Letter Re: Being Anonymous, by Spotlight

HJL,

One note on this. I’ve had a “mailbox” (mail receiving service) for longer than I’ve been at any address. It started when important documents ended up with the wrong carrier and were “returned to sender – address does not exist”. A full service private mail receiving service can (for a fee) forward any mail, as well as UPS or FedEx packages to your mail. (Note: Wyoming allows PO Boxes as an address for the drivers’ license last I checked.)

Also, with E911, you can’t avoid tracking, at least with cell towers. GPS can be jammed/blocked. Note that 315MHz is common for remotes and is 1/5th the GPS satellite frequency, but short of a Faraday cage your provider will have your location. – T.Z.

Economics and Investing:

The War against Cash, Part I – Sent in by G.G.

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Negative Power Prices Highlight Some Regulatory Problems

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

U.S. News

Report: Fed-Up Creditors Seek to Put US Energy’s Zombies Into Bankruptcy (Reuters) From the Article: “Rising financial stress in the U.S. energy sector has prompted some suppliers and vendors to take unusual legal action to collect unpaid debts: forcing struggling companies with billions of dollars in debt into bankruptcy.”

International News

The Commodities Party is Officially Over and “Now We are Suffering the Big Hangover” (Business Insider) Hint: There will be a significant shift in supply in relationship to the substantial drop in demand. High cost producers are not likely to survive for one reason… It’s that dreaded four letter word: DEBT.

Everything Central Banks Have Tried Has Failed According to Citi’s Buiter (Zero Hedge) Spoiler Alert: Central Bank QE has failed. “The reason for this failure? What we said from day one dooms all unconventional monetary policy – too much debt.”

Hope and Fear in the Endless Greek Crisis (GreekCrisis.net) From the Article: “…the capital controls imposed in June remain in force and the economy has fallen back into recession.”

Oil Collapse Sees Venezuela Burning Through Its Savings (Bloomberg) From the Article: “…the collapse in oil means the spendthrift government of President Nicolas Maduro may now struggle to meet its $1.5 billion debt payment in February.”

Angela Merkel Going to be Less Popular In Germany (Business Insider) From the Article: “…given that Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe, nobody sees the trouble brewing. They’re oblivious to the incurable balances the euro has created in trade in Europe…”

Personal Economics and Household Finance

The Best Frugal Household Hacks (US News) Great Story: “Last spring, the blogging husband-and-wife team known as “Mr. and Mrs. Frugalwoods” realized that they wanted to live a different kind of life, unlike the typical consumer-driven lifestyle usually featured on television.”

Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader B.G. sent in the link to a Washington Post article detailing that the Justice Department just shut down a huge asset forfeiture program. It’s important to note that this is just a small part of the whole “asset forfeiture” system. States can still use state forfeiture rules, and it does not address seizures by federal agencies, like the FBI, DEA, or DHS. It’s ironic that an individual confiscating your property under the same rules would end up in jail for theft. I guess stealing is deemed okay, when you’re a government.

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The Anti Safe Act Organization is suing the US Attorney General for exceeding their authority on background checks. The issue stems from the Justice Department cross checking against lists that do not preclude ownership of firearms. Specifically, if you ended up on a watch list for potential terrorist because of an anonymous tip, you were potentially denied your right to own a firearm without due process.

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Many readers have written in to point out H.R.4269, which has been introduced into the 114th Congress and basically outlaws all semi-automatic weapons. It’s important to remember that every Congress gets such bills introduced and the likelihood of this bill getting anywhere is pretty slim. Nevertheless, we will be watching.

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Reader M.F. sent the link to this article: Thomas Jefferson on taxes. It’s an interesting read on how the U.S. government managed to not directly tax individuals for the first 140 years of this nation.

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Measles Police State: ‘Parents who do not vaccinate their children should go to jail’ – D.S.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” – Samuel Adams

Notes for Sunday – December 27, 2015

On this day in 1979, in an attempt to stabilize the turbulent political situation in Afghanistan, the Soviet Union sent 75,000 troops to enforce the installation of Babrak Karmal as the new leader of the nation. The new government and the imposing Soviet presence, however, had little success in putting down anti-government rebels. Thus began nearly 10 years of an agonizing, destructive, and ultimately fruitless Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan. Death by a thousand cuts.

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Today, we present another entry for Round 62 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul pmags 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304, and
  10. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  9. Safecastle is providing a package of 10 LifeStraws (a $200 value)

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A $245 gift certificate from custom knifemaker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit,
  8. Montie Gear is donating a Precision Rest (a $249 value), and
  9. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).

Round 62 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Second Amendment and Its Relevance in Today’s Society, by B.E.

1

Amendment II (the Second Amendment) of the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights declares a well-regulated militia as “being necessary to the security of a free State” and prohibits infringement of “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” It is a controversial subject whose ramifications are still being debated to this day, over two-hundred and thirty years after it was written. Its place in the Bill of Rights as the Second Amendment is indicative of how important our nation’s founding fathers thought that right should be. It is still relevant in today’s society, despite haphazard attempts at gun control. This is evidenced by other countries’ takes on gun control, regulation, or lack of it.

Our right to keep and bear arms stems from the English Bill of Rights, which states: “The subjects which are Protestants may have arms for their defense suitable to their conditions and as allowed by law.” (Volokh, 2)

Many of the original thirteen states included in their constitutions or in their state ratification conventions provisions or language that upholds a citizen’s right to bear arms to defend oneself and the state. For instance, Pennsylvania’s constitution states, “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.” (Volokh, 2) Rhode Island’s constitution states, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” (Volokh, 2) Vermont’s constitution declares that, “The people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State.” (Volokh, 2)Connecticut’s constitution reiterates that idea with the statement “Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the State.” (Volokh, 2) In at least seven more of the original states, similar language is included in their constitutions.

In his 1992 Senate Sub Committee on the Constitution report, “The Right to Keep and Bear Arms,” Senator Orrin G. Hatch says:

In my studies as an attorney and as a United States Senator, I have constantly been amazed by the indifference or even hostility shown the Second Amendment by courts, legislatures, and commentators. James Madison would be startled to hear that his recognition of a right to keep and bear arms, which passed the House by a voice vote without objection and hardly a debate, has since been construed in but a single, and most ambiguous Supreme Court decision, whereas his proposals for freedom of religion, which he made reluctantly out of fear that they would be rejected or narrowed beyond use, and those for freedom of assembly, which passed only after a lengthy and bitter debate, are the subject of scores of detailed and favorable decisions. Thomas Jefferson, who kept a veritable armory of pistols, rifles, and shotguns at Monticello, and advised his nephew to forsake other sports in favor of hunting, would be astounded to hear supposed civil libertarians claim firearm ownership should be restricted. Samuel Adams, a handgun owner who pressed for an amendment stating that the “Constitution shall never be construed . . . to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms,” would be shocked to hear that his native state today imposes a year’s sentence, without probation or parole, for carrying a firearm without a police permit. (Hatch, 1)

It seems very clear that our founding fathers and their contemporaries in the individual states thought that in order to maintain their freedom it was of utmost importance that the people of the United States have “the right to keep and bear arms” in defense of themselves and as the framework of a militia. The “right to bear arms” was a fundamental right to our founding fathers. David E. Vandercoy says, “Both the Federalists, those promoting a strong central government, and the Antifederalists, those believing that liberties including the right of self-rule would be protected best by preservation of local autonomy, agreed that arms and liberty were inextricably linked. ” (Vandercoy, 3) Thus, it was placed in the Bill of Rights.

Some people may argue that the Second Amendment’s thrust was for a military or militia, but that is not in evidence. The men of the militia in the colonies were expected to provide their own weapons. It is clear that the private arms of these men were protected. Tahmassebi states that “Ordinarily when called for service these men were expected to appear bearing arms supplied by themselves and of the kind in common use at the time.” (Tahmassebi,3)

The Second Amendment still has significant relevance in today’s society. A recent article from the American Rifleman magazine explains why an isolated town (Aquila) of 1,064 in Arizona has decided to arm themselves. The recent closing of the nearest sheriff’s sub-station, 25 miles away, has left the town without any police protection. The nearest sheriff’s station is now over 60 miles away, and police response times are over 24 hours for most incidents. Residents don’t even bother calling anymore. With recent drug-related burglaries, thefts, and murders affecting almost every person and business in town, the townspeople have decided to arm themselves to protect their families, businesses, and properties. (Tahmassebi,2)

In the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Korean shop owners defended themselves and their property against rioters and looters. In that same incident, the truck driver who was pulled from his truck and nearly beaten to death on national television could have benefited from a firearm. (Tahmassebi,2) The recent home invasion and murder of the Petit family in Connecticut may well have been prevented, if the family had firearms in the home and were prepared and able to use them.

The United States can learn a lesson of what not to do regarding gun control from our neighbor, Canada. According to Alan Gottlieb, Canada’s restrictive gun controls have failed miserably. He states, “The situation is so bad that in the Jan. 3 edition of Canada’s National Post, writer David Frum startled readers by revealing that ‘Canada’s overall crime rate is now 50% higher than the crime rate in the United States.'” (Gottlieb,1) He further noted, “Since the early 1990s, crime rates have dropped in 48 of the 50 states and 80% of American cities. Over that same period, crime rates have risen in six of the 10 Canadian provinces and in seven of Canada’s 10 biggest cities.” (Gottlieb,1)

The most recent complete data available from both countries continues to support Gottlieb’s claim: In 2003, the violent crime rate in the United States was 475 per 100,000 population, while up north there were 963 violent crimes per 100,000 population. The figure for sexual assault in Canada per 100,000 population was more than double that of the United States– 74 as opposed to 32.1, and the assault rate in Canada was also more than twice that of the states, 746 to our 295 for the population rate. The crime rate hasn’t improved recently for Canada, while it has for the United States. Toronto had 78 murders in 2005, according to Frum, which represents a 28 percent increase in homicide since 1995. (Gottlieb,1)

Gottlieb attributes the rise in Canadian crime rates to their restrictive gun laws and the reduction in U.S. crime to the adoption of “shall-issue” and “right-to-carry” laws in many U.S. states. In the intervening years, laws to restrict gun ownership in Canada have become stricter. A national gun registry, costing Canadians billions, has been implemented. As a solution, Prime Minister Martin has proposed to ban private handgun ownership. (Gottlieb,1) Apparently, they are not seeing the connection that research is so obviously pointing out.

David Koppel and Stephen D’Andrilli, in their article from the America Rifleman Feb. 1990, say of Switzerland:

The army sells a variety of machine guns, submachine guns, anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft guns, howitzers, and cannons. Purchasers of these weapons require an easily obtained cantonal license, and the weapons are registered. In a nation of six million people, there are at least two million guns, including 600,000 fully automatic assault rifles, half a million pistols, and numerous machine guns. Virtually every home has a gun. Despite all the guns, the murder rate is a small fraction of the American rate, and is less than the rate in Canada or England, which strictly control guns, or in Japan, which virtually prohibits them. The gun crime rate is so low that statistics are not even kept. (Koppel, 8)

As evidenced by this significant finding, gun ownership lowers the incidences of murder as well as all other crimes. Criminals are less apt to victimize others when they know the potential victim is armed and capable of competently using the weapon. With this knowledge, criminals are deterred from committing crimes as they are aware that the tide would easily turn, and they would become the victim rather than the perpetrator.

In conclusion, the Second Amendment was second for a reason; it was because the writers thought it was of utmost importance. This was shown time and again in state conventions and constitutions with similar language. The fear of a standing army was the driving force behind “the right of the people to keep and bear arms” as a counter to a standing army. The attempts at gun control in other countries have been a failure. Most notably our neighbor to the north, Canada, has experienced the negative consequences of strict gun control laws, as their crime rates have soared while crime rates in the U.S. have continued to decline with the adoption of “right to carry laws” in most states. Countries, such as Switzerland, with liberal gun control and an armed, trained population, have some of the lowest crime rates in the world. We might do well to model our gun control legislation and enforcement after the Swiss model and stop trying to dismantle the Second Amendment.

Works Cited

Letter: Good Samaritan Bag

Hugh,

I was getting together some clothes that I don’t wear anymore (amazing how they seem to shrink just hanging in my closet) to donate to Salvation Army and had a mini-inspiration. In my car I carry my Get Home Bag, first aid kit, a case of water, my EDC, a tool kit, some spare parts, tarps, and blankets. In other words, all the things a good prepper should have on hand. Then I got to thinking, what about emergencies that are less than TEOTWAWKI?

Specifically, what if you come across an accident, someone who is lost and wet or freezing, or any other number of possible situations. Sure you can wrap them in a blanket and give them water, but what else would you ideally like to have?

I decided to take an old AWOL bag and put some assorted clothes, such as sweat pants and sweat shirts in a couple of different sizes, stocking caps, socks, and towels in it to keep in the trunk, just in case. I put each set of clothing in its own gallon zip lock bag and threw in a quarter of a dryer sheet, to keep it fresh smelling. I also added a couple of small teddy bears, just in case a small child needed some comfort.

I’m trying to come up with a name; I am thinking of calling it the Samaritan Bag. I’d appreciate hearing from other readers about what they think of the idea, what they would but in a bag, and if they have any suggestions for a name. – B.F.

Economics and Investing:

In Sweden, a Cash-Free Future Nears – Sent in by G.G.

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

U.S. News

Saving Puerto Rico from Itself (Wall Street Journal) From the Article: “After snowballing for decades, Puerto Rico’s debt problems have become an avalanche.”

Economic Growth Slower Than Thought in the 3rd Quarter (Washington Examiner) But wait, there’s more… The Federal Reserve projects growth of just 2.4% in 2016.

Biggest Economic Story of 2016: Inflation (Business Insider) The Fed has taken its strategic position: that inflation, rather than deflation, will be the greatest risk to the economy in the coming year. Is it the right one? This is a complex question involving many different and dynamic driving forces. …and the results can create confusion among us in trying to understand what’s happening and why. We’re all trying to discern a story that is at once unfolding over time and in the moment. In my view, it’s likely we’ll see elements of both and that the interaction of these (in conflict and competition) will complicate policy decisions going forward.

Pennsylvania and Illinois Usher in the New Year with Record Budget Impasses (Zero Hedge) From the Article: “And so, we see what happens with gross fiscal mismanagement meets petty partisan bickering.”

IRS Costs Taxpayers $46M in Suspect Refunds (Waste Fund and Abuse) From the Article: “The mistakes and shortcomings at the Internal Revenue Service could incorrectly drain up to $230 million from the Treasury during the next five years if left uncorrected, according to the report.”

International News

China Establishes Rival to World Bank (The Telegraph) From the Article: “Despite the opposition of Washington, major US allies such as Australia, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Philippines and South Korea have joined.”

Personal Economics and Household Finance

Scam Warming: Redemption, Strawman, Bond Fraud (FBI)

Odds ‘n Sods:

Sleazy MN Council Woman “Doxes” Constituents Who Opposed Her Involvement in Illegal Protest – T.P.
For those that don’t know…”Doxing” is the posting of someone’s private information such as email, phone number, resident address, et cetera in a public forum. If you sent a message to this Council Woman disagreeing with her position, she publicly posted your contact information to Twitter. So much for OPSEC.

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Chocolate Gives Statins A $29 Billion Run For Their Money – Let’s see…taking Big Pharma drugs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, which are known to have side effects (which include heart failure) versus eating chocolate? Hmm…that’s a hard one. At least make sure you are not unnecessarily medicated. – D.S.

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Homeland Security seeks thieves who stole 43 propane tanks – Sent in by B.B.

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Another reason to curtail refugees and deport illegal aliens: Why Are Many Diseases Back, Decades After Being Wiped Out in the U.S.? Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa don’t discriminate. It is also another reason to relocate to the Redoubt, where there are fewer invaders. – T.Z.

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Reader B.B. sent in a link with some wonderful photographs of life in Iowa: This Is What Life In Iowa Looked Like In 1939

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A new listing at our SurvivalRealty spinoff in the hinterboonies of Northern Saskatchewan deserves special mention: Paradise in a Wilderness Reserve – Floatplane Access Only!

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.” Luke 4:33-36 (KJV)

Notes for Saturday – December 26, 2015

A very thought-provoking article has been posted over on Thoughts from Frank and Fern: The Line Has Been Drawn

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Today, we present another entry for Round 62 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul pmags 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304, and
  10. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  9. Safecastle is providing a package of 10 LifeStraws (a $200 value)

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A $245 gift certificate from custom knifemaker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit,
  8. Montie Gear is donating a Precision Rest (a $249 value), and
  9. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).

Round 62 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

“

Left Of Boom”– A Different Way of Thinking About Prepping, by The Retired Professor

“Left of Boom” is originally a military term referring to the timeline before an explosion. When the explosion happens (the boom), then the timeline shifts to “right of boom”. Left of boom is where you want to be. This gives you time to avert the explosion, or at least prepare for it. Right of boom is where you do not want to be. Being right of boom means you now have to shift from averting and preparing to focusing on recovery. The whole concept embraces a timeline of “before”, “during”, and “after” a calamity, be it personal or systemic.

On a personal level, although you may not have thought about your life in terms of left and right of boom, almost all of us continually apply the concept in everyday life. Why do you buy insurance? The answer, of course, is to prepare for a “boom” (house fire, car wreck, illness, et cetera) that you hope will never happen. However, if it does happen, the insurance is a preparation meant to at least soften the blow. Left of boom thinking is why people board up windows ahead of a hurricane, sandbag flood-prone areas, exercise, get medical checkups, and the list of actions goes on.

Enter the Prepping Mindset

By definition, preppers are engaging in left of boom activities. Whether your preps are massive and costly or simple and free, the general concept is the same. You are preparing for what you believe is a coming hardship or calamity– a boom. However, there is often a problem many preppers don’t realize. A lot of people are “prepping”, but they’re doing so without a goal (or goals) in mind as to what they are prepping for. Their acquisitions become almost aimless, sometimes jumping from one category to another with no real plan behind their actions. Occasionally, these acquisitions are driven by the illogic of what becomes available at a given time. For example, there may be a sale on some particular category of goods; other times people focus on a category of preps based on what’s “in vogue” at the moment, due to a television show or news broadcast. Most of the time, though, our preps coalesce around a half dozen or so categories that are always at the top of the discussion in blogs, articles, television shows, et cetera. What comes first to mind? Food, water, shelter, defense, or maybe lists based on clichés, like “beans, bullets, and Band aids”. Sound familiar?

None of these activities or categories are bad, of course, and some prepping is better than none. However, I would like to suggest a better way of thinking and a more directed approach to your prepping. Not only will your thinking be more focused but so will your resource spending, whether that be in terms of time, money, space, or location. Since none of us has unlimited resources to spend, it behooves us to make the most of what we do have. Here is my suggestion.

Thinking “Left of Boom”

Start thinking “Left of Boom”. Sit down with your prepping partner(s) and identify a calamity (a boom) that you think is likely enough to happen that you believe you should prep for it. Let’s say for example that you focus first on a “grid down, lights out” scenario. First, draw a facsimile of this on a sheet of paper: Left of Boom, Lights Out!, and Right of Boom.

Now, with your partner or partners, do some group thinking (sometimes called “brainstorming”), which works really well here, and start focusing on what you can do now while you are in the green area (Left of Boom) to minimize the problems in the red area (Right of Boom) that the boom will create. For the moment, don’t worry about other catastrophes; just focus on the one you picked for this scenario. Start a list of priorities. Think of this as your “A” list. It’s the list of preps you believe are necessities for you and your group if the predicted event should happen. Here might be a way to start. Now assume you are “Right of Boom”. Ask yourself and your group the following questions:

  1. What would we need if the power outage lasts for 24 hours?

    This would likely be a local event. Inconvenience would probably be the worst problem experienced by most, except perhaps for people needing powered medical devices. Although your list at this point will probably be quite short, pay close attention to any items you do not have. These are the things to acquire next.

  2. What would we need if the power outage lasts 72 hours (3 days)?

    This now becomes a bit more serious, especially if it occurs in colder months. As the list of needs grows, where are the gaps in your preparations? The gaps are where you should focus your priorities.

  3. What would we need if the power outage stretched to a month or more?

    Remember, when there’s no power (you are now right of boom) it means there are no lights at night, no electric appliances working (think refrigerator and freezer here), no electronic entertainment, no power tools (at least after the battery runs out), possibly no heat, possibly no cooking, maybe no water from the faucets, probably no gasoline except what you have in your vehicles, and almost certainly lots of desperate people. The list of needs grows.

  4. What would we need if the power outage were projected to last a year or more?

    Now, of course, we are into something like EMP territory. Whether man made or natural, it makes little difference, at least for this exercise. The results are essentially the same. Your list is likely now quite long. How many items on your list do you already have? Don’t focus on what you have; focus on what you don’t have. The “don’t haves” are now what needs to be added to your preparations.

Now you are ready to pick your own scenario. Draw the timeline again. This time you fill in the blank with the scenario you believe is most imperative. Left of Boom, fill in the blank with the scenario, and then Right of Boom. Then ask yourself questions, like “What would we need if…?”

Smoldering Fuse in a Major City

One “Left of Boom” scenario I strongly encourage readers to game out (if it applies to you) concerns living in major cities. Life-threatening calamities can happen anywhere of course, but large cities and their immediate surrounding areas, especially those run by left-wing administrations, pose a special threat. Face it, the risks of living in Chicago or Los Angles are a lot different and more numerous, than living in Mayberry. The current socialistic political winds, the perceived war on police, and massive unemployment have made larger cities more dangerous than ever for anyone living in or near one. In some cities, some 911 calls are going unanswered due to reduced budgets . In other instances police are reluctant to exit patrol cars and risk lack of supervisor backing, if a situation goes sideways. Perhaps more than ever, your safety is in your own hands.

Large cities are also demographic powder kegs, and the fuse is smoldering. The political left wants open borders, “free” entitlements, and voting rights for all comers, regardless of legal status. Unfortunately, that could happen. (See: The Left’s Secret Immigration Plan, at: http://www.billoreilly.com/show?action=latestTVShow#1). The basis of this commentary is a NY Times article outlining the political left’s view on what immigration rules, in the United States, should be. If you set out to deliberately design a society sitting on a mountain of sociological dynamite, you couldn’t do better.

The vast majority of these new entrants to the U.S. will likely gravitate to the 30 or 40 largest cities, because that is where most of their brethren already are and it’s easier for them to make a living there whether it be on entitlements, entry level low wage jobs, or criminal activities. Keep in mind also, most of these metropolitan areas are “sanctuary cities”, deliberately protecting criminals, often vilifying law-abiding citizens and attracting miscreants of all types. If you live in one of these places, you are currently left of boom. Are you comfortable?

Currency Crisis

Another scenario I suggest you game out is a currency crisis. It is not widely known, but your bank deposits do not legally belong to you. Yes, you read that right! Those deposits belong to the bank. You are now an unsecured creditor of the bank. Legally, you have “loaned” your deposits to the bank. Google the term “Bail In”, and you will get a good sense of what this issue is all about. Yes, the bank owes you the money, but there are numerous reasons why they may refuse to immediately return it to you. Even under current calm conditions, there are increasing numbers of stories of people trying to withdraw modest sums from their accounts and being refused or hassled with paperwork and delays. If a serious financial crisis occurs, even retrieving small amounts from your bank accounts could become problematic. At present, you are left of boom of a serious banking crisis. Are you comfortable?

The good news is that as you game out scenarios using this approach many of the same individual items will appear on different lists, because they are virtually a staple good. For example, your first scenario list may include a Big Berkey water filter. Then you find that the Berkey also appears on every other list. Just because it gets listed six times doesn’t mean you need six Big Berkeys. You only need one to cover all scenarios. Well, maybe two. Redundancy is never a bad idea. Just don’t forget extra filters.

Conclusion

By all means, prepare, but do your homework. Prepare with direction, not aimless bouncing from topic to topic. Spend your resources on things you are sure, or reasonably sure, you and your group will need. To do less is to waste precious time, money, and energy on a “hope”. Hope is not a strategy. Your list of necessities will not match mine, your neighbor’s, or some armchair expert’s list. Don’t let that weigh you down with doubt. Learn from others. Listen to their ideas. If invited and you are so inclined, share your ideas with them. Adopt good ideas from others, and discard bad or irrelevant ones. Learning what others are thinking will pay off in ways you would never think of on your own. Suddenly finding yourself “Right of Boom” can be deadly. Being “Left of Boom” never hurt anyone, and preparing can provide some level of contentment in a world that seems to grow crazier by the day. Be a positive force! N.C.L The Retired Professor

Letter Re: Can You Buy a Budget Sniping Rifle That Is Effective?

SB editors,

That’s an interesting read on sniping rifles; thanks for posting. I would like to bring your attention to a detailed 80+ YouTube video series on long-range marksmanship, Sniper 101 by Tiborsaurus Rex.

The author is a bit long-winded and spreads out 15 minutes of good info into 20-30 minutes, but it’s still worth passing on to your readers. I’m up to video 38; so far it’s been a very informative series, and I’ve adjusted some of my cyber-Monday purchases after hearing his discussion on equipment choices (i.e. single-power mili-rad scope and spotting scope).

The author also has a few faith-based videos that I intend to view after completing the long-range series. – FooBarr

HJL Responds: I took a look at a random sampling of his sniping videos as well as comments and reviews. His videos are an excellent resource! The main point of his shooting style is to achieve a cold bore, 1st shot capability, and he demonstrates it multiple times with multiple calibers with ranges exceeding 1300 meters. This is probably one of the best instructional series I have viewed on the subject. I also spent considerable time viewing his faith-based videos, and I am confident that he speaks truth.

Economics and Investing:

China establishes rival to World Bank. Sent in by G.G.

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California cash sales surge while total sales volume plunges: Cash sales made up 30 percent of total sales last month.

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Video: Egon von Greyerz – Bond Market Biggest Bubble in the World – Sent in by G.G.

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

U.S. News

When Santa Was a Bank (Bloomberg) A Little Bit of History… “For much of the 19th century, Santa Claus had a branch office at No. 12 Wall Street. This was the “Saint Nicholas Bank,” established in 1853 and capitalized at $500,000.”

58 Facts About the US Economy from 2015 – Almost Too Crazy to Believe (The Economic Collapse Blog) From the Article: “The following are 58 facts about the U.S. economy from 2015 that are almost too crazy to believe…”

How Overregulation Led to the Collapse of Obamacare’s Largest Co-op (Daily Signal) From the Article: “A new report examining the collapse of Health Republic of New York, Obamacare’s largest co-op, said its failure—which may lead to a $265-million loss of taxpayer dollars—can be attributed in part to heightened regulatory control by the state.”

Unconverted: Contrarian Economist Unswayed by Fed’s Lift-Off (Reuters) From the Article: “The historic rate move on Dec. 16 “was very, very stupid.”

International News

Switzerland to Vote on Banning Banks from Creating Money (The Telegraph) From the Article: “If successful, the sovereign money bill would give the Swiss National Bank a monopoly on physical and electronic money creation…”

Zimbabwe’s Newest Legal Tender: Chinese Yuan (Christian Science Monitor) From the Article: “In exchange for $40 million in debt forgiveness from China, Zimbabwe will introduce the yuan as an official currency, one of many used since the country’s own dollar collapsed under hyperinflation in 2009.”

The Trade Wars Begin: U.S. Imposes 256% Tarriff on Chinese Steel Imports (Zero Hedge) Hint: “The measure is clearly aimed exclusively at China’s dumping of steel on the U.S. market, and its relentess exports of deflation.”

Personal Economics and Household Finance

How Much Half of Americans Nearing Retirement Have Saved for It (Deseret News) Spoiler Alert: Fifty-two percent of households 55 and older haven’t saved a dollar for retirement…”

Odds ‘n Sods:

Another reason why I don’t do social media: The Serial Swatter – T.Z.

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ISIS Sanctions Organ Harvesting of living non-Muslims (to save Muslim lives) – Sent in by T.P.

Article quote: “Islamic State has sanctioned the harvesting of human organs in a previously undisclosed ruling by the group’s Islamic scholars, raising concerns that the violent extremist group may be trafficking in body parts. The ruling, contained in a January 31, 2015 document reviewed by Reuters, says taking organs from a living captive to save a Muslim’s life, even if it is fatal for the captive, is permissible.”

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Government Concerned That Homeschool Parents Are “Radicalizing” Their Children – D.S.

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SurvivalBlog reader D.S. sent in the link to a video that pretty much sums up all my complaints about many churches today: Star Wars Nativity. When the Gospel message or the teaching of God’s commandments are eclipsed by “a good show” (entertainment) we are in deep, deep trouble.

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But what if Muslim terrorists are attacking us because they’re Muslim terrorists? The Islam Terror Truthers