Author Archives: Cal

Homegrown Terror – I Never Thought We’d See it Here

Naive…maybe.  I never claimed to be the most informed or wise individual who ever walked on two feet.

Other than understanding that nutcases have always walked among us I didn’t really expect that we’d see acts of terrorism on Canadian soil. Of course, I’m not completely ignorant nor looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses.  After 9-11, I think we all expected more terrorist acts after that tragedy but in the ensuing years they didn’t materialize.  So, an obviously misguided sense of security took hold of me, largely based on the notion that “No one hates Canada, we’re the good guys!”  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Just our existence as an ally of the United States and Britain and of course the fact that we’re not a Muslim governed nation, make us a target for acts of aggression.

The senseless murders of two Canadian soldiers on home soil should be a severe wake up call to all of us.

People will try to dismiss the perpetrators of these vile acts as mentally unstable individuals. Somehow trying to disassociate the lunatic with any ties to a “legitimate” terror group.  Not an Al-Qaeda or ISIL cell member?  Who cares?  What does that matter?  Who radicalized the lunatic is not as important per say…as the fact that they were radicalized at all.  Obviously, the vile spew and influence of the jihadist movement has reached over our fence and influenced weak-minded individuals or emboldened closet jihadists to take up their cause.  Either way, it’s bad.  Real bad.

As we’ve now seen since our own taste of jihadist madness, Australia and France have now tasted the bitter pill as well.  It’s safe to say I think…Game On! and all western, democratic nations beware.

How our governments react to these threats will be the very tricky part.  Will they allow the threat of terrorists to infringe our freedoms and allow more police and government agency trampling of our rights?  Will those people who mistakenly believe it is the governments’ responsibility to protect them at all times allow the erosion of our freedom in favour of perceived security?

I hope not.  I hope that we maintain our collective cool.  We will be playing into the hands of these vile, hatred spewing nutcases when we start to unravel our own democracies out of fear.  Binding ourselves in laws and giving away our freedoms with the hope that the government and its agents will do right by us all.

One final thought; lots of banter about free speech and freedom of the press since the Paris attack on Charlie Hebdo.  Though I am not personally familiar with the publication, it seems that Charlie Hebdo is known for producing inflammatory material to many different groups.  From what I’ve read, I don’t think Charlie Hebdo is my kind of reading…whatever.  But for anyone to insinuate that the anger they inflamed, and it turning to murder, is in anyway understandable is reprehensible.

Is it understandable that people were angry and disliked the materials?  I think that’s quite normal.  I am allowed to dis-like it as much they are to like it and produce it.  I can choose not to look or read if I wish and just ignore it.  That’s the beauty of democracy and freedom.  Now, did the people at Charlie Hebdo poke the bear who doesn’t share their belief in free speech?  You bet they did.  Is it worthy of death? Hell no!  Is it a justification or even a lame excuse? No way.  But, what sets democracy apart from all other ideologies is the fact that we get to choose and choose on so many levels.  But with freedom comes inherent risk.  So we accept those risks if we choose to reside in the free nations.

The people at Charlie Hebdo must have known they were taking their lives in their hands by producing what they have. Right?  Did they?  I honestly don’t know.  If they knew, I’d commend them for their courage…I think.  If not, maybe I’d scold them for being naive.  Unfortunately, freedom isn’t an impenetrable shield from pyschos who do not share your views or beliefs.

 

High River, the “Abolished” Long Gun Registry & the CFP

So, what are we Canadians supposed to think?  What are we to make of the recent developments regarding the so-called “abolished” Long Gun Registry, the smashing of personal liberty in High River, AB and the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP which is administered by the RCMP) nearly criminalizing thousands of legitimate gun owners with the stroke of a pen?

In my humble opinion, something smells bad…really bad.  Not so unusual though, it is emanating from Ottawa, the headquarters of Canadian bureaucracy.  Consider this term “Bureaucratic Dictatorship”…look it up and tell me you don’t see the makings of a disaster.

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Sample Letter to PMO or Public Safety Minister

Good afternoon Honorable Minister,

I am writing to voice my support for a full review, repeal and replacement of all our current legislation concerning firearms and ammunition in their entirety.  The current limitations and restrictions do nothing to protect the public from those who choose to do violence on their fellow citizens.  Criminals will continue to access and use non-restricted, restricted and prohibited weapons, magazines and ammunition at will.  Our current laws only prevent the responsible, trained, licensed and law abiding citizen from legally obtaining them.

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CFO Letter Example

An example of a letter for you to send to your provincial Chief Firearms Officer

Dear [Provincial CFO],

I would like to thank you and the Conservative Party of Canada for the effort that was put into the dissolution of the Long-gun registry, and further efforts that are being put into restoring civil rights to firearms owners. I have, along with my family, voted Conservative (if applicable) in all elections, and will continue to do so while the party protects the rights of their citizens in all regards.

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First Look – IWI Jericho 941(Baby Eagle II)

I just recently brought home my newest acquisition and couldn’t be more pleased.  I purchased my 9mm Jericho 941 from Wanstall’s in Maple Ridge and was thoroughly satisfied with their service and helpful advice.  I have to admit that their store is addictive for me and I’d soon be broke and divorced if I spent anymore time and money there than I do now.  Nothing like getting up close and personal with all kinds of awesome hardware!

Anyway, pics are where it’s at so, I’ve included a few.  One of my favorite things about the Jericho 941 RPL or full sized model is the large, molded grip.  I have larger mitts I guess and I like the bottom of the grip on a handgun to come to at least the bottom of my hand or slightly past; which the RPL model does.

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Notable Quotes on Liberty, Politics & Firearms

“The sentiment that modern day ordinary Canadians do not need firearms for protection is pleasant but unrealistic. To discourage responsible deserving Canadians from possessing firearms for lawful self-defense and other legitimate purposes is to risk sacrificing them at the altar of political correctness.”

-Judge Don Demetrick-

“I think that every true reformer, every real friend of liberty, will agree with me in saying that if we must erect safeguards, they should be rather for the security of the individual than of the mass, and that our chiefest care must be to train the majority to respect the rights of the minority, to prevent the claims of the few from being trampled under foot by the caprice or passion of the many.”

-Sir Richard John Cartwright-

“Firearms, especially long guns, occupy a noble place in Canadian history since they are no doubt responsible for the exploitation of a vast and wild territory that had long remained untouched. From 1534 until 1979 (!), the importance of firearms remained uncontested.  More than a simple tool of everyday life, they became truly a phenomenon of civilization. At all times and whoever he was, the Canadian was directly in contact with firearms, and he cannot be imagined otherwise. Even today, this symbol of liberty remains intimately related to wide, open spaces, and to a tolerant society.  It is the distinctive mark of today’s America and yesterday’s America. Here, in New France, let’s repeat it, it is not only soldiers and nobles who have the possibility or privilege to bear arms. Century-old Canadian customs recognize equally to everybody the legal and moral right to acquire a firearm and to use it freely and non-coercively.”

– Russel Bouchard-

“Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.”

-Abraham Lincoln-

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

– Benjamin Franklin-

“Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.”

-Ronald Reagan-

“Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.”

-Ronald Reagan-

 

What are your goals for the coming year as related to Self-reliance, Personal Sovereignty and Security?

Striving for Self-Reliance

The process of becoming more self-reliant or sovereign is not a short one if you are of average or even slightly above average income and means.  This process can be as involved, costly and complicated as you make it or it can be relatively simple depending on your goals.  It starts with the right mindset and a commitment to making it a reality in your lifestyle.  Be assured this is a lifestyle, not something you do for recreation.

I believe the thought processes involved in leading a person down this path of greater self-reliance are complicated.  It also requires one to be a bit of a critical thinker and at least partially capable of seeing issues from an objective viewpoint rather than just subjective.  Far too many of us, myself included, find ourselves totally wrapped up in day to day living, taking care of business and we at least temporarily lose sight of the bigger picture.

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Choosing a Handgun – A Firstimer’s Experience

The Preamble

I should state up front that although I am not new or inexperienced with firearms, I am however new to the world of handguns.  Ever since I can remember I’ve had a distinct fascination with guns in general and pistols are no exception.

I had the privilege of growing up around firearms, primarily rifles and shotguns.  I remember the first time I heard the report of my Dad’s .30-30 Winchester Model 94 lever gun…I was probably five years old and was hooked!  I shot .22 short as a young kid at camp and had a .177 cal AR-15 style air rifle from about 10 years old.  I had toy guns galore and I used to shoot my air rifle with great enthusiasm as a young fella.

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Choosing My Rifle and Caliber – Or did it choose me?

I purchased my first Remington at the tail end of last winter.  I wasn’t sold on one manufacturer or particular model of firearm.  I was looking to upgrade from my old right hand Savage Model 340 in 30-30 Winchester to something left handed, faster, flatter shooting and a more modern style.  I inherited the Savage from my wife’s grandfather several months before he passed away from cancer in the mid-90’s.  It always was and still is more of a sentimental hand-me-down than a useful hunting rifle due to the fact it’s the wrong hand for me.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 30-30 cartridge.  In fact, if you were taking a deer under 200 yards, which is more the norm than the exception I understand, then 30-30 is the perfect round.  It has much less recoil than larger caliber rifle cartridges (that I can verify) and has more than enough kinetic energy due to the 150 grain or especially the 170 grain bullet to take a large buck in one shot…even with a poorly placed shot.  Sounds like my kind of cartridge!

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Question: What Are The Top Five Must Haves for your BOB (Bug-Out-Bag)?

The five items you need to have with you for bugging-out BOB or for emergencies

My top 5 never change much – except for the time of year:

#1 – Water filtration / purification tabs (summer #1 / winter #2)

#2 – Fire Starter or Tinder & Striker Kit (winter #1 / summer #2)

#3 – Knife (tactical folder)

#4 – Space blanket (will double as a poncho to keep the water off too)

#5 – Emerg food / water rations (small packs)

What’s in your bug-out-bag?