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I Didn’t Plan for a War
Police officers attacked. Molotov cocktails thrown. Buildings burned down. Statues toppled. Shots fired. Here in Florida, we had an ambush of police in Tampa:
This country has experienced its share of periods of unrest: I lived in California during the Watts riots, I watched the Vietnam War protests, I remember the shooting at Kent State.
But in the last two months, nothing has alarmed me as much as watching my country overridden by Black Lives Matter and their sycophants, guided by trained Marxists. I am making an effort through all of these activities to maintain perspective and not overreact. But I feel it’s time for me personally to take action.
A couple of statements have also reinforced my decision to act. David Marcus, a writer for the Federalist, led a protest to protect the Theodore Roosevelt statue at the Museum of Natural History in New York. On the Tucker Carlson show, Marcus made the following statement:
This is not new in history. We saw this in Russia. We saw this in China. We saw this in Venezuela. First, they topple the statues, then they start killing people, and then they take your rights away…
To provide perspective a published graph shows location of the protests as of June 2. And as of June 12, there were 1,700 protests across the U.S.
There is no sign of these activities dissipating.
* * * * *
About four years ago my husband decided to purchase a gun. With some reluctance, I learned to shoot it, eventually acquiring my own gun. We decided that if we had guns in the house, we needed to learn how to shoot them. As a result, we’ve practiced every two weeks, gone to a week-long practice workshop and received personal instruction. We were enjoying ourselves and coached each other to improve our accuracy.
A few months ago we also applied for our Concealed Carry Permits. It just seemed like the natural thing to do. Some of our gun experts on Ricochet, people I respect, discussed the value of CCW. I went through the motions of qualifying for and receiving my permit. I was still ambivalent about carrying.
Not anymore.
I dislike the idea of carrying a gun, and I don’t take it lightly. I live in a quiet gated community where I feel safe. But as soon as I step out of this community, everything changes. Along with the constant reminders of the coronavirus, its potential deadliness for people in my age group, death is not a looming specter but a shadow that seems to hover wherever I go.
I hate that these times dictate that it is wise to be vigilant, whether my health or my very life or the lives of others are involved. I hate that there are ignorant and foolish groups of people who think they can tell others what they should believe and how they should act. I hate that lawmakers are prepared to defy the laws along with the rioters and looters to make unlawful and ridiculous decisions. I hate that our leaders are discounting the value of the rule of law and the police who work to protect us. And yet at some level, I realize that my hate is unhealthy and detrimental to the way I want to live my life and how I want to relate to others.
So, I am defying those who want me to acquiesce to my own fear and those who want me to hate just as they do.
- I will arm myself.
- I will continue to practice so that I will be able to respond appropriately if the need arises.
- I am viewing videos that explain how to handle dangerous situations in a way that is as safe as possible.
- I will attend a workshop where I can practice in situations that are potentially life-threatening.
The paradox of taking these steps will, I think, become apparent. I will develop a realistic view of how to use a gun if I need to use it. I will be empowered to protect myself and others if the need arises. I will realize the heavy responsibility I am taking on, and practice acting in a safe and appropriate manner.
I believe my hate will dissipate and that my confidence and peace of mind will be fostered.
And if all the disruption and destruction dies down, there will be a lasting benefit.
I will have taken charge of my life.
And be ready for the next time.
Published in Guns
I can picture that as a Far Side cartoon. But I can’t guess the caption.
I poked and I appreciate your response. And, certainly, when the violence comes knocking at my neighborhood I will feel the urgency too. But, from my very self-censored view, it has been getting more visibly insane with each week but the violence and destruction seemed to peak a few weeks ago. I may very well be wrong on that but, outside of the farce that is the modern Drudge Report, I don’t get the sense of “getting worse each week.” The growing insanity…social tyranny…of the anti-American movement is what many out here are seeing. True, at some point this must stop but until the Dem. mayors and governors ask for help and the media allows the national outrage meter to rise against the insane children in the streets, then I expect the President to keep his powder dry.
How can we trust that the media is reporting violence and destruction, to make the BLM more appealing? Otherwise, the people could say enough is enough. If they don’t report it, “it’s not happening.” (Maybe I’m getting too paranoid.)
Nearly everyone has a fine little video camera in their pocket these days to post video of any riots that are not being covered by the media. Perhaps we should be enlisting our own little army of videographers.
I would bet that Mr. Barr has some videos worth seeing.
I get the impression that the rioting as calmed somewhat and cities ars starting to police their streets again. But the destruction of statues and history is increasing. The promotion of hatemongering groups like BLM by major corporations and media, the intimidation to conform is increasing. The zeitgeist is everywhere.
You’re doing the right thing, and doing it in the right way. I’ve found one of the hardest things is to remember to check the entrance to every establishment for the “No guns allowed” sign. After a while, it becomes habit . . .
Aaron: “The longer this rioting, vandalism, and censorship continues, the more likely it will spin into open revolution. Republicans are right to think it’s a political trap, but elections won’t matter if they don’t do their jobs and crush this lawlessness now. The longer this rioting, vandalism, and censorship continues, the more likely it will spin into open revolution. Republicans are right to think it’s a political trap, but elections won’t matter if they don’t do their jobs and crush this lawlessness now. ‘
That is why when the DOJ delays and delays indicting people who should have indicted a long time ago like Comey, Mueller, Brennan, Hillary, Strzok , Biden and likely Obama, Wray and a whole host of others, Justice delayed for years begins to look like there will be a good chance that Justice will be denied and has given the Nihilist Marxist Left hope that they can get away with anything they want. The entire Federal Bureaucracy also behaves as if they are above the law -violating it with impunity without anyone in the Justice system contemplating any sort of punishment which also gives the impression that if you aid the Left or Deep State you are untouchable and somehow exempt from punishment.
Aaron: “They are revolting against republicanism — rule of law. They are playing partisan politics in a way far more extreme than usual, by not policing their own cities in order to empower partisan mobs. They are working against Trump and Republicans in a way that threatens to stability of America generally. In essence, they are letting America come apart so that they can blame the Right, win the elections, and further their dream of unrestricted, whimsical power in the hands of Democrats. “
Simply put, the Marxist/Nihilist Democrats want to crash our economic and governmental systems and put tens of millions into a horribly desperate and dire poverty, so the Democrats with the help of their fawning media friends can be look like these people’s savior if only we allow then to set up an all controlling Welfare/Police State Dictatorship where the Democrats have all the power. What we are seeing is a political insurrection by the Left against our Republic and everything it stands for. They want to tear America to shreds and they no not care how many millions of people they hurt, Black, Brown, White or Yellow. Make no mistake about it, there is and will be no gambit too disgusting, too low or too evil for them to try if the Democrats think it will give them an advantage. They are going for it all right now, and whole lot of people need to wake up to what is really going on or America was we used to know it will only a glimmer in our collective rear view mirror.
Susan:“ Have you made one of your infamous leaps again? If you are referring to me as an “armed grandma,” you are a fool”
I thought Susan your comment was unfortunately very appropriate given where the country is headed. Jerry’s comment was a poor leap of judgement and kind of a ill advised slander. I myself have thought of getting a gun and learning how to use it. Unfortunately we may need to defend ourselves in ways we thought we would never have to, but the vigilantism Jerry inferred is not called for.
That said I hope our Police will stay with it and continue to do their job the way it was meant to be done. Last week at the 6:15 am Friday Roll call , myself, my daughter and my neighbors at my neighbor suggestion brought coffee , orange juice and pastries to the officers of the Hollywood Division of the LAPD. The word had got back to us they were feeling beleaguered as you might imagine and we tried to do our bit to tell them they are still appreciated.
That’s wonderful, @unsk. I’m also researching other efforts made to support our men in blue. Thank you!
A while back, I remember someone saying that Trump might “lose” by a larger popular vote margin this time, but actually win by a larger electoral count. That would be something to see.
Well you better get to it Flossy.
Other than falling into a profanity filled tirade, my language falls short in how angry and outraged I am as to what is going on. This is just UNREAL. I may have to consider arming myself too, though that is nearly impossible in NYC. Just read what these morons want in NYC, here. This has been going on now for a month. It’s time this ended.
Susan, as you move further into a firearms connected life, you might also consider the possibility of including self defense/carry insurance, both for civil and criminal issues. For instance, there are jurisdictions where, if you kill someone invading your home, you will be detained, pro forma, for homicide – death of another. There will be formal processes to go through, even if you are not charged with anything, and those processes can involve attorneys$$$.
Even if you are not charged legally, you may be charged civilly. The family of a man who was killed in a home invasion sued the homeowner for loss of income, even though the guy’s only income was through burglary and robbery. It might be an open-and-shut case, but the opening and shutting process is billed by the hour.
There are a lot of companies offering different types of coverage. Gun Digest has an article here listing 6 of the most prominent purveyors of insurance, and the different issues involved and the types/inclusions/exclusions of coverage.
I invite our own illustrious (he denies it) @kevincreighton to tell me I’m full of it, or to indicate if the idea of insurance is a sound one as you move forward.
It’s a different story for different people, but in my case I’m judgement-proof because my only income is Social Security which is exempt from collection, as is my owned home. No one can see a pot of money when they look at me. Having liability insurance might make someone MORE likely to be sued, if the criminal or their family see money available and hope to get a bizarrely sympathetic jury.
Insurance for actual legal fees could make sense though, regardless.
We already have it–USCCA. It’s an excellent plan. They also offer training, videos and lots of other helpful benefits. Thanks for your concern, @eeyore! Kevin Creighton was very helpful when we started looking into guns, and that included insurance for concealed carry.
Michael Bane’s The Best Defense series of videos is very good. Ditto his podcast, plus he’s got really good taste in music.
Don’t forget Airsoft for training. Check this out:
Just a follow up on the St. Louis couple protecting their home. Apparently the “peaceful protesters” were also armed. Fox News’ headline on this story is pathetic and slanted, inferring that the homeowners were being overly threatening by pointing weapons at the “protesters”. Their headline: “St. Louis couple aim weapons at protesters headed to mayor’s home.” The Fox News article also fixates on the couple’s elegant home, as though that’s something to be highlighted as obscene. Bottom line: Shoddy, slanted reporting. The news media, even Fox, are not your friends.
And this:
I keep hoping that Fox will redeem itself as the last bastion for conservative news. I think the Murdochs are not going back. Too bad. Thanks, @brianwatt.
Fox News has lost it for me. Ever since Roger Ailes (sp?) past away they have become just like the rest. I rarely frequent them anymore.
Ride on top of a tank while it crushes CHOP.
48 states :)
In all reality, addresses to the nation, not written by Jared. Not afraid of left wing “fact checks”
My problem with Trump is he’s become a coward not unlike many of us in these dark blue locales hoping we can survive the children’s revolution
You will of course note that Susan is not talking about controlling crime. She is talking about protecting herself.
I was a tanker in the Washington Army National guard. I promise you: none of those soldiers want anything to do with CHOP. Least of all the tankers.