Reverse jihad coming?

It has been nine years since the worst, most audacious (now who does that bring to mind) attacks on American soil in peacetime history. Many on the Left, including our insane government, continue to apologize to Islam and to repeatedly insult us as though we were the real provocateurs.

Of course, there are those provocateurs who either cannot see the illogic and danger of their actions, or they cannot see over the top of their own ego. Take Florida Pastor Terry Jones, whose ill-conceived threat to burn the Koran on 9-11 has inflamed Muslims worldwide - as though they needed any actual reason. Pastor Jones "reached out" to Imam Rauf in what was (widely) advertised as an attempt to stop the construction of the Ground Zero mosque.  But apparently Jones' bluff has been called, and after predictable flack from the president, General Petraeus, the liberal media and even a few sane minds, he has backed off of his promise to torch the Muslim screed. 

So, again, the fact that the proposition to build that mosque in that location as a slap in the face of Americans gets a free pass and is defended by the top level of our own government, while even a muted protest by one publicity-seeking Christian pastor is looked upon as an assault on Islam itself.  This is just one more indication - and there will be many more, to be sure - that there is absolutely NOTHING we can do, short of total surrender or total destruction, to mollify the Muslim mind. We seem to forget that "Islam" is Arabic for "submission".

Apart from most of our armed forces (the individual grunts, not necessarily the senior officers), many veterans, and a relative smattering of hardcore, Never-give-in type A's, most Americans follow the "10-80-10 rule," also known as the 'normalcy' bias, meaning that 80% of the population would sooner sing the praises of Mohammed than raise a finger to stop the spread of Islam and the future terrorization of every aspect of life.  The life of every great civilization has always depended on the roughly 10% of the population that will go to any length to do what they consider the "right thing," including fighting for the survival of the nation and their families. More Muslims seem to be of that 'type A' mentality, but are actually reflecting the social mores of their culture, which seems to breed an attitude of arrogance, moral superiority and a general disdain for civil intercourse and mutual consent.

I think we may be entering a time when the American psyche has had enough. We've always been a fairly patient and moderating people, but every so often there comes a point where we consensually draw "a line in the sand" against those who try to bully us.  Islam is rapidly and repeatedly crossing that line, as though intentionally trying to push us into a severely reactive mode. Perhaps one day they will push just past the 'tipping point' and will find us no  - longer willing to give ground to them any more. After September 11, 2001, America pulled together, licked our wounds, and demonstrated our resolve by reminding the world that the terrorists weren't the only ones capable of 'shock and awe.' But then, the government was on our side.

Now, our own government has - literally for all intents and purposes - joined the enemy, and that puts us at a severe disadvantage, as it hobbles our rights and drains our resources, even as it forces us to be even more dependent on it for protection, support, and our day-to-day sustenance (it is gaining increasing control of our healthcare, food supply, and economy as it grows the police presence exponentially - even as it refuses to properly guard our borders).

What form will our counter-rebellion take, as we grasp once again the power of the people our Founders entrusted to us?  I don't know. Perhaps it will be massive, passive resistance as Americans, fed up with the temper tantrums of Muslim malcontents, begin to boycott the Muslim-operated businesses that funnel billions of our devalued dollars to the coffers of terrorist organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood and their more political sychophants such as CAIR.  Perhaps it will be a political groundswell against some outrageous action by a Muslim against an American woman or child. Or maybe it will be a massive armed civilian retaliation against an equally egregious violent attack against a shopping mall or school.

Regardless of the instigation, there will come a response, and it will come like a tidal wave. Innocent people will get caught up in it, as always happens. I find myself in a precarious "fight or flight" mentality. I yearn for peaceful resolution, but I realize that in this world, some folks absolutely refuse to cooperate with peaceful coexistence and the common good. I also understand that every religion and every sect, and every denomination in the world is convinced they have the right answer.  In the end, there can be only one Truth, and it will be interesting to see whose (if any) it is.

Meanwhile, and while we still have time, I strongly urge everyone to make their best possible effort toward protecting their family. If you can, move to a more secure home; begin to gather supplies for longer-term survival in the event the supply chain breaks down. Learn basic first aid, combat-oriented self-defense (instead of flowery 'sport' martial arts), firearms handling and general survival techniques, and build solid relationships with others who have complementary skills.  And don't assume you're simply going to move in with the neighborhood "survivalist" when the feces hits the ventilator, because odds are he's not going to hold an open house for people he doesn't know, can't trust or depend on, and who arrive empty-handed and empty-headed.  Let me put it another way: how much do you really care about your loved ones?

And lest you think being a Christian puts you above such matters, consider the following:
Proverbs 6:6-11  -- Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep - so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 -- To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, a time to heal; a time to break down, a time to build up...
Luke 22:36  -- Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."
1 Timothy 5:8  -- But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

Bend over!  If we're not more careful, every American (except the power players and their minions) is going to be broke, silenced and absolutely enslaved, because the phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely" may never have been so true in this country as it threatens to become now.

Apparently, Team Obama is now plotting to introduce a 1% "transaction tax" that will siphon off a penny on every dollar for every transaction you make through a bank, credit union or other financial institution. That may not sound like much, but it's going to feed the government coffers like a (and I hope the weight-challenged will forgive me) fat man at an open buffet, and it's that much less for you to feed your family with. If you cash a check for $100, you will give the government a buck, for nothing. Or, if you're really in a conspiratorial mood, it will help finance more government control against you. Sort of like feeding your fingers to the lion that is sitting on top of you, isn't it?

Out of the Frozen Wasteland

Reporting from the frozen Northeast! We've just ended our participation in the latest event celebrating global warming.

Just kidding. After two and a half days, we finally had our power restored after the recent ice storm that paralyzed millions in the Northeast. Many thousands are still without power. Crews are working heroically to get things back to what we sardonically refer to as 'normal'.

It reminded me of my younger days when my buddies and I went winter camping, only this time my unusually patient wife and I were watching our frosty breath in our own living room. I've always had an interest in survival, and this was a good practical test. Thankfully we survived. No electricity (and no heat), but we did have hot water thanks to a gas water heater, and we were able to use the gas range for simple cooking, although the oven has an electric gas valve and was of no use. We were sleeping with flannel sheets, three blankets and a quilt while wearing long-johns, and I wore a wool cap to keep my dome from freezing (did I mention how much I hate the cold?). Most of our refrigerated food went bad because I neglected to simply open the door to keep the food cold. A real 'duh' moment.

To keep from going stir-crazy we spent the afternoons touring malls and visiting friends who happened to have a generator (and heat). Stepping out of the hot shower in a cold bathroom was an adventure while getting ready for church Sunday morning. I've never seen such dense fog indoors. If there was any actual heat in the room I'd have thought I was in a sauna.

I hope my wife is no longer annoyed at my penchant for accumulating survival books and camping equipment. All those flashlights finally came in handy, as did my iPod when I used it to pass time with her during the long, cold evenings. We huddled under blankets on the sofa, listening to music and watching recorded TV shows. It helped fill the darkness and silence, and was backdrop for a brief time of real intimacy as we teamed up to battle the frigid winter nights.

For me, the best part is that we didn't take the easy road out by going to a public shelter. That's not to say I wouldn't if it really came down to it, but we chose to hold out, the two of us. I think that's a part of our American (and a bit of Canuck) heritage I don't want to give up; I don't want to become dependent on the State for our survival. I will state clearly that I'm thankful to God for changing my life and giving me the experiences, faith, disposition, patience, sense of humor and wife which all combined to get me and us through this bump in life's road.

Which brings up the topic of preparedness. If you were caught in it as we and a couple of million others were (and tens of thousands are still waiting for a return to normalcy as I write this), being ready for the next time carries a new urgency, or at least, I hope it does. And for those who weren't affected by the storm, take note and make your own preparations, because somthing like it or worse will happen to most of you at some point; especially if government continues its meddling and intrusiveness.

I've noticed that a lot of folks don't bother to stock extra, non-perishable food, extra blankets, an alternate means of heating, first aid supplies, means of receiving emergency information during a power failure, and so forth. This is shortsightedness and can lead to being forced to seek government help in a crisis. Such dependency not only makes you more vulnerable, but it also strains the resources for those truly in need or unable to fend for themselves.

Allow me to make a few recommendations which may come in handy:

1. Study survival under all circumstances; wilderness, urban, nuclear, etc. You can find numerous resources in your local library (unless their shelves are too full of useless fiction and liberal tomes on how little we can do for ourselves without government) or on the internet, such as http://www.lastalive.com/index.htm. There are no guarantees of success in survival, but the guarantee of failure for not trying is virtually 100%. Of course, some people are truly unable to fend for themselves and will need assistance, but if you don't mind trusting your life to strangers (who may not have your personal best interests at heart) and circumstance, be my guest and remain ignorant and unprepared. No doubt, your family will love you all the more for leaving them completely defenseless and contributing to the sense of overwhelming panic and drain on the economy.

2. Get training in first aid, self-defense, and any other skills that you think may come in handy. You don't have to be an expert in everything (or anything), but try to gain at least minimal proficiency in as many skills as possible. By pooling talents with likeminded individuals -- including family members -- you dramatically increase your chances of overcoming adversity, and having companions helps you avoid the lonliness and sense of hopelessness that going it alone often produces. Learning essential new skills can also help you to feel less vulnerable in emergencies.

3. When you go shopping for food, pick up a couple of items to establish your reserves. Getting a couple of cans of soup, beans, fruits and the like each time you go to the market and setting it aside will provide a great buffer against hunger in an extended emergency. Get precooked items that need minimal preparation, and rotate your stock to avoid spoilage. Don't forget to stash a couple of rolls of toilet paper, a couple bars of bath soap, a tube of toothpaste, etc. If you have babies, be sure to stock up on disposable diapers, trash bags, and sanitary wipes.

4. Clean several empty gallon juice jugs and fill them with clean drinkable water. Try to have enough for at least one gallon per day per person for drinking, food preparation and basic washing. Lay in enough for several days. Change the water at least once a year.

5. Gather first-aid items such as antiseptics, bandages, ointments, pain relievers and other medications. Take a Red Cross first aid course, of if you're more ambitious, become an EMT or Paramedic (often, a volunteer fire or ambulance company will sponsor your training if you join them).

6. Take self-defense training that specializes in practical combat techniques, not competition (although the new MMA techniques are aggressive, unnecessary grappling is to be avoided in a real fight -- you want to finish it quickly and get away, especially in the case of multiple attackers). Regardless if you're going to learn to use your body or weapons (I recommend both), train with someone who is competent and who can understand your reason for learning and can teach appropriately. Also, any training is useless if you don't practice. If you are attacked on the street, in your home or elsewhere, there will be no ring boundaries, no rules, no time-outs, and probably no mercy. You must act as though the cavalry is not coming over the hill to save you, because it probably isn't.

7. Start collecting items for light and warmth; several flashlights (and extra batteries), more blankets and pillows than you think you'll need, warm clothing (wool or cotton; no synthetics - they melt too easily). Also stock a few of the chemical light-sticks; they last overnight, are virtually unbreakable and won't start a fire. Stock up on matches and cheap lighters. Get a small propane space heater/cookstove and extra fuel cannisters, but use it with caution.

8. Get fire extinguishers and learn how to use them properly. I strongly recommend a minimum of one 5 lb ABC extinguisher on each floor of the home. Keep it easily accessible, don't store it near the most likely fire hazard, and don't use it as a doorstop or coat-rack. Also keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, if appropriate.

9. Get a battery-powered AM-FM radio to keep in touch, and again, don't forget extra batteries. Try to get one equipped with a hand-crank charger. If you have a cell-phone, get an external battery pack as a backup, and limit use to emergencies.

10. Collect some basic hand tools and learn how to use them for simple repairs. Cordless power tools are great, but keep all rechargeable items charged, even if you don't use them often.

There is a lot more information to learn, but this isn't the right forum. Do the research; not only will you learn useful skills, but you'll build your self-confidence, and may even find it an interesting hobby (that could one day save your life and perhaps your family's).