The Laughing Wolf – Page 50 – Commentary, Punditry, and More

Thoughts & Sea Changes

This post has resulted in a number of good comments, some questions, and a bit of thinking on my part. The latter has focused on trying to parse out the key changes that I’m seeing from last Saturday, though some has gone into the questions.

I’m already seeing far too many idiots (far too kind a descriptor) saying that the attack was some form of “inside job” by Israel. Did Israeli intelligence blow this? Yes, and I think the good professor has it right in his analysis — and warning to our own overly politicized intelligence agencies. Add to it that the smart wall may have indeed been very smart; however, its communications were set up to be a single-point failure. Hamas got a lot of outside help on this, and not just from Iran. Help that figured out how to knock that com out so that the wall gave no warning.

Help that encouraged the barbaric to be even more barbaric than usual. You can find online recordings of some of the terrorists admitting that they went for mass rape in an effort to humiliate and defile. Not that Hamas has never needed much encouragement to murder and rape (often in that order, nor are they particular about the biological sex of those they rape). Hamas, like most Islamic terrorists (and I include the Mad Mullahs in this) are scared of strong women, which enrages them, and they then use rape as a weapon seeking to humiliate, degrade, and destroy in a vain effort to hide their inferiority and other shortcomings.

This, however, was something more than usual. This time, they broadcast it to the world. Not just from their phones and such, but they deliberately took the phones of the people they attacked, and used them to film the rapes and murders and then send those photos and videos out on the victim’s social media. I think that this assessment is right, and a part of it was an effort to create a “dead zone” such that they could move into it.

That said, I am in general agreement with those who believe that Hamas had hoped to seize and hold territory, and planed to use videos both to show that they had hostages, and what would happen if Israel tried to free them or take back the seized territory. It’s a tactic that has worked (to some extent) before on the world stage and even within the Middle East. Negotiations, concessions, with the progressives in the West leading the charge for a “peaceful resolution” to the situation. Never mind that such always brings much worse in its wake. Danegeld.

The effort, however, has backfired dramatically and even their fellow travelers and anti-Semites that are the progressives are unable to provide normal assistance. In fact, some of the factions that have backed those progressive politicians and various progressive fads/efforts are bolting from the cause. Student progressives are waking up to the fact that joining in to celebrate and advance rape and murder has real-world consequences. The apologists for them are working overtime to try to shift the Overton window to cover them even as they eagerly seek ways to try to make Hamas and the people of Gaza into the victims.

By the way, make notes on who is not only openly supporting, even celebrating, the rapes and murders, but also on who is trying to provide cover for them. When people tell you who and what they are, pay attention, make lists anywhere but on Google (Do Evil! having become their motto long ago), as you want them no where near you and yours. It is not even a half step from celebrating and excusing such to doing such. Don’t believe me? You need to study some history and a few very interesting psych experiments.

Do I think that a large number of so-called liberals, much less progressives, are going to see the light and re-think things? No. However, I do think some will and it’s those in the middle-ground that can swing things. That does represent a small sea change and I would love to encourage it. Not wanting to be associated with rape, murder, beheadings and such is an effective motivator for change and even some introspection.

The larger sea change is something I’m still trying to pin down, but is best summed up in that the old ways are no longer working. Hamas and Gaza are in the process of learning that the traditional ‘Israeli overreaction’ scenario as well as that of them being the victims isn’t flying. Outside of their fellow travelers, no one is buying that and the progressives are not (yet) riding to the rescue via ‘international pressure’ on Israel not to retaliate. Public opinion has turned (for now) and outside of the progressives people are saying it is past time to deal with the problem and those behind them.

The Mad Mullahs and others seriously miscalculated the effect of broadcasting the rapes and murders. They miscalculated the effect of the barbarity. The result wasn’t humiliation and terror, but anger. Not just in Israel, but around the world. The efforts to encourage support around the world has exposed networks and individuals in place in other countries. At least some are paying attention and being sure to identify those most active (and aggressive), for all that politicians world-wide seem eager to avoid acknowledging the problem. That said, those rallies across the country and the world have caused some in LE and Intel to sit up, take notice, and otherwise have what is known as an ‘Oh Shit!’ moment.

These are symptoms of the change, but what it bodes long-term is yet to be determined. A better definition of the change is yet to be determined. It’s much more than just a few people having a form of a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment, but what and how are things still being pinned down. It is, however, likely to make life interesting as few seem to realize things have changed, especially some of the key players world-wide.

To go back to the networks here and elsewhere, I was asked about my thoughts on targets. I think it depends on which group is involved. In terms of what some here may have been thinking, I believe they thought they could control a significant amount of those coming in and use them much like BLM during the ‘Summer of Love.’ Which also seems to answer the question of if BLM or Antifa were the Brown Shirts. To me, looks like the avowed Marxists (see their own statements) won that dubious prize, and it looks like Antifa got somewhat double-crossed in the process. Wondering if that might be a result of realizing that Antifa has some interesting ties overseas and might be taking its orders from eleswhere and not here as good little troops. Hmmmmm.

Given where some of the Antifa leadership is reported to have gotten their training, I find it interesting that some of the attacks (probes) on our power grid seem to also be tied to certain parts of Europe according to some reports I’ve seen. Betting in both cases that those who train and lead may not speak Russian, but I bet those who trained them did. Bet they are tied together in other ways too.

Target selection here depends on which group. I suspect the Chinese controlled groups will go for military and infrastructure. Hard to do much about an attack on Taiwan if we can’t get planes off the ground, ships to sea, or other such delights. Russian backed is much the same, though I would expect them to hit more at the power grid and food. Those backed by the Mad Mullahs and similar will hit soft targets and go for general rape and murder in order to humiliate, terrorize, and show dominance over the Great Satan. There are some other groups rumored to have people here courtesy of our insecure southern border that might go for different, or at least different combinations.

Short version is that I see our power grid, transportation, food production and distribution as the “serious” targets, with schools, events (raves/concerts anyone?), religious services and other soft targets being the choice of the terrorist crowd. I can also see some of the serious crowd using the soft-target crowd as cover so they can do things and make it look like a part of the terror. I also think that if you live in a Blue city, things will be very bad. The idea was (I think) to make you scared and willing to give up freedoms for the illusion of safety. That plays right into the terrorist/soft-target crowd and they may well ramp that up on their own.

That’s it for right now, still trying to get a finger on the pulse of the change. That things did change last Saturday is a given, but trying to pin down the change or changes is interesting. Stay safe, be prepared, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and for those interested, Megiddo is not near Gaza. That’s a bit of a relief actually…

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Past Reading For A Better Future

I’d been planning to write this post for a while, but had wanted to approach it a bit differently. Yesterday’s post, however, reinforced the need to get this out there. For all that I think a number of schemes have gone south on people, I am very much afraid we are in for interesting times. How much so, well, that’s part of the question.

While some of this does very much apply to the political and other struggles to come, much of it looks beyond those to what comes after.

Regime change, be it from within or without, is a daunting task. It takes far more than a mere force of arms to effect such. It does indeed quite often take arms, but it also takes education, the shaping and sharing of public opinion, a hope if not a plan for something better, and acts of political will. It takes a cadre of sharp and dedicated people who understand not only what’s at stake, but the security to plan and implement those plans.

Historically, most revolutions fail. From the Gunpowder Plot to the Whiskey Rebellion, from the Nubian Revolt in ancient Egypt to the Rebellion of the Three Guards in ancient China, few revolutions succeed. Of those that meet the immediate goal and win the immediate victory, they often rapidly lose the peace with extreme and brutal results. The French Revolution being but one example.

As such, few today (particularly amongst the younger generations) appreciate just how unique and unusual the American Revolution is from almost any vantage point. The Founding Fathers not only laid the philosophical groundwork within the colonies (shaping public opinion), but also the diplomatic and logistical groundwork needed for success. Success being not just overthrowing the Crown, but in establishing over time a novel government founded on the belief that reasonable people could make decisions on their own not only in their best interest, but in the best interest of the country as a whole.

Philosophically, it is a novel and still relatively new idea. Historically, the concept had been that the peasants could not and were not capable of self-rule and therefore needed kings and nobles (however they were labeled) to make such decisions for them. Thus, the new nation that was the United States became known to many as “The Great Experiment.” For all that there had been various Republics before (to appease the pedantic) none had truly taken the concept as far as did our Founding Fathers.

Why and how they did so lies in what they read, and the public debates and discussions of same. It also owes a small bit to the fiction they enjoyed, and shared with each other, spouses, and in some cases the public. All of this presented a common frame of reference that spanned all strata of colonial society. That common frame of reference is something that existed up until the last century, and it’s wanton and willful destruction is a topic for another day.

What we desperately need now and in the days ahead is to re-establish that common framework and add to it. Not to foment revolution, rather, to remind ourselves of the true philosophical foundations of our government and to provide goals for securing individual liberty no matter what may come. To ensuring that current generations, especially the younger, understand the concepts of Natural Law and proper discourse.

However, allow me to start with some of the fiction that our Founding Fathers read, and add to it a bit.

The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker – Tobias Smollett

Beauty and the Beast – Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont

Tristram Shandy – Laurence Sterne

To those I would add: The Honor Harrington series by David Weber; Troy Rising series by John Ringo; The Probability Broach by L. Neil Smith; and the 1632 series by Eric Flint (et al). Feel free to add to this list in the comments.

Now, given the rampant censorship, the idea that words are violence, and a general loathing of actual discourse in today’s youth (and others) a book that caught the eye of the Founding Fathers was Rules of Civility by Brookhiser. There was another that is slipping my mind on civil discourse (stupid lightning) that helped set the stage for the discussions and debates that preceded the Revolution. If anyone knows which it was, or if you have suggestions for more modern takes that encourage respect, consideration, and discourse, please add them to the comments.

As for the other works that set the stage for what became America, go here. The list is extensive and while I do have my favorites, a perusal of most of these is rewarding all on its own. As is reading the letters and debates (Federalist Papers for one example) that surround the move from the Articles of Confederation to what became our Constitution.

The Constitution, with the Bill of Rights, is one of the most amazing documents of governance ever written. Could it be improved? Perhaps. Personally I’d love to slip term limits and some additional blocks on the expansion of Federal power into it, but I’m biased.

Civics needs to be restored as a part of our education, be it in schools or unofficially through other means. Understanding our nation, it’s founding, and the philosophical framework of The Great Experiment is essential to the Republic and to our future. It is even more important to navigating interesting times and what lies after.

Knowing why the Founding Fathers made the choices they did, not just in governance, but in deciding when and how to act and the framework that went into the Revolution and what came after is still important today. I suspect it may be even more so to the future. Knowing these things is a way to avoid mistakes and excesses, and to ensuring the continuation of the Republic.

Happier Post, And Why I Was AFK

My apologies for the lack of posting and response to comments since the middle of last week. Thursday was my pre-op appointment for the next shoulder surgery, and it turned into a longer (and somewhat annoying) experience.

The actual appointment wasn’t that long, but it was a different nurse and different doc, and a reminder of why I don’t take portions of that provider too seriously. Yes, I paid attention to the instructions, but could have done without the smarmy attitude and with a bit more paying attention to my answers. Not to mention having all the test results reported back piecemeal (one at 0230 hours no less) which got me separate e-mails and texts (and alerts). Also loved the ‘oh my gosh your urine was dark yellow’ freakout, given that no it wasn’t but it was an odd shade because I took B vitamins as noted. If you’re not going to reference the notes… This is something that went on for three days. Like the surgeon and his office, but this group (not the same office) is something else. Only thing I will give them is they did get the blood first stick — this time.

Then came a truly wonderful thing: I had the house and kitchen to myself for several days, and was in shape to take advantage of it. I’ve had FUN! Let’s start with having a large chunk o beef from the restaurant supply store.

I really need to get with a chef or butcher to relearn how to break down some of these cuts, but managed to do a fair job with this one even with a thick and tough fat cap. Almost enough to make me wish I could render it down into tallow… But, it all worked out.

Got five good steaks out of it, bunch of cube meat for both a savory pie and at some point some chili, some scraps for stock later, and some of what I am calling pseudo-carne. The latter were from various pieces and I cut them small, for later cooking.

Two of the nice thick steaks got frozen as is, the other three got marinated in olive oil, garlic, and pepper. Two of them were grilled and pulled just before done, the other was supper and inhaled. Sorry, too busy eating to get photos but here’s what they looked like just before going on the grill.

One of the prime goals of the weekend was to make a steak and mushroom pie. I had wanted it to be a beef and oyster pie, but there were problems getting acceptable oysters, so… Half the cubes went into this project, and were coated with flour, salt, and pepper then browned with the onions and garlic.

Add in some Taxman Quadrupel in place of stout, add in the mushrooms, throw in the oven at 250 for three or so hours, and you get this after adding some arrowroot for thickening.

I let it cool overnight, and the next day I made my pie crusts using a lard recipe that was roughly two cups of flour, 1t salt, 2/3 cup of lard, and about 5T of ice water. I used smoked salt for part of my salt, and worked the dough by hand. Next time I do a savory pie, am thinking of substituting bacon drippings for part of the lard, using a bit more smoked salt, and turning some dried rosemary, basil, and garlic into powder and adding it. Here’s the start:

Snarksalot on Twitter was a huge help in getting this going, and in referring me to the King Arthur website which has a massive help section. Highly recommended! Here’s the bottom crust getting pre-baked using my fancy and expensive (snort) pie weights:

Filled, top crust in place, and coated with egg wash:

Baked and resting:

Finally, the pie being cut up and frozen:

The pseudo-carne asada got marinated overnight, then cooked and frozen for later use:

The housemate gave me permission to raid his basil patch, so I did up a small batch of pesto. I left the cheese out as it does not always take well to freezing. So, filled the ice tray and froze it overnight.

Next day, popped them out, bagged, and put them back in the freezer. Over the winter, I can pull out a cube or cubes, thaw, add cheese, and make what I want with it. Great way to make it last and have it all winter.

I also cooked up some chicken to replace what was lost in the Wilton incident, and made up a pan of enchiladas that are now portioned and frozen.

Finally, I cooked up a package of bacon, and most of it made it to be individually frozen then bagged for later use. Most of it. It is bacon and I am weak.

My goal is to have as close to a month’s worth of meals frozen before the surgery. Wednesday, even though all will be home, hope to make up a batch of puttanesca sauce and freeze it in individual containers. Then, cook up a dozen or so hamburgers at some point and freeze them as well. I’m going to cheat and buy burritos and other frozen breakfasts once my monthly stipend arrives.

So, that’s what I’ve been up to the last few days. Think I left something out, but those are the high points at least. It also kept my mind off the horror I was seeing online starting Saturday, and that did hit hard. More soon.

Israel, Invasion, UCs, And Us

NOTE: I may expand this later, possibly as a new post, to deal more with why the old ways are gone. The world changed on Saturday, in ways strategic and otherwise that I don’t think many people yet grasp. There are profound implications on many fronts, including what some seem to have planned for here via invasion.

This one may be a long one, it may seem crazy, and, hopefully it will in the end make sense. Not so much a single definitive conclusion, but some rather unpalatable food for thought and some smaller conclusions.

First, let’s start with international law and what defines lawful and unlawful combatants (UPDATE: UCs for the reading challenged). Most law on such deals with the Geneva Conventions (ICRC I know, but best source I could find), yes, multiple. Things have evolved a bit since the first Geneva Convention in 1864, which focused on wounded and sick soldiers on land. The second focused upon those wounded, sick, or shipwrecked at sea. The third focused on prisoners of war and superseded the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929. The fourth focuses on civilians. For all that the fourth convention gets credit for lawful versus unlawful, the real definition of who is lawful is spelled out in the third, and definition of unlawful has been more a matter of military and other related law. While biased IMO, here are takes from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Research Society of International Law. Keep in mind that both these papers are written in support of making terrorists and others have the same legal standing as regular troops in a war. As such, I would like to cite this definition and this paper.

A quick and dirty definition of an unlawful combatant is one who, as an individual or member of a larger group, engages in war by attacking non-military targets in ways not allowed by the Geneva Conventions and other Articles of War. In short, they are not members of a standing military, may or may not openly carry arms, and attack civilian and other non-military targets. Therefore, they are not accorded the rights assigned to lawful combatants under Convention III or any subsequent conventions or codicils. In most cases, those who are terrorists or labeled as terrorists automatically lose the protection of the Geneva Conventions and other International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and treaties. Keep this in mind, it’s important.

Now, let’s take a quick look at Hamas and what is happening in Israel. Hamas was founded not to create a Palestinian state per se; rather, from it’s inception it has been dedicated to the complete and utter destruction of the state of Israel. This is a good take, and this and this back it up. I read a very good report on why Hamas loves to desecrate bodies (humiliation and intimidation in large measure) and to rape and/or torture then execute women of all ages though the execution can and does come before the rape in a number of cases (strong women scare and enrage them basically). If I find it, will add the link.

While I expect the intellectually and morally deficient (often IMO those who would like to take part) to defend the actions of Hamas and the people of Gaza seen celebrating and helping desecrate the corpses of victims (and terrorizing children and others taken hostage), there is no real defense in terms of this being both an unlawful action by unlawful combatants. While military targets were hit, the primary attack was on civilians and it appears that the orders were to broadcast as much as possible to the world. Hence, cell phones being taken and the execution of families broadcast on their Facebook and other social media platforms. It’s why you see so much video on so many channels.

And spare me the ‘good and innocent’ people of Gaza bit. I remember when they danced and celebrated the attacks of 9/11, and I’ve watched them do the same and gleefully take part in atrocities now. I’m sure there are some good and innocent people in Gaza, and I hope they got out per the advice of the Israeli government despite Hamas doing all they could to keep people from leaving.

Hamas has long used mosques, schools, and hospitals as cover. On the latter, a number of corporate media operations were well aware of them having facilities under a major hospital and refused to cover or acknowledge. They often shoot from beside such facilities so as to use them as human shields. So, when you see mosques and other facilities not only go boom, but then cook off from what was hidden inside, don’t be surprised and don’t fall for those wringing their hands hypocritically over such actions. They know what’s going on, they support it, and frankly most of them would love to see Israel gone and every Jew dead.

Human shields will no longer work for Hamas. The idea that it’s international partners (Iran, Qatar, etc.) would protect it is ill-founded. The idea that the useful idiots and fellow travelers (such as the Hamas Caucus in Congress) would save it isn’t happening. That the West Bank, Hezbollah, and others would rise up and join in is iffy, for all that a lot of posturing is going on. No doubt, the government of Iran (as opposed to the people of Iran) is doing all it can to take out the state of Israel, but I think they’ve miscalculated in this case. Israel can and should go in and destroy every last vestige of Hamas in Gaza, even if it takes out most of Gaza. Not a war crime, not a violation of the Rules of War given what has happened.

Frankly, Israel truly needs to take the gloves off. Hamas leadership anywhere is now a legitimate target. Iran and the Taliban are now fair targets for the weapons, intel, and other support given (gee, where did those American arms we see in some of the videos come from, that just happen to match what we left in Afghanistan). As noted elsewhere, boxes have been opened that can’t easily be closed, and this could spread a lot further and a lot nastier than the people behind this attack believed possible.

Which brings us to the next point: the attack by Hamas is just the beginning. First, look at the “humanitarian crisis” that are “refugees” in the Mediterranean and otherwise pouring into Europe. Funny how many are military-age males and wives and children are nowhere to be found (except for a few for corporate media or complicit NGOs feelz pieces). Look up Lampedusa, and look at the hordes trying to get in to northern Europe.

Now look at our Southern border, which is wide open. Out of the millions who have crossed in the last three years, look at the number of them who are military-age males and the dearth of women and children (yes, there are some and a heck of a lot of sexual trafficking, but it is a small part of the overall). It’s not just people fleeing Central and South America, it is a surprising number of Chinese, Afghans, and others. Add in to that the not just rumors, but reports of Hamas and other fun and interesting groups having training centers in northern Mexico, recent if not current.

I’m very much afraid that Eva is right about what is coming. It’s not just that the large (and often militant) populations will be encouraged, but that they have been let in specifically for that. That they are shock troops who will be used by powers foreign and domestic as unlawful combatants to subdue populations and areas. Which brings us to the next point of consideration.

Why do you think the Stasi (aka Justice Department) is pushing so hard to declare the majority of the population to be terrorists? It not only makes them “other” (like the Nazi’s used Jews, Gypsies, etc.) but it strips away various Constitutional protections and makes them — and anything they do — to be unlawful combatants engaged in unlawful conflict. It opens the door to harsh reprisals if such groups should do anything in response to provocation, even defend themselves against aggression from illegal aliens. When they tell you they want you in camps, believe them. Oh, and if those poor, poor, disenfranchised helpless military-age refuges were to rise up in riot against the hatred and bigotry and take revenge, well, who could blame them…

On the face of it, it seems stupid. But, remember, stupid is the defining hallmark of the Biden Regency and our so-called elites. I agree with Sarah that this will not work out well for them, given how many of the different groups that are known to have come in over our Southern Border (and I strongly suspect that applies to Europe as well) hate each other with blazing passions. They will turn on each other as well as those who are allowing them into the country in a heartbeat.

There is a reason a number of us on Twitter were sharing the line from Red Dawn the other day: “Infiltrators came up illegal from Mexico. Cubans mostly. They managed to infiltrate SAC bases in the Midwest, several down in Texas and wreaked a helluva lot of havoc, I’m here to tell you.” They aren’t coming, they are already here. And it’s a hell of a lot more than Cubans flooding in.

Which is why I asked my senators for that third provision. I want it on record in Congress what constitutes unlawful combatants and the horrors inflicted by same. I want a contrast between what happened in Israel and the barbaric horrors inflicted on the innocent by Hamas, and anything brought by the Stasi against segments of the American citizenry. It may not stop it, but it will make an important point and provide a way to challenge those actions.

Keep in mind that the Biden Regency seems determined to try to provoke a response from any group they are targeting. It may be hard, but show restraint and do not give it to them. Doesn’t matter if you are a Trump supporter, a parent trying to hold your schools and school boards accountable, or any other ‘disloyal dissident’ that isn’t fully onboard with the progressive agenda. What is happening now in Israel and the Middle East is because various boxes have been opened that can’t be readily closed again. If at all possible, we do not want to start opening boxes here, lest they prove as hard to close as those we see there. Keep also in mind that they are already losing, and much of what is being done reeks of desperation in an attempt to retain power and control.

Nor is it just here. The same applies to China, Russia, and Iran to name but three. The Iranian people are a powder keg and already up in arms against the government. Won’t take much to let that go, and it would be a pity if something happened to their government (and various security HQs) while it was in session calling for death to Israel… China is much more a house of cards than many realize, though I would not underestimate their military threat. Russia has been exposed for what it is. The fracture lines there are growing, and it may well break on up without outside assistance (which is for the best). Meantime, isolate and negate on as many levels as possible.

The problem is, weak and failing leaders and systems make for interesting times. Add in millions (literally) of military-age males flooding Europe and the U.S., and you have a recipe for very VERY interesting times. With God’s help, a measure of luck, and some hard work, we may can still prevent and/or avoid the worst of it. Frankly, I think it is going to get very bad before it starts to get better. Some thoughts on what we need to think about for later is my plan for tomorrow.

Senatorial Request

Given all that is going on, I’ve been on social media and more today when I normally try to take the day off. Thought I would share what I sent my senators this morning (my rep being Carson and totally useless).

Sir,

Given the horrific and devastating terrorist attack against Israel, one that was primarily focused on civilian targets in complete contravention of the Rules of War, I ask that you directly, or working with others, to do the following:

First, that the United States suspend any and all direct and indirect aid to the Palestinian Authority and any and all entities operating or headquartered within the Gaza Strip, be it financial, humanitarian, educational, or other.

Second, that the United States seek to recover any and all funds recently released to the Palestinian Authority and any and all entities operating or headquartered within the Gaza Strip, be it financial, humanitarian, educational, or other.

Third, that the United States Senate note formally and for the record that the actions by Hamas and other organizations with the Gaza Strip or West Bank are in direct contravention of the Rules of War, and as terrorists those engaging in same are not covered by the conventions of the Rules of War.

Fourth, that the United States Senate investigate both the legality and timing of Sec. Blinken’s release of approximately $75 million to the Palestinian Authority and/or other entities located or operating in the Gaza Strip.

Your attention to this matter is urgently requested.

I want the third point on the record for a number of reasons. One or more of these should be part of a post I hope to get up tomorrow or Tuesday. There is a reason the Stasi, formerly the FBI, want to declare the majority of the population as terrorists… Meantime, look to the southern border and then look at what is going on in Israel. Be prepared.

Community Watch Past And Future?

While at O’Banion’s Sunday, a conversation caused one of those “sparks” that brought back a memory from childhood, and has caused some contemplation given this story and other current events. Thank goodness the girl was recovered safe and sound, as it seems to rarely happen that way.

Sunday, the Bartender was expounding forth (not an unusual occurrence), this time on the concept of community in terms of church and neighborhood. I found it interesting that we had similar paths, a decade or three apart, given that I’m a Georgia Boy and he’s a Yankee (grin). His parents had moved from downtown Indianapolis to the suburban wilds of Greenwood (which was not the boom area it is today). My parents did something similar in the early 1960s, moving out of old Macon and into suburbs that literally pushed up against woodlands.

Turns out, we both were free-range kids growing up. Our parents let us out and we got with other kids, explored, played, and did a lot of things that children today are deliberately denied. We walked to the nearby school, we rode bikes all over, all without our parents breathlessly tagging along. Which is not to say we were unsupervised. You and your parents knew the families around you, both on your street and pretty much a street on either side. Now, two streets over was starting to be terra incognita, and on one side that second street over butted up against acres of woods.

So, various mothers kept a watchful eye out and made sure we knew their hose was available so we could stay hydrated. A couple of the nicer ones even offered cookies and snacks (often homemade) on occasion. The moms kept in touch and as such had a rough idea where different groups of kids were and what they were doing.

Then one day, reality intruded. A man tried to snatch a little girl into his car. Kids were yanked into random homes until they could be gotten home or closer to home if they were latchkey. Given the attempt, all kids would be with adults until a parent or parents were home.

Today, I know that some of those moms who came out and got everyone inside were armed. While it was never officially confirmed, it sure did look like a number of dads left work and were driving around as well. Police and sheriffs, who we rarely saw, were out in force as well. The woods were off-limits for a week or three after that, and a much closer eye kept on what little play did happen for a while. Don’t know about the girls, but a number of boys got their first Boy Scout or other knife, or got a new and better one about that time.

The largest threat of such things has always been the creature hiding in the extended family or neighborhood, holding up a fair face to the world to hide the corruption beneath. But kidnapping by a random stranger hits a note that the first one does not. We never were quite as free to free-range after that, but it was still far better than today.

To be honest, Scouting provided a chance to do some of what was taken away via camping and hiking trips. Sad to say, one place we camped and liked we never went to again as it turns out the gunfire we heard breakout at one point was a serial killer taking out a family.

Thing is, both in the recent event and in the one from my past, communities came together. People looked out, looked after each other, and pooled resources. The police got information and tips, and along with some luck and a lot of work, a little girl was ultimately safe in both cases.

Given the deliberate assault on public safety by activist prosecutors and judges, communities are going to have to come together again for safety. It won’t be allowed in the targeted (mostly blue) cities, as those activist prosecutors and judges will be throwing the book at anyone fighting back. But, outside of those areas that have been targeted, it can and will work. Think about it, and it’s a good idea to know your neighbors.

A Different Bug-Out Boogie

Today, I want to look at some topics a bit beyond those in Preparedness Pays, relating to finances and non-normal disasters. The catalyst for this comes from a Substack article that looks at the fall of civilization but not government, and what that might entail. A fascinating and scary topic, that should be a concern given current events.

Between it and some other events, it also reminded me of a key scene early in Alas Babylon where a character commits suicide after realizing that all currency was now nothing more than paper. Nuclear war is not the only way such can happen, as all it requires is a large-scale (or even mid-scale in some cases) failure of the government or the improper imposition of continuity of government to provide the failure cascade that disrupts the true basic functions of government (public safety, currency, mail, etc.).

As I pointed out in my response to the very good commentary from A. Nonymous in response to my section on finances for Preparedness Pays, I have to walk a bit of a tightrope with the book. First, it’s a 101-level book that has two purposes: to help people learn how to prepare and to make it a part of their lives. It does this by changing from looking at the infinity-minus-one number of potential disasters to the five things that can happen, and to how being prepared for “everyday” or “normal” disasters saves time, money, and stress.

There is, unfortunately, a mindset out there that any form of preparation, practical or otherwise, is the domain of mentally unstable and unserious people. This has been encouraged by corporate news and entertainment media, among others. One good example of it was showcased by a local talk radio host who said on air that if someone was talking preparedness and pretty much said anything beyond typical natural disasters they shut them out, would not share, promote, or discuss it/them on his show or in social media. One of the things I hope to do with Preparedness Pays is to not just get around such close-mindedness, but to start changing what I consider to be a very harmful mindset.

Thus, the very short chapter on finances is very basic, straightforward, and notes repeatedly to get expert advice. I did mention precious metals and may have to tweak that a bit as I used to have a few gold coins, including some tenth ounce coins as well as some silver coins. Reason being not everything would be worth a gold or silver dollar/ounce.

The key to keep in mind is that large-scale events with have large-scale implications, and not everyone will be able to keep up with the changes. Just look at the banker in Alas Babylon, who didn’t consider the implications of what was happening and tried to keep it as business as usual until he couldn’t. You will be a LOT better off if you do study some history and consider the implications.

Given the fragility of both our power grid and the government financial systems, in a large-scale event, I’m going to use my debit or other cards for as long as I can to gather food and items. If they are already down, I will use cash if I find someone willing to exchange things or a service (get me out of here right now and I’ll give you $X) for cash. Cash is only good if the government can back it and if the other countries of the world will accept it. As such, until one or both conditions are met, I will try to have cash on hand.

Historically, precious metals and jewels have made for a good means to carry wealth with you. They can provide a good hedge against inflation or even the results of a depression. They hold value even amidst regional conflicts, and held up pretty well during the two world wars. You can also hide a pretty large amount on the average person via creative tailoring. For example, one reason that mercy shots were needed for the Czar’s family when the Reds murdered them is that the various corsets, vests, and such were full of jewels and jewelry, which acted as a makeshift bulletproof vest. The idea was that if they could escape or be rescued, the jewels could be sold to fund them, bribe as necessary, etc.

This will work, provided there are some islands of stability that will value and give fair value for those items. It also requires safety for all involved. In the case of the Russian revolution, the rest of the world provided that stability. In the face of a massive natural disaster (Welcome Sweet Meteor of Death!) or a global economic or societal crash, that may not hold true as A. Nonymous noted.

Also, given the linked article, keep in mind that if you are having to do either an overt or covert bugout, you need to be able to hide your valuables on you, in you, and around you. A major disaster can and does bring out the best in some people. In others, not so much. There will be people out to rob you, do bad things to you, etc. and some of them may be from the government confiscating for the greater good. Hate to say it, but you need to plan for that.

Quick side note, the linked article above also has some good play on what was talked about in an earlier chapter of Preparedness Pays. Have as many means of travel as possible for your bugout. The use of waterways is a great amplification and can be a good way to think outside the box and get around literal and figurative roadblocks.

When you look at history, a number of interesting things have become currency. Food, drink, spices — all have been used as currency along with precious metals and other valuable items. Or at least valuable in the eyes of the local population. In the event of a large-scale event, such probably will again.

It’s a good reason to look at the foods we take for granted that are almost entirely shipped in from overseas. Coffee, tea, pepper, cocoa/chocolate, and other spices are just a few of them. Good things to have on hand, and not just because I’m a caffeine addict and minor foodie. Individual salt and pepper packets are cheap in bulk, and provide portion control as well as trade goods. Buy bulk and portion down and you have trade goods to exchange for other goods and services.

Then think about the goods that will be needed for doing things by hand: needles, thread, specialty needles, hand tools, nails, screws, and other things we take for granted will just be there when needed. In the event of a large-scale, things like needles and thimbles will be worth their weight in platinum, not just gold. Fishing line, hooks, lures, and related are also things well worth keeping tucked away. Lot of these things are now made overseas, and that is problematic on more than one level.

On a higher level, industrial diamonds, cutting tools for manufacturing, along with some other high-value low-volume items could also be a sound investment in some circumstances. Any area, country, or region looking to get back on it’s feet will be looking for the tools and materials needed to make that happen.

You can’t do everything, but you can prepare for a good bit and on the inexpensive if not the cheap. Thing is, for a number of mid- to large-scale events, don’t count on currency or even current valuables. At least for a short time, you are going to be seeing a trade economy and it is always a good idea to have goods or services you can use for barter. After all, if you have a truly useful skill, or goods to barter, someone might just let you into the Ark.

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 6A

Time to get back to this, and need to do at least one more related post, maybe tomorrow.

NOTE: This is a (very) rough draft

Finances And Preparedness

This is going to be a very short chapter, as unless you are interested in investing in bridges, oceanfront property that you can get to at low tide, or magic beans, I’m the last person you should look to for financial advice or investment advice. If I knew what I was doing, I would be writing this on my tropical island lair being waited on hand and foot by a very attractive female staff. Since I’m writing this from the basement bunker with the landlord’s cat stalking me to demand attention…

My advice is to do a better job than I did on financial preparedness, and use professional help if you can get it.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Practical preparedness applies to finances large and small. Are you prepared if the card readers at the grocery store go down, and they can only take cash? That happened to someone I follow online recently, and because they had taken the precaution of keeping some cash hidden away in their wallet, they were able to get their groceries and head home.

At a minimum, it’s a good idea to have enough on you to make a purchase and then make it home. It may be $10 and bus fare, or it may be more plus a tank of gas. You need to be prepared so that things like this aren’t a disaster, just an annoyance.

As noted in the previous chapter, at this point it’s about building up to meet the larger disasters in life. It’s being able to cover an emergency car repair or other not-so-minor problems in life. It’s about having the cash or credit to cover even larger expenses. For the first, build it up over time. Have it as both cash and other valuables, on hand and in a bank account. For the second, work on that credit score. My thoughts on credit scores and how they view things is best left unsaid, but it is a game you need to learn how to play so as to use it to your advantage. There is a lot of good, and free, information and help available on improving your score. Get good advice and do what is best for you.

As for the on-hand, keep in mind you may not be able to access your accounts in a timely manner during an emergency. Power could be down, the card processing network could be down, you might be miles from an ATM. This is especially true during a bug-out situation. Fire, flood, chemical spill — it doesn’t matter. What matters is getting out ASAP and being prepared to pay cash for things you need later.

Also, diversify if you can. Right now, given inflation, I wish I had invested in gold. Look at precious metals or other items of value that are low volume/size but hold or even increase in value. If something really bad happens, paper currency can become worthless overnight even in this day and age; electronic assets can be erased; banks can fail quite rapidly (as we’ve recently seen); and, well, there’s an almost endless litany of what can go wrong. But, just as with the premise with everything else, it’s not the type or number of disasters, it’s how you can prepare pretty much comes down to one thing: save. Having cash or other valuables you can use in an emergency is essential.

One final thing to consider is that governments can and have banned private ownership of gold and other valuables. Our own American government did so under FDR, a tale of which more people should learn. So, choose wisely and remember the first rule of Preparedness Club. Also, don’t have everything in one spot.

For this tome, that’s all I’m going to say about finances. Getting good, sound, and professional advice on your situation is what matters, so you can be as prepared as possible.

I so thought those beans were going to be a good investment. Sigh.

The book as it goes:

Preparedness Pays: Draft Introduction

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 1A

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 2A

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 3A

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 4A

Preparedness Pays: Draft Chapter 5A

Cookware Question (Updated)

I had picked up some Wilton cake pans for cooking and baking as I caught a deal on themn and I’ve had very good luck with the brand before. Didn’t have a choice on the non-stick, as I really prefer plain metal. Hugely disappointed this morning that after cooking some chicken yesterday to find that the non-stick coating is flaking off one of the pans and into the food. Entire tray of enchiladas gets to hit the trash.

Not sure you can see them, but there are also some bubbles forming on the bottom of the pan.

So, anyone got any recommendations for some good bakeware since I’m likely to have to replace the Wilton pans completely?

UPDATE I: Whatever else happens, I have to commend Wilton’s customer service. I got a reply yesterday that was friendly, professional, and not scripted. I sent them the information they requested and the two photos above. I also offered to ship them the pan if they wanted to examine it. Today they took me up on that and are paying to have it shipped back. They also asked me to confirm my mailing address as they are offering to ship me a replacement. Will keep posted on how things go.

Snicker

How big of a loser do you have to be to get booted by the Army, and then sent back by North Korea for being totally useless after you defect? Pretty much a total loser. Better make that TOTAL LOSER. He’s earned the caps, and I admit I am snickering and even laughing at the situation.