“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.” – Senator Orrin G. Hatch
- Ad Ready Made Resources, Trekker Water Filtration SystemUsed throughout the World
- Ad USA Berkey Water Filters - Start Drinking Purified Water Today!#1 Trusted Gravity Water Purification System! Start Drinking Purified Water now with a Berkey water filtration system. Find systems, replacement filters, parts and more here.
Preparedness Notes for Wednesday – January 10, 2018
January 10th, 1776 is the day that North Carolina Governor, Josiah Martin issued a proclamation calling on the king’s loyal subjects to raise an armed force to combat the “rebels”. This ultimately led to Colonel Donald McLeod leading the men on an assault on the Patriot forces that ended with fifty of his men dead and 880 captured. The defenders lost only two of their number.
Also on this day in 1976 the song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall was the #1 song on the U.S. pop charts.
Continue reading“Preparedness Notes for Wednesday – January 10, 2018”
- Ad USA Berkey Water Filters - Start Drinking Purified Water Today!#1 Trusted Gravity Water Purification System! Start Drinking Purified Water now with a Berkey water filtration system. Find systems, replacement filters, parts and more here.
- Ad Follow the Author Don Shift Basic SHTF Radio: A cop's brief guide for understanding simple solutions for SHTF radio communicationIntimidated and don’t know where to start with radio? This book is the perfect guide to what options you have i.e. GMRS, CB, to ham and basic communication topics.
A Realistic Assessment of Epidemic Disease After TEOTWAWKI- Part 2, by Dr. DMC
As we learned yesterday, malaria, like so many other important epidemic illnesses, is a disease of poverty. The poverty we refer to here implies poor housing, poor nutrition, unsanitary and crowded living conditions, and most important, bad water. Remember that the mosquitoes that spread malaria are still around. If America’s high standard of living is destroyed, people will be exposed to the mosquito again, and with time, the parasite will find its way back into the U.S. Malaria is not the only disease to consider either. We have already looked at upper respiratory infections, including influenza (flu), and measles. Today, we will continue examining other threats and how we can minimize them after TEOTWAWKI.
Diarrhea
Bad water, reduced immunity and inadequate sanitation are conditions that inevitably lead to diarrhea epidemics. In a disaster situation, those epidemics are dangerously deadly. Think about the diarrhea outbreaks on the spotless cruise ships that one sees so often in the news. And those occur where sanitation is excellent, where toilets flush and people wash their hands! After disasters, the situation is much worse.
Continue reading“A Realistic Assessment of Epidemic Disease After TEOTWAWKI- Part 2, by Dr. DMC”
- Ad Click Here --> Civil Defense ManualHow to protect, you, your family, friends and neighborhood in coming times of civil unrest… and much more, Go to www.civildefensemanual.com for contents.
- Ad Seed for SecurityOur Colossal Survival Pack is now on sale for 25% off. This pack contains over 5 pounds of non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds packed for long term storage.
Economics & Investing For Preppers
Here are the latest items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on investing in rare postage stamps.
Precious Metals:
First off, there is this, over at the great Alt-Market site: What The Falling Dollar Means For Gold Prices In 2018
Stock Markets:
Equity Euphoria Grips the Entire World. JWR’s Comments: Don’t expect to make any money by jumping in to the markets while they are in the current state of frenzy. This is the stage where you should take your profits and exit gracefully. It is better to be a year too early than a day too late.
Commodities:
- Ad L3 UNFILMED WHITE PHOSPHOR COMMERCIAL GRADE NIGHT VISION PACKAGEHuge Savings $400 off normal cost!
- Ad Barter and Sell at Simcour Trading PostA new site for individuals to barter and sell items of interest to other like-minded individuals
JWR’s Recommendations of the Week
Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. This week the focus is a how-to video on how to make hatchet sheaths.
Books:
I’ve noticed this book on the bookshelves when visiting several friends and relatives, so it is probably not a coincidence: 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative’s Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation
o o o
Winter in the Wilderness: A Field Guide to Primitive Survival Skills
o o o
Primitive Bread: Remembering the Old Ways
Movies:
Dunkirk. Speaking of which, this little segment was fascinating: The sound illusion that makes Dunkirk so intense
o o o
Man, Myth,Legend: Milius. A fine documentary on one of America’s greatest screenwriters. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Milius a few years ago, at the Safari Club International (SCI) convention in Las Vegas. This was just a few years after his stroke, so his speech was halting. Available for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.
- Ad The Good News About Nuclear Destruction.The lethality of all nukes can be reduced by 90% when you know beforehand what to do and not do.
- Ad Survival RealtyFind your secure and sustainable home. The leading marketplace for rural, remote, and off-grid properties worldwide. Affordable ads. No commissions are charged!
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
“The knives of betrayal and drama cut deep and hurt… but they also trim away the nonsense and reveal your true friends.” – Steve Maraboli
- Ad SIEGE BELTS: One-of-a-kind belts popular for conceal carry. Critical for anyone who goes to non-permissive environs & where crime is up. Essential for readers in Europe, UK, Australia & NZ, where knife attacks & mass stabbings are now routine.High-performance SIEGE STOVES: essential for hurricanes, quakes, grid-down, car breakdown, bug-in/out. SIEGE BELTS: best-kept-secret in EDC. Made in USA!
- Ad California Legal Rifles & Pistols!WBT makes all popular rifles compliant for your restrictive state. Choose from a wide range of top brands made compliant for your state.
Preparedness Notes for Tuesday – January 09, 2018
On this day in 1776, writer Thomas Paine published his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries.
o o o
We are coming up on the end of Round 74 of the SurvivalBlog writing contest and we still have quite a few openings for submissions. If you have ever looked at the prize list and thought “I sure would like that!” now is is your opportunity. Send it in to us via email .
Continue reading“Preparedness Notes for Tuesday – January 09, 2018”
- Ad Elbit PVS14 No Gain White Phosphor 10 year warrantyCall us if you have Questions 800-627-3809
- Ad Suburban Defense: non-fiction by author Don ShiftA cop's how-to guide to protecting your home and neighborhood during riots, civil war, or SHTF.
A Realistic Assessment of Epidemic Disease After TEOTWAWKI- Part 1, by Dr. DMC
Malaria
In 1850, malaria occurred throughout the entire region of what is now the lower 48 states, with the exception of some of the higher altitudes of the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. It sickened and killed thousands of the pioneers moving westward, even though the type of malaria most common in the country tended not to be the most fatal form of the disease. Today, malaria is so uncommon that American physicians often fail to recognize the rare cases seen in travelers or immigrants.
Cases are rare, and deaths are even rarer. Perhaps surprisingly, the mosquitoes that can spread the disease are still here in very large numbers. So, why did this disease disappear from the U.S.? The answer to this question is very important to anyone interested in preparing for a time when modern medicine and public health would not be available. It demonstrates that unexpected diseases will provide more danger to survivors than will all the roving gangs and escaped prisoners combined.
Why Malaria Not in U.S. Anymore
One might guess that the reason malaria is not here anymore is because we cured all of the cases with drugs and killed a whole lot of mosquitoes with insecticides, eventually eliminating the parasite that causes the disease. These actions obviously played some role in the elimination of the disease, but they really were relatively minor factors. After WWII, two very powerful tools for fighting malaria became available to fight malaria: DDT and the anti-malaria drug chloroquine. They were both inexpensive and very effective, so health workers throughout the country started using them extensively to fight the disease.
Continue reading“A Realistic Assessment of Epidemic Disease After TEOTWAWKI- Part 1, by Dr. DMC”
- Ad SOURCE FOR IVERMECTIN / HCQ, ANTIBIOTICS, ALL REGULAR MEDS“Mygenericstore” is a well-established pharmacy service that deals primarily with generic medicines produced by quality-assured manufacturers from developing countries.
- Ad AFFORDABLE FAMILY RETREAT FOR SALE IN ARIZONA MOUNTAINS: Year-round spring/creek close to property, Ideal location, Small conservative self-sufficiency-minded community, Set up for Homesteading, Hunting, Guest House, StorageAffordable AZ Mtn Retreat: 3-BDR + guest house, near spring, garden, ckn coops, greenhouse frame, hunting/foraging, food storage, ideal location, small community, AirBnB-ready
SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt
Here is SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies of interest to preppers that are located in the region. The emphasis this week is on Montana Tactical.
Region-Wide
The Redoubt series at The Sandpoint Reader tabloid newspaper concluded on this upbeat note: The American Redoubt Series: Why the Redoubt? Some insights into the motivation for strategic relocation. This was a “reader written” piece that is quite pro-American Redoubt movement.
o o o
Idaho
Anyone who has not yet visited north Idaho may wonder why it is considered so appealing. This video will show you why: North Idaho Wilderness Beauty
o o o
Here is a Vice News video segment about Central Idaho’s new Dark Sky Reserve: The Darkest Place In America. (Scroll forward to 18:15, for that report.)
Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”
- Ad Rural Home Defense: non-fiction by author Don ShiftA cop's guide to protecting your rural home or property during riots, civil war, or SHTF. A sequel in the Suburban Defense series.
- Ad Click Here --> Civil Defense ManualThe Civil Defense Manual... The A to Z of Survival. Look what in it... https://civildefensemanual.com/whats-in-the-civil-defense-manual/
The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:
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 “HJL”. Big new this week on the Bundy trial and an example of the stupidity of homeowners associations.
Bundy Trial
Judge Navarro, in a fit of sanity (or is that concern over her position due to her past actions) declared the the case dismissed with prejudice. For those who haven’t had dealings with the courts before, that basically means that the case is dismissed and can’t be brought up again on those specific charges. The Bundy’s now get to go home and pretend that it never happened despite the two years they spent locked up in jail.
I’m not suggesting that the Bundy’s are innocent of all charges, but the feds (law enforcement, prosecution and judge) stepped so far out of bounds, this case needed to be dismissed in this manner. What is missing is the declaration of prosecution against all those who propagated this evil, abortive mess. I’m still wondering how LaVoy Finicum (or at least his family) gets justice out of this too. Thanks to D.S. for the link.
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
“Deception is a state of mind and the mind of the state.” – James J. Angelton (A former chief of CIA Counterintelligence)
Preparedness Notes for Monday – January 08, 2018
On this day, in 1835, the U.S. National Debt reached zero for the first and only time. This is also the birthday of the late Algis Budrys (born 1931, died June 9, 2008). He was the Lithuanian-American science fiction author who wrote the classic survivalist novel Some Will Not Die.
Remington TAC-14 Shotgun, by Pat Cascio
By request, from our own Jim Rawles, we are taking a close look at the Remington TAC-14 shotgun.
Unique in Barrel Length
Something a little unique about the Remington TAC-14 shotgun is the barrel length of only 14 inches. Normally, this would be considered an NFA firearm and you’d have to jump through all the red tape and hoops in order to own one. However, Remington cleverly got around this in a number of ways. First of all, there is the overall length of 26.3-inches. Secondly, the very unique Raptor Pistol Grip gives the TAC-14 the much needed few more inches so this isn’t considered a “sawed-off shotgun” that we’ve all heard about.
Shotgun For Home Defense
I used to advocate a short barrel (18 inch) shotgun as the ultimate in home defense, and that is still true, in a few cases, but it’s not the best choice. When I was teaching SWAT techniques to small police departments, they all had “riot shotguns”. And when trying to maneuver through narrow hallways in a house or a business, the shotgun proved cumbersome and hard to work with. It was not quite what you want when a threat is around every corner or in every room. Next time, try taking your home-defense shotgun through your house and walking through narrow hallways or small rooms. See just how fast you can bring the shotgun up and ready to fire, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Recipe of the Week: Down East Corn Chowder, by S.V.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of fresh corn, cut from cob (or 2 16oz cans of whole kernel corn, drained)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth or bouillon
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- Ground mace
Continue reading“Recipe of the Week: Down East Corn Chowder, by S.V.”
Economics & Investing For Preppers
Here are the latest items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on investing in silver half dollars.
Precious Metals:
Gold & Silver Are More Relevant Than Bitcoin – DeCarley Trading
o o o
Precious Metals Price Predictions for 2018
o o o
And here is a contrarian prediction, from the UK: Commodities Outlook: Gold Price to Fall in 2018. “A maturing Chinese economy will hurt demand for commodities such as aluminum and iron ore. Gold’s prospects are mixed.”