Category: Current Events & Politics

Letter Re: LE Criticism

HJL, I believe there are a few points being lost in the ongoing debate concerning law enforcement’s attitude towards their job and the public. Time and time again the blanket statement levied in support of law enforcement’s defense is “ Not all cops are bad”. I agree with this wholeheartedly, and I think any sane person would also agree with this. However, as a person who exercises critical thinking, I have to wonder, where are the “good cops”? Where are the whistleblowers? Good cops don’t allow flagrant abuse of police powers, good cops don’t blindly follow, Good cops don’t stand …


Letter: Anti-LE Tilt

HJL, On occasion I see an anti-LE tilt to some e-mails submitted to SurvivalBlog. I have to wonder at anyone who is at age 35 trying to break into law enforcement, but that is their choice. It actually sounds like some public defenders I know. Recalling my brother-in-law’s academy adventure, he was @10 weeks into a boot camp style police academy for a prestigious city PD and was ready to quit. Too hard? Not really; it was just that as a former Air Force NCO, he did not think he was being treated in a deferential manner as he was …


Letter Re: A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

HJL, I appreciate Lebannen’s miltary service, and his desire to serve his community as a local police officer. I do think that it is very, very important to clarify a piece of legal advice that the OP provided in this article. Towards the end of Part 2 of the article the OP states “If the police come to your door and ask you to step outside or open it, you do NOT have to comply. They need a warrant unless an exigent circumstance occurs.” This is patently incorrect in the case of a vehicle stop, and in failing to do …


Letter Re: A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

Jim and editor: Regarding this post, I’d like to comment if I may. A reply to Lebannen’s posting regarding caution towards police: I’m encouraging conservatives to join Law Enforcement! Lebannen has my respect. He has values and sticks to them. However, I’m replying to encourage a slightly different point of view in order that good men and women will not stay out of law enforcement but, rather, will apply in increasing rates. My thoughts are simple. While I respect Lebannen’s commitment to the Constitution and willingness to set aside a career path to stick to his principles, I think perhaps …


The 100-Year Geomagnetic Storm and The Electric Grid – Part 2, by Tango Delta

Defense Strategies If you’re not ready for TEOTWAWKI, you’re probably asking, “Can’t we do something to keep the grid from going down?” The answer is “yes”. There are two approaches– early warning and hardening of equipment. In theory, early warning relies on the ACE and DSCOVR satellites, located one million miles from the earth, to measure the intensity and polarity of a storm and then issue warnings, which utilities would use to take steps to protect their equipment. In reality, large storms are too fast, allowing maybe 15 minutes of warning. Nuclear plants are supposed to be in “cold shutdown” …


The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 3, by APC

Detention: THE TRAFFIC STOP (continued) What if the officer pulls you over and sees a shotgun on the seat beside you? Assuming your state of residence does not allow the transport of long guns in this manner and what you are doing is illegal, then the officer has the right to search for more loaded guns. Keep in mind that he now can only search for places that might house an object the size of a long gun. Searching for objects the size of a pistol would also be reasonable under the circumstances. What would NOT be reasonable is searching …


The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 2, by APC

DEALING WITH THE COPS (continued) Before we go into the details of most police encounters, keep one rule in mind: You never need to talk to police for any reason. There is no legal mechanism that compels you to answer questions, testify, or provide verbal evidence about yourself or any activities you may have been involved in! Therefore, Rule 1: Never talk to cops! Of course, like with any rules, there are certain provisos: “Never talk to cops” means to not offer up information or evidence. It does not mean sit there and remain a mute, or fail to respond …


The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 1, by APC

The overwhelming majority of Americans are law-abiding citizens, who more or less support the basic premise of police and what services they are supposed to be performing. In fact, even with the current buzz about law enforcement in general becoming too militarized (i.e. using military grade weapons and vehicles), Americans still respect the police, who are essentially there for all of our protection. What most of us do not understand, however, is how to actually deal with police on their level. The average person has very little knowledge of what powers the police possess and an even smaller knowledge of …


Two Letters Re: A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

HJL, I am sorry Lebannen had the experience he did. I applaud him for his conviction. We need more cops like him. I strongly urge him to contact his states Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency. They are ultimately responsible for the content of the academy. This will also help him determine what the true lesson plan is versus what was taught. I have seen numerous cases of instructors going off the reservation, so to speak, and not teaching current case law, et cetera. Some of the examples used directly contradict recent case law. Here’s one last appeal to …


A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

I have always supported our troops and our first responders. Down deep inside of my conscious, I honestly feel that serving is the greatest form of community involvement. As a fourth generation Army veteran, this is something that I was not only raised to believe but I lived every day. The structure, the camaraderie, and the deep-seeded need to protect others led me to my next chapter– law enforcement. I eventually found myself applying for an agency in my home state. I applied and was accepted for my military experience, high academic standards, sharp appearance, and life maturity; I entered …


Letter: The Internet

HJL/JWR: I am a former G6 (army comms) and closet geek, and a stability operations (Civil Affairs) practitioner. Suffice to say the issue of open Internet access and destabilizing influences on the ground have been the center of my world and work for over a decade. You’re not going to like this, but here it is: The only way to preserve the Internet AND reduce the spread of radical ideology is to register users’ to each IP address. Here’s why. The Internet IS like a big, wonderful library (paraphrasing yesterday’s poster). However, there’s a problem. Imagine your children in that …


The Long Good-bye, by Captnswife

Well, it has begun. Today, I closed my Paypal account. This is just the first step in the slow and admittedly painful process of disconnecting from the Internet. I’ve known it was coming for awhile, but I can’t say that made it easier. Honestly, I love this thing. The greatest joy in my life was the moment, at age six, I realized that because I could read I would never have to stop learning. The invention of the information super highway was beyond my wildest dreams. It’s the largest and most diverse library in the world, and it’s open 24 …


Letter Re: What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

Jim and Hugh, Here is an excerpt from one of the two letters I received from my Democratic Representative: Thank you for contacting me with your concern about a rumor regarding the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) proposed regulations on 5.56×45 SS109/M855 “green tip” ammunition. This is a very important issue, and I am glad for the chance to respond. This response irked me as it refers to the ATF ban as a rumor. Rumor!?! It’s new policy, it’s real, and what he said was as bad as saying, “Let me give you the facts on this “conspiracy …


Letter Re: What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

Good Sir, Mr. Bellamy: I have a quick comment reflecting your article of recent publication, if your time permits please, regarding “the law banning armor piercing handgun ammunition”. I agree with everything you have written (cited) and even the punctuation details thus far, until this closing statement (above referenced) in your sample letter. To me, it would be more effectual if you used quotation emphasis in this sentence. At first glance, it seems to affirm exactly the perception of the argument being an “armor piercing” ballistic projectile available for sale to the general population; and your statement could be misconstrued …


What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

(. . . and what can you do about it?) By Glenn D. Bellamy, Armorer-at-Law® There’s been no shortage of misinformation and hyperbole about an ATF memo released on February 13th reported to “ban AR15 ammo”. The memo describes a “framework” by which ATF proposes it would consider requests for “sporting purpose” exemptions under the federal statute banning the manufacture, importation, or sale (but not possession) of “armor piercing” projectiles. I’ve searched and researched the law and the facts behind it with passion over the last two weeks. I’m tempted to write a legal brief in opposition, or at least …