THE LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF SELF-CHECKOUT LANES
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author August 5, 2022 © All Rights Reserved RETAILERS USE OF SELF-CHECKOUT MACHINES MAKE EMPLOYEES OBSOLETE, BUT CONSUMERS AT HIGH RISK Among retailers, the use of self-checkout machines are becoming more common in the business marketplace. Retailers, such as Walmart and others have figured out bottom-line-profits can be increased, by installing self-checkout machines and eliminating employee staff. However convenient self-checkout machines are; the cons outweigh the pros, example: Consumers are never trained, by Walmart, for example, on the correct procedures to operate the machines nor does it reduce the cost of goods and services for the consumers free labor. Essentially, they just keep raking in the profits and sometimes at the consumers expense. More specifically, a simple error in missing an item, during the checkout process, could lead to the consumers arrest, costing the consumer thousands of dollars in legal fees because of a mere mistake. Furthermore, the consumer is never compensated for his or her labor during the self-checkout process. In order to alert consumers to the dangers associate with the self-checkout process individuals have turned to social media outlets to spread the word. Some of these individuals are former employees of a particular corporate chain, others are lawyers, e.g.: CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY EXPLAINS WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID SELF-CHECKOUT LANES In an article appearing in: “IN THE KNOW,” A lawyer is going viral after sharing why she often suggests that shoppers avoid using self-checkout lanes. Carrie Jernigan (@carriejernigan1), is a criminal defense attorney with more than 1 million followers on TikTok. Much of her page is dedicated to aspects of the legal system that TikTokers may not know about. In one recent video, Jernigan said that she typically tells people to “steer clear” of self-checkout lanes. The reason? Shoplifters. As Jernigan explains it, she usually sees three kinds of people getting charged with shoplifting after using a self-checkout lane. The first, she says, are professional shoplifters. The second group, however, are those guilty of what she calls “theft by mistake.” This, according to Jernigan, is where innocent people can get into trouble.“These are the people that I genuinely think just forgot to scan an item,” she says. “It is usually something that was on the bottom rack of the cart … and when they are walking out, asset protection stops them.” Jernigan explains that, in the early days of self-checkout, she noticed stores letting people off if they forgot to scan an item. “They let almost all of these people either scan and pay for the item, or just let them go, but took the item they did not pay for,” she says. Now, however, stores aren’t as lenient, she says. Jernigan believes this is because shoplifters have become so adept at stealing from self-checkout lanes that stores no longer want to take a gamble on whether a theft was accidental. They have lost all sympathy, and they are just taking a ‘Tell it to the judge’ approach,” she adds. Lastly, Jernigan breaks down the third group. These people, who she calls “the truly innocent,” are usually charged long after the day they bought something. “It is something that [happens when] asset protection is doing a quality-control check, or inventory that weeks, days, months later comes up short,” she says. “So they will begin watching hours of video.” These checks, she says, can sometimes result in shoppers getting charged unfairly, simply because they bought one of the items that went missing. The stakes can quickly get high. Although shoplifting is usually considered a misdemeanor, many states can sentence offenders to a year in prison. If the charge is elevated to a felony, the prison time could be much longer. Jernigan’s last bit of advice? Don’t pay in cash. As she explains at the end of the clip, that will make it even harder to prove what you did or didn’t buy. If you’re innocent, Jernigan notes, it’s likely that you’ll eventually be able to present evidence to prove it. However, that comes at the cost of time, money and effort. “At that point, so much damage has already been done,” she says. FORMER WALMART EMPLOYEE HAS A WARNING FOR WALMART SHOPPERS: “DO NOT STEAL” In an article appearing in “The US SUN” an individual claiming to be a former Walmart employee reveals: Self-checkout workers can pause the machine if they think you’re stealing and said you will definitely get caught. “First thing’s first: If you’ve been to Walmart, you’ve probably been to these self-checkouts,” the TikToker, who goes by @obeygoddess on the platform, said as she pointed to a picture of self-checkout kiosks. Now what you didn’t know is Walmart employees that work in the self-checkout area carry devices around called TC devices. “With these TC devices, we’re able to see everything you’re purchasing, how much your total purchase is, and how much each item costs.” She then showed a picture of what a worker’s TC device looks like when a person is checking out, and it displayed exactly what she mentioned, plus the number of items the person is scanning. The former employee continued on to reveal that employees who suspect theft have the option to pause the checkout process at any kiosk and make it look like the machine froze with the devices.She shared a photo of a kiosk displaying an error message, but she also said your checkout screen can simply freeze so you can’t do anything else. “At that point, you have no choice but to call for help,” she noted.“And once we come over we pretend like something is wrong with the machine.” She continued: “Basically at that point what they do is if you already have things inside bags and you’re stealing, they’ll take everything out of the bags and be like: ‘Don’t worry, we’ll ring you up at another machine, there must be something wrong with this one.’ “And at that point, they’ll just take you to a main checkout where there’s an actual person to cash you out.” The former Walmart employee said the point of her video is to teach people not to even try stealing from the self-checkout line.“They can see everything that you’re purchasing, everything that you’re scanning. “You will get caught and they will pause a transaction on you.” To read the entire articles, click on the following links: https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/4504351/walmart-workers-can-pause-self-checkout-machines-suspect-theft/ https://www.intheknow.com/post/self-checkout-lanes-shoplifting-tikto/ RISK ANALYSIS CONCLUSION If a consumer desires to use the self-checkout machines as a matter of convenience he or she should do the following: 1) DO NOT OPERATE the machine while talking on your cell phone or while engaging in a conversation with a friend. 2) During checkout, verify each item scanned is listed on the machine. 3) NEVER PAY WITH CASH. Always use a bank debit card or a credit card for payment in order to have a record of your payment. 4) Keep a copy of your sales receipt for your records. 5) Prior to completing the check out peruse your bill to determine if all of your items in your shopping cart are included as well as determining if any items have been double scanned. If an item is accidentally double scanned make sure the item is removed from your sales receipt before paying the bill. When in doubt always summon an employee to assist you when necessary. “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE!”
1 Comment
FBI, DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WRAY ARE IN FOR A RUDE WAKE-UP CALL OVER HUNTER BIDEN INVESTIGATION8/1/2022 FBI, DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WRAY ARE IN FOR A RUDE WAKE-UP CALL OVER HUNTER BIDEN INVESTIGATION
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection ProfessionaL Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author August 1, 2022 © All-rights Reserved · In an article, by New York Post Journalist, Miranda Devine, the author is reporting: FBI Director Christopher Wray always seems a little too pleased with himself. But on Thursday, the smirk may be wiped off his pretty face when Republican members of the House Oversight Committee start grilling him on the mounting evidence that something is very rotten inside the agency Wray runs. At the top of the list is the curious question of why the FBI apparently did nothing with Hunter Biden’s laptop, which was handed to two agents on Dec. 9, 2019, by John Paul Mac Isaac, the alarmed owner of the computer repair shop near the Biden family homes in Greenville, Del., where Hunter had dropped off his MacBook eight months earlier. Among other potential crimes to be found on the abandoned laptop, you would expect the FBI to be interested, on national security grounds, in the incriminating evidence of a corrupt foreign influence-peddling scheme run by the Biden family throughout Joe Biden’s vice presidency. Equally curious is why the FBI apparently did nothing with another voluminous trove of corroborating material, given to it in October 2020 by Hunter’s former business partner, Navy veteran Tony Bobulinski, including emails and other documents that replicate those on Hunter’s laptop. Bobulinski has said he was interviewed for several hours by FBI agents, as part of an investigation into Hunter, after he held a bombshell press conference on Oct. 22, 2020, alleging that then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had lied when he claimed to have no involvement in Hunter’s foreign deals. Bobulinski also said that Joe Biden was the “Big Guy” referred to by Hunter’s partners in encrypted messages and intercepted voice messages. According to one email, the “Big Guy” was slated to receive a 10% stake in Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden’s lucrative joint venture with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC. According to one email, the “Big Guy” was slated to receive a 10% stake in Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden’s lucrative joint venture with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC. According to one email, the “Big Guy” was slated to receive a 10% stake in Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden’s lucrative joint venture with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC. ON THE FEDS’ RADAR We know the FBI was surveilling Hunter on Oct. 23, 2018, because agents showed up to the Biden family’s local high-end grocery store in Greenville, at the same time as Delaware state police arrived to investigate a strange incident in which his sister-in-law-turned-lover, Hallie Biden, had thrown his new gun in a trash can, only to find it missing when Hunter instructed her to retrieve it.We also know that the FBI was wiretapping Hunter’s partners at the Chinese firm, CEFC, which was a front for Chinese military intelligence, so agents would have picked up some or all of the conversations the VP’s son had between 2015 and 2018 with CEFC chairman Ye Jianming, director Jianjun Zang and associate Patrick Ho, the Chinese spies who would give him millions of dollars. The FBI’s surveillance of Ho was revealed during his bribery trial after he was arrested at JFK Airport on November 18, 2017. In a voice memo on his laptop, Hunter described Ho, who paid him $1 million as a “legal retainer,” as the “spy chief of China,” which intelligence experts say is an exaggeration. We also know that Hunter has been under investigation since 2018 by the US attorney in Delaware, David Weiss, for possible tax and money laundering activities, as well as potential foreign agent violations, and that a grand jury in Delaware has heard testimony from several of his former business partners and lovers. We know that at least one of those witnesses was asked “who is the Big Guy,” suggesting that the into Hunter Biden may involve his father.So why, in the face of all this evidence, has the FBI done nothing at least to allay fears that the president is compromised when it comes to China? Now Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) says whistleblowers have come forward with allegations that the FBI was covering up the Hunter Biden information. There was “a scheme in place among certain FBI officials to undermine derogatory information connected to Hunter Biden by falsely suggesting it was disinformation.” Grassley claims that the FBI was investigating Hunter’s “criminal financial and related activity” in 2020, and it may have a “potential counterintelligence component.’” GRASSLEY SOUNDS ALARM Grassley laid out the allegations last week in a letter to Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland. In August 2020, FBI supervisory intelligence analyst Brian Auten “opened an assessment which was used by a FBI Headquarters team to improperly discredit negative Hunter Biden information as disinformation and caused investigative activity to cease. Based on allegations, verified and verifiable derogatory information on Hunter Biden was falsely labeled as disinformation,” Grassley wrote.Further, Auten, a veteran intelligence analyst, was central to the FBI’s farcical Crossfire Hurricane investigation, in July 2016, of the phony Steele dossier “pee tape” cooked up by Hillary Clinton’s campaign to smear then-candidate Donald Trump as a Russian agent. Grassley’s whistleblowers also accused Washington Field Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault of “falsely portray[ing] as disinformation evidence acquired from multiple sources that provided the FBI derogatory information related to Hunter Biden’s financial and foreign business activities, even though some of that information had already been or could be verified.”Were Thibault or Auten involved in the handling of Hunter’s laptop or Bobulinski’s information? Was Hunter or Jim Biden, or indeed Joe Biden, ever given a defensive briefing from the FBI to warn them that CEFC was a front for Chinese intelligence? To read the entire article, click on the following link: https://nypost.com/2022/07/31/fbi-director-christopher-wray-are-in-for-a-rude-wake-up-call-over-hunter-biden-investigation/ A HISTORY OF CORRUPTION AND MISINFORMATION IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The Federal Government has a history of altering, hiding the facts, providing misinformation, or just plain lying to the American people. What’s most egregious about their unorthodox and sometimes criminal behavior is: Its morphed into the weaponizing of our most sophisticated intelligence and federal law enforcement agencies, against the American people. Perhaps the most egregious actions are their providing false information or completely hiding corruption, of a candidate, in order, to deprive Americans of a fair election process. More specifically, their swaying the electoral process in their favor and their desired candidate is nothing more than election tampering. Furthermore, we’ve witnessed their criminal actions during the last electoral presidential process where over 50 intelligence officials, prior to the 2020 presidential election, signed a letter declaring the Hunter Biden laptop was Russian misinformation when, in fact, the contents are completely legitimate. More specifically, they lied!!! However, this is not new. We saw the same criminal behavior during the Trump administration when Hillary Clinton devised the completely false Russian Hoax Collusion, which was also covered up by the FBI, as were Clintons hidden email server debacle. Again, election tampering by Clinton and her staff. MAIN. STREAM MEDIA IS COMPLICIT IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION Ironically, the weaponizing of the mainstream news media began with the Obama administration. Perhaps the most noticeable event was the Benghazi debacle. Susan Rice flat out lied to the American people about the cause of the tragic events; simply saying the firefight which led to American deaths was caused by a video. Today, when you turn on the 6 o’clock news, instead of hearing a truthful news broad cast about relevant facts concerning America, the American people are fed what the spin doctors want you to hear, instead of the truth. In most cases, controversial topics; like the Hunter Biden laptop, is completely ignored or spun to provide the same misinformation being provided by the Federal Government. What happened to honest Journalism? The sad commentary is: Their all one in the same!! ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC all spout the same misinformation to corroborate the misinformation being provided by the Federal Government. All in all, it’s propaganda. Plain and simple!. The fact of the matter is: The main stream news media CAN’T be trusted and are definitely part of the federal corruption problem within our government. WHAT HAPPENS TO CORRUPT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES In most cases, when discovered, their allowed to retire from their cushy overpaid government jobs and collect their pensions at tax payers expense. To my knowledge, not one of the ones discovered for the Russian Collusion Hoax were ever prosecuted for their criminal activity or is sitting in a jail cell for their crimes. In the last case, during the Trump administration, they could’ve been charged with election tampering, at the least. Today, the Attorney General Merrick Garland seems to be more interested in classifying angry parents as domestic terrorists because their unhappy with the school system teaching their immoral criteria and CRT academics to their children instead of providing a much need wholesome academic education. But of course, one must understand that Garlands son-in-law is one of the ones providing the CRT books to the schools. Conflict of Interest?? In my opinion, the head of the FBI; Christopher Wray, and the head of the Attorney Generals Office; Merrick Garland, should be forced to resign their positions. After all, they’ve had ample time to root out the corrupt FBI and Intelligence agency employees and transform both back to the honorable agencies they once were. Today, the American people live in a United States where the laws are for thee, and not for me!! As a 52 year criminal investigator, I can assure you this is not the way criminal investigations are conducted. “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE!” LOUISIANA EXPANDS CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUN LAW
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author July 30, 2022 © All-rights Reserved NEW LOUISIANA LAW ALLOWS 300,000 MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS TO CARRY CONCEALED GUNS WITHOUT PERMIT, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022 In an article, by Greg Hilburn; Lafayette Daily Advertiser, on July 28, 2022, the agency is reporting: As many as 300,000 military veterans and active-duty troops in Louisiana will be eligible to carry concealed handguns without permits or training beginning Aug. 1. The new concealed carry exception was largely overlooked during the Louisiana Legislature's Regular Session with the focus on a bill by Oil City Republican Danny McCormick that would have removed permitting requirements for all adults 21 and older. McCormick's comprehensive bill failed in the Senate without a final hearing because of a heightened sensitivity to gun rights expansions immediately after the Uvalde, Texas school massacre and a veto threat from Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. But Senate Bill 143 (Act 680) with the concealed carry military exception by Republican Monroe Sen. Jay Morris sailed through both the House and Senate and secured Edwards' signature. “I believe in constitutional carry for all adults, but my bill was vetoed (in 2021), so I came up with a scaled-back version that I thought the governor might sign," said Morris, whose 2021 bill that mirrored McCormick's won final passage in the Legislature but was rejected by Edwards.” https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2022/07/28/louisiana-enacting-concealed-carry-expansion-300-000-vets-troops/10168869002/ GOVERNOR EDWARDS SIGNS SB 143, ACT 680, BY SEN. MORRIS INTO LAW ALLOWING PERMITLESS CARRY OF CONCEALED WEAPONS FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY RESIDENTS BATON ROUGE, LA – Governor Edwards has officially signed Senate Bill 143 (Act 680) of the 2022 Legislative Session into law. The Bill, authored by Senator Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, and co authored by Senator Stewart Cathey, R-Sterlington, allows honorably discharged veterans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. This version of permitless carry allows any Louisiana resident who meets the eligibility requirements to possess a concealed handgun permit, and who is a reserve or active-duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, Louisiana National Guard or Louisiana Air National Guard, to be totally exempt from the requirement of carrying a concealed handgun permit. The law goes on to cover former members of any branch of the armed forces or national guard who has been honorably discharged from service. https://www.lobservateur.com/2022/07/06/governor-edwards-signs-sb-143-by-sen-morris-into-law-allowing-permitless-carry-of-concealed-weapons-for-veterans/ With the signing of this bill, it’s a great day for Louisiana Veterans, Active Duty personnel, and the United States Constitutions 2nd Amendment. “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE!” MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, PART 4
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection ProfessionaL Risk Management Freelance Writer & Author © All Rights Reserved July 21, 2022 RISK ANALYSIS In parts 1 – 3, I covered a myriad hypothetical reasons why Mass Shootings occur. Tragically, thus-far, the only government response to preventing mass shootings has been to impose more unnecessary gun control on law abiding citizens. More specifically: More background checks, magazine capacity limits, and a repetitive call to ban the AR15 semi-auto sporting rifle even though the Supreme Court has ruled: USA citizens has a constitutional right to arm themselves for self-defense. Notwithstanding, the evidence which clearly points to the primary issues causing mass shootings have largely, by and far, been ignored by government officials in Washington D.C. They have instead opted to focus on the firearm of choice of mass shooters as the cure. As previously reported, illegal and pharmaceutical drugs as well as social and mental health issues are where the search for the “Root Cause Analysis Conclusion” should primarily be focused on and investigated, instead of the type of firearm used. After all, the firearm used is just a by product of the the shooters mind set and the end result of the crime itself. Nothing more, nothing less. So how is more expanded background checks and gun control laws going to stop the mass shooter when firearms are readily accessible on the black market? It’s not! Also, how are expanded background checks going to prevent mass shootings, when juvenile criminal records and mental health treatment records are excluded? There not! In factual reality, the government is just using a tragedy to further their gun control agenda; red flag laws included, and using the bodies of dead victims as the vehicle of opportunity to achieve their goal – eliminating guns from society in the USA all together. Notwithstanding, their zeal and quest for total gun control, in the U.S., is a violation of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Recent and former Supreme Court decisions pertaining to guns proves that. Furthermore, applying the ostrich syndrome, or ignoring the “Root Cause Analysis Conclusion” of the problem or pretending that other relevant factors don’t exist only exacerbates the problem. Summarily, these illogical approaches to ending mass shootings only leads to more mass shootings and more body counts. The amazing concept, pertaining to mass school shootings, exists in the fact: Law enforcement, from past interactions, always knows the shooter, prior to the event. Another fact is: Mass shooters broad cast their intent ahead of the crime on social media, e.g., social media outlets can identify conservative view points, on their social media platforms, but they can’t identify an individual who may be about to commit a mass shooting even though it’s broad cast on their platform before hand. The same applies to terrorist organizations using social media outlets to preach their cult ideologies. Generally, mass shooters follow the same stereotype, a stereotype derived from comparing mass shooters after the event or a criminal profile, so-to-speak. Generally, mass shooters are from broken homes and troubled backgrounds. They have mental health issues as well as issues at home, at school, and with law enforcement. Case-in-point, the mass shooter, after the Uvalde, Texas shooter, threatened to kill his entire family which required law enforcement to become involved and lead to the seizure of the individuals knife collection. Afterwards, the father sponsored the same individual, who’s obviously mentally unstable, to acquire a firearms permit in the state of residency. Thereafter, the individual legally purchased firearms and committed a mass shooting at a 4th of July parade in his home town. ON-SITE SECURITY SURVEYS OF SCHOOLS Since all of the governments gun control options have failed to prevent mass shootings, perhaps they should do what should’ve been done from the onset and that is: To bring in Risk Management Specialists and setup security protocols and equipment to harden the security at schools and other venues of interest to mass shooters. Example for schools and universities: 1) Install closed circuit TV security cameras in all U.S. schools to include, but not limited to, interior (hallways), exterior areas of schools, i.e., on each perimeter corner, as well as above all entrance doors. The CCTV cameras should be wired to a monitor and recording device that records all activity for at least a month or longer. 2) Install locks on all school doors, including classroom doors so that they only open from the inside, except by key card access from the outside. All doors remain locked at all times. Outside and inside entry should be acquired, only by key card access to school personnel. All others should have to show identification and be allowed entry only after the proper identification and their purpose for accessing the school is acquired and documented. 3) Establish one entrance area, for school access and departure, except in an emergency situation. 4) Establish a red button alarm system; similar to one used by banks whereby the push of the button alerts local law enforcement of a school shooter trying to gain access or has gained access to the school. 5) Eliminate all hoodies and backpacks from the school grounds. 6) Place armed monitors at all schools, in case of an active shooter event. 7) Establish a metal detector at the one entrance access point. 8) Perimeter fencing around the school should be an option. Which ever options a school chooses to apply, should be decided upon by the school board and the parents whose child or children attend school at a particular facility. The primary goal of safety and security protocols are to prevent mass school shootings by depriving the shooter access to the school and the primary targets inside – the children themselves. Remember, when a mass school shooting event happens; it means that theres a catastrophic failure of the schools safety and security protocols which are designed to ensure the safety of security of every person inside that school. Final note, if a mass school shooter can’t access a school he can’t harm anyone. SCHOOL SECURITY FUNDING The primary responsibility of the Federal Government is to uphold the laws of the United States, the constitution, and protect its citizens, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The federal bureaucracy in Washington D.C wastes more money each on frivolous agendas, it could easily harden the security at all U.S. schools to prevent mass shootings and keep all school children, teachers, and support groups safe with ease. Case-in-point: Joe Biden’s administration secured 2 trillion dollars for Covid 19 relief. According to NEWS reports, of the two trillion appropriated dollars, only 10 % of the funds were used for Covid 19. The remaining funds went to pork-barrel-projects such as: Planting $500 Million dollars worth of trees in New York State as well as promoting CRT, LBGTQ and Sex Transition curriculums et.al. Another case-in-point is identified when Biden left over $80 Billion dollars of high tech arms and ammunition to the Taliban, upon the USA’s exit from Afghanistan. Alone, these funds could’ve been used to harden the safety and security at schools. As previously stated, our governments incompetence and grossly wasteful spending could’ve hardened the security of every school in the USA. However, until this day happens it’s safe to say mass school shootings are going to continue. Right now, mass schooling’s are being reported in countries with some of the most stringent gun control laws in the world therefore gun control obviously isn’t the solution. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME SURGES
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Freelance Writer and Author July 13, 2022 Copyright – All Rights Reserved CRIMES BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SURGED IN 2021 DEMOCRATS TURN A BLIND EYE TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION Washington D.C. Politicians take an “Oath-of-Office,” while their swearing on the Bible, to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States. Except, if you’re a Democrat politician – that is. Apparently, enforcing existing laws, upholding the rule of law, and adhering to their sworn “Oath-Of-Office” doesn’t apply to Democrats or their agendas! They sort of beat to their own drum, so-to-speak. However, this misguided conceptual attitude becomes dangerous and problematic for the USA as well as its citizens, in a myriad ways. More specifically: The number one job of the Federal Government is to protect and defend the United States of America and it’s citizens, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Case-in-point: If you live in the United States or on planet earth, for that matter, you’re fully aware of the Democrat induced annual illegal border crossing surge into the USA, from individuals around the world. The usual Democrat dog-and-pony-show to justify this illegal process is: “Humanitarian Efforts.” However, in reality and in my opinion, Democrats are throwing tremendous amounts of tax payer dollars into funding this group in an effort to buy and establish a new voting base for the Democratic Party. This illegal activity occurs, while Democrats are totally disregarding the harmful consequences it has on the USA, the American citizens, the border communities, and the national out-of-control debt and inflation, this spending spree feeds in the process. Essentially, Democrats are more interested in protecting illegals than the country and American citizens. Furthermore, this type of dangerous mentality, is a detachment from reality and a false belief these individuals are illegally crossing the USA borders as asylum seekers to escape oppression and tyranny, in their country of origin. In reality, these individuals are coming to the USA because of the historical generous welfare handouts the Democrats are giving them in hopes of buying future votes. It’s hard to say your oppressed and seeking asylum from tyranny and oppression when every news broad cast depicts individuals crossing the border illegally with new clothes, some over weight, and carrying the latest cell phones. Furthermore, it would also be a detachment from reality to believe these individuals walked the entire way to arrive at the USA border crossings, their filmed at. Some news outlets are masters at creating sympathy in support of the Democrat’s agenda, when no sympathy is warranted. Furthermore, this convoluted and perhaps illegal process began with the Obama administration and continues with the Biden administration. Millions of unfettered, undocumented individuals, from around the world, are allowed to enter the USA, illegally. This dangerous side-step, of the USA’s legal immigration process, also known as, “Catch and Release” began with the Obama administration and continues with the Biden Administration. Data indicates, unfettered and more often than not: Undocumented Democrat induced individuals are illegally crossing the borders, of the USA, in record numbers. By not upholding the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution, and their oath-of-office, this is a gross violation of their civic duty as an elected official representing the citizens of the USA. This annual surge not only brings men, women, and children, from around the world, it also brings a host of disease, gang members, criminal activity, drugs, and social issues with it. According to news reports, Border towns are being invaded with illegals. After gaining access, under the Biden administration, illegals are jettisoned around the country at a massive cost to U.S. tax payers. The adverse effects of this massive spending include, but is not limited to, adding rising debt, contributing to rising inflation, straining social services and educational resources in communities as well as contributing to crime statistics. In some states, such as Florida, the governor is busing the illegals dropped off in his state by the Biden administration to the door steps of the White House. CRIMES BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SURGED IN 2021 AFTER DECLINING IN PREVIOUS YEARS FOX NEWS reported, the number of crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the United States surged in fiscal year 2021 after declining in the years before that. Homicides, assaults, incidents of domestic violence, illegal weapons possession, and sexual offenses committed by illegal aliens all increased dramatically in fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020, data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows. Illegal immigrants committed 1,178 assault and domestic violence crimes in 2021, which represents a more than 400% increase from the 208 in 2020. Sixty homicide or manslaughter convictions were attributed to illegal immigrants in 2021, a 1,900% increase from the previous year. Driving under the influence convictions rose 347% from 364 to 1,629, and illegal possession of or trafficking of drugs rose 453% from 386 to 2,138. The number of convictions in every crime category, with the exception of homicides, which rose from two to three from 2019 to 2020, had decreased between 2019 and 2020. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says that officials apprehended 10,763 "criminal noncitizens" in fiscal year 2021, which marks an increase of over 300% from previous years. Data shows that Border Patrol agents arrested 2,438 criminal noncitizens in 2020, 4,269 in 2019 and 6,698 in 2018. "The term ‘criminal noncitizens’ refers to individuals who have been convicted of one or more crimes, whether in the United States or abroad, prior to interdiction by the U.S. Border Patrol," the U.S. government website says So far in the 2022 fiscal year, which lasts until September 30, 2022, a total of 7,253 criminal noncitizens have been arrested. SECRETARY MAYORKAS HAS FAILED TO DEFEND OUR HOMELAND AND MUST BE IMPEACHED, SAYS FOX NEWS Last week, Border Patrol agents announced that they apprehended two sex offenders and nine MS-13 gang members at the southern border as illegal immigration into the United States continues to skyrocket. CHIP ROY UNLEASHES ON BIDEN ADMIN'S BORDER POLICIES: 'WE'RE DEALING WITH AN INVASION, TEXANS ARE DYING' Additionally, two illegal immigrants were charged this week after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Fourth of July event in Richmond, Virginia. To read the entire article, click here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/crimes-committed-illegal-immigrants-surged-2021-declining-previous-years “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, PART 3
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection ProfessionaL Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author July 8, 2022 Copyright - All Rights Reserved ILLEGAL DRUG USE AND PRESCRIPTION ABUSE IN THE USA In my continuing effort to establish a “Root Cause” of mass shootings; including mass school shootings in the USA, one must include illegal drug use as well as prescription drug abuse in the Risk Analysis. Historically, after a mass shooting, law enforcement never releases the results of the toxicology drug report, of the shooter, identifying whether or not drug use is a contributing factor. Consequently, the general public is only allowed to focus on one political aspect; the weapon used, e.g., the AR-15 rifle, semi-auto pistol, or another weapon type. This liberal political propaganda is mimicked by, liberal news outlets, nation wide. Fact: As previously stated, the weapon of choice is not the cause, but an end result of the shooters psychosis and the instrument to carry out a mass shooting. Therefore, the weapon used is NOT the root cause of the shooters actions, but the tool to commit the crime. Much like a crow bar is used to open a door of a window to commit the burglary of a dwelling. Recently, a July 4, 2022 Tweet from Congresswoman; Marjorie Taylor Green delineates an opposing view to those provided by liberal politicians who focus on the firearm as a means to enact more gun control on law abiding citizens in the USA, e.g.,: “Is everyone ready to have the conversation now? Because this is what people actually talk about. Not the BS guns are violent and guns made them commit mass shooting narrative.” Congresswoman Green cites Mr. Jack Posobiec: “37 School Shooters/School Related Violence Committed By Those Under The Influence Of Psychiatric Drugs. Cchrint.org/school-shooter. Clearly, this revelation gives rise to psychiatric drugs as being a contributing factor or leading cause as to why an individual commits a mass shooting incident. Scientific studies have proven, the use of illegal drug types as well as the abuse of certain prescription drug classes alters the rational and mindset of an individual while their under the influence of a specific drug. Furthermore, it’s a proven fact: Illegal drug use is a leading cause of the rise in violent crimes in the USA. Notwithstanding, over-the-years and in the USA, illegal drug use as well as the abuse of prescription drugs has reached a crisis level. Drug overdose deaths, contributed to both legally prescribed drugs as well as illegal drug use directly contribute to a gloomy death rate statistic of members of our general populous, especially among the younger generation. Prescription drug abuse as well as Fentanyl, opioid, cocaine, and meth addiction are the largest contributing factors to drug overdose deaths in the USA. USA’s WAR ON DRUGS The War on Drugs is rapidly becoming a dismal failure among Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement; instead of a hoped for success story. Annually, the USA spends billions of dollars on the war on drugs and it appears their losing the battle. There’s and number of reasons for this analogy: Inherently, our judicial system is to slow and to long-term and inundated with appeal processes to incarcerate offenders in the penal system, especially the larger illegal drug dealers. The D.C. Democratic Politicians open border policies provides the drug smugglers with a perfect opportunity to flood the USA market with illegal drugs. Notwithstanding, open border policies not only bring dangerous illegal drugs into the USA, especially fentanyl, opioids, cocaine, phencyclidine hydrochloride, and meth it also affords smugglers the opportunity to bring marijuana, illegal aliens, human trafficking, crime, terrorists, and violent gang members, as well. It’s long been known Democratic Politicians desire to bring illegal aliens into this country is for one reason, and one reason only: Democrats want a new voting base for the Democratic Party and their concern for the USA and its citizens is non existent. Lastly, this illegal activity also places a strain on the welfare system in the USA. FACTS ABOUT MARIJUANA USE In a FOX News report the author outlines a myriad dangers to Marijuana use. According to the article: “people who used cannabis visited emergency rooms or were hospitalized 22% more often than those who did not use cannabis, according to a recent study published in the BMJ Open Respiratory Research. To read the entire article, click on the following link: https://www.foxnews.com/health/cannabis-users-risk-emergency-inpatient-care In a Harvard study they found: Cognitive effects in midlife of long-term cannabis use. As of June 2022, 37 US states have passed medical cannabis laws and 19 states have legalized recreational cannabis. Cannabis has proven beneficial for a range of conditions such as childhood seizure disorders, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in people with HIV/AIDs. In the meantime, a new generation of cannabis products has exploded onto the scene, driven by marketing that fuels a multibillion-dollar industry. The average content of THC (tetra-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive and potentially addictive chemical in cannabis) in smoked whole-plant products has risen from 1% to 4% in the 1970s to 15% to 30% from today’s cannabis dispensaries. Edibles and vapes may contain even higher concentrations of THC. New research on cannabis use and cognition in midlife Recent research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry closely followed nearly 1,000 individuals in New Zealand from age 3 to age 45 to understand the impact of cannabis use on brain function. The research team discovered that individuals who used cannabis long-term (for several years or more) and heavily (at least weekly, though a majority in their study used more than four times a week) exhibited impairments across several domains of cognition. Long-term cannabis users’ IQs declined by 5.5 points on average from childhood, and there were deficits in learning and processing speed compared to people that did not use cannabis. The more frequently an individual used cannabis, the greater the resulting cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential causative link. To read the article, click on the following link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cognitive-effects-of-long-term-cannabis-use-in-midlife-202206142760 However, what the articles omit are the facts: Marijuana is fat soluble drug that’s stored in the fatty tissues of the brain. The more an individual uses the drug the more tetra hydra cannabinol (THC) is stored. Therefore, unlike other drugs requiring an increase dose to maintain the desired effect; marijuana requires a less daily dose of the drug. Due to its fat storing qualities, the user is essentially always under the influence of the drug with regular marijuana use. Thereby, damaging brain cells and altering the users thought processes, providing motor skill impairment as well as cognitive decline, hallucinations, and paranoia. Again, like the open-border crisis, whose at fault for allowing an expansion of drug use in the USA, for the sake of making tax revenue? Politicians! In retrospect, the last time the government became involved in trying to reduce Heroin addiction in the USA was when they opened free Methadone clinics to provide a free Heroin substitute. In the end, the government program created more addicts. Throughout history, a direct correlation has been established, between drug addiction and use, with violent crime in the USA. Consequently, illegal drug use and addiction remains a dark side of societal issues in this country. One relative fact: Illegal Drug use and the abuse of Legally Prescribed Prescription Drugs should be included in the “Root Cause Analysis” of mass shooters to determine whether or not a drug induced psychosis is the reason mass shootings happen. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, PART 2 - ROOT CAUSES
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Risk Manager & Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author July 3, 2022 Copyright – All Rights Reserved ROOT CAUSES In my last article, “MASS SHOOTINGS,” I touched on a myriad causative factors directly contributing to the horrific mass school shootings phenomenon plaguing school systems in the USA. However, as a Risk Manager and Analyst it’s an arduous task to assign one causative factor as the Root Cause for this phenomenon. A more realistic approach is to state: There isn’t one causative factor resulting in the mass shooting phenomenon, but rather a myriad causative factors leading up to an end result, i.e., mass shootings. By example and more specifically, politicians singly assign one component to blame for the event - the AR-15 rifle. Moreover, Democratic politicians seize a mass shooting tragedy to promote more unnecessary gun control on law abiding citizens. As they say, “Democrats never let a good tragedy go to waste!” After all, its already been proven “Background Checks” don’t stop or prevent mass shooters in lieu of the fact some mass shooters legally purchase their firearms from a Federally Licensed firearms dealer and pass a background check prior to committing the heinous crime. Contrary to what politicians state, the firearm isn’t the single causative factor but rather a single component of a broader reality. More specifically, a firearm is a tool. Its only as good or bad as the one behind the trigger, nothing more. In order to understand the specifics of why mass shootings occur, one has to perform a “Root Cause Analysis” as well as a criminal profile of the shooter to better understand the psychosis as well as the mechanics behind the mind set triggering mass shootings. SOCIETAL ISSUES In retrospect, homicides and mass homicides aren’t new. They’ve been happening through time and memorial. After all, the first historical recorded homicide was the biblical story of Cain killing his brother Abel with a rock. For that matter, Cain didn’t use an AR-15, a semi-auto pistol, a truck being drive through a crowd of pedestrians, poison, or a knife to accomplish his egregious crime. According to the Bible, the root cause of the crime; Cain’s jealousy of Able was the stimulus. Similarly, today we live in a violent world. A world inundated without respect for another human being or a value of life. Some suggest a world without GOD. A politicians answer to the mass shootings is more gun control for law abiding citizens without gun control cries for the unlawful criminals using firearms to torment society and commit heinous crimes. After all, criminals don’t purchase firearms; they steal them or purchase them off the black market. Nonetheless, criminals have firearms. The political cry has become so disgusting, its usually broadcast before the deceased are buried, leaving grieving relatives asking “WHY” are the politicians using my deceased child like a pawn in the political game of gun control. Again, just one example of a lack of respect in our society. Again, the “Root Cause” isn’t identified, only substituted with more gun control. Notwithstanding, are more gun control laws the answer? No its not. Harsher punishment for the offender is a perfect place to begin. Society no longer fears incarceration or the judicial system. More and more, liberal District Attorneys are decriminalizing violent crimes. Liberal judges are handing more reduced/lenient sentences. Politicians like our Vice President Kamala Harris are openly fund raising to bail out rioters and persons committing civil unrest. As a matter of fact, developed countries around the world having the most stringent gun control laws in existence, still experience gun crime as well as single, multiple, and mass homicides with guns and other weapons – such as knives and automobiles. A relative fact: A human being is a light thin skinned animal, similar to a deer, and can be killed/dispatched relatively easily, e.g., by a hammer, a brick, or a baseball bat causing blunt force trauma. Strangulation is another cause of homicides. Moreover, the plain truth is: A person bent on committing a homicide will find a way to complete the task. In reality, in the USA, we have a disobedient, undisciplined, disrespectful, and an out-of-control population crisis. If you don’t believe that, research soaring crime statistics or just monitor news outlets and social media accounts. Social media bullying is at an all time high. Another contributing factor: To some, life isn’t as precious as it use to be. Case-in-point: Since the 1970’s, when abortion was first legalized, by a bad Supreme Court decision, statistics state there’s been over 60 million unborn children aborted by their mothers, just in the USA. A phenomenon within itself. Still another fact of aborted children reveals, the selling of body parts which has become big business around the world. DEMOCRATS CONTRIBUTION TO ENDING MARRIAGES – THE FATHERLESS CHILD “In The Sentinel Record article;” Welfare System Actually Discouraging Marriage the author describes a breakdown in society as a result of a Democratic President – Lyndon B Johnson providing welfare to unwed mothers and their child or children. In his Union Address on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson proposed legislation that would create a "War on Poverty" in response to a national poverty rate of around 19 percent. His speech led the United States Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act, which established the Office of Economic Opportunity to administer the application of federal funds targeted against poverty. Now to be sure, his intent was noble, but it has not turned out that way. He just wanted to take care of poor people, or so he said. Now, five decades later, we are reaping what he has sown. Prior to the 1960s, nearly all children were born to married couples. When the War on Poverty began in 1964, only 7 percent of children were born to unmarried women. Now, that figure is closer to 60 percent. Historically, marriage has played a critical role in the raising of children. In most cases, the economic benefits of marriage are substantial. Marriage among families with children is an extremely powerful factor in promoting economic self-sufficiency. The reason for this is simple. In most cases, two parents working together can support a child more efficiently than one. However, the benefits are far beyond self-sufficiency. When compared with children in a two-parent family, children raised by single parents are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems; be physically abused; smoke, drink, and use drugs; be aggressive; engage in violent, delinquent, and criminal behavior; have poor school performance; be expelled from school; and drop out of high school. Many of these negative outcomes are associated with higher poverty rates of single mothers. Compared with girls raised in similar married families, girls from single-parent homes are more than twice likely to have a child without being married. It is no accident that the collapse of marriage in America largely began with the War on Poverty and the proliferation of means-tested welfare programs that it fostered. When the War on Poverty began, only a single welfare program -- Aid to Families With Dependent Children -- assisted single parents. Today there are dozens of programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the WIC food program, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, child nutrition programs, public housing and Section 8 housing, and Medicaid. The end result: After pregnancy, the father is no longer needed. Essentially, the government has now taken the place of fathers in this country. As with other government program failures, once the Federal Government inserts itself into a program it usually never works correctly again. We see this today with our out-of-control borders fostering millions of illegal individuals gaining access to our country and rewarded with access to our welfare system. As with poverty in 1966 the governments answer to all problems is to throw more money at it. Out-of-control government spending is certainly driving the out-of-control inflation we’re experiencing today. CHILDREN GROWING UP WITHOUT FATHERS Today, the fatherless child created by Johnsons War on Poverty is further identified in a FOX News article, titled: “Americas Crisis Is A Lack of Fathers.” https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/america-crisis-fathers In the opinion piece, the author cites: As our country commemorates Father’s Day this weekend, it is important that we recognize the millions of children throughout our nation who are growing up without their fathers. Data from the United States Census Bureau shows that nearly 18.5 million children grow up without their fathers, which has in return led to the United States owning the title of the world’s leader in fatherlessness. We know that fatherhood is essential to the development of our children, and the increased involvement of fathers in the home leads to better results on a wide variety of outcomes. From economic prosperity, increased academic performance, to improved social mobility; fathers in their respective homes continue to be a key indicator of success for all children across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. A DETERIORATING LEGAL SYSTEM Never before in our history, has the USA witnessed such a disdain for law enforcement. Defund the Police is an illusionary Democratic strategy designed to destabilize society and garner votes. It’s lunacy and hypocritical for politicians to advocate defunding the police, while their surrounded by their armed security task force. A large part of our society actually openly exhibit a hatred for law enforcement. The murder rate of law enforcement officers is rapidly climbing, as are armed assaults. However, the Defund the Police movement; accompanied by civil unrest are the single causative factors in the escalating violent crime in our country. Still another fact: A reduced police presence and escalating violent crime has driven law abiding citizens to arm themselves to protect their loved ones and themselves. Guns and ammunition sales are at an all time high. The plain truth: Law Enforcement can no longer be relied on to protect you. The response time to assist the populous is becoming an ever increasing longer than usual proposition. Furthermore, the Defund The Police Movement is directly related to civil unrest resulting in riots, violent crimes, and the burning of cities and towns. Apparently, politicians don’t understand that in a civilized society, law enforcement is the barrier between social stability and total chaos! Additionally, the Defund The Police movement is directly related to a reduction in law enforcement agency personnel across-the-board, in this country. It would be hard to write an article about civil disobedience without this subject and omit the fact: Democratic politicians in Washington D.C. are openly advocating civil disobedience and unrest. Maxine Waters is a perfect example. Couple that with left wing extremists groups advocating for the same criteria and the end result is: Escalating violent crime. Senator Chuck Schumer openly attacked members of the Supreme Court and the result, was a planned attack and murder of a Supreme Court Justice. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe V Wade; a bad legal decision from the start has resulted in unlawful demonstrators constantly harassing certain members of the court in order to influence their decisions, even though its illegal to try and influence a judges decision. The Democratic lead Department of Justice has openly declined to stop the harassment of Supreme Court Justices, even though it’s a Federal Crime to do so. Lastly, we’re witnessing the Democratic politicization and weaponizing of our Federal Law Enforcement communities such as: The Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Immigration, to name a few. The sad commentary to this is: The American People can no longer rely on these Federal Agencies to uphold the rule of law, without bias. History has shown us there’s definitely a two part system when it comes to enforcing the rule of law. The laws average Americans are forced to live by aren’t the same laws Washington D.C. politicians live by. The old adage: “What’s good for the goose isn’t good for the gander. In factual reality, D.C. politicians think there entitled and above the rule of law. Either way it’s interpreted, their unlawful actions count for civil unrest in this country! In conclusion, there’s more than just the AR-15 that’s contributing to mass school shootings in this country! “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Journalist and Author Veteran U.S. Army – Vietnam War Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent Veteran Law Enforcement Professional Private Security Professional June 30, 2022 Copyright-All Rights Reserved MASS SCHOOL SHOOTING’S WEAPON OF CHOICE - AR15 Without a doubt, the weapon of choice in tragic mass school shootings is the AR-15. What is the AR-15, you might ask? The AR-15-style rifle, is any lightweight semi-automatic rifle designed by the Armalite Corporation. The (AR) prefix stands for: Armalite Rifle, not “Assault Rifle” as irresponsible media pundits and politicians falsely claim. The original ArmaLite AR-15 is a scaled-down derivative of Eugene Stoner's ArmaLite AR-10 design. The then Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation division ArmaLite sold the patent and trademarks to Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1959. Colt Manufacturing developed the U.S. Military M-16 select fire assault rifle off of the original AR-15 design. The M-16 is the standard military issued assault rifle in use today. After most of Colt's patents for the Colt AR-15 expired in 1977, many firearm manufacturers began to produce copies of the Colt AR-15 under various names. While the patents expired, Colt retained the trademark of the AR-15 and is the sole manufacturer able to label their firearms as AR-15. On the other hand, the M16 rifle, produced by Colt Manufacturing, is a family of military rifles designed from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. The rifles specifications are as follows: Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in) Bayonet: M7 bayonet Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.61 in (1,006 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4) Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming optics Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round) In service: 1964–present Cartridge: 5.56×45 mm NATO (M193) The primary differences between the AR-15 and the M-16 are: The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, meaning: It will fire one cartridge with each pull of the trigger and doesn’t have a select fire switch or a bayonet attachment. The M-16 is a select fire capable U.S. Military assault rifle, meaning: The operator can fire the rifle in three different modes, via, a manually operated select fire switch, e.g.,: The select fire switch allows the operator to switch from a semi-auto rate of fire, to a full auto rate of fire, to a select burst rate of fire by simply flipping the select fire switch and pulling the trigger. Traditionally, irresponsible politicians and the news media, alike, have horribly misbranded the AR-15 as a “weapon of war,” which it’s not. One major fact pertaining to the AR-15 is: “It’s known as Americas Rifle and its the most popular centerfire rifle design purchased and in use today, by US citizens.” In the USA, the reason the AR-15 is so popular is due to its light weight, mild recoil, inherent accuracy, rapid single rate of fire and its high capacity magazine capability as well as its used for self-defense, hunting and shooting competition. Furthermore, virtually, anyone can fire the AR-15 without fear of the painful recoil associated with other centerfire rifle cartridges which makes it an excellent target, shooting competition rifle, and to teach youngsters the shooting sports. In reality, irresponsible politicians and the news media don’t have a clue about the rifle nor do they have the knowledge to speak in a intelligent sense about the rifle - except to lie and say it’s a weapon of war and should be banned! However, the problem standing in the way of politicians is: The 2nd Amendment to the United States constitution, guaranteeing United States Citizens the “Right To Keep and Bare Arms.” The problem with mass shootings are: As tragic as they are, it’s not the weapon used that’s at fault, but the individual using the weapon that’s to blame. Additionally, blaming the AR-15 as the culprit is like blaming automobiles for highway deaths, instead of the drivers. As tragic as mass shootings are, the gun isn’t the “Root Cause” problem – illegal drug use, parenting issues, the news media, social media outlets, criminals, politicians calling for violence, societal issues and the courts system are just a few of the contributing factors to blame. In my next article, I’ll cover conducting security surveys, from a Risk Management point of view as well as Risk Analysis to harden schools against gun violence and protecting children from and against mass shootings. No child should have to live in fear of attending school, nor should any child be massacred while at school! “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING PART 4
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Certified Protection Professional Freelance Journalist and Author Veteran – US Army; Vietnam War Veteran – Drug Enforcement Agent Veteran – Law Enforcement Professional June 21, 2022 Copyright – All Rights Reserved CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) Concealed carry, or carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), is the practice of carrying a weapon (usually a sidearm such as a handgun), either in proximity to or on one's person or in public places in a manner that hides or conceals the weapon's presence from the surrounding observers. The opposite of concealed carry is called open carry. SELECTING A HOLSTER FOR CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) An inside the waistband (IWB) concealment holster, which clips or mounts to a belt and allows the user to securely holster the weapon inside the pants. Some IWB holsters give the wearer the option of tucking a shirt over the firearm and holster. A belt holster (BH) is one which fastens to the belt, by belt loops, or has a clip that secures the weapon to the belt outside the pants, allowing the weapon to be concealed with a shirt or jacket. The shoulder holster (SH) is one with straps that fits over one arm, travels to the other side of the body, behind the neck and loops around the the opposite shoulder, leaving the holster tucked neatly in the armpit. A shoulder holster allows the firearm to be carried in a downward position or tucked neatly under the armpit. Either shoulder holster type allows a fast draw. Perhaps one of the most used is the ankle holster (AH), allowing the firearms concealment inside a holster with a band that wraps around the ankle to hold it in place. Today, belly band (BB) holsters are a popular choice, allowing the weapon to be completely encased inside the belly band wrap and totally concealing the weapon from view. Women also have a myriad holster styles to choose from including, all named herein, as well as the purse holster (PH). The purse holster has a specific place inside the purse to hold the firearm, limiting access to the trigger by other objects inside the purse which could cause a negligent discharge. While most law enforcement officers carry their handguns in a visible holster, some officers such as plainclothes detectives or undercover agents carry weapons in concealed holsters. In some countries and jurisdictions, civilians are legally required to obtain a concealed carry permit in order to possess and carry a firearm. In others, a CCW permit is only required if the firearm, or any part thereof, isn’t visible to the eye, such as carrying said weapon in one's purse, bag, trunk, etc. Some states has enacted “Constitutional Carry” whereby a legal citizen can conceal carry a firearm absent of a CCW license (permit). Which ever holster type you choose, the first rule of thumb is to make sure the holster properly fits the intended firearm, and allows the user to carry his or her firearm safely and securely. SELECTING A FIREAM FOR CONCEALED CARRY Today, the armed citizen has a myriad firearm types to choose from for concealed carry purposes, e.g.,: Cylinder types – Revolvers, Self-loading magazine type – Semi-autos, and break open types – Derringers. Revolvers - A revolver (also called a six shooter or a wheel gun), is a repeating handgun that has at least one barrel and uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers (each holding a single cartridge) for firing. Before firing a round, cocking the hammer, via, the trigger (double action revolvers) or by hand (single action revolvers) partially rotates the cylinder, indexing one of the cylinder chambers into alignment with the barrel, allowing the bullet to be fired through the bore. More specifically: The hammer cocking can be achieved by either the user manually pulling the hammer back (as in single-action), via internal linkage relaying a rearward movement of the trigger (as in double-action), or both (as in double/single-action). By sequentially rotating through each chamber, the revolver allows the user to fire multiple times until having to reload the gun, unlike older single-shot firearms that had to be reloaded after each shot. The amount of rounds in a revolver is dependent on the caliber. Semi-auto - A semiautomatic weapon fires one shot every time the trigger is pulled, with the rounds being fed into the chamber, via, a magazine. The difference between semi-auto and full auto is: An automatic weapon fires continually until the trigger is released. Derringers - A derringer is a small handgun, of the breach or break open type, that is neither a revolver nor a semi/fully automatic pistol. It is not to be confused with mini-revolvers or pocket pistols, although some later derringers were manufactured with the pepperbox configuration. SELECTING A FIREAM FOR EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) The number one question I’m asked is: “Which firearm should I choose for self-defense and concealed carry every day?” My answer is always the same. Choose a firearm your comfortable with, fits your hand, doesn’t weigh too much, and is easily concealed. Choose a caliber that your able to handle and one your not afraid of the recoil. If a 22 caliber firearm is all you can handle, “it’s better to be armed with a 22 rather than not be armed at all!” An everyday carry weapon should be one your comfortable packing around all day. Why carry a heavy full size 1911 when you can carry a two inch light weight revolver chambered in 22, 38, or 9mm as well as a semi-auto chambered in 22, 32, 380, 9mm, 40, or 45? Ask any law enforcement officer whose carried a full size handgun on their hip all day and they will all tell you the same thing. At the end of a shift, that 34 ounce hand gun feels like a 34 pound handgun. CONCEALED CARRY WEAPONS MANUFACTURERS As I’ve stated in previous articles, today we have a mind boggling amount of firearms types to choose from. Our cup literally runneth over! Firearms manufacturers such as: Smith and Wesson, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, Heckler and Koch, Sig Sauger, Walther, Taurus, Canik, Mossberg, Remington, Beretta, CZ, and Glock all make suitable and reliable concealed carry weapons. Some manufacture both reliable: Revolvers and Semi-automatics. On the other hand, Derringers are manufactured by companies such as the American Derringer Corporation. CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON LAWS Each state has it’s own laws pertaining to firearms possession and ownership. Equally, each state has it’s own laws pertaining to concealed carry, open carry, vehicle carry, or residence bearing and storage. In order to stay compliant, the best resource is to peruse the internet for a specific states gun laws and ascertain the answers to your questions there. FIREARMS SAFETY At all times, it’s prudent to practice firearms safety - while carrying, practicing, or storing firearms at home. Firearms should be stored at home where it or they are easily obtained when necessary, while at the same time having no access to young prying minds. In todays violent crime era we live in, a firearm is a necessity age. Enjoy your 2nd Amendment right to protect your family and yourself, from violent criminals! “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE!” SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING – PART 3
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Copyright 2022 - All rights reserved Veteran US Army – Vietnam War Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent Veteran Law Enforcement Professional Journalist and Freelance Author June 17, 2022 CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) LICENSE A CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) license authorizes an owner to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection and may be obtained from any State in the United States allowing a concealed weapon to be carried for self-defense. The requirements vary, from state-to-state. Normally, states issuing a (CCW) license requires the applicant to complete a mandatory background check, pay the required licensing fees, and complete the required (CCW) handgun safety course and shooting class. Pursuant to the submission of the application, payment of required fees, and completion of the required shooting class mandatory requirements it’s up to the issuing state agency to determine whether or not a (CCW) license is issued to you. Further, some states are now requiring the (CCW) license holder to purchase liability insurance in order to carry a concealed firearm in public. Notwithstanding, it’s up to each states legislature to determine: 1) the legal requirements necessary to obtain a (CCW), 2) the definition of a concealed handgun, 3) whether-or-not mandatory (CCW) liability insurance is required to carry concealed in public, and 4) if so, the exact amount of (CCW) liability insurance coverage necessary to carry a concealed firearm in a public venue.. BODY LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED The number 1 body location and position I DON’T RECOMMEND TO CARRY A CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM IS: “THE APPENDIX CARRY.” Bar none, this is the most dangerous location and position an individual can carry a loaded firearm. More specifically, the “Appendix Carry” is a new term and can be defined as: The “Appendix Carry” is a newer term for this same carrying style, referring to the way your holster rests against your abdomen, around the general location of your appendix. Typically, the placement of the firearm in this style of carry is often about half way between the pants pocket and the waistband button (belly button). CONS: The most serious disadvantage of appendix carry occurs when one has a negligent discharge (ND) while drawing or re-holstering the firearm. When a gun is carried on the hip, or behind the hip, an (ND) usually only results in a relatively minor wound to the buttocks or back of the thigh. On the other hand, if an (ND) occurs while exercising the “Appendix Carry” position the fired weapon can cause catastrophic damage to the individuals pelvic area including, but not limited to, the genital area, stomachs, pelvic area and thigh. As painful as each one will be, perhaps the most dangerous is the thigh which carries the femoral artery – the main artery of the leg. Without immediate medical treatment, the injury may cause rapid death to the injured party. To illustrate an accidental discharge while carrying a firearm please review the following: EXAMPLES OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE: Number 1: A realistic example of an accidental discharge occurring while carrying concealed inside a waist band can be illustrated of an accidental discharge with a Drug Enforcement Agent. Special Agent Robert Fouquet was assisting in stopping a vehicle whose occupants and the vehicle were the subject of search warrants for illegal drugs. Special Agent Fouquet always carried a cocked and locked Colt 45 caliber 1911 semi-auto pistol behind his back and in an inside the waist band holster. After re-holstering, the weapon accidentally discharged, by itself, while inside his pants without Special Agent Fouquet hand on it. The event was witnessed by several Agents standing by, myself included. The fired projectile traversed his buttocks, from top to bottom, and exited onto the side of the interstate. Upon inspection, the firearm was still in the cocked and locked position with the safety on. Number 2: Recently, SIG SAUER is having their share of accidental discharges with their Sig P 320. Even though Sig has claimed no liability or responsibility for the discharges, non-the-less, owners are sustaining injures, claiming the firearms are discharging by themselves, and law suits are being filed over the matter. This is why I never recommend carrying a concealed firearm in the ‘Appendix Position.” An inspection of the firearm, by the armory, revealed the weapon malfunctioned because of mechanical issues unforeseen by Special Agent Fouquet. “Appendix Carry” may look good on You Tube, but in practicality there are much safer ways to carry a firearm while exercising lawful concealed carry. Today, firearms are designed to be safe with multiple safety stop gaps to prevent an accidental discharge being designed into them. However, no matter how safe their made accidental discharges can and still do happen. Case in point – the two previous examples. This analogy clearly illustrates that a firearm is subject to a catastrophic failure, at any time, no matter who manufactures the firearm or how careful the user handles it. FIREARM PRINTING WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED Firearm printing is another relatively new term and describes how easily the firearm is detected by the general public when it is being concealed. More specifically, if an individual can see the outline of the concealed firearm, then, the firearm isn’t really concealed. The largest part of the firearm which prints the most is the butt area. The barrel slide and frame are usually in a holster, either inside the pants, or secured outside the pants by a belt and covered by a large shirt or jacket. Today, concealed carry folks opt for smaller and thinner firearms to eliminate the printing problem. However, the smaller the firearm, the more powerful the cartridge fired, the more recoil the shooter experiences. There are several options to satisfy the printing issue, example: CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTERS As with a myriad different versions of firearms on the market today, there are a myriad different holster styles and shapes. Therefore, lets limit the concealed carrying capability to four concealed carry holstering styles: 1) the basic holster whether its intended for concealed carry outside or inside the waist band, 2) the shoulder holster which fits under the arm pit, 3) the belly wrap holster, or 4) the ankle holster. Some of these holsters conceal parts of the firearm while others conceal the entire firearm, such as the belly wrap holster. Which ever one you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle, meets your concealment requirements, eliminates the printing dilemma, and is easily assessable in case you need it. Remember, carry concealed for self-defense. But do so in a manner as not to alarm the general public. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” |
Richard E. "Rick" DennisFreelance Writer and Author Archives
December 2023
Categories |