is becoming a contentious issue this week. While the government is in a partial shutdown over it, the public may fund it themselves.

More on Bumpstocks

Mike Williamson, SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large has a good article on what everyone needs to know about the bumpfire ban [2]. Looking past the obvious details and a very unconstitutional ban, Mike delves into the nitty-gritty of why this is a horrible direction and such a slippery slope. He doesn’t even own one because he owns several of the “real thing”. There is so much misinformation in the public arena on just what these devices are, you should be prepared to explain these details to anyone you meet. Who knows, the ATF make make it impossible to wear a belt on your pants in the future because you can do the same thing with your belt loops.

Gun Parts and Ammo

Palmetto State Armory (one of our Affiliate advertisers) has announced a great sale on Gen-2 30-round black MagPul PMAGs [3]. They are just $7.99 each, after you put them in their shopping cart. Search for item “MAG571-BLK” Stock up, before Congress gets busy robbing us of our rights! Be sure to use the coupon code “PMAG” when you check out.

The Wall

Brian Kolfage has a gofundme page for building the border wall [4] that has raised almost $15 million dollars in just five  days. While congress has partially shut down the government because the Democrats have refused to deal with the border wall issue, the private citizens are showing that they really want the wall. The fundraiser has a goal of 1 billion dollars making it potentially the largest private fundraiser in history. The rate at which people are donating make also make it the fastest growing fundraiser as well. While I’m doubtful that this project will eventually fund the wall, the politicians need to take note of this project. They should be representing the people and despite the political controversy, the people are speaking quite loudly.

Lost Art of Gardening

Reader H.L. sent in this great article on 24 lost gardening tips from 100 years ago [5]. Large agriculture has changed the way even the small gardeners raise vegetables. Chemicals used to prop up farm land and refrigeration have caused much of the knowledge that used to be common to fall into oblivion. These tips are a good start on learning to recover that knowledge. Thanks to archives and books, it is still there, but you have to look for it now. Gardening is a skill that must be acquired. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a bucket of seeds and storing it in a closet until you need a garden. Start now and learn while the making of mistakes doesn’t mean the difference between feeding your family and starving.

Storage Locker Auctions

Reader S.D. wrote in:

“Make the effort to get to know those who buy storage units and flip the items at flea markets, ect. They more often than not prefer to flip inventory as quick as possible, especially if the unit has already paid for itself. Because of this I now own a gently used Carhartt coat for $10. Networking is so key…you don’t need to even talk politics, people would rather gather and talk shop about their families, memories, and shared networking/connections and just as importantly, referrals.”

Blue Vests

The “yellow vest” protesters in France, whether you agree with them or not, have brought about significant change on the part of the politicians, but there may be a new movement afoot. The “blue vest [6]” movement is actually from the police. The month long “yellow vest” protests have had them working overtime and fatigue and frustration are starting to take their toll. The movement, driven by police unions, seems to be moving in the same direction as the “yellow vests” and as such may bring those protests to a whole new level. What is not known at this time is whether the police movement is purely a self-interest movement that is only trying to bring about better working conditions for them regardless of the rest of population or if it is more public minded as a whole. Thanks to H.L. for the link.

Merry Christmas From the Grinch

Brockton, Massachusetts said Merry Christmas to a small business owner this year by serving a notice to vacate his property. [7] The city is using eminent domain to take the building by force because they don’t believe he has made enough effort to revitalize his own property. The city believes they can do a better job and has already struck a deal with a developer. Fourty-four states have passed legislation to restrict eminent domain powers but six have not (Massachusetts being one of them). You should check the articles links to find out if your state has some limitations or not.

o o o

Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact [8] 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!

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#1 Comment By Wall Builder On December 22, 2018 @ 2:33 pm

The wall- the veteran who started this is a hero. He states that if every person who voted for President Trump donated $80, we’d get to the goal. We donated $80 each. I say, go donate. Make your voices heard! Do it for our children and grandchildren.

#2 Comment By jima On December 22, 2018 @ 4:17 pm

Hopefully it’s not another scam like several of the ‘GoFundMe” sites end up being. I think the title is taken at it’s word for some who have started these sites. However, the idea of the American people acting independently of a non-functional “representative” government is inspiring. There is nothing like direct action for problem solving. I have seen MSM reports already trying to discredit Brian Kolfage and cast doubts into the minds of potential contributors…and the why is understandable , because the MSM and PTB can’t stand the idea that citizens can act independently without oversight and control. That upsets the apple cart of their agenda.

#3 Comment By Gene Blister, Idaho On December 22, 2018 @ 4:44 pm

I never donate money to any cause, and never loan money that I can’t afford to forfeit. Donations inevitably wind up rotting on the docks in some third world cesspit, and promises of repayment go unfulfilled or abused, severely damaging relationships.

That being said, the idea of “sending a message” to our “representatives” is laudable, though it will do no real, tangible good. If the representation isn’t there, we work our will ourselves. And though I seek no permissions or forgiveness for taking direct action of my will, this kind of thing might rattle a few cages.

#4 Comment By RMS On December 22, 2018 @ 6:32 pm

From what I understand, money like this (private) cannot be used to fund anything for the government. Is that correct? If that is the case, maybe the fund can be used to build a wall on private land just this side of the border. My guess is that many of the ranches and land owners would be more than willing to have that on their property, as opposed to all the thieves, illegals and uninvited visitors.

#5 Comment By Paul On December 22, 2018 @ 8:02 pm

The slippery slope off lost Liberty is only going to continue, guaranteed. Do not allow “normalcy bias” to prevent you from seeing the clouds of tyranny growing rapidly over this nation.

Stocking up on mags is good idea, however, if a federal ban should come, plan on selling them before the ban goes into effect, as trying to sell them post ban, with no (pre ban or grandfather Clause in place) could put you in a tough situation with a lot of $$$$$$ tied up into something you are unable to sell without taking a risk.

#6 Comment By Paul On December 22, 2018 @ 8:47 pm

We all know the reality of the go fund situation is that the donations will never make it to the wall.

Although, I support border security 100%, if the wall is built, and a demoncrat gets into the Whitehouse in 2020 or even 2024, what’s to prevent them from using more of OUR tax money to REMOVE the wall that Trump built??

I think the “wall” should be built metaphorically via going after sanctuary cities and more personnel in the border, AND, tougher, more politically incorrect laws regarding illegal immigration that puts America’s interests FIRST.

#7 Comment By Charles K. On December 23, 2018 @ 6:26 am

I always thought there should be special projects lotteries for specific items in government. Think of a NASA lottery, or in this case, a Build That Wall Lottery. Where the net from the lottery must go directly to the thing being funded. Of course Congress must be denied the ability to shift these funds to their own projects. Can’t have them doing to the lottery what they have done to the Social Security and Medicare systems. Let the American people tell the government what we want funded.

Think of how few people would play a War In Syria lottery, or an Iraq War lottery, or an Afghanistan War lottery. Maybe those morons we keep electing to Congress would pay attention to the things we are actually willing to fund on our own. Think of how much money could be raised for NASA and how little would be raised for the CIA or the NSA or for that matter, the FBI or the BATFE.

It’s a nice thought, too bad it will never come to pass.

#8 Comment By VT On December 24, 2018 @ 7:29 am

Already happened,almost anywhere the lottery funds were to goto “schools” or “seniors” but the money disappears into the black maw of the states never to be scene again,but the cries for “more money” just get louder

#9 Comment By Charles K. On December 25, 2018 @ 4:42 am

I give Michigan as an example. The lottery money does indeed go to the schools, but there is a catch. The for every dollar of lottery money that goes to the schools the state keeps a dollar of tax dollars in it’s general fund. So the money doesn’t enhance the schools it enhances the states bottom line. I’m pretty confident that most states are just like Michigan. It’s called theft, or more correctly bait and switch.

The FedGov would have to be proscribed from misalocating or appropriating the funds. This would have to be the only funds available for whatever the specific lottery was set up to fund.

It would probably take a Constitutional amendment to stop the theft by congress and to stop SCOTUS from “reinterpreting” the actual language of the amendment. Even if just a law, language could be put in to stop SCOTUS and their inability to read the english language.

It won’t happen, to much like right. Too restrictive on the FedGov’s obsession with spending other peoples money.

#10 Comment By grandee On December 23, 2018 @ 12:30 pm

info from the GoFund Me build the Wall site:

*100% of your donations will go to the Trump Wall.
*We are working with a law firm on a legal document that will bind the government to using the funds for the border wall itself, nothing else.
*We will hold all funds and not release a single penny until we have all legal aspects covered to ensure our money goes only to the wall.
*Rep Andy Harris Introduced the Border Wall Bonds Act of 2018, if passed with the Gov Funding bill it will allow us to donate towards the wall.
this Act funds only for the construction of the wall, nothing else.

visit the site, there is more info there

#11 Comment By BinWY On December 23, 2018 @ 1:32 pm

Re: Eminent domain in the Redoubt. Montana ranks a “D” and Idaho “D+”. NOT very encouraging.

#12 Comment By Gene Blister, Idaho On December 23, 2018 @ 4:29 pm

Re: Eminent Domain in the Redoubt.

Some of these survivalist type real estate salesmen, more than willing to sell you land and “consult” on its “defensibility” should be just as willing to talk about things like Idaho’s D+ rating regarding stealing your land on a whim.
What is the process for getting this hideous situation corrected?

#13 Comment By Once a Marine… On December 24, 2018 @ 3:21 am

Gene Blister, you ask the $64,000 question. Are we to sit and wait for land seizure to happen to us or a neighbor? I will look in my region for information on preventing “land theft by government”.

“Instead of looking for hope, look for action” – @GretaThunberg

Carry on.

#14 Comment By Gene Blister, Idaho On December 24, 2018 @ 4:55 am

Thank you, Marine.

#15 Comment By John P Hart On December 24, 2018 @ 1:45 am

I oppose the wall. I would rather see employers be heavily fined and jailed for employing illegals. BTW, anyone have any idea how much money is lying around the IRS because employers send tax deductions on phony SSAN’s to Washington? Seems like a good place to start identifying some filthy employers.

#16 Comment By VT On December 24, 2018 @ 7:34 am

You just hit on of the main reasons TPTB love illegals so much,they get all the income tax withholding back with phony returns but the SS and Medicare witholdings are kept to prop up the system

#17 Comment By Charlie On December 25, 2018 @ 1:01 am

Every country with a wall has had violent, oppressive police state regimes in charge if I’m not mistaken. I think that American violent criminals are far more of a threat than illegals who mostly keep their heads down and work. I dont agree with illegal immigrants taking American jobs or resources. Politics wise forget the Republican/Democrat illusion. They are all in it together to deceive and oppress us. They are puppets mostly unfortunately. Keep your powder dry folks.