This. (link updated)
These.
One of these.
These.
Maybe listen to these folks, too.
While I'm not advocating the initiation of festivities, the "left" has shown the willingness to do so to achieve political ends, or, more accurately, just to make a point. Recently, they've pushed down old ladies at Tea Parties, got rowdy in Wisconsin, and Occupy is showing signs of waking up.
I think the days of wearing cute Benjamin Franklin costumes and tricorn hats to lovey-dovey Glenn Beck rallies are over. This isn't a game.
I think that if you go to the streets for your political beliefs this year, anticipating the possibility of trouble would be wise.
I don't recommend looking for it; neither do I recommend backing down in the face of leftist provocations.
This nation does not resemble the pre-revolution colonies in the 1700s. It resembles 1920/30ss Germany, on the verge of a further irreversible slide into a collectivist hell. Weakened, under heavy Marxist influence, economically on the edge of an abyss, and full of barely-contained tension.
Whether or not you look for confrontation on political grounds is your decision. I would advise against it. I think we'll have our fill, eventually.
I would also strongly advise against standing idly by while old women and senior citizens are attacked by Marxist trash.
Just some thoughts. Take 'em or leave 'em.
I weep for my country. I could never imagined this at anytime in my life happening here. Then, I have to contend with the herd not even interested in trying to put the brakes on. That would require too much energy and thought.
ReplyDeleteWhen did I wake up in 1932 Germany??
AP, Come on now. Everybody knows you need to wear a black hooded sweatshirt and that the bandana has to be the blue cowboy/ hobo type with the white pattern on it.
ReplyDeleteA good sized stick with a cardboard sign on it might be worth considering.
On a more serious note the stab resistant clothing is interesting, I wonder what the prices are like.
TOR-
ReplyDeleteYou got me. I couldn't find a link for hooded stab/cut resistant sweatshirts, although I looked for a while. I believe there is a Brit company selling them. I wouldn't mind having one. If I remember right, they're ~200 USD...
Yep. Found one like it here, not hooded though. Still looking for a hooded one.
http://www.taxi-mart.co.uk/shop2/product.asp?strParents=443&CAT_ID=443&P_ID=873&numCurrencyID=3
I plead no contest on the bandana. I like black more. ;-)
I was tempted to put a link in for steel-toed boots instead of the ones I did, but one may indeed have to exit the AO at a high rate of speed in certain circumstances.
The boots I linked to are as close to running shoe as one will find in a boot.
While we're at it, some kevlar hard knuckled gloves wouldn't hurt, either. ;-)
AP
don't forget a cup, hippies go for the groin kick almost every time.
ReplyDeleteWearing martial art shin/forearm guards (on the appropriate area), knee and elbow pads (on the appropriate area), and cut-resistant fisherman/filleting gloves might also be a good idea. The pads aren't really cheap, but cover the shins and forearms, and will definitely lessen the impact of kicks, sticks, batons and inadvertant encounters with obstacles. Knee and elbow pads- well, doing a foot sweep is greatly simplified if your knees are protected. Elbow pads, just in case you encounter macadam with them. (Also consider skateboarder wrist guards for things like falls, wrist (rather than fist) strikes to noses, temples, eye balls- hitting with bare fist can be detrimental to hand use later if improperly closed, not to mention skinned knuckles are evidence.)
ReplyDeleteUseing a baseball bat as a placcard stick is de-rigguer with union thugs, so follow suit. I recommend #2 Louisville Slugger. For bonus points, carry a collapsible baton in your dungaree side pocket (where tools normally go). Or a hefty police type metal flashlight in the hammer loop (I wear carhart type pants almost exclusively).
A small two ounce spray can of WD-40 might work for up close and personal encounters where you may want to temporarily blind someone. Or, in a back pocket, a can of spray paint, preferably black n color, for similar occasions.
And then there's the...
Well, you get the idea.
Shy III
Oh, one other point- footwear: it's easy to find steel toed tennis shoes now- just check your local construction supply store, or any KameApart. (Useful for those times you may need to deliver an 'Anonymous 8.15'. ;)
ReplyDeleteShy III
Your a little off on the Left/Right issue. Its more complex than that.
ReplyDeleteIt comes between economic nationalism, social democracy or oligarchy.
We already have Oligarchy with some redistribution. Its certainly not a Social Democracy ala Europe
Social Democracy only works with homogeneity and some degree of economic nationalism and even than not all that well. Probably better than what we have but thats a weak recommendation.
Economic nationalism simply makes sure that American workers get a bigger chunk of the pie which is what is needed
You are also wrong on the Union issue, Unions with few exceptions (prison guards and occasional ones excessively influenced by the old line mob) are the good guys.
However as the old saw goes, you don't need t be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows and its an ill wind to be sure. Your self defense advice is solid.
Anon-
ReplyDeleteYou are right on the left/right issue; it is way more complex than that.
I have not been clear on my stance with unions. Many of them I have known are good guys.
The ones who gather for Marxist rallies and causes are not. The ones who beat picket line breakers within an inch of their lives are not.
Union members individually are *generally* not the problem, BUT...one can only belong to and give money to an organization pushing a Marxist agenda for so long and be considered "clean", in my eyes.
I hope many of them stop supporting these Marxist causes. I'd be happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with many Union folks.
AP
Why would you waste your time going to a political rally right now? My time would be better served prepping for the eventual. We're past the point of fixing this country with politics. Its a waste of time and energy, and your money as well.
ReplyDeletePerfect solution. Motorcycle jackets. They come with built in pads and spine protection. And look awesome. :)
ReplyDelete