Fellow Patriots,
Good morning, all you happy Patriots. We thank you for your continued support and time to read, email, text, and visit our website. The motivation is the belief we are helping one person at a time. We never know when the clock will strike zero. Keep charging.
Please continue keeping our fellow Patriot brothers and sisters in your prayers. We have several folks who are battling health issues or dealing with a spouse with major health issues. Prayers are powerful and I know these folks would appreciate them much. Thanks!!!
Thanks to everyone who responded back to my email request. I should know an answer to my question by mid-week coming up.
With that said... Let's get moving...
(Reader advisory - This site, the author/owner and the contents of this site are for reading pleasure only. We are NOT responsible for your feelings, happy or sad. As always, take what you want, throw away the rest and apply to your own preparedness as you see fit.)
Thoughts for the Week -
Life continues to pass quickly it seems. Never a dull moment. Ms. Lucy and I are winding down summer and talking about autumn, family visits and road trips coming up. Where to go, what to do, and trying to get family time when possible. Personally, I don't like to rush life but it seems life is rushing me.
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If you have been reading the Patriot Express News Letter through all 19 editions, you will have noticed me testing different formats. Email version, website version, additions and subtractions of headliners, longer version and shorter version. I'm trying to find a good balance to offer what folks email me about, use time management, and listen to suggestions. Ms. Lucy offered me some sound advice recently and as always, I listen. So, I am trying a shorter version with less headliners. We will try this for few weeks to see how it goes. The new version is about 40% less material. I would appreciate any feedback you would offer to what you the reader wants and likes.
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Festus and I continued work on the new classes for Heritage Life Skills 2020 to be held in Waynesville, NC the first weekend of May 2020. We continue building task and scenarios for the attendees who sign up for the Preparedness series (101, 102, and 103). It will be an excellent learning opportunity and a good chance for folks to work together as a team. One of the things we hope to achieve is demonstrating team building and sharing skills between each team. If you plan to participate or think you will participate I would encourage you to get a head start by reading one or all of the following: J.W Rawles - The Patriots; Glenn Tate - 299 Days series; or A. American - Going Home Series
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We had a great trip to northern GA over the weekend to visit two Patriot families. Great people and great conversations. Thank you for your hospitality and the bonding we continue to develop. We shared great discussions on; faith, the future, financial investing during turbulent times, securing homes and safe rooms, food preparedness, solar, land development, those who prepare and those who talk about it, and shared concerns of the future. Good stuff. Building trust and new Patriot friendships is awesome. It's always our pleasure to spend time with like-minded Patriots.
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It has been about four months roughly since Heritage Life Skills 2019 and it's great to see how folks in different regions who attended HLS now meeting and building teams in their areas. I have traveled to their area and met with the team one time and hope to meet with them again in the next few weeks. Meeting, building, bonding, communicating, learning and trusting... This is good stuff.
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Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes are with one of our Patriot families who will be relocating their family across their state to set up a new home and life. You are making positive steps to offer your family better preparedness abilities and opportunities. We are happy for you all. Ms. Lucy and I hope to cross paths with you in the near future. Youare doing great things. Keep charging.
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Back in my formal life in uniform, I was sent to Thessaloniki, Greece in the early part of 1999. I arrived in Athens, Greece and met a group of gents and we caravanned to Thessaloniki, arriving after midnight. We traveled in civilian clothing and used civilian passports entering the country. We checked in to our lodging location and settled in around 2ish AM. We had a simple tasking...to walk a few blocks to the port and monitor the scheduled protest by locals against U.S. Navy ships possibly coming to port. This was days before the conflict in Kosovo started. We walked out of our location around 730 AM and was greeted with a banner hanging across the street in front us that read "Murderers of the People, Amerikanos GO Home" It was signed by the Greek KKE, which was the Greek Communist Party. Our question was how did they know we existed. We ventured a few blocks towards the port and mingled in to the gathering protesters. Within an hour, there had to be 100,000 protesters chanting and waving anti-American and anti-NATO signs.
Many of the gathered would be Albanian refugees who had fled Kosovo as the Serbs and Muslims fought. By noon, or four hours later, there had to be 300,000 to 500,000 people massed by the port. It took at least four to five hours to work our way through the mass of people to extract from the scene and gain another vantage point to observe. We continually adjusted our position but the masses gathered faster than we could adjust. My point is, numbers gather quickly. Had this been a violent mob style protest we would never have survived. You do not want to be caught in this situation on foot or in a vehicle. You will have no control over your situation.
If you read the Woodpile Report by Ol' Amos this week you found a very good analogy and recommendations for a potential Civil War II. Here is the link - http://woodpilereport.com/. If you have attended any of my training, or read my book, or read my blog, you will find my thoughts and suggestions along the exact path in the article. That being, think outside the box and learn to recognize threats before they happen. Know triggers to look for and immediately start to disengage from your environment and extract from the situation. If you are in to preparedness and have your own plans in place, you will be part of the 5% group that will do these things without thinking.
We currently live in an environment where cities, big and small, are target zero and the most likely launch pad. They are a ticking time bomb. Multi-cultural, socio economic depression, citizen vs police, co-dependent on the system, public transportation dependent, payday-to-payday dependent, ... So when the system fails, banks stop distributing money, trucks stop delivering fuel, food, medicines and other vital goods, businesses lock their doors, police barriers are up and blocking streets and riot patrols are surrounding you, what is your plan? Think of the Wal-Mart on the day the EBT cards failed to work. But on a massive scale with hundreds of thousands of people. No wait, maybe millions of people. All modes and means of transportation to move resources in to a city will stop. You should be well extracted from the city environment before these things happen. Stay away from crowds and people.
Remember me discussing the highway infrastructure? How most cities offer a beltway around the city and how easy it will be to shut down beltway and lockdown the city? Especially once law enforcement heads home to protect their families. My point is not only can law enforcement lock down the beltway but so can the bad guys. This is another reason to get out fast and ahead of the events before they happen. Think ahead and run scenarios to possible threats and then test your plans, alternate routes for a vehicle and on foot.
If you are new to Preparedness, think about this, for those of us who have been preparing for several years, we had to read between the lines and plan accordingly. Now, at this moment, it seems everyone is talking about violence openly. Main stream and alternative, everyone is talking about it. Other than a date, time and location, how much more does a person need presented to catch on?
Discussions recommend you get out of the city and suburbia to a rural area as quick as possible. This is where the you want the ability to survive a 12 month or longer period out of site away from civilization. This is part of your preparedness steps that you have hopefully completed or are well on their way.
Well, I suppose we need to get the presses rolling forward.
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Something You May Want to Keep On Your Radar the Coming Weeks - From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-08-21/war-drums-us-navy-ready-venezuela-conflict-says-top-commander - Things are moving and shaking down south of the border. Many eyes are focused on N. Korea, Iran, and Afghanistan. But one should watch news and events closer to home.
Just "Sayin" of the Week - Don Surber - DonSurber Blogspot - https://donsurber.blogspot.com/2019/08/drudge-goes-all-in-for-warren.html - The numbers posted in this article aren't surprising on any account. President Trump draws large crowds with big numbers inside and outside the arena. What is surprising in this article is the host stating Matt Drudge is in the tank for Elizabeth Warren. Personally, I stopped reading the Drudge Report a few years back. I'm a big reader of comments to anything I read and the comments to this article I find very interesting.
Funny of the Week - One must ask, "what does Trump 2020 "Keep America Great" theme have to do with the movie, The Purge - Election Year? The movie theme was "Keep America Great." The Producer, Jason Blum, a Trump hater, heard President Trump comment on the 2020 Campaign slogan and borrowed it from the Trump Campaign team. During an interview off set from another Blum production, Jason Blum said "I would take out the current administration" ... Wonder if this qualifies under the new DHS guidance for hate and threats?
Article of the Week - From JW Rawles - Survival Blog - https://survivalblog.com/letter-compsec-warning-windows-10-updates/ - I'm not posting this as an anti-Kim Komando post but more so to share the information JWR shared on Windows 10 updates to your operating system. One would probably have to me mid-level or higher IT smart to understand all of it but if you are operating Windows 10 you may want to take notice.
Product of the Week - From Samantha Biggers - Backdoor Survival - https://www.backdoorsurvival.com/the-best-window-security-film-and-why-it-matters-2/ - I recently had a discussion with one of our Patriot families on bullet resistant glass vs other alternatives when cost, how it is being used in a security application or practicality of BRG vs other solutions offering protection. I have used many options when building security plans to protect federal facilities. The link above offers other options to consider. Another option not mentioned in the article is something called Blast Resistant Curtains or blankets. Again, depending on how you want to incorporate glass protection in to your plan should determine the level of what you need. If I'm on the exterior and at ground level, it would be easier for me to hurt you through the first floor glass vs if you are on the sixth floor and I am on the exterior ground level. The type of protective glass you need is different on the sixth floor vs first floor. Also keep in mind, bullets are not the only reason to consider protective glass. Explosions within 100 ft of your glass would turn the shattered glass in to flying toothpick sized torpedoes. Just something to think about. https://blasttac.com/bullet-resistant-curtains/ Blast blankets can be used in numerous scenarios and situations. Having a blast blanket in your Safe Room or automobile could be something to consider.
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Preparedness News -
1. Prep School Daily - https://prepschooldaily.blogspot.com/2019/08/does-it-really-have-to-be-manuka-honey.html - Excellent article on honey. Manuka Honey or not? Good point of view here.
2. From KJ Barber - Ask a Prepper - https://www.askaprepper.com/bean-and-rice-survival-soup-easy-and-adaptable-recipe/ - This is a good plan to store your beans and rice. I took this route years back when bulk storing our beans and rice. Easy process and simply way to get some food stored in your plan. Low cost as well.
3. From James Dakin - Bison Prepper -http://bisonprepper.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-kingdom-for-freeze-dry.html - Great article on food preps for your food plan and storage. If you scroll down to the "Forget pinto and lentils" paragraph and read James recommendation on soy beans. One of the big deficiencies in food plans is we stock volume and forget quality and the long term impact on our bodies. Protein is important and especially if we are conducting a lot of activities daily.
4. From George Harris - Shooting Illustrated - https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2019/8/12/how-long-can-your-keep-your-magazines-loaded/ - This is certainly different from other things I've read on life durability of magazines loaded.
5. From Backdoor Survival - https://www.backdoorsurvival.com/mre-comparison-mre-star-vs-western-frontier-warfighter/ - Good information on MRE's, both civilian and military style.
6. From Bob Rodgers - Prepper's Will - http://prepperswill.com/preparing-for-a-natural-disaster-easily-at-home/ - Since turning up the needs for preparedness in my personal life, I now often wonder why folks ignore and delay basic steps to prepare their family and home. Having completed numerous FEMA classes and obtained a national certification from FEMA, I understand how the local and federal systems work. In training classes and my book I have shared this with others. Self-reliance is the way to go.
7. From Nicholas Oetken - Urban Survival - https://urbansurvivalsite.com/budget-friendly-knives/ - Good article, especially for folks who aren't up-to-speed on the basics one should consider when shopping for a knife.
8. From Mac Slavo - SHTF Plan - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/ultimate-prepping-how-to-survive-when-the-cities-burn_08202019 - This may seem like the theme lately in many of my post and comments. Food, water, shelter, and security are the basics. Helping you plan to think outside the box and have a Plan A, B, and C, can be more time consuming and requires evergreen planning to adjust to constant changes you may deal with. I realize life sometimes controls a person or families ability to leave. Finances and being close to retirement are other controlling factors. But, I look at California today and wonder why so many people are willing to pay out of control taxes to live in a rat infested environment. Diseases are surfacing and growing weekly. Crime is escalating. Homelessness is out of control while the state government has no answers other than to raise taxes. This is why I question the mindset of many. We are on the outside looking in to this fiasco and wondering "why do they stay?"
9. From Survival Life - https://survivallife.com/emergency-food-pets/ - In the years of preparing, teaching classes, discussions, and reviewing other websites, few consider and/or offer plans for pets. I'm not sure if it's overlooked. Or if the plan is to feed the pets dehydrated foods? A pet dog is an added mouth to feed and extra weight to add their food and water to backpacks. But, a dog is an extra set of eyes and ears to provide early warning to threats approaching your location. A dog can be a deterrent as well.
10. From SHTF Preparedness - https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/how-to-make-acorn-coffee/ - This sounds pretty good. I believe during a long term grid down situation folks will be looking for any and every way to find something other than straight up water to drink. This would be a nice treat.
Other worthy news from the week -
1. From Mike Adams - Natural News - https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-08-18-prescript-assist-probiotic-supplement-lead-heavy-metals-aluminum.html - I don't know if you use the Natural New site with Mike Adams. Mike does excellent work and provides solid information based on his own studies as a chemist.
2. From Vanderleun - American Digest - http://americandigest.org/wp/the-spin-cycle-race-hate-rinse-repeat/ - I could post 100 links weekly to the topic everyone seems to be writing about. Race wars. Take notice and prepare yourself.
3. From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-08-17/trumps-farm-bailout-flows-city-slickers-dc-lobbyist-and-farms-golf-courses - This may seem alarming to many and it should be, however, this is not new under the Trump Administration. The same practices occurred under the Obama Administration equally. I can't speak for the Bush Administration. We once watched video of an Alabama family who grew five tomato plants in a brick flower bed attached to the front of their house and received farm aid under the previous administration. I don't blame either President, I believe recipients simply abuse and take advantage of any federal dollars ...until they are caught.
4. From Paul Joseph Watson - Summit News - https://summit.news/2019/08/20/miss-nevada-banned-from-entering-miss-america-over-her-support-for-trump/ - I suppose the 1st Amendment plays no role in this? Imagine, a young lady who is on her game politically and told she wasn't qualified yet a bikini wearing young lady who rocks her head and tells the world why global warming is the most important subject since she was 3 is highly qualified. The new America. Welcome!!!
5. From Martin Armstrong - Armstrong Economics -https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/taxes/cities-are-harassing-homeowners-with-excessive-fines/ - As the cost to cities to survive and the price tag of "free" stuff grows upward, the number of working class families leaving high tax states, the search for more money continues to grow. The answer, you. Let's tax you. Why should you keep 30 percent of what you work for? My question is "why would you want to stay"? Taxes. More taxes.
6. From Jeffry Bartash - Market Watch - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-created-500000-fewer-jobs-since-2018-than-previously-reported-new-figures-show-2019-08-21?mod=MW_story_top_stories - Often, folks take the initial quarterly Government report and it's gold. What they don't know or realize most often the government comes back and provides an adjustment to the previous reported numbers. There is nothing worse than buying a beautiful cake from the bakery and bringing it home for a special occasion and find out it's dry and flat on the inside. This is often the case, regardless of party, in reporting the quarterly numbers. Okay my Patriot friends, stretch your arms, legs, and brain.
7. From rom John Whitehead - The Rutherford Institute - https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/american_apocalypse_the_governments_plot_to_destabilize_the_nation_is_working - Great article. I think the fox may have won this round of the Fox and the Hen House.
The Patriot Express must move ahead. See ya next Saturday. Thanks for your time to check out the weekly paper. Stay safe this week. Things are getting crazier and crazier around us. Dust off your plans and adjust accordingly.
Keep charging. Have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Bravo Echo Out
Ms Patty, glad you like it now. Trying to make it more reader friendly. I sent you the link....did it not work? Keep charging and be safe this weekend.
I like the new format. It's just enough for my busy life.
I even found it all by myself.