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 “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at the issue of open carry.
Publix Supermarket Bans Open Carry by Customers
Publix Supermarket Bans Open Carry by Customers.
Farmers Market Attendees Angered by Open Carry Demonstrators
Reader H.L. sent this: Farmers Market Attendees Angered by Open Carry Demonstrators. JWR’s Comment: As I’ve mentioned several times in my blog and in one of my books: Much like a muscle that atrophies with disuse, any right that goes unexercised for many years devolves into a privilege, and eventually can even be redefined as a crime.
Second Interstellar Object Has Been Spotted
Reader G.P. sent this: A Second Interstellar Object Has Almost Certainly Been Found In Our Solar System. The article begins:
“Break out the party hats. Astronomers have all but confirmed that the second known interstellar object is currently whizzing through our Solar System – and unlike the first event, we’ll be able to study it in a huge amount of detail.
The object was originally given the moniker gb00234, and was discovered by an amateur astronomer called Gennady Borisov in Crimea using his own observatory called MARGO. Borisov first spotted the object on August 30 and was immediately alerted by its odd path – suggesting it was not bound to our Sun.
Subsequent analysis and observations have confirmed the object has a high eccentricity, meaning it is on a hyperbolic path that will take it in and out of our Solar System, never to return. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics confirmed the orbit of the object earlier today and gave it a new name in honor of its discoverer: C/2019 Q4 (Borisov).”
Supreme Court Issues Asylum Order
Linked over at Whatfinger.com there was this: President Trump hails ‘big victory’ in Supreme Court asylum order.
The Bill of Rights Turns 230
Commentary from John Whitehead: The Bill of Rights Turns 230, and What Do We Have to Show for It? Nothing Good. Here is a snippet:
“In America today, the government does whatever it wants, freedom be damned.
We can pretend that the Constitution, which was written to hold the government accountable, is still our governing document, but the reality of life in the American police state tells a different story.
“We the people” have been terrorized, traumatized, and tricked into a semi-permanent state of compliance by a government that cares nothing for our lives or our liberties.
The bogeyman’s names and faces have changed over time (terrorism, the war on drugs, illegal immigration, etc.), but the end result remains the same: in the so-called named of national security, the Constitution has been steadily chipped away at, undermined, eroded, whittled down, and generally discarded to such an extent that what we are left with today is but a shadow of the robust document adopted more than two centuries ago.
Most of the damage has been inflicted upon the Bill of Rights.
A recitation of the Bill of Rights—set against a backdrop of government surveillance, militarized police, SWAT team raids, asset forfeiture, eminent domain, overcriminalization, armed surveillance drones, whole body scanners, stop and frisk searches (all sanctioned by Congress, the White House, the courts and the like)—would understandably sound more like a eulogy to freedoms lost than an affirmation of rights we truly possess.”
The Coming Cyber 9/11
A recent video, over at Forward Observer: The Coming Cyber 9/11.
—
You can send your news tips to JWR. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) Thanks!
Hello Anyone,
Looks like PSA has the best deals on kits. Any suggestions? So far I’m going with the mid-length gas system and the flip up sight. Looking for a cheaper kit if possible.
Please advise….
Re: Hello Any one.
I’ve made a better decision.
Gun Grabbers are already selling Guns. Ar’s are evaporating. Please leave one for me.
https://www.lifezette.com/2019/09/beto-specials-texas-dem-gun-obama/
Re. Open Carry
Yes there are pros and cons. Weigh them for your situation. My point is that open carry has a benefit that is seldom recognized.
The 2nd Amendment supports closed carry. But open carry supports the 2nd Amendment. That’s a huge difference in my book.
Another pro that no one seems to realize about open carry- Is this person a Cop?
Another thing these so called ‘managers’ (little dictators) don’t seem to grasp is the concept of the term: Deterrent.
WalMart, with its LGBT upper micromanagment, seems to be at the forefront of this particular disorder.
Consider the Gays who have their pride parades and take their … unusual behavior to public parks and such.
Open Carry should be a civil right that canbe expressed in public and public accomidations no more and no less than some display of unchastity is.
But where are the people introducing laws to CONFIRM open carry as a civil right so you can’t be denied service.
carry concealed/strapped EVERYWHERE!! You don’t want to be the sacrificial lamb for the deranged libtard before he starts his rampage.
A politician telling me his intends to forcfully disarm me without probable cause is just like me without probable cause telling someone i intend to kill or maim them. These fools must be arrested convicted and jailed!!
Re. The Bill of Rights
It’s gone. The tree of liberty fell on our watch. And not one shot was fired by people who call themselves ‘Patriots’. Hell, to this old coot, most of them are too young to even remember what we have lost.
The Republican’s NDAA (H.R. 1540 (112th) signed New Year’s Eve 2011 (although Bush’s Patriot Act laid the foundation) was America’s death knell. With the stroke of a pen, ‘We the People’ became mere subjects. Our Bill of Rights gutted. Habeas corpus and due process erased. US citizens are subject to execution by government on accusation alone without due process. That event was our generation’s Declaration of Independence time. What did Patriots do? Jack. Not one shot was fired. That was 8-1/2 years ago.
We so-called ‘Patriots’ may have hundreds of millions of guns and tons of ammo but have we anything we are willing to “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor?” Ah, and there’s the rub….
There were a few Montana Guy. Timothy McVeigh, Randy Weaver, Terry Nichols and Eric Rudolph to name a few.. Who stood with them?
Add LeVoy Finnicum. I’d omit McVeigh but that whole investigation was strange.
But also consider our reaction when the actual right to life is mentioned. Add Scott Roeder (who did an “extra-judicial killing, think what we do with drones across the mid east through pakistan).
Yes, you with your AR-15s in huge arsenals say it is to defend “innocent life”. But babies are slaughtered daily, and there is little non-violent opposition. But consider God’s view about your firearms which you say are to defend innocent life in that you aren’t now acting to save innocent life today – even without firearms. As the death toll increases. Even here in the Redoubt.
You are not seriously suggesting that any of those men are patriots are you?
As a matter of fact, yes. WHAT happened to the other two bombs that were discovered in the Murrah building ? Did the BATFE bomb the building ? Who was John Doe #2 ? I am sorry for the 19 innocent children killed there, but we do not know who killed them. And even if McVeigh did it, which is not determined to my satisfaction, he did change the way that the Clinton administration and the federal government dealt with people like Koresh and the people at Waco, preventing further tragedies.
Don’t forget the multiple body parts(arms/legs) that were never identified? Who believed a untamped low order explosive did much damage?
Don’t forget LaVoy Finicum and the Bundy Ranch standoff… I’ll even throw in the Branch Davidians – though not my style of religion. Also JWR, who I bet has his neck overextended a few times even under FEDs watching us. Prager University is another. Ben Shapiro and Bill O’reilly.
A buddy of mine, patriot, just took up removing bumper stickers on LEFtist/Marxist cars It gets your addrenaline pumping removing pink ribbons for breast cancer/abortion rights or darwin stickers or COEXIST or one he did at a stop light getting the police called on him but never found him..it was one that read “Proud parent of a Kindergartner who has come out GAY!”
Folks if you can’t remove bumper stickers (the little things) then you’ll never fight up to these people. For the record I’ve not removed a bumper sticker cuz it’s nerve racking and your fear takes over.
Something to think about.
Removing bumper stickers is destroying private property, even if I disagree with what the sticker says. Private property is a RIGHT.
Thank You! People thonk just because it’s wrong according to our beliefs it gives them the right to destroy it. That makes us no better than those we are fighting. Besides, if someone came up on my property and started destroying my things I would be holding them at gun point until the police got there.
Dear Jefferson Davis, not too mention, removing bumper stickers is a private property violation. Don’t do to them, what you would not want done to you.
Besides, a sticker saying, “Proud parent of a Kindergartner who has come out GAY!” might just be useful in helping to wake people up out of thier hypnotic stupor. I know that – I – have never encountered such wacked thoughts before. Yeesh, the world has gone mad.
Removing breast Cancer Ribbons, true patriotic
ThoDan,
Unless you’re from a foreign country then you know that the American breast cancer research funding gives up to 90% of donations to fund ABORTION. Read the book Planned Bullyhood by a former executive on Planned Parenthood board of directors.
It’s always been about family equality [if you read your bible] and not gender equality. This is just another way that the feminist can RAPE and STEAL money from our American Corporations [billions are donated to women] in the name of gender equality than to family equality [which includes a man and a woman].
It is patriotic to “smash out” breast cancer research funding… because it is anything but…!
No, any reputable Sources for this
Private Property means nothing in my scenario. What the meaning was is that standing behind a parked car after the sun goes down with a razor blade window scraper to remove an ungodly message to the world… oh the self talk that goes on. You just talk yourself out of it and go home and watch a movie.
It is sad, but true. To answer the question on why patriots are not willing to fight… right there in my scenario if you can remove a bumper sticker on private property due to the law you won’t fight for your rights AT ALL.
There is a lot of big talk on the Internet and even on this blog (at times) but no one is going to stand up to any SWAT officer coming to take their guns as BETTO stated in the last presidential debate. If you can’t remove a bumper sticker, by self talking yourself out of it, securing the Constitutional right to carry is OUT!
We are on a losing team… the LEFT knows that and they know there is no resistance and are utilizing all resources to murder our republic without a fight.
I’m ashamed!
breast Cancer Ribbons are ungodly, seriously?
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
never forget Lavoy Finicum!
Well said, Montana guy.
As Ben Franklin said, “We must hang together or, rest assured, we shall hang separately,”
We still have connection and community, with or without protection from our gummint.
Carry on
I noticed one local HyVee grocery store chain outlet in my town very recently and unexpectedly put up No Weapons signs on their doors. It seems to be up to the individual managers as the other stores are not sporting these signs. Perhaps this is an attempt to stop open carry, but it stops concealed carry as well. I’ve taken my business elsewhere but I doubt it has any effect.
In the same vein as you describe CVS Pharmacy recently asked customers not to carry in their stores. Again not specifying open carry but just carrying in general which would obviously include concealed carry. The tide is rolling against us…
If enough people take their business elsewhere it will be noticed by it’s home office. Profit is always the bottom line. Word of mouth will help.
It used to be the law in Texas when I lived there that the signage had to be EXACT and clearly reference the particular state law to be enforceable, a simple “No Guns” or a picture with a circled and crossed out pistol was considered an invitation to carry concealed anyway.
The only lawful authority they Need is, that as the master of the house they said no weapons, it´s deeply insulting to carry weapons as a guest into the house of your host.
This law is at least 1500 Years old bzt most likely i think over 2000 Years
I always liked open carry for two reasons, firstly ones ability to carry more fire power and secondly for the very reason JWR stated above ~ atrophy protection!
There’s a bad wind a blowin’
Open carry is fine, but a group of people showing up open carrying could be considered trying to scare or intimidate others. Be respectful and considerate when choosing where to go as a group please.
I have no problem with handguns that are holstered, where the holster properly secures the handgun such that some wacko cannot easily grab it and use it. I also have no problem with a handgun that is legally carried concealed. Rifles carried across the back using a sling do not constitute an immediate threat and would be OK with me. Handguns in holsters that are easily accessed, and any longgun or handgun that is carried in hand present a potential threat and meets my definition of ‘potential threat’ and gain my immediate attention.
I have regularly carried concealed in public for over two decades; this fits my desire to be able to access my weapon if needed, but does not call attention to the fact that I am armed (grey man purposes).
I have only very occasionally carried openly, in venues and businesses that support open carry. Let me say that people are ALWAYS nicer, more respectful, and the general feeling is one of safety & security when everyone is obviously armed.
If you’ve never felt this (and would like to), visit The Shooter’s Grill in Rifle, CO (no affiliation) where all employees open carry, and patrons are encouraged to open carry as well. Their food is excellent, and everyone is polite and respectful. No one is rude to a 120 pound waitress with a 357. It is reminiscent of what life in America used to be like…
Also I noticed my credit union put up signs in the last year or so that says “No weapons “. They also ban hoods, sunglasses and believe it or not cell phones! I’m not sure what the cell phone ban is all about. I have to get around to inquiring about that.
This has been around for years. My bank has “No hoods, sunglasses or hats”. I leave my sunglasses in the rig but always wear my ball cap but cocked back slightly. This is to get good security pictures of bank robbers. Take a look next to the door next time you leave a bank. There is a nice scaled height measure up the wall by the door. This is to capture a more accurate height of a would-be robber.
I am very aware of the reason for no hoods etc, it was the cell phones I don’t get. No one is leaving their cell phone in the car to go into the credit union. Not so I understand why they would want us to.
Filming the security layout of the bank or taking pictures on who works in the bank come to mind.
I suspect its out of rudeness to the customer service reps. People wait their turn in line only to have to have a 3 way conversation with a customer who refuses to hang up. Plus the phones camera could b a security risk.
Why “open carry” and all the public drama and consternation that goes with it (including your own ego) when you can still assert your 2A rights with “concealed carry”? Why invite trouble? If there is an incident , robbery or violent attack, in your presence you are inviting being the first person shot by the perpetrator if you are open carry. Go “gray man” and have humility and respect for other’s opinions..
The police carry a gun to protect themselves and other citizens.It is no different for the general public.If you exercise your absolute right to carry,then you have a duty protect those around you as well as yourself.
I don’t like open carry for the following reasons.
#1 It will likely not deter a mentally deranged shooter. You don’t want to be the first target.
#2 You will usually be out gunned from the start,so surprise the shooter by returning fire.
#3 Drawing attention to yourself in any situation is not good. OPSEC is vital. Be the Gray Man when you carry in public.
Gun fights are scary business. Do whatever it takes to win.
Concur. My purpose for concealed carry is to protect myself and my family. In a gunfight situation I am not there to protect others, although I will consider doing so as long as I can get my family out of danger and do so with minimal risk to myself.
There is this restaurant in the metro Detroit area, I think it is either Royal Oak or Farmington Hills, where there is a monthly open carry night. Everyone in the restaurant has a gun strapped to their hip. The local news reported on it asking people who have nothing to do with the event what they thought. One older african-american lady said something like “I’d be afraid to go in that restaurant, this just scares me.” Kind of makes the point about not exercising a right, turning in to something scary when others exercising it.
Sadly that lady can’t recognize the truth that this restaurant is probably the safest restaurant in the entire metro Detroit area on that one night a month.
I too like the Gray-Man strategy in all areas of life.
The concept that we lose a right if the right is not used publicly I think is in error. The best example of that is the Supreme Court ruling the local government can force you to sell your property to be sold to another private citizen. That is outrageous but it’s the Supreme Law of the US
As to carry openly is truly aimed-(pun intended), at YOU. Why would anyone want that attention.
I would rather have two Desert Eagles in a custom shoulder harness that is not seen if one wants serious firepower.
But count your blessing gentleman, this nation is still the best that has ever been. Just use the wisdom of God to navigate each day in prayer.
Skip, your last paragraph is a gem.
But count your blessing gentleman, this nation is still the best that has ever been. Just use the wisdom of God to navigate each day in prayer.
We take many things for granted. There are many muscles we have to exercise to prevent atrophy. Gratitude is one close at hand.
Carry on
I wonder, do all these stores that ban legally concealed carry, do they have a policy of covering every injury their customers recieve while in their stores? Do they post the liability amounts they have right alongside the weapons bans stickers much like how people are required to have insurance to drive? My wife likes to go into some of those kind of stores, I can’t stop her, I just wonder, without armed guards, how will they protect her, and what kind of liability do they assume? I imagine lawyers know the answer. It sure is a crazy world we live in, and a long long ways from what I was taught it was supposed to be.
I have a problem with people carrying a rifle in the grocery store or even the farmers market. If I saw someone walking into my grocery store I would immediately think they are up to no good. These people walk around trying to prove a point but they just make 2nd Amendment supporters look crazy. I also wouldn’t be surprised if a person carrying a rifle would be put in their place by a conceal carry citizen. I believe in our rights but don’t be a idiot about it. Scaring mothers who are grocery shopping with their children is foolish and does nothing other than to draw ire.
That said, I don’t like it when any of my rights are trampled on, especially the 2nd. No concessions, no exceptions, not ever. Nothing can be stated that would make me think giving up my 2nd amendment would be okay. My spouse disagrees and said he would hand over our weapon if they were confiscated. Please pray for those of us in these situations.
To put public carry in perspective. Per Pew, 42% of country own a gun or live in a household with a gun. 57% have no guns in households. Many of that 57% won’t perceive a need for a gun and many won’t feel comfortable around guns. Irrespective of how comfortable people are around guns a good portion of that 57% and at least some of the 42% are going to be nervous seeing someone carrying around a gun. Many will leave the area which isn’t good for profits. Some will call the police. They will do this for a simple reason, there is no way for anyone else around the person carrying a gun to know if the person carrying the gun is a good guy (most are) or a bad guy, the one who is a risk to everyone’s safety. All it takes is one bad guy and we know that guns are very effective at killing people, even from a distance. Police are trained to treat everyone at an active shooter scene as a threat until determined otherwise, and carrying a gun really stands out as a threat. The reaction of people will be situational, be based on their experiences, and vary by area and local customs. In a high crime area or in the middle of nowhere it might seem logical to carry. At the same time, on a square mile basis most of the country is really fairly safe. I’ve visited about 46 states and haven’t really felt insecure except in some cities. Before I left the area I would assess the person (based on FBI statistics, the area, local customs, how the person looked and was dressed, was family around, what gun were they carrying, and my past experiences) and only leave if I still believed there was a risk. Many won’t have my knowledge or skills and will just react emotionally to the fear. Please note there are more people without guns than people with guns and the numbers are even worse for CC permits or an open carry inclination. For most businesses they have more to lose if customers are scared in their stores than if they lose gun owner business. This should be considered in any strategy to keep our right to bear arms.
Your decision, carry as you please! But as for me I open carry and I won’t give up my Freedom to Walmart for the privilege of spending thousands of dollars a year in their store. I’m not a guest I’m a customer. Funny I can own a house and pay taxes on it but the Government can tell me who I have to rent to, but on the other hand the Government won’t back me on a Constitutional issue, but just let Walmart not serve a mentally deranged sodomite and see what happens. If anyone stops open carrying in any of these businesses before they’re even confronted, you can bet they sure won’t resist Big Brother when he comes for their guns. To make a statement that you should carry concealed to appease others is like saying you should only practice free speech at home in the closet. Trekker Out
Loved your comment: “To make a statement that you should carry concealed to appease others is like saying you should only practice free speech at home in the closet.” I agree with you. In addition, this is a realistic philosophy that is pertinent in many of life’s situations that do not involve firearms. I will ponder your words. To use your firearm as a metaphor, the Bible gives many examples of having the discernment to carry concealed or open. Joseph and Mary, Esther, Rahab, Moses and Jesus immediately come to mind. May the Lord give us wisdom.