Wednesday, December 04, 2024

Do You Want a Guide to Making Medical Miracles?




Imagine standing in the midst of chaos, a life hanging by a thread, and knowing you’re the only thing between survival and death. That’s the reality of trauma care. It’s not pretty, it’s not clean, and it sure as hell isn’t something you can prepare for by buying a plastic first-aid kit from the local Walmart. This is about real life-and-death situations—where having the right knowledge and tools is the difference between saving someone and watching them slip away.


For over five decades, I’ve carried with me a battered, dog-eared copy of the Corpsman’s Medical Manual—a relic from my time as a Medical Corpsman (MOS-91B), now renamed 68W. For those unfamiliar, MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty, and in this case, it meant I was trained to be the first and last hope for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. That manual has been my bible, a grim reminder of the stakes of trauma care.


The Tools of Survival


In the trunk of my car lies a trauma kit, a compact arsenal designed for the unthinkable. I’ve only used it twice, but both times it made the difference between hope and despair. Let me make this clear: carrying a trauma kit isn’t about being a Good Samaritan or playing hero. It’s about being ready to save yourself or someone you love in the aftermath of a disaster. Car accidents. Violent attacks. Natural catastrophes. These are not “if” scenarios—they’re “when.”


And when they happen, you won’t have time to wish you were ready. You either are, or you’re too late.


Recently, a gracious client unexpectedly doubled my fee for a small job, gifting me a $1,000 Amazon card. I couldn’t pay my rent with it, but I could invest in something far more critical: tools that save lives. I bought the latest Combat Medic Manual and a pair of LEATHERMAN Raptor Rescue 6-in-1 Heavy-Duty Emergency/Trauma Shears. These aren’t gimmicks. These are the kind of tools that slice through chaos like a scalpel through flesh.


Why Your “First Aid Kit” is a Lie


Most “first-aid kits” are a joke. They’re feel-good bandaid boxes filled with fluff like gauze pads and adhesive strips. When a loved one is bleeding out in front of you, those kits won’t do a damn thing. Real trauma care is messy, bloody, and raw. You need tools and knowledge that go far beyond the consumer-grade nonsense marketed as “emergency supplies.”


Read the Combat Medic Manual. Let it unsettle you. Let it open your eyes to what trauma really looks like. Once you do, you’ll understand what to put in your kit—your kit, tailored to the risks you face. Sure, you can buy pre-assembled trauma kits online, but the best one is the one you build yourself.


Be Prepared for the Worst


If you’re serious about being prepared—whether it’s for hurricanes, earthquakes, or violent attacks—you need to treat this as life-or-death preparation, because it is. Trauma doesn’t care if you’re squeamish or unprepared. It doesn’t care if you’ve lived a quiet, comfortable life. It will come, and when it does, you’ll either rise to the occasion or be consumed by it.


My time as an Army Medical Corpsman was the most meaningful period of my life. I regret not pursuing it further, not becoming a physician and dedicating my life to this work. But I can tell you this: no matter who you are, you can make a difference. You can perform miracles if you’re prepared.


This isn’t about heroics or dramatics. It’s about life. Real, visceral, fragile life. The kind that can slip away in seconds if you aren’t ready. So, ask yourself: are you ready to save someone when the moment demands it? Are you ready to save yourself?


If not, start now. Read. Learn. Prepare. And never, ever take the power of trauma care lightly. Because when the time comes, it’s not about being a miracle worker—it’s about being the only one who can keep someone alive long enough to see the next sunrise.


Sunday, December 01, 2024

If you’re in DC, you can hear the shredders grinding away the evidence as fast as they can

The shredders in Washington, DC, are working overtime, running hot with the evidence these corrupt Democrats are desperately trying to destroy. They’re scrambling 24/7 to cover their tracks—erasing proof of their corruption, treason, extortion, bribery, money laundering, election rigging, and God knows what else.

They know what’s coming. The hammer is about to drop, and they’ll have to face tough, unrelenting patriots in the FBI and DOJ who won’t let these crimes slide. Justice is inevitable. Too bad GITMO doesn’t have enough cells for this pack of rats—they’ve more than earned their trip to the darkest corner of a federal prison.


The California Private Investigator licensing examination is a real rabbit hole!

In 1995, actor Kelsey Grammer found himself embroiled in serious and public allegations stemming from claims of inappropriate conduct with his daughter’s 15-year-old babysitter during a 1993 trip to New Jersey. The case was presented to a Somerset County grand jury, which ultimately declined to indict Grammer due to insufficient evidence and the delayed reporting of the incident. A parallel investigation occurred in Yavapai County, Arizona, but the prosecutor, recognizing the matter as an extortion attempt, chose not to present the case to a grand jury.


I was retained to investigate on Grammer’s behalf, working alongside his legal team, led by renowned Miami attorney Roy Black. Joining me was a recently retired special agent in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office. Out of respect, I won’t name him here, but our collaboration was both productive and enlightening.


While I managed the Arizona side of the investigation, my FBI colleague handled matters in New Jersey. At one point, he handed me his business card, which identified him as a “Retired FBI Agent” and “Investigative Consultant.” Curious about the latter title, I asked what it entailed. His response? “You don’t want to know.” Naturally, my curiosity grew. He eventually admitted that his use of “Investigative Consultant” stemmed from his struggles to pass the California Private Investigator licensing exam—he had failed it twice.


My Experience with the California PI Exam


A few years later, I decided to pursue my own California Private Investigator license. Remembering my esteemed colleague’s struggles, I prepared myself for potential failure. The exam, as I discovered, was challenging—but not because the questions were difficult. Instead, they were poorly worded, ambiguous, and sometimes outright nonsensical.


One multiple-choice question asked: Where are old newspaper articles kept? The options were:

1. Archives

2. The morgue

3. Public library


All three answers were technically correct, yet the test required only one “right” answer. This typified the exam’s frustrating nature. Despite these obstacles, I passed on my first attempt—though the process left much to be desired.


When my results were instantly graded, I was informed that I had passed. Curious about my performance, I asked for my score and the specific questions I missed. They refused to disclose either, leaving me to wonder if I had aced the test or merely scraped by. Shortly thereafter, my license arrived in the mail, accompanied by a gun permit.


Reflections on the PI Licensing Process


The FBI agent I worked with was also a licensed attorney and had risen to lead one of the largest FBI field offices in the country. His struggles with the exam underscored the test’s flawed design. Over time, I discovered that many highly qualified homicide detectives—veterans of major police departments—also carried “Investigative Consultant” business cards. They, too, had been unable to navigate California’s convoluted licensing process.


In California, there are just over 4,000 licensed private investigators. Most are employees who are not required to take the licensing exam. The test is reserved for “Qualified Managers,” those who own and operate investigative agencies. While the intention behind the exam is to ensure competency, its execution often deters even the most capable professionals.


A Call for Improvement


My experience with the California Private Investigator licensing exam revealed a system in need of reform. A test designed to evaluate investigative skills should be clear, fair, and relevant—not a frustrating exercise in deciphering ambiguous questions. Despite its flaws, I am proud to hold my license and continue serving clients with integrity and professionalism. Still, for the sake of future applicants, I hope the system evolves into something more reflective of the expertise it seeks to certify.


Saturday, November 30, 2024

The face of censorship on Facebook has shifted, at least in my experience.

 

Once, I frequently found myself exiled for 30-day stints—banished to “Facebook jail” for using strong words or phrases deemed inappropriate. It was a grim routine, serving a life sentence on the installment plan. During these stretches, I couldn’t wish friends a happy birthday, comment on posts, or even click “like.” It was an odd sort of social solitary confinement.

Those who know me understand that I am an unapologetic conservative with libertarian leanings. This alone was enough to rattle Facebook’s censors. Yet, something changed. I haven’t seen the inside of Facebook jail in over a year. Oddly, this coincided with Twitter’s transformation into X under its new ownership. I want to be clear: I haven’t altered the tone or nature of my posts. I still say what I believe, whether the censors like it or not.


Perhaps Facebook realized that silencing too many of its users hurts its bottom line. When large numbers of members are locked out, traffic dwindles, and advertisers lose their precious audience. Could this shift be a business decision rather than a moral epiphany? I wonder if others have noticed the same pattern. If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below.


Friday, November 29, 2024

Why America’s Fake News is Rapidly Dying



The old adage, “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel,” has lost its relevance in the digital age. The internet has rendered traditional ink and printing presses obsolete, transforming how information is shared. Once, it required massive financial resources to broadcast news—television networks invested millions in equipment to reach the masses. Today, a smartphone can capture, edit, and distribute news at a fraction of that cost, leveling the playing field.


This shift was evident during the recent election cycle. Legacy mainstream media no longer holds a monopoly on influence. Independent bloggers, podcasters, and alternative media platforms are reaching larger, more engaged audiences than major newspapers and TV networks.


For years, the corporate media operated as a unified, left-leaning establishment, promoting a narrow set of narratives. But competition has exploded from unexpected places—kitchen tables, basements, and garages across the nation. The barriers to entry for content creation and distribution have vanished, allowing an unprecedented diversity of voices to emerge. The stranglehold of the legacy media is being challenged by millions of independent creators, bringing real competition to the marketplace of ideas.


The fight now is over control—big tech and legacy institutions have turned to censorship, targeting conservative voices in particular. However, the First Amendment remains a critical safeguard. As long as Americans continue to cherish and defend free speech, these new voices will remain a powerful force in reshaping the media landscape. The era of centralized control over information is fading, and the future of news is being written by everyday Americans.


Monday, November 25, 2024

How to Keep Up with Fast-Changing Gun Laws

 

As Americans, we enjoy a unique right that most people in other countries don’t—the Second Amendment. This amendment protects our right to keep and bear arms, allowing us to defend ourselves, others, and resist tyranny.


The Second Amendment precludes the government from infringing on this right. Historically, however, the judiciary has failed to adequately protect it. Politicians and courts have unlawfully prioritized their interpretation of “public safety” over constitutional rights. If the Founding Fathers intended to balance public safety, they would have written it into the Constitution. Instead, they guaranteed an absolute right for the people to keep and bear arms.


Regarding the militia, the Second Amendment was not referring to a government-controlled entity but to “we the people” forming militias to combat tyranny or respond to emergencies. The government already wields immense military power and never needed the Second Amendment—it was explicitly reserved for the people.


In recent years, cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), McDonald v. Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010), and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___ (2022), have brought new clarity to the right to bear arms. However, litigation continues to shape gun rights across the nation.


How to Stay Informed


With gun laws and court decisions evolving rapidly, staying informed can be daunting. Fortunately, several excellent resources simplify this process.

1. Supreme Court and SCOTUSblog

The Supreme Court’s official website provides information on all cases the Court is handling, including those on gun rights. Additionally, SCOTUSblog offers real-time updates and expert analysis.

2. Mark Smith – Four Boxes Diner

Mark Smith, a top-tier attorney and author, provides clear, insightful analysis on Second Amendment issues via his Four Boxes Diner website and YouTube channel. His content delivers timely and accurate information without unnecessary sensationalism.

3. Armed Scholar

Armed Scholar offers daily updates on gun laws and court actions. While the channel’s clickbait headlines and repetitive monologues may be off-putting, it consistently delivers accurate information. Despite its flaws, it remains a valuable resource.


A Note on YouTube


While YouTube’s algorithm-driven ecosystem often rewards sensationalism, it also facilitates free speech and broad dissemination of information. That said, the platform’s censorship policies and political bias have raised significant concerns about their impact on public discourse and elections.


Final Thoughts


For a straightforward, professional approach to gun law updates, Mark Smith’s Four Boxes Diner stands out as the most reliable source. Although Armed Scholar has its quirks, it’s worth following for regular updates. Together, these resources ensure that you can stay informed on the fast-changing world of gun rights.


Donald Trump and the Battle Against Washington’s Swamp

Washington, D.C.—A city notorious for its corruption and entrenched power, long referred to as a swamp teeming with self-serving bureaucrats and ideological zealots determined to reshape America into a Marxist state.

Since the Clinton era, our intelligence agencies’ leadership has increasingly betrayed their mandate to protect the nation, instead becoming adversaries to the very citizens they are sworn to defend. Whistleblowers like Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, and Chelsea Manning exposed the depth of this betrayal, revealing widespread illegal surveillance on every American by our own government.


Washington insiders boast of their “experience,” yet it often translates to little more than enriching themselves at taxpayers’ expense. Unfortunately, Donald Trump allowed too many of these career insiders into his first administration, compromising loyalty and effectiveness. These individuals—steeped in D.C. politics—have shown they are not only untrustworthy but also adept at sabotaging genuine reform efforts.

Their petty squabbling and power plays undermine America’s policies and standing on the world stage. The prospect of non-insiders finally leading the government offers a glimmer of hope—a chance to dismantle the stranglehold these career politicians and bureaucrats have on the nation.


The swamp creatures recognize the threat to their unchecked power and lavish lifestyles, making them more dangerous than ever. To restore the nation’s integrity, these entrenched forces of corruption must be confronted and removed from positions of influence once and for all.

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Glock Switch Panic: Much Ado About Nothing


Phoenix, AZ—Before the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, anyone could legally own a machine gun. You could even order one by mail and have it delivered right to your door. After 1934, machine guns were regulated, requiring a $200 tax stamp for legal ownership—a steep price at the time. Some folks complied, but many didn’t, leaving plenty of unregistered machine guns in circulation. And guess what? They haven’t been a problem, with most serving as a quiet fuck you to government overreach.

The NFA’s registration and taxation requirements are afundamentally at odds with the Second Amendment. The recent Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, 142 S. Ct. 2111 (2022), underscores this by reaffirming that firearm regulations must align with the historical tradition of the Second Amendment—not arbitrary, burdensome schemes like those imposed by the NFA.


That said, I’ve never been a fan of fully automatic firearms. They’re an expensive way to burn through ammunition. If I were to use one, it’d be limited to two- or three-round bursts. Prolonged full-auto fire not only wastes ammo but also accelerates destruction of the firearm itself.

In the 1950s through the 1970s, converting firearms to full-auto was straightforward. The M1 .30-caliber carbine, for instance, could be modified with just an easily obtained selector switch and a spring. Despite how simple this was, these converted carbines were rarely, if ever, used in crimes.


Fast-forward to today, and the so-called “threat” is the Glock switch—a small piece of metal or 3D-printed plastic that converts a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic weapon. The designs for these switches are freely available online, and 3D printers are becoming more affordable and effective. China has long been producing high-quality metal switches, and despite Customs and Border Protection’s efforts, plenty of these devices slip through and wind up in the U.S.

The BATFE has gone full tilt on Glock switches, treating their possession as a major crime and judges are handing out draconian sentences. But let’s not kid ourselves—these devices are only popular because they’re considered by BATFE as illegal.


In practical terms, using a Glock switch is more trouble than it’s worth. You can’t take it to a local gun range , and firing one outdoors almost guarantees a police response. Without practice, good luck using it effectively in a real-world scenario. The uncontrollable recoil of a fully automatic pistol makes accuracy laughable, and at today’s ammunition prices, it’s just not worth it. A semi-automatic handgun is far more practical and effective.  


The BATFE’s obsession with Glock switches is just another overblown panic. Yes, seizures of these devices are increasing, but their use in actual crimes remains rare. This isn’t about public safety; it’s about inflating the government’s authority and control.


For those serious about self-defense, stick with a semi-auto handgun and focus on proper training. And don’t forget, criminals are generally clueless. These are people who couldn’t hack it in middle school, let alone master the mechanics of a firearm.


Reality bites:  I’ve made an Internet search for the necessary programs to make a Glock switch with a common 3-D printer, and there was no shortage of them whatsoever.  These sites and their information are protected, of course by our First Amendment.  


So, to the BATFE and their self-righteous crusade: calm down. This is a manufactured issue. Fuck you and your unwarranted hysteria.

Friday, November 22, 2024

The Biden Administration’s Assault on the Constitutional Rights of January 6 Demonstrators



The Biden administration, through its Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys, has shown utter disregard for the constitutional rights of January 6 demonstrators. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to a speedy and public trial. This is not a suggestion—it is a cornerstone of justice in America. The amendment clearly states:


“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed…”


The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 reinforces this constitutional guarantee by imposing strict time limits in federal criminal cases:

1. Indictment Timing: Defendants must be charged within 30 days of arrest.

2. Trial Timing: Trials must begin within 70 days of the indictment or the defendant’s first court appearance.


Although certain delays are permissible under extraordinary circumstances, these delays must have legitimate justification. When these time limits are violated without good cause, the law demands that charges be dismissed.


Adding to this constitutional crisis is the administration’s disregard for Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963). In this landmark case, the Supreme Court held that prosecutors are constitutionally required to disclose all exculpatory evidence to the defense—evidence favorable to the accused that could affect the outcome of the trial. Suppression of such evidence, intentional or not, violates the due process protections enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. As the Court stated:


Society wins not only when the guilty are convicted but when criminal trials are fair; our system of the administration of justice suffers when any accused is treated unfairly.


Yet, prosecutors under the Biden administration have weaponized procedural tactics to undermine these protections. They have employed deliberate delays in disclosing evidence to defense attorneys, forcing defendants into a no-win situation: either waive their right to a speedy trial or proceed without having received critical evidence necessary for their defense. This coercive strategy not only violates the letter of the law but strikes at the heart of fundamental fairness in criminal proceedings.


This pattern of abuse has left January 6 defendants languishing in prolonged pretrial detention, stripped of their constitutional rights, while the government leverages every delay to weaken their defense. These actions amount to a direct assault on the Constitution, turning the criminal justice system into a political weapon.


Americans must demand accountability for these flagrant abuses of power. By ignoring constitutional guarantees, suppressing evidence, and manipulating procedural rules, the Biden administration jeopardizes the very principles of justice and fairness upon which this nation was founded. Such violations cannot go unchecked if the rule of law is to survive.