7 Shooting Incident Mistakes

Recently joint-published on BoomerPreps.com

I'm a big adherent to the right to keep and bear arms. I live that belief every day, without exception. I believe that armed citizens are the best deterrent to armed bad guys. It's simple math: There are more of us than there are of them.

But for us good guys, gun ownership and usage comes with a heavier burden than that imposed upon the bad guys. Being honest citizens, we willingly submit ourselves to the American justice system.

If some bad guy breaks into our home, and we shoot him in self-defense, we don't drag the body into the backyard and bury it along with all of the evidence. No, we call the police, report the incident and subject ourselves and our actions to the scrutiny of the law.

And there's the rub. Voluntarily subjecting ourselves to legal scrutiny. Regardless of the legitimacy of our actions, we can end up being detained, prosecuted and convicted.

To add insult to injury, the cost of defending ourselves against the initial criminal complaint and the subsequent civil complaint can ruin you financially.

Most folks have heard of the case of George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin. I'm not going to go into the specifics of the case - that's for you to do if you wish. SecondCall Defense - an organization that provides, "Complete legal protection for armed self-defense" recently published an article titled, "7 Critical Lessons From America's Most Notorious Gun Owner".

Self-inflicted shooting incident mistakes can land you in prison.

Here is my take on these 7 shooting incident mistakes Zimmerman made (FYI - in a recent article, Zimmerman noted that his cost from the state of Florida alone - for paperwork requests, etc., amounted to more than $360,000) -

Don't Get Out of Your Car

The entirety of the case against Zimmerman was that he "pursued" or "stalked" Martin, not that he was a Neighborhood Watch participant, and was being a good citizen looking out for his community.

Any situation can be twisted in any way.

The lesson from this is to not to put yourself in the position of being perceived to be the aggressor in any way, shape or form. This includes initiating contact with your bad guy.

If you see a bad guy in your backyard, get a gun, load it, disengage the safety, and call the police. Don't do a "sweep" of your backyard and shoot the guy. You were not in imminent threat of physical harm or loss of life while you were in your home and the bad guy was in the backyard - which is the standard for self-defense in most states.

Someone trespassing on your property is not legal grounds for lethal defense in most states. Like it or not, that's the law. Think before you act.

How will it look when you're on trial for murder and the family of the "good boy, with such a bright future, who had his life tragically extinguished" is weeping in the gallery as you testify?

Don't Rely On Cheap Equipment

I guess Zimmerman fumbled with a cheap flashlight. I don't recall that being an issue.

The point is well taken, though. When your life is on the line, don't expect junk to perform like premium equipment.

Don't Take Your Eyes Off The Threat

Amen to that!

An aggressor is always looking for a point of vulnerability or a moment of weakness. You averting your eyes from the potential threat - even for a second - is the opening they're looking for.

Arm yourself (but don't brandish your weapon) back up, keep moving, locate cover, but NEVER lose eye contact with your aggressor.

Zimmerman erred by allowing Martin to sucker punch him from behind - and this mistake could have easily cost Zimmerman his life.

A related "rule" is to not allow your aggressor to enter your personal "safety zone". If they are within arm's length, you've made a huge mistake allowing them in that close.

Educate yourself regarding your "reactionary gap" - sufficient distance for you to be able to stop injury or to save your life. Seriously, this is something your need to consider and incorporate into your self-defense plans.

Don't Assume Police Are Your Friends

As a law abiding citizen, the police are not your enemy, but you certainly should not assume they're your friends. They're doing a job.

They are investigating a death or serious injury, and you're the one who is unharmed, and has a gun in his hand.

Obviously, that is the goal of self-defense, but someone is dead or injured, and the police gather evidence for the county prosecutors. They gather ALL evidence, including physical evidence at the scene and statements made by any witnesses and by you.

That takes us to the next rule -

Don't Forget To Assert Your Fifth Amendment Right

Other than calling the police to report the shooting, and to request medical service for the bad guy, you need to keep quiet. It doesn't matter how justified the shooting may have been.

It is incredibly easy to say something that can be twisted and shredded - and used against you - at your trial.

Think about how "pumped" you would be after a shooting: An unknown assailant entered your home, threatened your life and forced you to defend yourself. Your heart will be pumping a mile-a-minute, and the adrenaline will be gushing into your bloodstream.

As a result of recent court cases, you are now required to verbally assert your fifth amendment right to silence. They can actually use a simple refusal to speak as an admission of guilt against you in court!

"Officer, I refuse to answer based upon my fifth amendment rights under the United States Constitution."

Once you do this, you must expect to be arrested. Get this in your head right now! Do not speak with anyone until you have spoken with an attorney that specializes in self-defense.

Don't Give Interviews Without Your Attorney

Do you see a theme here?

We non-attorneys have little knowledge of what can be damning self-incrimination. We cannot be compelled to make a statement, but if we voluntarily do so - say to reporters and cameras - our recorded statements can be used against us.

If you fall for the, "If you're not guilty, you should have no problem speaking with the police," garbage, you are sadly misinformed and naive.

This is doubly so in anti-gun states such as California, New York, Massachusetts, etc. Prosecutors in those states want to make examples of gun owners. It's as simple as that.

Don't help them ruin your life.

Don't Be Surprised If A Civil Suit Comes Next

It's the American Way, right? Everyone looks to make another buck.

I've never understood how this works, though. You've got a guy like OJ Simpson who is found not guilty (BTW, I think he was guilty as all hell, but I wasn't on the jury). The Brown family was then able to successfully sue him in civil court and win damages.

How can that be? Not guilty in one court, and guilty in another - all concerning the same incident.

I'd bet top dollar that the police officer in Ferguson will be facing a similar civil trial. It's going to be huge dollars.

Plain and simple, you have to assume it will happen if you're involved in a self-defense shooting.

Yes, SecondCall offers protection for this - up to Unlimited spending for your defense.

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I can think of few things more horrible than taking the life of another human being - even the life of a dirt-bag threatening my life. It's unsettling, to say the least.

But if it comes down to the life of a good guy versus the life of a bad guy, I will not hesitate to exercise my right to self-defense. Not ever.

But you MUST think out your various responses to various situations. In my precious metals shop, we discuss - on a regular basis - how we will react to different types of aggression and threat.

My wife and I do the same for our home.

Plan, anticipate, train. Then do it all over again. And again.

Chief Instructor is an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor. He is a recruiter for the SecondCall Defense membership program. He proudly, and unapologetically supports both organizations. He receives compensation if you take a firearms instruction class from his company, or if you purchase a membership from SecondCall Defense through this website (please do so!).
 
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Copyright 2014 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Using Social Media In Your Preps

In general, I'm not a big fan of "social media".  Maybe I should say I haven't been a big fan.  These are dominated by Facebook and Twitter.  Second-tier companies are Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest and a handful of others.

What I have come to understand - and appreciate - each of these is very different, and some actually have benefits for we preppers.  I'm also trying to learn how to use these tools to expand my business to a larger market.

Facebook - The big dog on the block, and quite honestly, I don't get it.  At its basic function, it is a, "Look at me!" website.  From a prepper perspective, I really find little use.  If you own a business, and that business has a national reach, Facebook may help you reach new customers.  They're making tons of money on their ad revenues, so someone thinks the service has value.  Right now, it's not me, though.

Twitter - I like it.  A lot.  I've been playing with it for a month or so now, and I'm blown away by the information I'm able to glean from all of these folks.  It allows you to select feeds (you receive 'tweets' from other posters) that can be from a specific person, business or organization.  Money, politics, guns, prepping - whatever.  I have yet to type in a subject and not find dozens of potential sources.

And for breaking news, I've found nothing better.  Most include a link to a full-blown article.  I use it as my morning information source.

THAT is the one drawback of Twitter:  Information overload.  I've only got a couple of dozen folks I currently follow, and I regularly drop some and add new ones.  

Google+ - I'm still trying to figure this out.  Apparently, you can have an interest - say off-grid living - and find all kinds of groups and people that share your interest.  Like Twitter, you can 'follow' different people or groups to help filter out all of the noise.

This looks to be very promising, but they're sure making it hard to figure out.

All others - They all seem way too focused.  LinkedIn just seems like a big resume board.  Perhaps it has utility if you're looking for a job.  I dunno.

There are some Rules of Engagement you should follow -

Use an alias.  Unless you're a public figure, there's little upside to having your real name and identity out there for all to see.  If it does make sense to use your real name, also set up a "lurker" account that will allow you to visit sites and make posts anonymously.  Remember:  everything you ever say online will be there forever.

If you're a business, don't be pimping your wares 24/7.  Provide information to selling something at a 20:1 ratio (twenty chunks of info for every 1 business pitch).

Use services to make your posts throughout the day.  If all of your posts come out in a gush during a 1 hour period, no one is going to see what you've got to say.  I use something called, Buffer.  It lets you set up pre-set posting schedules, or very specific custom times.  So far, I'm liking it.
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While you're at it, why don't you click the Twitter 'follow' button on the upper left hand side of the page.  I'm just sayin.....



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Copyright 2014 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Embrace The Shadows

I awoke this morning to this story -

Here is one of the most alarming signs that the U.S. economy is still far from healthy:  More than one in six men between 25 and 54 years old – the prime working years – aren’t working. That’s 10.4 million men, more than double the population of the city of Los Angeles.

Holy crap.  Seventeen percent of all men in that "sweet spot" of earning years aren't working.  Been there, done that.

From the Preface of my upcoming book -

I wrote this book because I see so many people struggling to make a buck.  Some of this struggle is self-imposed, some of it is because of the layer upon layer of regulation “society” has dumped on us – making it near impossible to earn a decent living for a day’s work.

In 2008, I found myself unemployed.  After 31 years in banking, I was laid off.  Here I was, a late-40’s, Executive Vice President, looking for work.  I soon realized that the salary I had formerly commanded was not going to be found any time soon.

A couple of things dawned on me:  (1) There were too many, “young bucks” out there that could fill my old job for a lot less money, and more importantly (2) I never wanted to be at the mercy of someone else to earn a good living.

 This post isn't about developing Multiple Streams of Income (which you should be doing).  It's about having and keeping the resources you've earned with the goal of making yourself self-sufficient - not dependent upon any other entity for your well-being.

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It ain't gonna be easy.

We hear the phrase, "Get them out of the shadows," when people are talking about granting amnesty to illegal aliens.  It's a propaganda tactic used by socialists to engender sympathy for some poor, huddled mass of humanity that just wants make their life better.  According to their Utopian view, no one is harmed by allowing these illegals the opportunity for a better life.

Anyone with two brain cells and a command of fifth grade math can see that's a lie.  All it does is flood our job markets with cheap labor, driving down wages - not surprisingly resulting in calls for a "living wage".  Clearly, it is their actions that caused the drop in wages.  They now want the "evil, greedy business owners" to finance their actions via tax increases.

The result in the real world is that businesses lay off employees, or don't hire as many as they could use.  For example, my businesses pay tens of thousands of dollars in various taxes each and every year.  Income tax, sales tax, business tax, licensing fees, use tax, and so many state, city and county fees, I can't list them all.

Due entirely as a result of the myriad taxes and fees - which are near impossible for a business owner to track - I have to pay two separate CPA firms (one for this business and one for the precious metals business) to let me know who I must pay and when.  That's several thousand MORE dollars I must pay to people who keep abreast of all of this government regulation to ensure I don't miss one, and end up paying fines and penalties as a result.

I pay all of this money to government agencies instead of to employees as wages.  I must follow the rules, and pay for the privilege of doing so.  The government then gives those dollars to others - who DO NOT follow the rules - so that their lives can be better.

Such a deal, huh?

These policies are directly taking one group of people out of the shadows, and forcing another group in.  Instead of either group prospering and contributing to society, they now both become dependent upon The State for their basic needs.
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Freedom - real freedom - is dependent upon your ability to own property.  It's obviously not the only measure of freedom, but it is a key component.  Without the knowledge that what you own is yours to do with as you wish, you're not truly free.

Property can be a car, your wages, a home, a boat, some land - anything for which you expend effort or money to legally acquire.

Our various levels of government are working hard to make the point that you don't own squat.  You own what they let you own.  Nothing more.  And should they decide they want what you have, they'll just come and take it.  Legally, of course.

This whole welfare state that they've been building is costly.  More costly than even the socialists had anticipated (as a group, they've got a pretty poor historical record for economic forecasting).  Just look at what has been reported this past week alone -

IRA confiscation: it’s happening

U.S., Canada forge deal in global anti-tax dodger push

The Countdown To The Nationalization Of Retirement Savings Has Begun

Is your money safe at the bank? An economist says ‘no’ and withdraws his

That last article, by the way, was from the uber-conservative, TEA Party lovin', PBS network.  Kind of scary to me when The Opposition prints an article on a subject I've ranted about for years.

They are in overdrive plugging "loopholes" and setting the stage for a massive confiscation of your money.

"OK, OK.  I get it.  They own my ass.  So what?  What can I do about it?"
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Embrace the shadows.  If they don't know you own it, they can't tax it.... or take it.

As of right now, here is a partial list of assets you can own anonymously and legally -

Precious metals
Cash
Jewelry
Precious gems
Ammunition (in most states)
Guns (in some states)

There are hundreds, if not thousands of tangible "investment" assets you can own.

What's the down-side?  Well, you're not going to be making any interest income on your deposit accounts.  Not really a material point in the current economy.

Perhaps more importantly, you must store and secure them yourself, and do so properly.  Cash can burn, ammo can go bad, guns can rust, PMs can crash.  And all of it can be stolen by non-sanctioned criminals. 

So, be sure you don't, "keep all of your eggs in one basket."  Have your assets properly stored, and stored in different locations.  Read up on caching.  You are responsible for the safekeeping of your property.

Remember:  Acquisition takes some planning.  If you're buying your ammo online, there's an electronic breadcrumb trail leading right back to your home.  Same goes with gold, silver, gems and jewelry.

Use cash or barter, ONLY.

And for God's sake, be sure that you get a receipt for as much of your property as possible.  Have it made out to, "cash" or better yet, your first and middle name - not your last name.  Include serial numbers, and certification numbers (or mint dates and face amounts for coins) whenever possible.

Why?  You then have a leg to stand on if TPTB confiscate your property.  It may not work, but without a receipt, you're guaranteed your property won't be returned.

Also, with precious metals in particular, when they're sold, you must report your gain or loss on your tax returns.  Without a receipt, you've got no basis for your tax calculation.
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In the end, if all or some of your property becomes illegal to own - ala the 1934 gold confiscation - by having your assets in the shadows, you can make the choice to comply or not.  You can retain the property which you legally acquired, or you can voluntarily register or gift it to your government.

You have the freedom to determine how your property is used.  You can spend it on your retirement.  You can use it to start or operate a business.  You can trade it to acquire other assets.

But you've got to have it to use it.  And you can do that if you embrace the shadows...


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Copyright 2014 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

10 Other People You Shouldn't Talk To After A Self-Defense Shooting

One of the many benefits of having a Second Call Defense membership is the education they provide.  Videos, seminars and newsletters.  All, good stuff.

The thing I like the most about this is that it keeps the topic of protecting yourself after a defensive shooting, "top of mind."  In all of my pistol, pepper spray/stun gun, and safety awareness classes, I stress putting yourself - mentally - in a bad situation, and determining how you'll get out of it.  Visualizing the situation, if you will.

For instance, in our pepper spray class, we go over 7 different scenarios at the end of the class.  From road rage, to date rape, to someone breaking into your house while you're there.  The idea is to pre-plan your actions instead of panicking and being caught as the proverbial, "deer in the headlights."

What you do after a defensive shooting can literally change your life.  Make the wrong choices, and you can lose everything.  Financially, you will be responsible for your legal defense bills and any civil penalties.  Lose your case, and you can lose your liberty and the right to keep and bear arms for the rest of your life.

Sobering stuff.

After a defensive shooting, most folks may know to limit their information to the 911 operator and the police.  I want to stress, "may know."  From Second Call Defense's latest newsletter, my commentary on ten other folks you want to keep out of the conversation -

Your spouse - even though they can't be compelled to testify against you, if they freely provide the information, it can be used against you.  "He told me he shot the dirty piece of crap as he walked through the door.  Just shot him dead!"  Think how that could be spun by a prosecutor during your trial.

Your child - just like a spouse, only with less of a filter.

Your friends - your BFF will be contacted, and under threat of criminal prosecution, they MUST testify about what you told them.

Your neighbors - these folks have no "skin in the game."  You happen to live nearby.  Big deal.  As the newsletter noted, 'And it's even less likely that they'll go to any length to protect you when faced with an investigator using words like "murder" or "homicide."'

Your co-worker - again, no skin in the game.  Worse, they're very likely to tell everyone at work what you told them so they have that self-important aura of , "I'm cool because I talked with someone charged with murder." 

A witness - talking to a witness of your actions can only lead to bad things.  The police will ask them if there was any contact between you and the witness.  If the answer is 'yes' - and their statement is beneficial for you - their testimony can be undercut in court by implying you pressured them to testify as they did.

Your doctor - no problem, because of doctor/patient confidentiality, right?  Wrong.  That only extends to the treatment they give you, NOT to the events that led up to the treatment.

Your nurse - ditto to your doctor.

A paramedic - if you're being examined on-scene or being transported, just because this person is saving your life doesn't mean they're your friend.  Like friends, neighbors and co-workers, they've got no skin in the game, and will testify to everything you say.

Your social media world - if you post your story on social media without your defense attorney first approving what you're saying, you're probably too stupid to own a firearm.  Seriously, whatever you post can and will be used as a lawful statement - even as a confession.  Step away from the keyboard!
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The list seems pretty inclusive.  Any ideas for others that shouldn't be included in your calling plan?  Your defense attorney is the only person to whom you give all of the details.

Got one on retainer yet?

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Copyright 2014 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Five "A's" Of Self-Defense

In my various Safety Awareness classes, I've got a set of rules, so to speak, that I teach my students.  Each group or trainer has their own "gig" and emphasizes different points and priorities.

It's similar to the various Firearms Safety Rules.  The NRA has their three primary rules.  Another organization may have 4 rules, some use ten or more.  Regardless, they are all trying to impress different ways of being safe with a firearm.

I found this article, ("The Five “A’s” of Self-Defense") that I thought I'd share.

Acceptance - Coming to grips with the fact that you CAN be assaulted.  Too many folks are simply unwilling to accept this premise.  Somehow, they feel that because they, "live in a good neighborhood" or have nice friends, they're somehow immune to an attack.  Not so.

Awareness - ALWAYS keeping your head on a swivel when you're out in public.  Pay attention to folks that are paying attention to you!

Avoidance - I've noted here before that the best place to be during an emergency is... somewhere else!  Keep abreast of what's going on in your local area.  Are any protests being planned?  How about a big-news trial verdict - especially those with racial overtones.  And, of course, stay away from areas or neighborhoods with high crime rates.  Why ask for trouble?

Action - Sometimes, despite your best intentions and planning, danger still finds you.  ALWAYS have a plan for defending yourself.  If you can, carry a handgun, pepper spray, stun gun or some other defensive tool that can allow you to come out unharmed if a larger, stronger or numerically superior group attacks you.  As it says at the top of this page, "YOU are responsible" for your own personal safety.

Aftermath - I tell all of my students - whether they be in a gun, pepper spray or stun gun class - expect to be arrested if you've hurt or killed someone in self-defense.  Even if that incident happens in your own home.  The police see someone dead or harmed, and they MUST investigate what happened.  If you've got it in your head that you're going to be arrested, you're less likely to resist the police, and end up being charged for other infractions.


Accept The Challenge

It's all about planning and preparation.  Caught unaware or unprepared, you are more likely to make mistakes and use poor judgement.

Run through scenarios that could happen BEFORE they happen.  What will you do if someone grabs you from behind?  From the front?  Busts into your home?  Runs you off the road?  Pulls a gun?  Pulls a knife?  Are you alone or with others?  Any kids around?  What is on your person or nearby to act as a weapon?  Where are the exits?  The choke-points?

Think through your steps before you're forced to enact them.

Financial Disclosure:  I'm now part of a group that provides financial protection to folks that use a firearm for self-defense.  Click here for more information.  If you decide to get a membership, I will receive ongoing compensation for this.

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Copyright 2014 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Your Revocation Of Consent

If you destroy a free market, you create a black market. 

– Winston Churchill

I'm in the process of putting together a book on making money - part of my whole, "Multiple streams of income" philosophy.  In the introduction of the book, I discuss the concept of real money, how it gives you flexibility to buy what you want, how it's a compact store of wealth, etc.  Money is a good thing.  It only becomes that evil root when you earn money simply for the sake of earning money.

I segue into non-traditional economies - the main focus of the book - and rhetorically ask the question, "If money is so great, why would I want to take a step backwards to barter, trade and the like?"  The answer is taxation and regulation.

A snippet:

Now, you need government permission (and are required to pay fees for the privilege of obtaining that permission) to start a business, to buy or sell goods and services, to add a room to your home, to talk on the phone, to heat your home, to watch cable TV, to use the Internet, to own a dog, to drive a car, to catch a fish, to have a lemonade stand, to get married, to smoke a cigarette, to cross a toll bridge, to hunt a deer, to make alcohol, to have a garage sale, to float your boat. It never ends.

All of these things reduce the value of your labors. Look at your pay check, and see how much, "comes off the top" - 10% to 30%. Look at your sales receipt when you buy something, and see how much more you are required to pay for the privileged of buying that product - 6% to 10%. 

Some taxes are hidden. The next time you buy gasoline, look at the pump, and it will tell you how much tax is added to each and every gallon of gas you put in your car. Look at your cell phone bill, utility bill, water bill, garbage bill, mortgage payment - almost any bill. Taxes and government fees abound. 

Economists estimate that in 2013, the average American will pay 59.7% of their income to some sort of government tax, fee or fine. That means you are working 7 months out of every year to pay for government.

If you earn $20 per hour, government gets $11.94 and you get $8.06. Nice, huh?

I'm peppering the book with subject-applicable quotes, and was surfin' the web looking for Founding Father quotes regarding their intent when constructing our nation and its Constitution.   No way was it their original intent to have this suffocating level of government.  My go-to guy for this kind of information is James Madison - considered The Father Of The Constitution.

Once again, he did not disappoint.

It seems that in 1793, as a result of a slave revolt in Haiti, shiploads of French citizens looking for sanctuary - and money - were dumped on our shores by the French navy.

During the Third Congress in 1794, the US treasury was being asked to appropriate money for these folks, and Madison was having none of it -

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.

Love it.  But I wanted some context.  The statist bastards nowadays will take a Madison quote out of context, and use it to support their point of view.  I want none of that.  I want to know what was going on at the time - what was the debate?  I found something called, "The Annals of Congress".  "The Annals were not published contemporaneously, but were compiled between 1834 and 1856, using the best records available, primarily newspaper accounts." of each of the first 18 sessions of Congress.

Mr. Madison wished to relieve the sufferers, but was afraid of establishing a dangerous precedent, which might hereafter be perverted to the countenance of purposes very different from those of charity. He acknowledged, for his own part, that he could not undertake to lay his finger on that article in the Federal Constitution which granted a right of Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.  And if they broke the line laid down before them, for the direction of their conduct, it was impossible to say what lengths they might go, or to what extremities this practice might be carried.

Wow.  Checking in with the Constitution to determine if a proposal was, uhm, constitutional, regardless of how good it feels.  What a concept.  Then asking, in essence, "If we start down this road, will it ever end?"

I guess we all know the answer to that question.  I wonder how the folks living under King George's rule would have reacted to nearly 60% of their labor being taken by government.

I don't need to wonder at all.

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As with any taxing or economic-control scheme, there is a threshold of pain the taxpayers will endure.  People will pay for roads, and local police, and the military, and the court system.

Many are FINALLY questioning their continued mandatory financial support for militarized police departments, secret security courts, "legal" checkpoints, "authorized" eavesdropping, "policy compliant" body cavity searches, "economic justice" cash transfers, and monarchy-like Executive Orders.

These all sound a lot like mid-1700's America - with a 21st century paint job.

People - slowly - have begun to withdraw their support and consent.  They simply won't play the "Pay Up" game any more.  They're actively looking for ways to bypass the standard economy.  They'll hire a guy from the Home Depot parking lot to clean their yard instead of hiring a government-approved contractor that's got to charge double the amount to pay for his government approval.  For skilled trades, they'll speak to their friends to get a referral for a plumber, auto repairman, electrician, small engine mechanic, house painter, roofer or sheet-rocker that does jobs, "on the side".

Instead of hiring, "a friend of a friend" sporadically, it's their first option.

They'll do for themselves.  They'll build their own guns in garage workshops instead of going through the onerous and intrusive state and federal gauntlet required to own a gun.  They'll brew their own hooch on the back porch instead of paying inflated prices due to unseen alcohol tax stamps and labeling requirements.

They'll grow their own vegetables and raise their own chickens instead of buying "fresh" food affixed with government stamps of approval.  They'll reload their own ammo instead of becoming a victim of government ammunition dictates which can leave their ammo store shelves bare.  They'll preserve their surplus food for later consumption instead of buying government approved food that contains "acceptable levels" of bug and rodent parts.

Every time they do this, they know that, in addition to saving themselves some money, they are simultaneously starving the beast of government.  If the government has less food to stamp, fewer guns to approve and less liquor to regulate, they'll have to increase the tax on all of those things.  Government won't shrink, it will simply increase its cost.

This action will incent more folks to join the non-traditional economy.  It always goes this way.  Taxation and regulation reduce consumption... but not demand.

They, too, may join the ranks of the Skilled Tradesmen offering their goods and services, "under the table".  Perhaps when they build that gun, brew that hooch, or raise and preserve that food, they'll make a little bit extra - and realize the full rewards of their efforts from selling their goods and services.

Once they get this taste of economic freedom, they'll get very resentful.  Resentful for how long they've accepted what was dished out.

My personal epiphany came in 2008.   A group of us flew to Las Vegas for my oldest son's 21st birthday.  On our way home from Vegas, I had a vantage point in the airport that looked down at the neat lines of the nice, compliant, oh-so-sheepish people obediently consenting to the waiver of their fourth amendment rights.  It looked like a dairy with all of the compliant cows queuing up to have their teats pulled.

And I saw I was one of them.  Well, No mas, baby.  No mas.  I haven't flown since.

I've revoked my consent.  Unless it's literally a life-or-death situation, I will not fly.  I will not take a bus or train for the same reason, as the TSA is now managing the security for those modes of transportation as well.

My consent revocation - in the big picture of things - isn't diddly squat.  I'm just one guy.  But I now first look for goods or services "under the table".  My norm has become using barter and trade.  I literally "shop" at garage sales, bazaars and Craigslist every single week.

Now, if we all did this - or at least more of us - things might change.  Us "makers" would continue to prosper, but the "takers" would flounder.  There would still be enough tax flow to pay for legitimate government, but much would need to be pared back.  Obviously, voting for this change to happen won't do a damned thing.  Only our direct, individual action can have any impact.

The choice is yours.  You've still got time, but the clock's tickin'....


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Copyright 2013 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

The Benefits Of Following The Rules

Many years ago, a buddy of mine sent me this photo -

Any guess what that might be?

It's a hole in the ceiling in his finished garage.  Put there by a 12 gauge shotgun blast.

In my NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation class, we focus on 3 primary gun safety rules:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until you're ready to shoot

I stress, ad nauseum, that the one rule that can NEVER be broken is rule Number One.  You can inadvertently hit your trigger, you may not have verified for yourself that the gun is unloaded, your gun can have a mechanical problem - a million things can happen to cause the gun to fire - but if that muzzle is always pointed away from people or animals, the worst outcome will be a repair bill.
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I recently attended a hunter safety class, and one of the instructors told a similar story.

A friend of his was teaching his grandson how to smoothly "sweep" his pump shotgun when hunting birds.  Apparently, there is some size and model of flashlight that will fit into the barrel of a shotgun.  The friend and his grandson were in a bedroom with the lights off.  The flashlight was turned on, and they were sweeping the barrel along the joint where the ceiling meets the wall.

They had verified that the gun was empty and had been doing the drill for a while.  The grandson handed the shotgun to grandpa, who noticed a piece of broken rubber band in the receiver.  He removed the rubber band, and they resumed their practice.

As the grandson ended his sweep, he pulled the trigger and BOOM! the shotgun fired. 

It seems that the grandfather had lent the gun to a friend a few years earlier.  What they believe happened was that near the end of the day, the borrower had reached into his pocket, grabbed a shell - and an unintended rubber band - and loaded the shell into the tube magazine.  The rubber band held the shell in the front of the magazine.  A visual inspection would indicate the gun was empty.

When the grandson was doing his dry-fire drills, the now years-old rubber band loosened, and the shell got chambered.

Grandpa has to buy a new flat-screen TV to replace the one mounted on his wall, as well as having to fix up some wall board.

But his grandson doesn't have to live with the nightmare of having shot his grandfather (or vice versa).
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My buddy called the police so they didn't respond to a "shots fired" call in his residential neighborhood.  The officer gave him a good dose of guilt trip, but didn't cite him or confiscate his gun (shocking, considering this all happened in the SF Bay Area of California).

Sometimes it takes a near-miss to focus our attention - as it did for my buddy.  Sometimes it's worse.  In my classes, I use many examples of people being killed or maimed because The Rules weren't followed.

Use these stories to remind yourself to follow The Rules each and every time you are near a gun.  They are simple, but they are life savers.

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Copyright 2013 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. Please note that in addition to owning Bison Risk Management, Chief Instructor is also a partner in a precious metals business. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Hear, Speak, See and Report No Evil

I had planned to do a post about some very good news that's happened in my life.  I'm going to share it, at the bottom of the post, but I heard the following information, and it cast an ugly pall on my mood.

It is going to be interesting how all of the parties involved in this bastardization of America try and slime out of this.  Hell, they probably won't even need to try.  It was a bear trying to find stories in the press about this.

No one seems to give a damn.

First, a little reminder -

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset. My Administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use. Executive departments and agencies should harness new technologies to put information about their operations and decisions online and readily available to the public. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public feedback to identify information of greatest use to the public.

The Obama Administration posted this on the Whitehouse.gov site - it's still there, in fact - at the beginning of their tour of duty.  He even commanded the government's chief technology officer to build systems within 120 days to git 'er done.

I've kept a copy of the website page, in PDF form, because I'm guessing they'll remove or update it pretty soon.

Why?  Because of this -

The Securities and Exchange Commission apparently no longer has to comply with requests for information from the public, including those filed under the Freedom of Information Act, because of a little-noticed provision in the new financial regulations that became law last week, the Fox Business Network reports.

The law exempts the S.E.C from disclosing records or information derived from “surveillance, risk assessments, or other regulatory and oversight activities.” Given that the S.E.C. is a regulatory body, the provision covers almost every action by the agency, lawyers told Fox Business. Congress and federal agencies can request information, but the public cannot.

Wow.  Kinda goes 180 degrees opposite from what they promised, huh?

I seem to be saying this a lot lately, but, how can this be?  This is not America.  This is some bad parody of the former Soviet Union or Communist China.

We have states and cities passing laws making it illegal to photograph and video police officers - our employees - while they are doing their jobs.  We've been told for years that the reason the government can put video cameras wherever they wish is because we have no expectation of privacy while in public.  Yet those same rules don't apply to government officials.

Our employees at the SEC can now do as they please, and not have to worry about having their (in)actions reported to the world (I'm sure the porn industry is glad to hear this, though...).  We, on the other hand, have reports sent to some government bureaucrat when we take out more than $10,000 of our own money from our own bank account.

Mark my words - this continued usurpation of our freedoms coupled with an ever expanding and secretive government, is going to result in violence.  I don't know if it's going to pop this year, next year or sometime after that. 

But I fear it won't be long.
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Now, for the happy-feet news - puttin' my money where my mouth is!

I've long been a proponent of having multiple streams of income.  If you can swing it, have as many sources as possible so that you are not out on your butt if one of them goes away.

Well, I'm putting that to practice.  In addition to my Emergency Prep/Personal Safety/Firearms training biz, I and a couple of partners are opening a business that is near and dear to my heart:  Precious metals.

We've negotiated the lease and should have our doors open by the first of September.  We've already got some business lined up (yes - all permission licensing is in place) and are expanding and firming up our business contacts.

I'm not going to go into great detail about where our business will be located, and the details of what we'll be doing.  I need to keep a "firewall" between the two different businesses for a number of reasons. 

I'll continue to talk a lot about PMs on this blog, but they'll all have a footnote about the business.

Now, if I can turn my 30-year beer brewing hobby into a business, I'll have a trifecta!  Bullets, Bullion and Brew?

Accept The Challenge

I must say, I'm at a bit of a loss about what to do with this continual growth of government and the chipping away of our rights.  I worry that we're past the point of recovering our Constitutional Republic.  We're devolving deeper and deeper into an oligarchy that has limitless powers.

I'm a bit numb.  Regardless of how we vote, regardless of what we're promised, regardless of the fiery speech and protestation, the downward spiral continues.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worse. It sounds so trite, but it's the starting point for a plan.  Assume that government growth and control will continue.  Assume that if the Republicans regain power in Congress, nothing will change. 

Assume your taxes will increase.  Assume your buying power will be decreased. 

Assume you'll need to recognize and deal with dangerous situations you never dreamt you'd see.  Assume 9-1-1 won't be answered.

Assume family and friends will never be more important.  Build or rekindle those relationships.

Get yourself mentally prepared.  Head on over to Behind The Parapet and read MikeH's 4-part series (I, II, III,IV) on The Warrior Spirit. 

Time to saddle up, folks.  And bring a cushion, 'cuz it's gonna get bumpy...

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Copyright 2010 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Practical Defensive Pistol

Based upon student feedback, we've added a new class to our curriculum, Practical Defensive Pistol.  As we note,

This intensive, 5-hour Advanced class is limited to 4 students per session.  In it, participants will learn 13 practical shooting skills and tactics for self-defense with a pistol.  The class culminates with two scenarios where these skills are combined and utilized in mock defensive situations.

The classes start in May, and require the students to meet various experience and equipment requirements.  If you're in Northern California and interested in developing self-defense pistol skills, click this link for additional information.

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Please click our advertiser links. They pay us so you don't have to. A click a day is all we ask! Copyright 2010 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Outside of the Comfort Zone

I'm quite excited.

The owners of the gun range where I do the bulk of my teaching - Center Mass Shooting Range in Vacaville, CA (gotta love that name!) - had mentioned that they had been getting a number of inquiries from customers about learning how to use their guns in a practical way.  Primarily for home defense, but also for concealed carry and any other defensive situations.

We scratched out some ideas together, and I developed an outline.  I used my IDPA experience as the primary reference.  It is focused on practical skills, not on the speed and flash of IPSC (no offense to IPSC shooters!).

Defensive skills using regular, off-the-shelf handguns.

Yesterday, I did  a dry run with 3 students.  It went very well.  The experience level was from rookie shooters to years of experience.  They ALL loved the class!

It will take most folks out of their comfort zone - but that's the idea.  Learning how to perform under a variety of different scenarios that you just can't replicate or practice in a normal shooting range setting.

We'll be offering the class to the public in May, and will likely do a discounted "early bird" class for past students of my other classes before that.  We're still working out all of the details.  I'll post more information as we get closer to "game time".

Accept The Challenge

Developing new skills is so important for all of us.  The skill category is almost irrelevant.  Whether it is developing new shooting skills, or experimenting with ways to make water potable, we need to push ourselves into being able to function in circumstances that are not optimal. 

We need to be able to adapt.  We do that by developing a broad set of skills.  Some may work in one situation, others may not.  The whole, "arrows in the quiver" thing.

Sticking with the shooting meme, if an armed intruder is in your home, it will be unlikely that they will remain stationary - allowing you to line up your sights and carefully adjust your grip and stance.  You and they will be moving, and they will likely be shooting AT YOU!

You need to have a broad set of skills to address the situation.  Off-hand shooting, shooting from behind cover, moving and shooting, and reloading, to name just a few.

Push yourself.  Get uncomfortable.

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Please click our advertiser links. They pay us so you don't have to. A click a day is all we ask!

Copyright 2010 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Joining California Prepper's Network

I am honored to have been asked to contribute to the California Preppers Network.  They are the California state site of the American Preppers Network.  I'll be doing at least one article a week over there, in addition to my regular posts here.

All you California Preppers out there - be sure you're reading CPN on a daily basis.  The rest of you - get to your state site, or the APN site.  We've all got to stick together!

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Please click our advertiser links. They pay us so you don't have to. A click a day is all we ask!

Copyright 2010 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Physical Stamina

It has been a hectic couple of days, and will continue through this weekend.  I'm going to "cheat" and post the latest installment from our weekly Personal Safety Newsletter.

Physical Stamina For Self-Defense

Note:  Before starting any exercise routine, be sure you're physically able to perform the work-out.  If you have any doubts whatsoever, first check with your doctor.

It's the new year, and I'm sure the last thing you need to hear is one more person getting on your back about staying fit.  Maybe losing a couple of pounds.  Perhaps giving up smoking.

Sorry, I'm going to do it anyways!

On our website, at the very top of our home page, we have a link to a page called, Unsure you need training?  Give it a click and take a look.

The page is about taking personal responsibility for your safety, but in it, I ask readers to take a little test.  A physical fitness test.

Here's something I want you to do as long as you don't have some sort of medical condition that prevents it.

Get a kitchen timer, and set it to 4 minutes.  Push the button and do a non-stop exercise that uses your upper body - push ups, pull ups, sit ups.  Do them as fast as you can for the entire 4 minutes.  Non-stop, not slowing even for a moment.

The purpose of the test is to demonstrate - best case - how long it can take for a 911 Emergency call to get a response.

But it will also demonstrate how difficult it can be to do a strenuous physical activity - such as defending yourself - for a relatively short period of time.

It all boils down to two items:  Strength and Cardio.  A very good exercise that can help with both items with the same exercise are burpies.

They involve a squat-push up-jump routine.  Here's a quick YouTube video demonstrating the technique.

You are building strength in your upper body, legs and torso.  The jump also incorporates a type of exercise called plyometrics - generally speaking, these are jumping exercises that really get your heart rate going!  A side-benefit is increased flexibility, as you are using your entire body in this exercise.

If you're a bit out of shape, start slowly and build up your repetitions. 

Doing light workouts with dumb-bells also helps to keep arms and shoulders - the primary muscles you'll use in a self-defense situation - in "fighting shape".  The same goes for good old push-ups all by themselves.

These exercises can be done on your family room floor - no need to join a gym.

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Copyright 2009 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Shameless Plug Alert!

With 2010 rapidly approaching, it's time for a new calendar.  Lucky you!  We can help with the Life and Liberty Insurance 2010 Calendar.

You can have one in your hot little hands by clicking the Life and Liberty Insurance image in the left hand column, and forking over a mere $6.

And don't worry, you'll be in good company.

Office workers have 'em -

Auto shops have chosen them instead of the usual Pin-up girl calendars -

Even the very seat of American power has one -

 All the Cool Kids have one!  Show your unabashed support of your Second Amendment rights and put a couple of bucks in our pockets.

Order them for your acquaintences that perhaps don't see things quite as clearly as you do:

• The local Brady Bunch mouth-piece
• Sheeple
• The guy that wets himself each New Years and Independence Day when the fireworks go off
• Statists
• Commies
• People who think calling 911 will keep them safe from the guy kicking in their front door
• Your favorite "reporter" on the NY Times, LA Times, Washington Post or SF Chronicle
  

The list is endless and has the potential to make us fabulously wealthy during this Christmas season. The economic recovery is up to YOU!  Share the wealth while you still can!

Get 'em a mug and T-shirt while you're at it.  Don't be so cheap!

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Copyright 2009 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com