Letter Re: A Dual Ring Village

Dear Sir: I am taking this time to write, because you express an interest in solutions that provide enhanced security and prosperity for people. I, too, like the idea of a fortified village, instead of isolationism. One possible solution, the dual ring village (DRV), is based on a simple idea. Imagine a line of mixed use buildings – something like the 1890s in New York City. Stores on the street level, with apartments above. Take that line and wrap into a circle. Take another line of buildings, and wrap that into a circle, placed within the first circle. The result …


Economics and Investing:

Ken J. sent me a troubling piece that was published three years ago: The Just-in-Time Consumer Merkel To Europe: “Prepare To Cede Sovereignty” Ronald Stoeferle: “Last Week We Were Really Close To A Default of The 130-to-1 Paper Gold Market” Items from The Economatrix: The Terrifying Reality Of Long-Term Unemployment Inflation, Factory Data Favor Continued Fed Easing Arizona Becomes Second State To Approve Gold And Silver As Legal Tender


Odds ‘n Sods:

The ultimate remote retreat? Check out this new listing at our SurvivalRealty.com spin-off site: Salmon River Wilderness Ranch. That is almost as remote as Sylvan Hart’s old homestead.    o o o Reader Michael U. mentioned that Keepshooting.com is selling alloy HK 91 mags for just $1.50 each if you buy 100 or more. That is a real bargain, these days! With an import ban about to be announced (and prices of milsurp parts, ammo, and magazines likely to skyrocket) you will probably thank yourself for stocking up.    o o o F.G. sent: Why one cop carries 145 rounds …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“We’re going to suspend your rights to protest, bear arms, privacy, and trial by jury.” “Why?” “To protect you from terrorists.” “Why do we need to be protected from terrorists?” “They hate you for your freedom.” – Reader “Nick Tha Swede,” commenting on an article about Mayor Bloomberg at The Politicker web site


Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 46 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 …


Geospatial Intelligence on a Laptop, Part 1, by N-101

Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is mapping using satellite images, digital elevations, transportation networks, land use classifications, vegetation classifications, weather data, demographics and much more to help the decision making process for any activity a corporation, army, or group wishes to undertake. Unfortunately much of the best data, the highest resolution and degree of accuracy, is only available to large corporations and nations. This does not mean it is not possible to create your own GEOINT solution. A small scale solution is constrained by data storage and computing power, in every GIS (Geographic Information System) user’s dream is to be able to …


Here Come the First of the Executive Actions

Just as I warned SurvivalBlog readers, it appears that the BHO Administration is taking executive action on firearms importation. Take a few minutes to read this: After Senate setback, Obama quietly moving forward with gun regulation. Here is the key portion of the article: “The Importation of Defense Articles and Defense Services — U.S. Munitions Import List references executive orders, amends ATF regulations and clarifies Attorney General authority “to designate defense articles and defense services as part of the statutory USML for purposes of permanent import controls,” among other clauses specified in heavy legalese requiring commensurate analysis to identify just …


Letter Re: Demographic Shifts in The American Redoubt

Hello Mr. Rawles: I noticed in your answer about demographic changes in the “American Redoubt,” you only dealt with political notions. The question, as I read it, asked about immigration and the American Redoubt and the demographic changes as a result of that. Can you talk about some other issues? Thanks for your blog. – A Virginia RN JWR Replies: I’ll be happy to address the demographics in more broad terms. My apologies for only addressing political aspects in my initial reply. Religion: The religious demographics of the American Redoubt generally parallel the rest of the nation (with an overall …


News From The American Redoubt:

Despite the recent buying frenzy, Freedom Arms (in Freedom, Wyoming) has been able to keep pace. They make some big stainless steel revolvers that are capable bear stoppers.    o o o Idaho’s growth slows, but the shift from rural to urban areas continues. (Thanks to R.B.S. for the link.)    o o o Mountain States Ammo (in Missoula, Montana) has been logging huge sales, but has managed to keep some ammo in stock.    o o o After a huge run of sales that depleted their inventory, Lone Wolf (in Priest River, Idaho) now has many Glock magazines and …


Economics and Investing:

Switzerland Revises 1934 Banking- Act to Allow Bail In Deposit Confiscations Getting physical: Refiners Can’t Keep Up With Massive Global Gold Demand. (Thanks to Jim W. for the link.) Gold Price Attack First US Response In Currency War Escalation Items from The Economatrix: For Every Job Opening, There Are Three Unemployed Americans Explaining The Disappointing Jobs Report Maguire — LBMA Default Triggered Gold & Silver Takedown


Odds ‘n Sods:

Attention Carolinians: Spring 2013 North Carolina PATCON and 2nd Amendment Rally: Thursday May 2nd to Monday May 6th    o o o The 40th Annual East Coast Rally will be held May 9, 10, & 11, 2013 at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland. This is an annual all-weather militaria flea market, held at the Ripken Stadium Complex parking lot, with 650+ vendor spaces. The event features vehicles, tents, militaria, insignia, collectibles, knives, bayonets, gun parts, electronics, surplus, uniforms, BDUs, models, parts, books, et cetera. (Thanks to F.G. for the link.)    o o o Kevin Reeve of onPoint Tactical describes: …



Note from JWR:

I learned about the planned Internet Blackout for today at the 11th Hour, after I had already assembled and edited all of the posts. So instead of blacking out my blog site, I’m merely delaying posting a feature article that I had written. I have also specially selected a quote of the day. Granted, these are just token protests, but I believe that the CISPA Bill is bad legislation, and that it should be stopped. The bill is on its way to the Senate, so please add it to your list of topics for the next time that you contact …


Pat’s Product Review: Speedy Sharp

I’ve been around knives since I was about five years old. For a time, I collected custom made knives, but that “hobby” got too expensive for me. For close to 20 years I was the West Coast Field Editor for Knives Illustrated magazine. I believe I wrote for them longer than anyone else did. During that time, I wrote numerous magazine articles, and had at least a thousand different knife samples pass through my hands. When I first started writing about knives, there were a lot of knives that came across my desk that weren’t very sharp – I’m glad …


Letter Re: A Privacy Lesson From the Boston Bombing Investigation

Jim. I learned something from the recent Boston terrorist incident….though it passed very quickly in a reporter’s interview – and even though the reporter was interrupted and didn’t get to finish her thought. In regards to one of the bombers, the reporter said something like  “We can tell from the contents of his “Wish List” online, that he”  ……..(not exact quote). so… I was aware that Amazon.com had a “Wish List” that shoppers can create.  I had NOT been aware that you can search for anyone’s “Wish Lists”, but you can. So everybody needs to know that any Wish List …