Ah yes, that smell in the air...1776 ?...more like 1789 to me...been laying in groceries for the last 8 months...weapons and ammo? not gonna say...gonna grow a victory garden this spring...boycotting all the big corporate interests (Amazon, Kroger, FB)...purchasing meat directly from the farm and eggs from my egg lady...purchasing as much as possible from local establishments (1 dollar spent in the local economy is 10 dollars in the local economy)...work for the best, prepare for the worst...keep doing what you are doing Amy...
James you and I are on the exact same page. Cut off my Amazon subscriptions. Buying eggs from a woman I work with. Shopping at a local co op grocery. Filling the pantry with dried beans and rice. Collecting firewood. Putting up guns and ammo. While still reaching out to friends and family on the right because we have to mend not fight. There’s still many many avenues to save us. Just preparing in case it goes sideways. The next six months will likely be pivotal.
This is a terrifying post to read. It reminds me of the uncanny valley feeling I’ve had wherever I’ve visited the States. Because in many ways, our two countries have many things in common. So when we differ strongly, such as on gun control, I feel disquieted. Guns breed violence. That said, in a failing Republic where civil war no longer seems laughable and access to guns is relatively easy, does it make sense to be the one without one? Perhaps not.
I know and weirdly I don’t think it frightens most of us all that much. I mean our democracy crumbling etc is terrifying. But America becoming violent? We already know what that looks like. We see it too often to not take the prospect seriously. It’s kind of like oh I’d really better pick up some guns with the beans and rice. Then back to whatever we were doing.
What a great article, but too bad we've come to that point. We've been buying our beef and pork direct from the farmers for years, have a fair amount of non-perishable food on hand, and we'll be planting a garden and canning this summer. And as James said, weapons and ammo...not gonna say. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is communication devices. A good set of uhf/vhf radios might be a consideration. At least to stay in touch with close family, and the ability to reach out to others if needed. Recommended reading, A Navy Seals Bug-in guide has been helpful for us. And no I'm not a prepper either, but grew up with depression era grandparents who always had a well stocked cellar, and lived in Alaska for a number of years where goods and services were sometimes limited.
Good advice regarding communication over_by_minnesota. I lived in AK too in a couple areas. Cordova and Fairbanks and understand preparedness as well. I worked in Cordova with a lot of folks from Ely. Will check out the Navy Seals bug in guide. Thanks for reading and responding.
Since reading your posts, I asked my husband if that shotgun we have that was my dad’s has to be registered in MN. It does not. Now I’m wondering if he and I should head to a local Cabelas and start gun shopping. Those are words I never thought I’d write, but I am very concerned that this administration will go to war with Canada. And, yes, I believe that January 6th was a prelude to future violence in our country.
Hi Jeanne, fellow Minnesotian here. Might pay to stay in touch just in case things actually do go sideways. I'm in the North Minneapolis area, and gave you a follow.
Amy, I am also slated to go to a gun range this Tuesday with a professional, to find out what sort of gun I need to buy. I cannot believe I’m doing this, and yet, like you, I believe preparation is paramount. And it needs to happen soon.
I am 69 and, while I owned a few rifles and shotguns 40 years ago, I never owned a handgun. I am now in the middle of what you described, looking at pistols and planning a trip to try a few at the gun range.
It is sad that my wife and I feel the need to change on something so fundamental and owning a handgun, but that is what we have come to.
Yes like you Darrell I’ve owned guns. I used one for bear protection in Alaska and duck hunted a bit with an old bf. I carry bear mace when I hike for protection mostly from men. There’s no bears where I live now. But I never felt I needed a gun where I live to protect myself overall. And while everything “looks” the same still. I know that can change quickly. And with wait times and training etc, it’s not too soon to get started. I’m sorry so many of us are finding ourselves here.
Amy, this is an interesting and philosophical reflection for me, living in Germany, where gun laws are the strictest in the world because of our past. And yet, looking at this and considering how I would feel in your position, I know I would have already bought a weapon and trained with it.
I carry a Swiss Army knife with 72 functions and my ultra-sharp Laguiole pocket knife. I like having a wall at my back and a window or door in sight when I’m in a restaurant. Despite being rooted in peaceful conflict resolution, practicing NVC, and erasing most violent words from my language in both German and English, I would still buy that gun.
I am not crazy. I know there might come a moment when I would have to defend myself—as a non-binary, non-conforming, lesbian person and rooting for democracy.
And I'd like to be prepared for that.
I would not be going down without a fight. That is not why I liberated myself from old beliefs and healed my many a trauma.
Wild Lion*eases as always you have a wonderfully valid and nuanced perspective. I didn’t realize you were in Germany and appreciate you sharing how you prepare yourself and remain vigilant even in a country with limited weapons. Also, hearing your take on this situation especially as a non-binary person who surely understands and need to protect themselves from potential violence, is yet another perspective we need to all hear. Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing.
Amy, I just thought about how I would approach this if I lived in the U.S.—which, honestly, has been a dream of mine for the past 35 years. That part came easily.
Still, being German, I can’t ignore how much sorrow, suffering, and violence weapons bring into everyday life, especially in America. The ethical and moral weight of that is something I can’t take lightly. And yet, in your position, I know exactly what I would do.
I appreciate the conversation and the space to think through it.
It’s time to muster outside our comfort zones. There’s firearm training classes for women likely in your area. I suggest finding one and gaining the confidence you need in case you need it.
How it tears my heart to be reading these comments. I haven’t lived in the country of my birth for 48 years. And yet I see that people are being forced to arm themselves. That’s what the 2nd amendment was all about. Firstly, to have a populace able to defend a fledgling nation of 13 former Colonies as there was no standing army at the time. The second reason, to overthrow a corrupt government. I fear the US will drawn into its second civil war
I live in Australia, but still have family and friends in the USA. The last time I visited was 2016. All my friends and work colleagues here simply cannot fathom how the American people are basically letting a delusional, petty minded bully get away with this ridiculously ignorant behaviour & actions. They can’t understand why executive orders that are patently unconstitutional are not being thrown out and countermanded by the Supreme Court. They can’t see why his own political are so afraid of him that they appear to be committing treason by not upholding their oath of office. They really don’t understand Trump’s treatment of traditional allys and the blustering statements about seizing Canada, Greenland and the Gaza Strip. They’re appalled at the way the Ukrainian President was treated. And they’re completely incredulous that the American people, who have father’s grandfathers, uncles, aunts,etc who bled and died 80 years ago to defeat Fascism would turn their backs on that sacrifice.
Fascinating. Half of America is feeling exactly what you just stated. Heartbroken disbelief in what is happening and we lack any means to stop it because Trump stacked the Supreme Court and now has the legislative branch following his every order. The checks and balances are gone.
Meanwhile the other half is enabling him.
And here we are.
On the verge of American collapse in the global arena and internal strife.
The only thing that can stop him is Republicans and since they aren’t willing, we’re on a glide path to destruction.
We noted a glimmer of hope when the female Trump appointee stood up and voted against Trump’s dictates…and how quickly some cultists branded her a traitor…..really? For actually upholding her oath of office and the Constitution?
Kudos Amy for another interesting read. During the prior Trump administration, I finally decided it was time to exercise my 2nd Amendment rights with respect to handgun ownership. In New York State, that means applying for a concealed carry permit. I’ve never carried, but at least I’m legal going back and forth to the range. You have selected two great handguns, and although I looked at both, I settled on the Beretta PX4 Storm compact, 9mm. I’m partial to Berettas and have recently looked at their re-introduced 80x Cheetah. Just gotta love those Berettas! Had to chuckle at being the guy who said “you can never have enough” ammo. But, seriously, a retired NYS Trooper friend said that if you want to maintain your proficiency, you should be putting at least 50 rounds a month down range, so 600 rounds for the year? Just an estimate.
Hi Dennis. Remember when I said you might actually be the Dennis in one of my posts. Well here we are. So I’m kind of partial to the Barettas too and if the PX storm is smaller than the M9 I used to shoot I think I should add it to the list to try. And yes I think I’d also better get a concealed carry permit as well because I like to follow the laws and wouldn’t want any issue going to the range.
And 600 rounds it is!! Thanks. I just needed someone to give me a number. That’s what I’ll buy.
Thanks as always for reading and supporting. Don’t forget to share if you think someone else would enjoy reading me.
Well said Amy, well said. Just an opinion here, a handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun are all useful for protection. None of them are useful without ammunition. The second amendment protects our right to bear arms. It doesn’t give us the right to buy ammunition. People are going to be in a buying mood. It might get scarce. Focus on handgun ammunition first. Just my opinion.
Thanks Joseph. Good advice. I already have shotgun ammo anyway. So focusing on handgun ammo makes sense. And good point on the second amendment. I hadn’t thought of that nuance on ammo.
You sure don’t sound like a “leftist” you sound like another conspiracy based gun toting …cultist. A faction of the government? How much ammo is enough for What?
Rickie, I sincerely hope that you are correct and my predictions are inflated and improbable. However, we’re not the first democracy to destabilize and erupt in violence. I’m simply preparing for a worst case scenario that I hope won’t occur.
I think, like many current issues, there’s too much black and white thinking. You can be prepared to defend yourself and your community without being a stereotypical gun fetishist/idolator. You can think ahead about acts of nature or acts of man that require you to set in a sensible amount of food and provisions should social order and supply chains be disrupted and local grocery stores are empty for two days, a week, a month. This is just wise living based on the historical experience of other nations or even communities in our own country. Though all out civil war is, I suppose possible, if/when the excrement hits the ventilator, it will be more Katrina and less Mad Max. In a Katrina situation, I want to be able to work with others to defend and provide for my community. Being sensibly armed is a part of that.
J this is a great way of explaining a nuanced situation. Especially since what I imagine could happen is not two clear sides but rogue militias and neighborhoods fending for themselves with lots of disruption and suffering. Survival in those situations and being able to help others comes down to preparedness. You nailed it.
I didn’t expect to spend the last years of my life like this (I was more focused on climate collapse), but here I am.
There’s a first part to the Second Amendment that most folks ignore. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State….” By invoking Title 10 without the consent of California’s governor, 🍊🐓 has deprived the state of the ability to regulate its militia. Evidently Newsom is suing, although perhaps not on that basis. What he, and all the other Democrat governors, should also be doing is mobilizing their militias to protect their residents.
The thing I keep coming back to is Portland in 2020. Portland Police Bureau should have formed a protective line between the federal mercenaries and the demonstrators, and told the demonstrators “We’re here to protect you. Keep up the good work, but don’t make our job harder.” I really don’t think PPB could handle that, but there’s the Oregon State Police. And the National Guard. I fear that all those entities would attack their own neighbors if push came to shove, but if they are never asked to do the right thing, we will never know.
And of course turning neighbor against neighbor is part of the game plan.
Ah yes, that smell in the air...1776 ?...more like 1789 to me...been laying in groceries for the last 8 months...weapons and ammo? not gonna say...gonna grow a victory garden this spring...boycotting all the big corporate interests (Amazon, Kroger, FB)...purchasing meat directly from the farm and eggs from my egg lady...purchasing as much as possible from local establishments (1 dollar spent in the local economy is 10 dollars in the local economy)...work for the best, prepare for the worst...keep doing what you are doing Amy...
James you and I are on the exact same page. Cut off my Amazon subscriptions. Buying eggs from a woman I work with. Shopping at a local co op grocery. Filling the pantry with dried beans and rice. Collecting firewood. Putting up guns and ammo. While still reaching out to friends and family on the right because we have to mend not fight. There’s still many many avenues to save us. Just preparing in case it goes sideways. The next six months will likely be pivotal.
This is a terrifying post to read. It reminds me of the uncanny valley feeling I’ve had wherever I’ve visited the States. Because in many ways, our two countries have many things in common. So when we differ strongly, such as on gun control, I feel disquieted. Guns breed violence. That said, in a failing Republic where civil war no longer seems laughable and access to guns is relatively easy, does it make sense to be the one without one? Perhaps not.
I know and weirdly I don’t think it frightens most of us all that much. I mean our democracy crumbling etc is terrifying. But America becoming violent? We already know what that looks like. We see it too often to not take the prospect seriously. It’s kind of like oh I’d really better pick up some guns with the beans and rice. Then back to whatever we were doing.
What a great article, but too bad we've come to that point. We've been buying our beef and pork direct from the farmers for years, have a fair amount of non-perishable food on hand, and we'll be planting a garden and canning this summer. And as James said, weapons and ammo...not gonna say. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is communication devices. A good set of uhf/vhf radios might be a consideration. At least to stay in touch with close family, and the ability to reach out to others if needed. Recommended reading, A Navy Seals Bug-in guide has been helpful for us. And no I'm not a prepper either, but grew up with depression era grandparents who always had a well stocked cellar, and lived in Alaska for a number of years where goods and services were sometimes limited.
Good advice regarding communication over_by_minnesota. I lived in AK too in a couple areas. Cordova and Fairbanks and understand preparedness as well. I worked in Cordova with a lot of folks from Ely. Will check out the Navy Seals bug in guide. Thanks for reading and responding.
Since reading your posts, I asked my husband if that shotgun we have that was my dad’s has to be registered in MN. It does not. Now I’m wondering if he and I should head to a local Cabelas and start gun shopping. Those are words I never thought I’d write, but I am very concerned that this administration will go to war with Canada. And, yes, I believe that January 6th was a prelude to future violence in our country.
Jeanne, it sounds like a Cabela’s gun and ammo shopping date is in your future. I also picked up some ammo for my shotgun.
Hi Jeanne, fellow Minnesotian here. Might pay to stay in touch just in case things actually do go sideways. I'm in the North Minneapolis area, and gave you a follow.
Done! It’s absolutely wrenching to think MN could be a front line to a regime attack against Canada.
Amy, I am also slated to go to a gun range this Tuesday with a professional, to find out what sort of gun I need to buy. I cannot believe I’m doing this, and yet, like you, I believe preparation is paramount. And it needs to happen soon.
Good job Beth.
I am 69 and, while I owned a few rifles and shotguns 40 years ago, I never owned a handgun. I am now in the middle of what you described, looking at pistols and planning a trip to try a few at the gun range.
It is sad that my wife and I feel the need to change on something so fundamental and owning a handgun, but that is what we have come to.
Yes like you Darrell I’ve owned guns. I used one for bear protection in Alaska and duck hunted a bit with an old bf. I carry bear mace when I hike for protection mostly from men. There’s no bears where I live now. But I never felt I needed a gun where I live to protect myself overall. And while everything “looks” the same still. I know that can change quickly. And with wait times and training etc, it’s not too soon to get started. I’m sorry so many of us are finding ourselves here.
Amy, this is an interesting and philosophical reflection for me, living in Germany, where gun laws are the strictest in the world because of our past. And yet, looking at this and considering how I would feel in your position, I know I would have already bought a weapon and trained with it.
I carry a Swiss Army knife with 72 functions and my ultra-sharp Laguiole pocket knife. I like having a wall at my back and a window or door in sight when I’m in a restaurant. Despite being rooted in peaceful conflict resolution, practicing NVC, and erasing most violent words from my language in both German and English, I would still buy that gun.
I am not crazy. I know there might come a moment when I would have to defend myself—as a non-binary, non-conforming, lesbian person and rooting for democracy.
And I'd like to be prepared for that.
I would not be going down without a fight. That is not why I liberated myself from old beliefs and healed my many a trauma.
Wild Lion*eases as always you have a wonderfully valid and nuanced perspective. I didn’t realize you were in Germany and appreciate you sharing how you prepare yourself and remain vigilant even in a country with limited weapons. Also, hearing your take on this situation especially as a non-binary person who surely understands and need to protect themselves from potential violence, is yet another perspective we need to all hear. Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing.
Amy, I just thought about how I would approach this if I lived in the U.S.—which, honestly, has been a dream of mine for the past 35 years. That part came easily.
Still, being German, I can’t ignore how much sorrow, suffering, and violence weapons bring into everyday life, especially in America. The ethical and moral weight of that is something I can’t take lightly. And yet, in your position, I know exactly what I would do.
I appreciate the conversation and the space to think through it.
Thanks for saying what I’m thinking. You’re far more prepared than I … just wish I had the nerve. It feels closer every day.
It’s time to muster outside our comfort zones. There’s firearm training classes for women likely in your area. I suggest finding one and gaining the confidence you need in case you need it.
How it tears my heart to be reading these comments. I haven’t lived in the country of my birth for 48 years. And yet I see that people are being forced to arm themselves. That’s what the 2nd amendment was all about. Firstly, to have a populace able to defend a fledgling nation of 13 former Colonies as there was no standing army at the time. The second reason, to overthrow a corrupt government. I fear the US will drawn into its second civil war
I live in Australia, but still have family and friends in the USA. The last time I visited was 2016. All my friends and work colleagues here simply cannot fathom how the American people are basically letting a delusional, petty minded bully get away with this ridiculously ignorant behaviour & actions. They can’t understand why executive orders that are patently unconstitutional are not being thrown out and countermanded by the Supreme Court. They can’t see why his own political are so afraid of him that they appear to be committing treason by not upholding their oath of office. They really don’t understand Trump’s treatment of traditional allys and the blustering statements about seizing Canada, Greenland and the Gaza Strip. They’re appalled at the way the Ukrainian President was treated. And they’re completely incredulous that the American people, who have father’s grandfathers, uncles, aunts,etc who bled and died 80 years ago to defeat Fascism would turn their backs on that sacrifice.
Fascinating. Half of America is feeling exactly what you just stated. Heartbroken disbelief in what is happening and we lack any means to stop it because Trump stacked the Supreme Court and now has the legislative branch following his every order. The checks and balances are gone.
Meanwhile the other half is enabling him.
And here we are.
On the verge of American collapse in the global arena and internal strife.
The only thing that can stop him is Republicans and since they aren’t willing, we’re on a glide path to destruction.
We noted a glimmer of hope when the female Trump appointee stood up and voted against Trump’s dictates…and how quickly some cultists branded her a traitor…..really? For actually upholding her oath of office and the Constitution?
Ya that’s how they’re keeping them in line. Immediate slam for any autonomous thought. And now we understand how this happened to Germany.
Karen, agreed. it’s anxiety filling and heartbreaking for all of us. Where are you now living and what does America look like on the outside?
Kudos Amy for another interesting read. During the prior Trump administration, I finally decided it was time to exercise my 2nd Amendment rights with respect to handgun ownership. In New York State, that means applying for a concealed carry permit. I’ve never carried, but at least I’m legal going back and forth to the range. You have selected two great handguns, and although I looked at both, I settled on the Beretta PX4 Storm compact, 9mm. I’m partial to Berettas and have recently looked at their re-introduced 80x Cheetah. Just gotta love those Berettas! Had to chuckle at being the guy who said “you can never have enough” ammo. But, seriously, a retired NYS Trooper friend said that if you want to maintain your proficiency, you should be putting at least 50 rounds a month down range, so 600 rounds for the year? Just an estimate.
Hi Dennis. Remember when I said you might actually be the Dennis in one of my posts. Well here we are. So I’m kind of partial to the Barettas too and if the PX storm is smaller than the M9 I used to shoot I think I should add it to the list to try. And yes I think I’d also better get a concealed carry permit as well because I like to follow the laws and wouldn’t want any issue going to the range.
And 600 rounds it is!! Thanks. I just needed someone to give me a number. That’s what I’ll buy.
Thanks as always for reading and supporting. Don’t forget to share if you think someone else would enjoy reading me.
Well said Amy, well said. Just an opinion here, a handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun are all useful for protection. None of them are useful without ammunition. The second amendment protects our right to bear arms. It doesn’t give us the right to buy ammunition. People are going to be in a buying mood. It might get scarce. Focus on handgun ammunition first. Just my opinion.
Thanks Joseph. Good advice. I already have shotgun ammo anyway. So focusing on handgun ammo makes sense. And good point on the second amendment. I hadn’t thought of that nuance on ammo.
You sure don’t sound like a “leftist” you sound like another conspiracy based gun toting …cultist. A faction of the government? How much ammo is enough for What?
I would rather have a pistol and not need it than the alternative. And I am a staunch dem living in a red state.
Same Darrell. Same.
Rickie, I sincerely hope that you are correct and my predictions are inflated and improbable. However, we’re not the first democracy to destabilize and erupt in violence. I’m simply preparing for a worst case scenario that I hope won’t occur.
I think, like many current issues, there’s too much black and white thinking. You can be prepared to defend yourself and your community without being a stereotypical gun fetishist/idolator. You can think ahead about acts of nature or acts of man that require you to set in a sensible amount of food and provisions should social order and supply chains be disrupted and local grocery stores are empty for two days, a week, a month. This is just wise living based on the historical experience of other nations or even communities in our own country. Though all out civil war is, I suppose possible, if/when the excrement hits the ventilator, it will be more Katrina and less Mad Max. In a Katrina situation, I want to be able to work with others to defend and provide for my community. Being sensibly armed is a part of that.
J this is a great way of explaining a nuanced situation. Especially since what I imagine could happen is not two clear sides but rogue militias and neighborhoods fending for themselves with lots of disruption and suffering. Survival in those situations and being able to help others comes down to preparedness. You nailed it.
I didn’t expect to spend the last years of my life like this (I was more focused on climate collapse), but here I am.
There’s a first part to the Second Amendment that most folks ignore. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State….” By invoking Title 10 without the consent of California’s governor, 🍊🐓 has deprived the state of the ability to regulate its militia. Evidently Newsom is suing, although perhaps not on that basis. What he, and all the other Democrat governors, should also be doing is mobilizing their militias to protect their residents.
The thing I keep coming back to is Portland in 2020. Portland Police Bureau should have formed a protective line between the federal mercenaries and the demonstrators, and told the demonstrators “We’re here to protect you. Keep up the good work, but don’t make our job harder.” I really don’t think PPB could handle that, but there’s the Oregon State Police. And the National Guard. I fear that all those entities would attack their own neighbors if push came to shove, but if they are never asked to do the right thing, we will never know.
And of course turning neighbor against neighbor is part of the game plan.