Five Rules for New Gun Owners

  1. Until proven otherwise, assume all guns are loaded.
  2. When a gun is proven not loaded, assume it is loaded.
  3. Never, never point a gun in a direction where it might hurt or kill someone, even if you are sure it is not loaded. This means you need to be aware of anyone or anything beyond any potential target. By the way, a nine mm projectile can carry on for miles. That is to say, it can remain lethal far beyond that target you missed.
  4. A gun is a good equalizer. A five foot woman can use it to defend herself from a six, six hunk of a man. However, if she is not willing to use a gun in your defense, she should not get one. If she gets one, she is apt to have it used against her. The brandishing of a gun won’t always stop the bad guys. Actually, even shooting a bad guy doesn’t always stop him, especially if he is high.
  5. Do not let the bad guy get closer that ten feet from you. The bad guy can traverse that ten feet in a fraction of a second. Referring to rule four, pointing a weapon at someone does not always stop the bad guys.

Through years of observation, I’ve gained insights into firearm safety, despite not being an expert. The phrase “I didn’t know it was loaded” has become an all-too-familiar refrain, even among those who should understand better. I recall an incident involving a marine sergeant who tragically shot a friend during an ill-advised quick draw game. Another memorable moment from a news clip illustrated the critical importance of maintaining a safe distance: an assailant wielding a knife charged a police officer from ten feet away. The officer fired multiple shots while continuously retreating, and the attacker ultimately fell precisely where the officer had originally stood. This encounter reinforced my perspective on the significance of spatial awareness and defensive positioning in potentially dangerous confrontations.

If only we could universally share this wisdom, preventing others from repeating costly mistakes. Sadly, many individuals seem destined to learn life’s lessons through personal hardship rather than heeding the hard-earned insights of those who came before them.

Investing in basic firearm training is crucial, regardless of your background or intended use. As a veteran, I wasn’t mandated to complete a training course for my carry permit, but I chose to do so and found immense value in the experience. The knowledge and skills gained are invaluable for anyone considering firearm ownership or personal safety. I strongly recommend such training to everyone, even those without immediate plans to purchase a weapon. It’s important to recognize that any object, from a hammer to a baseball bat, can potentially be used as a weapon, underscoring the significance of proper safety education and awareness.

The Amazing Undo Function

As word processing software emerged for personal computers, developers introduced the revolutionary UNDO function, transforming how users interact with digital text. Now, with a simple keystroke, I can effortlessly correct any typing error, instantly erasing mistakes and maintaining the flow of my writing. This feature has become an indispensable tool for writers, editors, and professionals across various fields.

If only life were like that. Can you imagine if Trump could press a couple of pseudo buttons and Obama Care would go away? Another one of those sets of buttons, and the errors of Old Joe would be no more.

Even without that undo function, President Trump has made very large strides in undoing the fiasco of the open border. However, it will take decades to address many of the technical and emotional consequences. There is just no magic wand to wave that will make all the side problems generated, likely intentionally.

Of all that was done by Old Joe, the one that will be most difficult to reverse is the inflation. Think about it. If the prices all are lowered back, that would be deflationary. If through some means he managed to do it, it might even lead to a depression. In this case, the fix would be far worse than the problem.

The long-term solution is simple: provide good jobs by bringing exported jobs home, offer good, inexpensive energy sources, and stop giving jobs to those who do not belong here.

There are other tasks that need to be addressed as well. However, in every respect and at every point, the Democrats are doing all they can to obstruct progress. They are attempting to prevent low-cost fuel. They do everything possible to hinder the deportation of illegal immigrants. And, by the way, they are doing all they can to keep criminals lose on the streets. This certainly does not help the economy.

To be sure, any country that spends more than it receives in revenue will have inflation. It is the primary reason for inflation. It means somehow or some way, spending must be reduced. The best way to reduce spending, whether at home, in business, or in government, is to reduce waste. President Trump tried to do that. You remember the uproar that resulted? Yes. The Democrats didn’t like that either. Actually, there were a few Republicans who objected too. It would seem the desire for free money is bipartisan.

You want to decrease inflation, vote for decrease of waste.

Gambling & Way Back When

I can’t remember precisely. I can only approximate it as it occurred near the time Bill Clinton began his campaign for president, in the early 1990s, perhaps a year or two earlier. Suddenly, a number of people decided we, here in DeSoto County, needed to have a casino or three.

The media’s sudden shift was unmistakable. News broadcasts and radio programs flooded the airwaves with glowing narratives about the potential casino development. Their enthusiastic messaging painted a picture of transformative benefits, promising enhanced educational infrastructure, improved roadways, and a tourism renaissance. While the specific architects behind this narrative remained unclear, the coordinated messaging was impossible to ignore.

In general, I could tell that those behind it all were from north of the state line. It immediately brought to question to me, why don’t they stop trying to run our county? What business is it of theirs whether we have or don’t have casinos.

A grassroots resistance swiftly emerged, primarily mobilized through religious institutions. While avoiding direct electoral guidance, these groups plainly conveyed the potential consequences of their ideological stance.

In the contentious debate over casino development, local churches warned that out-of-state businesses would exploit local economic potential, siphoning profits away from the economy. Casino proponents initially promised local investment and economic revitalization. However, the churches’ predictions proved prophetic. Tunica County permitted it and today, every casino in the county is owned by eway outside corporate interests, rendering the original assurances hollow and leaving the local economy largely unbenefited by the gambling industry’s presence.

In a resounding display of community resolve, Desoto County residents decisively rejected the proposed initiative, voting against it down twice with overwhelming majorities. Faced with such resounding opposition, the proponents ultimately redirected their efforts south to Tunica.

Over the years, the expansive business venture appeared to flourish, with grand casinos emerging and thriving, until recent challenges began to surface and test their previous success.

The other day, I heard that one of the casinos is closing its doors and the rest are having problems. There are not nearly the TV ads from Tunica casinos. My best guess is that the gambling crowd has decided to go to the casino in West Memphis, Arkansas, which is closer. If the pattern continues, the city of Tunica will be smaller than when it first started.

There is one advantage for me and the folks here in DeSoto County. We don’t have to put up with Memphis drivers as much. They’ll be crossing the bridges across the Mississippi instead.

If Only

In moments of passionate conviction, I long to broadcast my message from towering peaks, my voice echoing across landscapes and reaching countless ears. Though such grand proclamation remains impossible, I recognize the power of personal connection. By sharing the facts overlooked by the the thousands with a handful of individuals, my words ripple perhaps to the very borders of the nation. Each listener becomes a messenger, carrying the message forward, and gradually, my words spread as the wind, eventually achieving the same goal.

I’ve repeatedly heard the argument that consumers ultimately bear the cost of import fees. While this perspective is valid, it overlooks a critical economic issue: when foreign countries flood the market with underpriced goods, traditional trade protections become ineffective. The steel and aluminum industries serve as prime examples, where international competitors, particularly China, have systematically undermined domestic manufacturing by selling products at artificially low prices.

With our steel and aluminum production crippled, the US has become the subservient to China. Moreover, if we can’t make stee, we have become reliant on other sources such as China. It is an old trick which has been used by monopolies within the US, oil, steel, railways, etc.With our steel and aluminum production crippled, the US has become subservient to China.

Moreover, if we can’t make steel, we have become reliant on other sources such as China. It is an old trick which has been used by monopolies within the US, such as oil, steel, and railways.

If China decides to become hostile, even in a cold war way, we would be totally at their mercy. We would quickly run out of the materials we need for planes, ships, or even missiles. Under such a situation, we may as well lower Old Glory and raise the white flag of surrender. They could quickly put us back in the Stone Age.

In light of these obvious facts, maybe paying a little more now instead of paying with our freedom later. Some of our industries must be protected. If only I could make that clear to one and all.

Some individuals seem indifferent to the economic implications, which raises questions about the motivations of those ardently advocating for tariff reduction.

Why Pro Trump

When Trump announced his presidential run, I was skeptical. His character seemed questionable, and his pro-choice stance typically would have been enough to make me oppose him.

As I examined the candidates’ positions, my perspective gradually shifted. His resolute approach to border security particularly resonated with me, aligning closely with my own views. Among the contenders, only he and one other candidate shared my stance. Though Senator Cruz remained my preference, especially regarding his pro-life position, I found myself increasingly drawn to the alternative candidate’s platform.

Reflecting on Trump’s account of his personal experience, I found his explanation initially convincing, yet lingering skepticism persisted. His past behavior and language further undermined my trust. In retrospect, I often contemplate whether Ted Cruz might have been a more suitable presidential candidate. Ultimately, the full truth remains elusive, and we may never fully know.

In the face of a polarizing election, my initial choice felt stripped away. Confronted with Trump, a relatively unknown quantity, and Clinton, whose public persona was exhaustively familiar, I felt politically cornered. As the campaign unfolded, my perspective subtly shifted. Trump’s candidacy began to resonate more strongly, while the alternative grew less appealing. Though momentarily tempted to protest by writing in my own name, I ultimately found myself gravitating toward a clearer electoral stance.

During the election, I found myself strongly aligned with Trump’s rhetoric, yet I harbored deep reservations about his character and credibility.

Throughout my years of observation, I’ve consistently maintained that individuals advocating for pro-life positions tend to demonstrate greater authenticity and moral courage. In today’s complex social landscape, embracing a pro-choice stance has become a convenient and socially acceptable narrative, which I characterize as fundamentally endorsing a culture of termination. The genuine commitment to protecting innocent life requires a deeper ethical stance and personal conviction.

Trump’s unwavering commitment to the pro-life movement demonstrated a principled position that demanded respect. His apparent sincerity on this issue suggested a deeper integrity that could potentially extend to other aspects of his political platform. By taking a clear and potentially unpopular stance, he showed a willingness to stand by his convictions, which was noteworthy in the complex landscape of all the political discourse.

Looking back, it was clearly true. No other modern president can claim such close adherence to his promises. While he couldn’t completely follow them all, it is not for lack of effort, even to the point of pushing the Constitution to the very edge. Also, this was not without opposition, even from Republicans. Might I remind one and all of the number one rino giving the thumbs-down during the effort to withdraw Obama Care. (I was never a fan Sen. McCain, who was the only Republican member of the Keating five & should have gone to jail)

President Trump is the only modern day president who enforced immigration laws, which were already on the books. He did this though there are even Republicans who opposed his actions. This likely was one of the main reasons he was elected. The Republicans only paid lip service to it and the democrats openly refused to enforce those legal laws. During the primary, he and Cruz were the only two that spoke of enforcing the law. All the rest of the Republican candidates got all mushy mouthed when asked about it.

Trump is constantly referred to as Hitler, this in light of all he has done for Israelis. No other president, whether he have a R or D after his name has hired more women in higher positions. No other president, except maybe Reagan & Kennedy, has done more to help our economy. Few have hurt in all of these categories as Old Joe. (For this reason Old Joe does not deserve to be called president, or even by his last name. Better to forget it completely)

President Trump has made a believer out of me.

Country Clubbers, as Bad for the Economy as Democrats

Rush Limbaugh frequently critiqued the affluent, establishment-oriented wing of the Republican Party, referring to them as the “country club segment.” Many Republicans likely dismissed his characterization without fully comprehending its deeper implications. Moreover, they seem unaware of the significant and potentially detrimental impact their political and economic approaches could have on the broader national landscape, particularly in terms of financial policy and societal economic dynamics.

One of the big reasons we had problems stopping illegal immigration is because the illegal aliens drive the wages down drastically. I hope I don’t need to explain why that is so beneficial to rich Republicans; as well as rich Democrats too. Naturally, many of the rich Republicans had as much of a desire to open the borders as the Dems did.

Though I don’t know the reason, this group also seemed to be in favor of making the killing of unborn children legal. My best guess is that they didn’t want to lose elections and their power.

Donald Trump’s political rise disrupted traditional Republican Party dynamics, challenging the established country club elite by appealing directly to a broader base of supporters. His unconventional campaign and messaging resonated with voters beyond the typical Republican establishment, potentially attracting disillusioned Democrats and working-class constituents who felt overlooked by mainstream political figures. Trump’s ability to connect with a diverse range of voters fundamentally transformed the Republican Party’s, especially those who wanted to stop illegal immigration as well as the traditional power structure and electoral strategy.

As you might have noted, many of those country club crowd have left the Republican Party and began opposing the Republican Party and Trump. No one told me why but I think I have a good guess. You will likely have a good guess too when you realize the drastic decrease in inexpensive illegal labor.

Contradictions of the Liberals

Several years ago, I wrote a post about people being let across the border. You might think it was during the early years of Trump’s presidency, but it was earlier. Actually, I was speaking out against open borders even before Trump decided to run for president.

During the presidential campaign, the border policy debate revealed a surprising consensus among candidates. While Democrats generally supported more open immigration, many Republican contenders also showed varying degrees of support for less restrictive border policies. In the early stages of Trump’s initial campaign, Senator Ted Cruz stood out as a notable exception, consistently advocating for stricter border control. His principled stance resonated with voters who prioritized immigration enforcement. For this voter, Cruz and Trump were the only candidates worthy of support. I would have abstained from voting any others at all.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with that view. Near the last of that primary, Cruz was the only one who gave Trump any competition at all. The rest dropped out. Still, there were Republicans who continued to give Trump grief over illegal aliens, fighting for them from the “humanity” concept. However, to them, humanity had little or nothing to do with it. They wanted the lower illegal wages. It contradicted with the fighting by both the Democrats and the liberal Republican concept of minimum wages. To be sure, hiring illegal aliens is the easiest way around minimum wages. Those who ran hotels and restaurants commonly hired illegal aliens at a fraction of the minimum wage, a financial advantage for businesses (rino Republicans) To some degree, this is still true. The dems fight to keep wages down by encouraging illegal immigration while at the same time, fighting for ridiculously high minimum wages. This has two results. It squeezes rightful American citizens out of the job market while permitting the rich to hire low cost labor.

I very strongly disagree with minimum wages and allowing the employment of illegal aliens. I can at least understand it, as selfish and wrong as it it is. However, lately the liberals have started another contradiction. They fight to require vaccination, especially in schools while continuing to fight to allow diseased and infections aliens across the border without even checking for any disease such as AIDS, measles, TB, etc, etc, and so forth.

I have no clue why we haven’t had breakouts of various diseases when President Biden opened the borders and invited one and all with a public speech. And now, the pro vaccine people complain about a few cases of measles and say nothing of the disease infested flooding over the border. We should count ourselves fortunate that we haven’t had an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Or, perhaps something worse. We have dealt with measles, smallpox, and many other outbreaks throughout US history. When the border was opened, I had both concerns and curiosity about what diseases might have been permitted entry. Perhaps even a disease not yet seen inside our border.

To be sure, contradiction is the way of the Democrats. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see them. Then again, there is none so blind as those who refuse to see, even that which is obvious.

Did it Ever

During my time repairing computers, chance put me in the city of Detroit, about 1980 plus or minus. I suspect the city is not what it was then. The Dems have driven a lot of jobs out of the city since then. It is the sort of thing they like to do.

Anyway, I had never been to Canada and decided to go across the river just to be able to say I had been there. I entered Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and returned through a tunnel.

For the short time I was there, I parked in a lot under the bridge and looked back at Detroit. As I did, I received quite an education. I met a Canadian who filled me in on some history my teachers never told me.

The Canadian city of Windsor stood as a pristine Canadian gem, worlds apart from its neighboring Detroit. The city exuded an almost cinematic charm, with immaculate homes and meticulously maintained streets that seemed too perfect to be real. Unlike the gritty urban landscape across the border, this tranquil locale appeared carefully curated, as if designed by a meticulous set director rather than emerging organically from urban development.

The Detroit River, a remarkable waterway spanning approximately 30 miles, connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. This international boundary between the United States and Canada is surprisingly compact, narrowing to just over a quarter-mile at its most constricted point. During the harsh winter months, the river’s surface transforms into a solid sheet of ice, creating a stunning and dramatic landscape that showcases the region’s extreme seasonal changes..

While this topic might seem mundane at first glance, history enthusiasts may find the upcoming details surprisingly compelling and engaging.

During the Prohibition era, both Canada and the United States banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, Canada distinguished itself by allowing the production and sale of alcohol, creating a lucrative opportunity for cross-border trade. The strategic decision was likely motivated by economic potential and the desire to capitalize on the United States’ restrictive policies.

Ambitious Canadian winemakers faced a significant challenge: transporting their carefully crafted wines across the international border, with the imposing river presenting a formidable logistical obstacle to their cross-border business aspirations.

How-some-ever, given the profit and given the lack of morality, they would and did find a way. During the warm weather, all it took was row boat, a pair of oars and the courage to run the gauntlet of the law at night. During the winter, it was easier. They put treads on pickups and just simply drove across the ice, lights off.

Now, everyone knows that if guns were made illegal in both Canada and the US, guns would go away—until making them became legal in Canada again.

Do you suppose someone, anyone might want to make them and sell them to American criminals? Then, of course, only the police and criminals would be armed.

That is… until the Dems decide to take the guns from the police, too.

Improbable, you say. May I remind you, they once wanted to do away with the police?

As for me, if this were to happen, I just might decide to go to Detroit and invest in a rowboat. I suspect I would have some company. There just might be a few gun shops set up business close the the worlds shortest river.

and not so much as one of the guns would be serialized.

In the What if Department

Maybe, perhaps, conceivably I should start writing posts again and specialize in the strictly odd or unusual. At the current rate, that would be about one a week.

So here am I thinking the thing is settled. The thing is I keep hearing this what if thing. Silly me. I kept saying, “Not going to happen. It’s done. It’s settled. There is simply no way that they will bring that criminal by the name of Garcia back to the US.

Color me stupid. Color me wrong. The what if actually happened, you know that impossible one. So now I must consider the highly improbability of the what if.

Already we know part of it. He has a ton of indictments hung about his neck. Looks like he will go on trial, which may go on forever and a day. You know how good these lawyers are these days. One thing and the other, it could be this time next year before the trial starts.

Those barristers will love that being as they change by the hour. Altogether, the trial will cost two and a half bundles. We all know the value of just one bundle. By the way, he will also get housed and fed all this time as well. That means at least one more bundle.

Now we must consider another separation in the pathway. What if he is convicted. Well, he will go to prison, ironically in more comfort than if he found not guilty. If found not guilty, he would immediately be deported to El Salvador, where he was.

Now tell me what is more unusual than a person hoping to be found guilty and perhaps even plead for a lifetime sentence.

Better than going back to his compadres down south. I am sure they would rather be in whatever prison Garcia would go to.

It’s The Premise, Stupid

In the political landscape of 1992, James Carville coined the memorable phrase “It’s the economy, stupid,” which became a pivotal campaign slogan. Inspired by his linguistic prowess, I aspire to craft an equally impactful statement in 2025, though the odds of achieving such widespread recognition may be slim. Nevertheless, hope springs eternal in the realm of memorable catchphrases.

Let me share an illustration I previously used, which remains relevant and insightful. While some time has passed since its initial presentation, the core message continues to resonate. Even if you’ve encountered this example before, a refresher can often reveal new perspectives or nuances that might have been overlooked.

On the cusp of legal adulthood, a 21-year-old embarks on a predictable rite of passage, venturing into a local bar with curiosity and youthful naivety. Eager to explore the newfound freedom of being able to legally consume alcohol, he decides to experience the atmosphere and get drunk, just to see what it’s like.

After several Scotch and sodas, he collapses, and his friend is tasked with escorting him home. A familiar scenario for many, he awakens the next morning, suffering from a pounding headache and overwhelming nausea – the dreaded consequences of excessive drinking.

Now when I heard this story, the teller really drew it out. I’ll save you the repetition. I’ll simply say that he gets drunk again on the following two evenings. However, he decides he does not like the hangover thing. So, each time he changes what he mixes with the soda.

After three days of heavy drinking, he realized the allure of intoxication was overshadowed by the brutal aftermath. Determined to solve this dilemma, he made a decisive choice to remove the source of his morning misery. Ergo, he decided to eliminate the common element.

Initially, I found the statement amusing, but upon deeper reflection, I recognized it as a poignant critique of political dysfunction. In modern urban landscapes, citizens repeatedly cycle through elected officials, believing each new leader will miraculously resolve complex systemic challenges.

The fundamental issue lies not with individual politicians, but with the shared ideological framework that underpins their collective approach. The prevailing political narrative fails to deliver meaningful solutions, instead creating a cycle of diminishing returns and increasing societal frustration. Each successive political iteration seems to compound the ineffectiveness of its predecessors, resulting in a progressively more dysfunctional system.

As urban centers continue to decline, a pattern emerges reminiscent of an individual’s struggle with addiction: recognizing the problem only when circumstances become dire. The ongoing exodus from major metropolitan areas signals a potential watershed moment for political understanding and urban transformation, challenging the long-established trajectory of population concentration that defined the industrial era.