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Writer's pictureButch Erskine

Patriot Express Newsletter Edition #150

Fellow Patriots,


Greetings and welcome to the Patriot Express Newsletter Edition #150. Thanks for stopping by to spend a few minutes with us. Your time is valuable, and we appreciate you choosing to spend it with Hope for Survival. It is hard to believe Hope for Survival has delivered the PENL for 150 straight weeks without delay or missing a week. Thanks to everyone who continues to stop by and check out the weekly edition. Hopefully you are getting something from the information provided and it piques your curiosity enough to go research a topic further.


Anyone else put on their full battle-rattle to prepare for the imminent war with Russia over Ukraine? I was getting really tired having to wear it all 24-7. My phone never alerted me to the attack order or recall back to active duty either. Yes, I'm being a bit sarcastic. Okay, I'm being completely sarcastic. Why? Click bait hype, fear porn, and propaganda at its best. I'm not faulting the listeners on any account outside of taking advice from folks who offered advice from past experience. Two major clues offered intelligence to actions ahead. Keep in mind, Ukraine is about 43 million in population. You don't invade a country with 150,000 troops (Russia).. Second, you don't fight a war with or defend an invasion by 150,000 troops with a measly 10,000. It would be suicide. As we always say here at Hope for Survival, stay grounded and be on the lookout for fear porn. If you listen to the war drum to long it will soon become your heartbeat you are hearing from stress and anticipation of something likely to not come.


Okay, let us move along.


Just for fun...


Can you break the code? If so, email me your answer. Do NOT put in the message block. Each week the coded puzzle will get harder.


This week's code is: 5-3-5/1-4-2-5/4'-4/5-1/4-5-3-1-3-4-5-5/1-3-5/4-5-5-5-3/4-5-5-5-3-5/4-5-4-5/4-5-2-1-5/1-4-4/4-5-1-5-4-4./ Good luck!!!


Thanks to the two HFS Patriots who broke the code on last week's quiz. The correct answer was "Get your canning lids and jars now."


Okay, let's move along. First a few business items and promoting HFS.


Thursday Zoom Rallies – We had a HFS Zoom Rally #82 on Thursday night having had the special event last Thursday evening with Dr. Millar. Great guest and information. This week we covered a few past atrocities against humanity and a few preparedness topics. Thanks to everyone who could attend.


Communications: You can now follow HFS social media on the following outlets:


Facebook – Hope for Survival

YouTube Channel – Hope for Survival

MeWe: - //mewe.com/p/hopeforsurvival2

Parler - Preparedness101


Connect and give me a shout. Share with family and friends.


Guest and Newcomers


If you are a guest or newcomer to the HFS journey, please check out this link for additional


Hope for Survival books: You can obtain information on the two HFS books at this link: Survival, Preparedness, Disaster Management for individuals or family (hopeforsurvival.com)


Hope for Survival - How Food, Water, Shelter, and Security Could Save Your Life (Book 1)


Hope for Survival - The Mindset (Book 2)


Heritage Life Skills 2022 - Waynesville, NC, May 20-22 - Class schedule and signups will be coming soon. Make your plans now and don't miss this great event in beautiful Western, NC. I will post links to information and signups once available from Carolina Readiness Supply.


We must make this brief public announcement to protect the innocent.


Ding, Ding, Ding....Attention HFS readers..... Opinions shared in this newsletter are just that, opinions, and nothing more. Read at your own risk. The owner and author of this site is not responsible for hurt feelings or thin-skinned readers. I do my best to show restraint and respect to the best extent possible. I take as many precautions as possible and try to remain as nonpolitical as possible, however, there are times when I just can't help but point certain things out. Occasionally I use words only Patriots recognize and understand. It's not personal against any non-Patriot. It's just the truth. Sometimes we must pull up our spenders and suck it up. Just saying. Stay the course, read what you want, and avoid the rest. Avoid fear porn as much as possible and the day will be okay. When all else fails… Keep the faith and always have Hope.


Let’s move along and get to some thoughts...


Thoughts for the week


From the Freedom Truckers in Canada to the war mongering around Ukraine, the tempo of craziness continues. Personally, I do believe many are missing the biggest news of the week that was revealed in the John Durham investigation report. Will anyone go to jail? The odds are unlikely at this point but if this drags out, and it likely will, if midterm elections take place and the R side takes back control of the House, we can hope continued trials will happen. It doesn't take much effort to track the rabbits to their original holes to find how corrupt Washington really is. The same many who is trying to get us in a war in the Ukraine theater is also a key player in the Russian probe and spying on our former President. No wonder he wants us in another way.


I say this as an American, not a Democrat or Republican, it is a crying shame when another political figure is allowed to use listening device technology and covertly hacks into the White House servers before the 2016 election and after the former President was in office, to spy. Not just illegal eaves dropping but using Federal Government agencies to assist in the operation that was completely made it. With this being known and documented now, would you trust the government when they try to convince you Russia is about to invade Ukraine?


The more that time passes, and we citizens dig deeper into the treasonous acts our government has committed against "we the people" the more convinced I am the system needs a complete overhaul. I know many citizens are happy go lucky and they don't care how bad politicians mess them over as long as they get their check on time throughout the month. They could care less, and we have lots of citizens who feel defeated daily, and they just try to survive with what they have because it has always been the way it is. They don't care and politicians know they don't care and trade off free money and benefits for votes.


We can argue and debate voting machine problems, corrupt workers at the voting booths, bad candidates, and voter ID, but the honest truth is we are stuck with corrupt politicians. Not all, but those in powerful seats and powerful financial backers. Getting Americans at the local level out of their recliners and involved at their local level is not easy. They are highly educated from YouTube University and it's just that simple. Sadly.


I have mentioned in past PENLs a book I read years ago titled The Year of the Rat, How Bill Clinton Compromised US Security for Chinese Cash by William C. Triplett II, 1998. I was still on active duty and a few years before retirement. This book opened my eyes to a lot of unthinkable treasonous steps by the White House and staff at that time. It seemed almost unthinkable what was happening and that our own government was selling top secret weapon system information to the Chinese Government for cash to fund a second term in office. Do you realize how many Americans are punished and jailed annually for mishandling, abusing, and selling classified information?


I am currently reading a great book by Peter Schweizer titled Red Handed and it is a New York Times #1 Best Seller about How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win. Fellow Patriots, you are being told to keep your mouth shut and not comment about Covid or the 2020 election yet these politicians, music, movie, and professional athletes, are all milking the U.S. taxpayers and selling you out to China. We are at sea on the world's largest barge heading across the ocean to the land of the unknown. The barge captain and all his mates jumped overboard and left us to crash. I am putting this as mildly as possible.


The elite are pocketing millions of dollars, selling off our military and technological secrets and enjoying their lifestyle of the rich and famous while we are locked in our home, wearing a mask with our cat and dog and wondering when it will ever end. The old "shut up and color" routine is their favorite line and we have become experts at it. The only time these thieves stop to take a break is when new laws are needed to tighten to the noose around our neck.


Through all of the past three weeks of conspiracy building and this week's discussion on the U.S. First Bank of China owned and operated by U.S. Politicians, I can't get an old quote out of my mind from Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger back in 1970 when he said "“Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control the people.”


We have been and continue to be sold out at every possible exit. If this doesn't convince you to get your life and faith straight, I don't know what will.


Next ....


Preparedness Levels and You - In my first book, Hope for Survival - How Food, Water, Shelter, and Security Could Save Your Life, I covered preparedness levels, what they mean, how you should be familiar with and know when to transition between each of the three stages.


Level 1: Short Term


Short-term problems are those which are normally short in duration. They are events that clearly have an expected resolution to them via society’s normal mechanisms, and it is just a case of waiting for the issues to be resolved. A short-term storm that turns to a medium or long-term problem still originates as a short-term problem.


An example of a short-term problem would be an ice storm, flood, or power outage. Such events could inconvenience you for an hour or two up to perhaps a week or two. Lesser events to consider are having your car break down on the side of the road late at night or getting stuck in the elevator at work after business hours.


When these types of events occur, your response to such challenges generally do not require evacuating your normal residence. In the preparedness world, we call this “bugging out.” By definition, any Short Term/Level 1 events are ones which do not require you to leave home. Hopefully, when we get to the Risk Analysis section, you can identify these types of potential short-term type events, and through the process, identify where you may need different levels of mitigation to protect you and your family from the event.


Level 2: Medium Term


These are obviously events which are graded higher in impact than Level 1 events. These events are labeled Level 2 events because you will need to possibly abandon your day-to-day residence and move elsewhere such as a pre-identified location that some call a “bug out” location. Level 2 events will totally disrupt your region and your way of life, and it will be more open-ended in terms of when and how matters will return to normal. The event may be caused by a natural type event such as a solar storm creating a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that wipes out the power grid. The event could be an economic collapse in the national or global economy.


Level 3: Long Term


As Fred Sanford (Red Fox) used to say, “This is the big one.” Like a heart attack could be the end all event, a Level 3 event is a societal break down. If you wonder what this looks like, take a look at Venezuela today. A once rich nation with people somewhat prosperous is now converting to cannibalism. In a Level 3 event, something occurred that destroyed much of the infrastructure not only in your region or state, but most of the United States and possibly the entire world as we know it.


A type of event with the potential to launch a Level 3 could be a bio-disaster such as a flu pandemic. Sounds scary and something of a movie, huh? Do some research and see how close we have been to this in the last decade. How about a global conflict, or an EMP pulse, or any one of many other events? You are not yet reduced to a stone-age life-style, but you have no idea when you will be able to resupply any of the items you’ve stockpiled, and so your focus now is on sustainable ongoing self-contained living.


Transitioning Between Each Level


You may be wondering how you will know when to transition from each level of preparedness. This will depend upon three things: the event, the reactions or responses of citizens and/or local, state, or federal officials, and where you stand in your preparedness.


When you assess your status at the time of the event, you should have a grounded starting point to make a judgement assessment. For instance, if you have a solid five-year supply of everything on your inventory logs, you could classify yourself being at Level 2 for about any event during the five-year period. But if you have less than a five-year supply, then you are forced to adopt Level 3 measures according to your plan, even if the event seems likely to be resolved within a year.


The bad news is if you are only prepared for a Level 1 event, then you are at risk because you are under stocked and not ready for a Level 2 or 3 type event. You should feel some level of panic at this point because you will have a difficult time sustaining your preparedness resources for the duration of the event.


Where each level progresses will be dependent upon how nonthreateningly society degrades without totally falling apart. Rampant lawlessness will be an early factor to monitor, but if support mechanisms remain in place, you may be in luck. The event could stay between a Level 1 to Level 2 type event. That could be wishful thinking because if society explodes, then even a manageable Level 1 event that is survivable will progress to Level 2 status due to the need to evacuate the city, if you didn’t already. Again, you must recognize trigger events and quickly decide if it is time to bug out.


One of the keys to preparedness is not only stocking and having the resources, it is educating yourself through reading and monitoring your area, state and nation, and knowing trends and the temperament of the citizens. Was it calm before the storm? Or, did the citizenry’s temperament elevate before the actual event took place? Watch for flare ups that could ignite additional circumstances, changing a relatively mellow situation to a fire burning Level 2 that escalates to Level 3 quickly. If you are the leader of a group, you may be the one to make the call triggering a bug out.


When my circumstances required me to bug out under most circumstances because I lived and worked in two different locations. I had a trigger phrase that only a select few know. When they received this predesignated phrase from me, they knew I triggered the bugging out process. They would know that I was mobile to the point I would possibly have to transit on foot. I would then engage a phase of my family communications plan for periodic exchanges at set times, while implementing my “Bugging Out” plan to my alternate location. They had copies of the codes and maps that I had built for the three routes identified to use, based on how soon I could depart on my route.


I identified my primary and alternate routes and estimated distance per day. I constantly monitored local and regional news to identify changes to laws, road changes, road work and detours, or areas I may have to detour around during inclement weather. One of my routes took me through an elevated area adjusting the outside temperature lower by 10 degrees compared to the surrounding areas. This could require additional cold weather gear during winter months. In these conditions. More weight equals additional weight to carry if on foot.


I also tagged the map to show where I would most likely leave a mark or sign while traveling through in the event I did not arrive at the rally point. This would identify my last location. A marking would be a tree, a sign, a building, or something that would most likely not move and remain.


Here is an example of what I am talking about. Let us use Chattanooga, Tennessee as our starting point. This is where you will start your mobile or walking efforts to reach your destination. You will identify a primary route and alternate route from your starting point to your destination. If possible, you may want to consider a third route as well. You need to study your routes and identify obstacles along the routes such as water, bridges, high traffic areas, crime areas, small towns, and so forth.


If possible, you would go drive the routes in the day and night hours to determine your ability to transit both mobile and on foot. I used the goal of ten miles per day to be conservative. Some days could be more or less dependent upon health, weather, threats and obstacles you may face without prior knowledge. You can determine your own code system using the alphabet, sports teams, numbers, or names. This could be easier or hard based on the number of miles you must travel.


So let us say you use animals. Then take the first letter of each animal name to be the order of the alphabet. Example of this would be Ape, would be A, Baboon would be B and Crocodile would be C. A comes before B and C. If you are using the daily average of ten miles, then after three days your code on the map would be Crocodile. You will have traveled 30 miles at this point where you tag your overhead map. So, if your overall trip is fifty miles, you would have Ape, Baboon, Crocodile, Dog, and Elephant or any animal with the applicable starting letter of A, B, C, D, and E. Remember, keep it simple. You would then set up your map one page per day, paper or digital, to show your destination each day. I use one page per day so I can zoom closer to the surroundings on the page to let someone see what I would be near. If this is the last place you physically mark when passing through, this will be the place your trusted agent will start looking for you.


I would hate to think you walked 50 miles of your 100-mile distance only to be kidnapped by Zombies from a local 200-person town and no one knows where to start looking for you. If you set up a plan showing primary and alternate routes, town by town, and a trusted agent has a copy of your plan with maps, they have a good starting point to start looking for you.


Just a thought, now the rest is on you. What will you do about it?


And those are my thoughts for the week.


Preparedness News


1. From UK Prepper - How To Make The Ultimate Bug Out Bag - ukprepper.life - The author offers some interesting points in the article on Bug Out bags.


2. From Ashley Adamant - Practical Self-Reliance - 30+ Heart Recipes (Nose to Tail Cooking) (practicalselfreliance.com) - I know, some will beat their foreheads sore flapping and batting eye lids saying "oooohhhhhhh" no way. If cooked right, a slow cooked cow tongue is some of the best eating you can do. You would never know it isn't beef roast unless told.


3. From Diane Vukovic - Primal Survival - Freeze Dried vs. Dehydrated Food: The Unbiased Answer (primalsurvivor.net)Freeze Dried vs. Dehydrated Food: The Unbiased Answer (primalsurvivor.net) - Interesting points by the author. Personally, I think this is a personal choice based on availability, time, storage space, available funds, and resources available.


4. From Di-Anne Seebregts - The Homesteading Hippie - 28 Beekeeping Mistakes to Never-Ever Make * The Homesteading Hippy - I'm finding more and more families getting involved with bee keeping.


5. From Tim Gamble - Dystopian Survival - Dystopian Survival : Getting Ready For War: 12 Things To Do NOW - I think most of this advice is good for day-to-day preparedness planning. I would probably have left the war part of the title off.


6. From Ashley Adamant - Practical Self-Reliance - Fig Jam (practicalselfreliance.com) - You guessed it, I couldn't pass this one up. I LOVE fig jam. Have you ever tried it? About an hour before bedtime have a warm biscuit with some fig jam and a glass of milk.


Other News -


1. From David Hendrickson - Real Clear Politics -Why Washington Has Lost Its Mind Over Ukraine | The National Interest - Outstanding article. Why is the US pushing for war in the Ukraine when the rest of the world is wondering why? Great read.


2. From David Hawkins - Slay - Ex-DNI Ratcliffe Warns Hillary Clinton: Intel Docs Support Multiple Indictments in Durham’s Probe - Slay News - I know, you know, the world knows....but what will the DOJ and authorities do with the evidence?


3. From Emma Colton - FoxNews - Biden's economy drags US to all-time low in Heritage freedom index rating | Fox Business - In order to ensure we distribute credit where credit has been earned, we should stand up, smile, and go shake the hand of a Brandon voter. In basically 13 months we have witnessed going from the global leader in oil production and a booming economy, to a crashing economy and over $3.00 per gallon for fuel.


4. From Congressman Madison Cawthorn - Revolver News - Madison Cawthorn Reveals Regime’s “Jan 6 Plot” to Crush MAGA and Remove Him From Office - Revolver - Excellent read on the Jan 6 fiasco that took place in Washington DC. Still waiting for government representatives, Dem or Rep, to stand up and voice violations of the Constitutional rights of those being held. Over one year and the crickets remain in charge.


5. From Paul Sperry - NY Post - Most Democrats want Hillary Clinton investigated for any role in Russiagate scandal: poll (nypost.com) - Keep in mind, this poll was taken prior to the most recent John Durham investigation revealing Hillary Clinton's camp paid to infiltrate Donald Trump Tower and White House. This is a massive claim from the Durham investigation. Wonder if Mr. Trump regrets not locking her up. Hmmm.


6. From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - Free Speech Becomes Roadkill In The Crackdown On Canadian Truckers | ZeroHedge - Ahhh, a direct hit to suck the air right out of the motivation and effort of the Freedom Truckers. No money, no continued growth or sustainability. Those who make the rules and laws can easily cut your freedom of speech, movement, and capabilities. Get used to it. (Thanks Festus for this submission)


Drum roll...........


That's all my Patriot brothers and sisters.


Prayers - Please keep our great nation, our elected leaders, military and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. We pray for good health and wisdom. Please pray for our leadership to find answers and guidance to the problems facing our great nation. May your faith remain strong and answers to the unknown provided. God is good and may our prayers blanket and protect you and your circumstances. I pray for each, and every one of our Patriots.


May we pray for all the blessings and things in life to be thankful about and continued hope for revival around the world. We must continually pray for the unsaved, our family and friends who live each day without the protection for eternal life and salvation.


The struggle with Covid-19 continues as several HFS families are going through the protocol to recovery. From Central Alabama to Huntsville, Atlanta to Western North Carolina, Patriots are still ill and attempting to recover from illness. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. If you have been down this path you know it is not over when the protocol ends. We pray for your strength and quick recovery. Take care of yourself and focus on you through this process.


Please keep our Patriot brother in Huntsville, AL in your prayers as he faces medical decisions and some tough decisions ahead. Keep the faith, brother.


Please pray for our Patriot sister from Northern Alabama and her family as they deal with multiple personal and health issues at this time. We are thankful for our sister's safety and health endured in a five-car vehicle crash.


Even with all the worldly challenges, struggles, and heartbreaks we must always give thanks for the blessings in our own life and our family each day. Life can be hard and sometimes unfair to us, but we still have many things to be thankful for each day. We must not forget them.


We all must pray strong and often for the citizens of our great nation. Many of our sisters and brothers are struggling daily with things they witness, encounter, and are surprised with out of the norm. Many times, we are in unchartered areas, however, we still must keep our faith and focus on the big picture. Our prayers and faithful strength together will be required often to battle the evils being thrown upon all of us minute by minute.


As Patriots we must stay strong and never give up. Our home, community, and nation need us now more than ever. Stay focused on your local community and things that will impact you around the nation. Don't allow the events around you to create fear in your life. Build your own self-reliance and focus on hope. Remember we are a blessed nation, and we must continue to be great people today and make a better tomorrow. Keep charging.


Blessings,


Bravo Echo Out,








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