Category: Current Events & Politics


Into the Maelstrom, and a Refuge on the Far Side

For the past few weeks I’ve let the news headlines speak for themselves, but I now feel convicted to comment on the deteriorating economic conditions. The global economy in general, and the economies of the English-speaking nations in particular are in deep, deep trouble. A massive credit bubble has popped, and all efforts to re-inflate it have failed. National congresses and parliaments, are throwing trillions at the problem, but they have done no good. The policy wonks in government, and their cronies at the central banks are essentially clueless. Their uniform reaction to each failed “stimulus” policy seems to be: …



Mexican Flu Update:

CDC: Up to 100,000 Are Probably Infected in US US Deaths at five, all reportedly with underlying health problems. Globally, 7,000 (which means many more cases than have been confirmed) Swine Flu Cases Continue to Rise But No Pandemic Called Yet “Fukuda notes a pandemic has nothing to do with the severity of the disease, but rather with its geographic spread.” Avian Flu Beaten By Cold Noses WHO eyes swine flu transmission rates, new vaccine


Adios to Naish Piazza, But Perhaps Not to Front Sight

This news article was published yesterday: Business as Usual? Front Sight Assets Seized. Please take the time to read it. I haven’t yet been in touch with the new management at Front Sight to get any additional details. Last night, I dismissively posted a piece to SurvivalBlog, castigating the plaintiffs in this case. But then I spent several hours later last night doing web searches about the various Front Sight lawsuits, and it was an eye opener. Up until yesterday, I had thought that only one of the lawsuits had any merit, and that Naish Piazza was merely a convenient …




Mexican Flu Update:

Top Flu Expert Warns of a Swine-Bird Flu Mix 12 More Swine Flu Cases Confirmed in Massachusetts First Flu Death in Canada; US Cases Rise Mexico Deaths; Cases Higher than Reported Swine Flu May Be More Infectious than Thought Swine Flu Moments and Decisions Lie Ahead WHO Reports Big Jump in Worldwide Swine Flu Cases 3,440 Cases, 29 Countries, 48 Deaths Japan, Oz Confirm First Cases of Swine Flu Swine Flu Lacks 1918 Killer Traits (So Far) US, Costa Rica Flu Deaths Mexico has suspected upswing in cases, delaying school reopening in six states Number of American Flu Cases Overtake …



Mexican Flu Update:

Heather sent a link to an article was featured in Seven Days (an ultra-liberal newspaper in Burlington, Vermont: The Pandemic Pantry; Stocking up on staples, just in case. Heather’s comment: “I think this article illustrates the fact that the preparedness mindset is starting to reach the mainstream. Maybe the sheeple are beginning to catch on? The article on the side talks about the LDS Church. While I have theological disagreements with the LDS I think their food storage program is outstanding.” KAF sent us this: Another Swine Bug Raises Scientists’ Concerns. KAF’s comment: “This is particularly disturbing. When Egypt began …



Letter Re: Gun Show Report–A Window of Opportunity?

Jim, On Sunday, I attended what is billed as the largest gun show in North Carolina and thought you and your readers might appreciate an update. What I saw lead me to believe that supplies of black rifles and magazines are catching back up to demand but that ammunition and reloading components remain in short supply — especially primers. When I attended the November show, I had to wait in line 30 minutes or so just to get in. I heard the March show had a two hour wait. Today, there was no wait at all. It was crowded inside, …


Mexican Flu Update:

As the H1N1 flu spreads across the nation and around the globe, the key question seems to be: It the flu is spreading this quickly in warm weather, then what will it do next winter, when people are generally in closer proximity, indoors? The CDC has vowed to “…continue to get ready for a possible pandemic in the fall.” Clearly, prudence dictates that we be well-prepared, so stock up! The latest flu headlines: Jim S. suggested a video from an academic on the implications of H1N1 hitting Phase 5. Chan hits back at WHO critics. (Thanks to Greg C. for …


Mexican Flu Update:

Reader RG in Arizona recommended this article: Scientists dig for lessons from past pandemics Mexico: No New Swine Flu Deaths; Cases Up to 443 UK: Supermarkets Prepare For Panic Buying Why the Flu Can Never Be Eradicated CDC Current Statistics 21 states, 160 cases, 1 death (“officially”) More Schools Shut As Swine Flu Spreads (430 schools) “The government issued new guidance for schools with confirmed cases, saying they should close for at least 14 days because children can be contagious for seven to 10 days from when they get sick. That means parents can expect to have children at home …


Mexican Flu Update:

SurvivalBlog reader Laurence W. wrote to warn that it is premature to post early estimates that the Mexican Flu is mild. “It may or may not be. There are not enough data points yet to speak authoritatively. All one can correctly say is that it is too early to tell.” He cited recent some well-informed discussion threads in the Flu Wiki Forum and the PlanForPandemic.com Forum. Reader Laura C. recommended visiting the US Archives Online Exhibit of 1918 Flu. Photographs and Letters. 141 Cases, 19 States “The World Health Organization is warning of an imminent pandemic because scientists cannot predict …