A Flashlight Could Save Your Life

 

The night was suffocatingly dark in Paradise Valley, Arizona in October of 1987—a town shrouded in quiet and lit only by the stars above. There were no streetlights, no safety in visibility, just shadows stretching endlessly into the void. I was there as a process server, having just served an eviction notice to a woman.  What I didn’t know was that the shadows would soon hide a predator—and my fight for survival.

I was making my way back to my car when her husband, seething with rage, emerged from the darkness. Without warning, he struck me with the heavy steel of a Colt 1911 .45. The force sent me reeling, blood streaming into my left eye. Disoriented and half-blinded, I staggered, but his intentions were clear. The cold, merciless muzzle of his gun found me, and I saw death in his eyes.

Instinct roared to life. My hand reached for my own weapon, a modest five-shot .38. In the chaos, I managed to fire—not once, but five times. Each shot tore through the darkness and into his body. My attacker stood motionless, and I was left standing, bloodied and shaking, in the unrelenting black. I chose to flee rather than try to reload.

But what if things had been different? What if I had carried a flashlight powerful enough to turn the night into day, to shatter his advantage and blind him before he ever struck?

The flashlight I had that night was old technology, useless, its batteries spent—a mere deadweight in my pocket. Had I been armed with a high-powered light, perhaps I could have disarmed him with blinding brilliance, avoiding the bloodshed that still stains my memory.

Not long after, I discovered a groundbreaking tool: the SureFire 6 P flashlight. The SureFire 6P flashlight was first introduced in 1988.  This model marked a significant advancement in flashlight technology, combining the benefits of lithium batteries with a high-power xenon bulb, setting a new standard for compact, high-efficiency flashlights.  The bad news was this flashlight was not yet available for me. It did not come out until months later. Small enough to slip into your pocket yet powerful enough to pierce the deepest shadows, it was the tool I needed that night but didn’t have.  As soon as the 6P model hit the street it became a must have item for me.  

A few years later I  showed mine to Massad Ayoob, the legendary firearms expert, when he wrote about my incident. He immediately saw its value, picked up the same 6P model, and has carried it ever since—though I’m certain he now uses an upgraded version.

Today, SureFire not only makes incredible handheld lights but weapon-mounted ones as well. These tools don’t just illuminate—they dominate. The power to obliterate an attacker’s vision, to seize control of the encounter before it begins, is nothing short of life-saving.  I’d go visit their website and pick out what suits your needs. 

In the darkest moments, a powerful flashlight isn’t just a tool—it’s the difference between survival and tragedy. Never step into the shadows without one.

If Only I Had a Gun!

How many lives could have been spared—how many murders, kidnappings, robberies, or sexual assaults could have been stopped—if only the victims had a gun in their hands and the training to use it? A fighting chance against evil lies not in blind hope but in preparation and resolve.

Too many people cling to the fantasy that dialing 911 will summon instant salvation. Reality shatters this illusion: police response times often stretch into crucial, life-or-death minutes. In Los Angeles today, where emergency services are overwhelmed by catastrophic fires, criminals exploit this chaos, striking with impunity while victims wait helplessly for aid.

Do not underestimate the calculated cunning of criminals. They know the system’s flaws, the delays, and the naivety of a population lulled into complacency. The real tragedy is that so many believe their safety is someone else’s responsibility. They have forgotten—or worse, never considered—that their own defense begins with themselves.

The horrors of October 7, when Hamas unleashed a brutal assault on Israel, are seared into our collective memory. Men, women, and children were slaughtered without resistance, not because the attack was unforeseeable, but because Israel’s leaders had stripped civilians of their right to defend themselves. Disarmed and defenseless, the innocent became easy prey.

We in America must never allow such a fate to befall us. Our Constitution, through the Second Amendment, guarantees our right to keep and bear arms. Yet for decades, politicians have waged relentless campaigns to strip us of this right, leaving us vulnerable and dependent. Thankfully, they have not yet succeeded. But owning and carrying a firearm is not just a right—it is a duty.

Every law-abiding American must embrace this responsibility. Arm yourself. Train yourself. Recognize that in a moment of crisis, you are the first responder. Criminals will not wait for the police to save you, and neither should you. Additionally, learn the skills of trauma care. Beyond basic CPR, you should know how to stop bleeding, stabilize injuries, and give yourself or others a fighting chance to survive.

Stop living in denial. Stop waiting for miracles. Get up, get trained, and equip yourself with the tools to protect your life and the lives of those you love. Never again should you find yourself thinking, If only I had a gun.

The Lame Los Angeles Legacy Media Bears Responsibility for the Fires

Los Angeles, CA – The so-called “news organizations” in Los Angeles love to market their flashy “I-Teams” to gullible viewers, but the truth is, these outlets are nothing more than propaganda arms for the radical left-wing politicians who run California into the ground. Their loyalty isn’t to the truth or the public—it’s to the corrupt, single-party oligarchy controlling this state.

California is no longer governed like a democracy. It is a dystopian wasteland of de facto one-party rule, eerily resembling authoritarian regimes like China, Cuba, and North Korea. The so-called “journalists” in this state? They’re accomplices. In over two decades of observing Los Angeles media, I have yet to see them uncover one meaningful scandal involving the Democrats who hold unchallenged power here. Not one.

Media Silence Fuels Public Safety Disasters

While the city careens toward catastrophe, where has the media been? Sleeping. Los Angeles, with its long history of fires, earthquakes, and riots, is a ticking time bomb. But instead of holding politicians accountable for gross mismanagement, especially in public safety funding, these media cowards stay silent. The budgetary neglect that has left our city unprepared for disasters isn’t just scandalous—it’s criminal.

Rather than pressuring politicians to invest in fire prevention or emergency preparedness, the media cheerleads for policies that prioritize illegal immigrants and failed social experiments. They gush over “compassionate” programs for homelessness but never ask the hard questions about where the money is going—or how much is being squandered.

And when it comes to policing taxpayer dollars? Forget it. The legacy media in Los Angeles has been on a decades-long vacation. They refuse to dig into the misappropriations, incompetence, and outright corruption that have drained this state dry.

A Crisis Manufactured by Media Cowards

Let’s make this crystal clear: the devastating fires, the unpreparedness, and the human suffering we’re witnessing are not just natural disasters—they are man-made disasters. The legacy media has blood on its hands. By refusing to investigate and expose governmental incompetence and corruption, they have allowed this to happen.

Their abdication of journalistic duty is so profound that it borders on treason. George Orwell’s words perfectly describe this betrayal:

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want published; everything else is public relations.”

California’s media doesn’t practice journalism—they practice public relations for the ruling elite. And in doing so, they’ve helped whitewash the gross malfeasance of the state’s leadership. They have betrayed the people of Los Angeles and enabled the ongoing destruction of the state.

Time to Hold the Media Accountable

It’s time for a reckoning. Californians are fed up with the lies, the spin, and the outright negligence. Calls to oust the governor and the mayor are just the beginning. The federal government should revoke the broadcast licenses of every so-called “news organization” that has spent decades operating as nothing more than a propaganda machine for these corrupt officials.

Real journalism is nearly dead in America, and nowhere is this more apparent than in California. The fires that are devastating this state are a symbol of what happens when the media fails to do its job. This isn’t just a failure—it’s a betrayal. And it’s time to make them answer for it.

Is this the future of American housing? Do we really wanna live this way?

Imagine achieving the pinnacle of the American dream: a three-or even a five bedroom home, complete with a garage, a sprawling front and backyard, and perhaps even a sparkling swimming pool. With this home comes something far greater than comfort—true, unshakable privacy.

This isn’t some flimsy townhouse or suffocating condo ruled by meddling bureaucrats. No, your single-family home is a fortress against the creeping surveillance of authoritarian busybodies. Homeowner associations, often little more than breeding grounds for petty tyrants, won’t have their claws in your personal life. These so-called “HOA Nazis” won’t know where you work, where you bank, or who lives under your roof. That level of intrusion? It’s more than invasive—it’s dangerous.

Now look at China. There, the government herds its citizens into bleak high-rise apartments—towering concrete prisons where every move is monitored. In these vertical cages, the state controls who enters, who leaves, and every aspect of life in between. It’s a system of absolute control, and it’s no accident.

Here in America, the same forces are coming for the sanctity of single-family neighborhoods under the guise of “progress.” R3 zoning, the backbone of suburban life, is under relentless attack—especially in areas dominated by Democrats. These policies are about more than housing. They’re about control, compliance, and the eradication of independence. Every inch given up to this ideology is a step closer to a system that strips you of privacy, freedom, and the right to live without constant interference. 

What Will Happen to the Thousands of LA Fire Survivors?

Los Angeles, CA—thousands of sumptuous homes, once nestled together in some of the most idyllic neighborhoods, now lie in ashes. And the burning question remains: will these people rebuild? Let’s cut the fluff and get straight to it. The overwhelming majority of survivors—those lucky enough to have insurance or the financial muscle to purchase a new home—aren’t going to rebuild. Why would they? They’ve learned a brutal, smoldering lesson about the dangers of living under the rule of California’s Democrat politicians.

And let’s not forget, particularly for those in the entertainment industry, California is no longer a necessity. The internet has freed them from Hollywood’s chains, allowing them to create their Oscar-worthy content from Idaho, Texas, or wherever there’s low taxes and a governor who doesn’t use “woke” like a mantra. Even if they wanted to stick around, they’re facing years—yes, years—without water, electricity, functioning sewers, or basic businesses like grocery stores. Why wait for the mythical “rebuild” when they can grab their insurance payout and make a clean break? The state isn’t just losing 20,000 homes; it’s losing 40,000 of its most productive taxpayers.

If there’s one group who understands the abysmal failure of California’s so-called progressive policies, it’s the people whose homes have been reduced to cinders. They’ve been mugged—mugged beyond belief. And as the saying goes, the only thing more conservative than a lifelong liberal is a liberal who’s been mugged. Congratulations, California, your policy failures just created a whole new wave of conservatives.

Take Pacific Palisades, for example. This was once a paradise, a shimmering slice of heaven on the coast. And now? Reduced to rubble, thanks in no small part to Karin Bass, who somehow thought it was wise to defund the fire department by nearly $18 million while funneling even more into sanctuary city policies for illegal aliens. A paradise turned into Dresden, post-WWII, all in the name of progress.

And what about the uninsured? Those left behind have zero reason to try rebuilding their lives in a place that’s been obliterated beyond recognition. Their livelihoods are gone, their communities destroyed, and now they’re left staring at mountains of debris. Maybe Greta Thunberg can swoop in to tell us how many trees need to be sacrificed to clean up this mess and build back the neighborhoods that California politicians let burn to the ground.

Los Angeles will never be the same, and maybe—just maybe—that’s a good thing.

LA Catastrophic Firestorm: A Monument to Political Incompetence

Los Angeles, CA – The Pacific Palisades, once a pristine and affluent coastal enclave, now lies in ruin. Over 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and essential services, have been obliterated by a wildfire disaster that will go down as one of the most devastating in California’s history. This catastrophe is not just a natural disaster—it’s a glaring indictment of failed political leadership.  

As the fires burn out plaintiff’s lawyers will be casting their liability net over every government agency and politician that failed.  We are going to see a litigation war like nothing we’ve seen in the past. 

Budget Cuts That Burned the City

Mayor Karen Bass, in her infinite wisdom, cut $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget, gutting overtime pay and critical administrative support. Fire chiefs warned that these cuts would impair the city’s ability to respond to a large-scale disaster, but their concerns were brushed aside. Instead, Bass poured resources into making Los Angeles a sanctuary city, prioritizing illegal immigrants over the safety of her constituents.

Now, as Angelenos sift through the ashes of their lives, they are left wondering why their leaders prioritized political agendas over basic public safety. The answer is simple: neglect, incompetence, and misplaced priorities.

Empty Promises, Hollow Leadership

In the aftermath of the disaster, the usual parade of politicians, including Bass and outgoing President Joe Biden, have rolled out their well-worn scripts of empty promises and hollow assurances. Biden, whose administration is in its final days, has pledged sweeping federal support—but let’s be honest: how many disaster victims have actually seen his promises come to fruition? Just ask the residents of Maui or the Gulf Coast still waiting for meaningful aid.

Bass, for her part, has promised swift action, but how can anyone believe her? She ignored the warnings, defunded the fire department, and now wants to play savior. It’s insulting.

A Tragedy in Altadena

Altadena, a historically diverse community in northern Los Angeles County, has suffered its own devastation. The Eaton Fire has destroyed over 4,000 structures, claiming at least five lives. This tragedy has laid bare the stark economic and cultural divides within the area.

Affluent neighborhoods, predominantly white, were reduced to ash alongside underprivileged, predominantly Black areas. The flames have not only consumed homes but erased decades of cultural heritage, displacing families from neighborhoods built during the Great Migration. The path to recovery for Altadena will be arduous, requiring more than just rebuilding—it will demand the restoration of a community’s soul.

A Financial Disaster Beyond Measure

The economic impact of this firestorm is staggering, estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion. Rebuilding will be a Herculean task, with insurance companies facing an unprecedented flood of claims. Southern California’s insurance market, already strained by high risks and mismanagement, is woefully unprepared. Many residents were forced into the California FAIR Plan, which offers limited coverage, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin.

The first hurdle in recovery is clearing the thousands of tons of debris—an enormous undertaking with no clear plan in place. Where will it all go? And who will pay for it? As the ashes settle, Angelenos are realizing the true cost of political incompetence.

Opportunists Waiting to Pounce

Rebuilding efforts will attract contractors—some legitimate, many corrupt—ready to exploit desperate homeowners and overwhelmed agencies. Meanwhile, businesses like Home Depot and Lowe’s will be stretched thin, scrambling to stockpile the materials needed for reconstruction. The supply chain, still fragile, is unlikely to keep up with demand, causing delays and price gouging.

This disaster will be a feeding frenzy for grifters and bureaucrats alike.

Political Fallout: The Reckoning

For Mayor Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and their Democratic allies, the political reckoning has begun. Wealthy donors, who typically fund their campaigns, are among the hardest hit. How long will these elites continue supporting leaders who have failed them so spectacularly? Calls for recalls are growing louder, and Bass and Newsom are squarely in the crosshairs.

The truth is, this firestorm has exposed not just individual failures but systemic incompetence in California’s leadership. The people who built Los Angeles into an economic powerhouse deserve better. They deserved a government that would protect their homes and lives—not one obsessed with political vanity projects.

The Great Exodus Accelerates

As if skyrocketing crime, homelessness, and cost of living weren’t enough, this disaster will drive even more residents and businesses out of California. The exodus to states with safer, more affordable, and better-managed environments will continue to hollow out Los Angeles. Once a beacon of opportunity, California now stands as a cautionary tale of what happens when leaders fail to lead.

A Failure That Can’t Be Ignored

This firestorm was preventable. Proper forest management, fully funded fire departments, and a focus on public safety could have mitigated much of the destruction. Instead, we got political pandering, defunded services, and gross negligence.

This disaster should serve as a wake-up call to all Californians. Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must be held accountable. If not through recalls, then through the ballot box. This isn’t just about one fire—it’s about the survival of a city and a state that have been pushed to the brink by leaders who forgot their most basic duty: protecting their people.

California’s preventable Armageddon, who will be held accountable?

 

California’s political leadership has descended into a cesspool of corruption, mismanagement, and blatant disregard for the well-being of its citizens, necessitating immediate national intervention. Over the past four years, state officials have aggressively pursued policies that incentivize illegal immigration, recklessly offering comprehensive financial and healthcare support to millions of unskilled individuals from third world and enemy nations. This deliberate and irresponsible strategy has catastrophically strained California’s resources and infrastructure, culminating in systemic failures that jeopardize public safety and fiscal stability.

The recent Palisades wildfire stands as a damning indictment of this gross negligence. As the most devastating inferno in Los Angeles’s history, it obliterated over 1,000 properties while firefighters stood impotent, betrayed by hydrants that sputtered dry—a direct consequence of years of endemic corruption and dereliction within Los Angeles’s water management system. Despite an arsenal of 114 massive water tanks, the system’s inability to maintain adequate pressure led to a rapid depletion of reserves at the critical moment. This disaster was exacerbated by high-profile resignations, abysmal management, and egregious policy decisions, including an $18 million slash to the fire department’s budget sanctioned by Mayor Karen Bass. Adding insult to injury, Mayor Bass was gallivanting overseas during this catastrophe, epitomizing a flagrant disdain for her constituents’ safety. 

Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration is equally culpable, having perpetrated a series of deceptions and failures that have left communities defenseless against calamities. Investigations have unmasked the state’s gross exaggeration of wildfire prevention efforts, with actual treated areas falling woefully short of publicized figures. This deliberate misinformation has exposed residents to devastating fires, underscoring a reprehensible neglect of public safety. 

The rot extends further into the state’s unemployment system, which has been riddled with fraud and incompetence. Billions of dollars have been squandered on ineligible claimants, including international criminal syndicates and incarcerated felons, while legitimate claimants languished without support. This colossal failure reflects a governance structure that is either willfully negligent or hopelessly inept. 

Moreover, California’s housing crisis has metastasized under the current regime. Despite hemorrhaging funds, the number of homeless individuals has soared to unprecedented levels, with over 181,000 reported in January 2023. Feeble attempts to address the crisis, coupled with vetoes of bills aimed at expanding housing assistance, reveal a leadership that is either indifferent or hostile to resolving this humanitarian emergency. 

The pervasive corruption within California’s political sphere is further exemplified by a litany of scandals and criminal convictions among public officials. Since 2014, 576 public officials have been convicted on federal corruption charges, painting a grim picture of a state in moral and ethical freefall. 

The cumulative effect of these failures has not only decimated California but has also imposed onerous financial burdens on the entire nation. The other 49 states are now coerced into subsidizing the fallout from California’s gross incompetence and malfeasance. It is imperative that Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles City Council, and the LA County Board of Supervisors be held accountable for this relentless assault on governance, ethics, and public trust.