The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Pamphlet #218

"Don't Disarm Soldiers on the
Homeland Battlefield"
      Rules of Engagement: Don't disarm Soldiers on the Battlefield
      (Defensive Battle Plans for the Next War)
      by J.J. Johnson 09.14.01
      http://www.sierratimes.com/archive/files/sep/14/jjjohnson.htm

      As we're still digging bodies from the rubble, we are asked to come
together as a people. We are asked to stand behind our leadership and
      show a united front. The Federal Aviation Administration has laid out
      new guidelines for airport and aircraft security. As a frequent flyer,
      it is obvious the FAA took no input from those with the most experience
      - air travelers. The knee-jerk reaction of the FAA shows a pattern of
      arrogance and ignorance that will make it difficult to truly bring this
      nation together, or make it more secure against further attacks of this
      nature. It is, in fact, a pattern of government policy that has placed
      this nation in peril today. Here are some recommendations from frequent
      traveler.

      These recommendations may not sit well with some people, but I believe
      it is a compromise that the government and the citizens can live with -
      without jeopardizing the civil liberties of the entire population.
      Knowing that it's doubtful we would be hit twice with the same maneuver
      immediately, I will also discuss other vulnerabilities here in the U.S.,
      and how to deal with them. My qualifications to speak on these matters
      are listed at the end of this article.

      AIR TRAVEL

      1) All law enforcement personnel or concealed carry permit holders
      having passed a certified marksman course with a specified airline (with
      training sponsored by the airline or law enforcement controlling
      authority) shall identify themselves at the ticket counter with
      certified identification. At that point, a security officer shall
      relieve them of their service or personal arms and issue a self-defense
      pistol and frangible ammo. These arms must be returned before leaving
      the destination airport.

      2) Suspend carry-on luggage. This may seem like an inconvenience to
      many, but it has its benefits. As a frequent flyer, I've lost count of
      the number of times I have been hit against the head, witnessed strained
      shoulders, and backs, with the young and elderly having problems with
      placing baggage overhead. Suspending carry-on luggage would also improve
      boarding and de-boarding time. It might also prevent someone from coming
      on board saying they 'have a bomb'

      3) Cell phone use. Today, Americans are lauding the fact that some of
      the doomed airline passengers were on cell phones reporting what was
      going on during their ill-fated flight. One cell-phone conversation
      clearly averted a worse disaster. But here's what many non-flyers do not
      know: Cell phone use is banned on commercial aircraft. Saving the White
      House required brave souls violating federal law. Solution: We are told
      on flights that use of electronic communication can interfere with the
      pilot's communications. Yet, many aircraft have phones on the back of
      airline seats. Get better communication for pilots, and let travelers
      keep cell phones on. It can save lives, and provide necessary
      intelligence for counter-operations during an emergency.

      4) Arm all pilots.

      5) Re-enforce cockpit doors

      6) Insist that qualified pilots notify the airlines of their flight
      experience.

      The first three simple guidelines would have prevented what happened.
      The others are added protection. Frankly, all law abiding gun owners
      should boycott any domestic airline that prohibits light side arms on
      aircrafts. They can give us a hundred reasons why carrying guns on
      planes is a bad idea. I can give them 20,000 dead reasons why it's a
      good idea - period.

      WAR AND THE STRATEGY OF THE ENEMY

      Before we discuss the following subject, there are some things that must
      be brought into focus in order to defeat our enemy. As we mourn our
      losses, we must, as Americans fight off the emotion and rhetoric to
      understand what happened, and the true nature of our enemy. We're going
      to war, America - It is time to think and act like True American
      Warriors.

      The attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon were not
      'cowardly acts of terrorism'. They were acts of war. Those who carried
      out their missions were not cowards. More over, calling it evil and
      barbaric is easy, since it happened on our own soil. But we must not
      overlook this cold fact:

      This was one of the most successful strategic assaults in combat
      history. This was clearly a tactical move to attack our financial
      infrastructure, and command and control facilities. To our enemy, the
      thousands who perished were mere 'collateral damage'. The mission as I
      can see was to attack both the financial and military means to for
      counter action.

      Did that last paragraph make your stomach turn? This is war. Start
      thinking like a warrior.

      Our enemy took advantage of the policy of 'centralization' and
      authoritarian cultural control in this country. They rightly assumed
      that if only the U.S. government mandated what security measures were in
      place, the citizens and the infrastructure would be caught off guard and
      unprepared when 'central targets were attacked.

      And they were right.

      Now, look at the new FAA regulations. Mandated from On High. Little
      decentralization. No consultation with the next potential victims. Even
      after knowing what happened on United Airlines Flight 93, no thought of
      empowering those closest to the battle with the means to defend
      themselves or take counter action. Instead: Ban knives. Among the
      initial acts this government took immediately after the attack, the move
      was to secure the President and Congress. I applaud the move to suspend
      air traffic, but that seems like the only measure done so far to protect
      the citizens. Plans have been in place for years for a 'continuity of
      government' scenario. But what about it's citizens?

      We reacted. We weren't prepared.

      As many feel the enemy we face may be still on U.S. soil, and more
      Americans are vulnerable to retaliation or more tactical assaults, the
      citizens of this country become by default - soldiers themselves. In
      this war, we are in the war zone, not just watching it on television. If
      we are to win this war - if we are to survive, the government of the
      United States of America will have to recognize this fact with respect
      to its citizens. And the citizens must accept this reality themselves,
      and to each other.

      We are soldiers. Our military shall go on the offense. WE must be a
      decentralized, defense oriented society in order to protect our own
      people. The President has asked local and state law enforcement to
      protect the citizenry. While commendable, that is not nearly enough. We
      have to do it. And in order to do it, we have to anticipate what may be
      targeted next, and takes steps to prevent it. In battle, there are Rules
      of Engagement between the opposing forces on foreign battlefields. In
      order to win this war in decisive fashion, local, state and federal
      governments must first establish
      Rules of Engagement on this battlefield - called America.

      THE INFRASTRUCTURE

      Did you know the interstate highway system was built with the purpose of
      moving military traffic? Of course, it has become part of the American
      way of life. Since my wife was force to drive from the east coast (due
      to the air shutdown), we deliberately detoured her journey to a less
      traveled bridge across the Mississippi River. Why? Because we were
      thinking like a warrior. Major bridges and tunnels are prime
      infrastructure targets. Their destruction could cripple commerce,
      civilian and military traffic. These bridge supports should be watched.

      The Bush Administration recently said we were not ready to fight a war
      on two fronts. If we must put all our resources into this one, ending
      the war on drugs would free a lot of those resources domestically -
      think about it.

      This will required local and state law enforcement to change their
      priorities. To improve their effectiveness, I would strongly suggest the
      policies of pursuing suspects for violations of 'political correctness',
      and enforcing the suspension of rights of animals and trees, in favor of
      a more important duty at hand.

      America needs local and state law enforcement spending more time
      watching the Eads Bridge and the Baltimore Tunnel than a marijuana
      dealer or a gun collector.

      Any state that has any law banning firearms in vehicles should suspend
      this law NOW. This goes double for truckers. Truckers are the eyes,
      ears, and soul of the American highway system. Their talents have become
      even more important with the suspension of air traffic. You'll see more
      of them on the highway. For the first one who says they want no person
      (especially truckers) to be armed in their vehicles, I can respond with,
      "where would you like that hijacked petroleum, hazardous chemical or
      liquid rocket fuel truck to show up? At it's intended destination, or
      detonated somewhere in the vicinity of thousands of people?

      Truckers, arm yourselves NOW. Be on the lookout for anything strange at
      truck stops. Do a good walk around after every fuel stop. Fuel haulers:
      park away from the other trucks. All truckers should keep an eye out for
      fuel haulers and HazMat rigs. Something suspicious? Call the
      authorities, contact him on CB for identification. Use your best
      judgment if you don't get a response. Make sure all CB and cell phones
      are in working order before getting on the road.

      And to Local and State Law enforcement: No firearms checks in trucks or
      vehicles. We are not the enemy. We are defending America.

      ENERGY FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

      This is an attack just waiting to happen. I am confident the government
      has taken steps to look out for major energy installations (dams,
      nuclear power plants, etc.). But with American dependence on electricity
      at this time, extra care should be given to all substations, and
      transmission towers. You don't need a plane, a car bomb, or a cruise
      missile. We're talking bolt cutters and medium range rifles. The lineman
      will know what to look for, and where the key points are. For security
      reasons, I will not go into details here.

      I will say this: targeting key installations mentioned above are a lot
      easier than defending them. This is due again, to 'centralization'. We
      are dependent on power companies to provide electricity. Without it,
      state leaders declare emergencies.

      Solution: The time has come to switch to self-contained power systems.
      Power companies can take the lead. At any time, power can go down -
      energy sources may become crucial anywhere, at any time. Without going
      into details, new businesses can be started in this country by
      installing 12 volt - DC bypasses on many low wattage appliances. This
      would allow many domestic, business and industrial systems to run on
      battery back ups if the need arises. This is a long-term plan, but it
      must be started NOW.

      No more politics, people. This is war. We are Americans. We are
      defending America.

      Did you enjoy the gas lines and price jumps on September 11, 2001? Think
      there may be a chance of fuel interruptions during this period? Let's
      start doing something about it. It's called 'decentralization'.

      Taking the side of the environmentalists, we must move to alternative
      fuel sources as soon as possible. Are you hearing me, Detroit? Get your
      engineers to work. Taking the side against the environmentalists, I
      would urge that all regulation banning the exploration and refining of
      domestic resources be
      suspended during this emergency. This is part of the reason we're in
      this mess now - and everyone knows it. We will need as much fuel as
      possible until the domestic changeover is made. Sharp eyes must be kept
      on refineries, shipping and pipelines. Again, this will require local
      and state law enforcement to change its priorities. Your job is to
      'serve and protect'. It's time to start doing it.

      WATER AND SANITATION

      Again, this is too easy, and if preparations are not made, whole cites
      could be left defenseless. Home water purification systems are a must.
      For those on municipal water systems, I would urge plastic containers to
      keep spare water on hand, as much as possible. Paranoid? There is an
      unexplained mega -fish kill off the coast of Kuwait right now. Natural
      or man-made? Wanna be around to find out? When it comes to extra water:
      better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

      Those with wells should have backups. Government officials should back
      off prosecution of folks who use too much water. During the recent
      Klamath agreement, the issue of Farmers needing water to grow food in
      time of war came up. It was one of the few valid arguments that got
      through to federal officials. Perhaps this is a good sign. In short:
      have stand-by water ready. Again, it's called decentralization.

      COMMUNICATIONS

      Yeah, they can go after phone lines too, and since the Internet has not
      gone totally wireless, we'll need to look out for that as well. No
      phones, no Internet, no news, no information. If they are smart enough
      to take down the World Trade Center, a local phone system is small
      potatoes (See: The Infrastructure). All utility personnel should be on
      the lookout for this. In a given area, utility workers from different
      utilities recognize each other. Keep that in mind. Also watch for
      unauthorized persons around cell phone towers (in the event of covert,
      local operations)

      Most utility outfits have strict rules about their workers being armed
      in company vehicles. Again for national security reasons, I will not say
      what kind of havoc can be caused with one or two trained operatives
      getting hold of the right utility vehicle on any given utility system.
      Those who drive the vehicles and 'work the line' know.

      Before you write off what I just said, remember: They successfully
      hijacked 4 jumbo jets simultaneously, didn't they?

      Linemen, phone workers, cable workers - arm yourselves. The way this war
      may be fought, you may find yourselves as prime targets. And make sure
      you have backup communications.

      In worse case scenarios, electricity and communications may be knocked
      out for quite a while. Have a flashlight ready. And get a book or audio
      tape on Morse code. Of course you'll never have time to learn it - until
      there's nothing else to do. Knowing Morse code may help someone pull you
      out of the rubble one day.

      This is serious, people. You want to beat these warriors? You have to
      think like warriors. This is war - a war that has been proven can, and
      probably will, be brought to a battlefield near you.

      FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

      The Key here is simply to keep the banks open. Banks meanwhile, should
      begin looking heavily into safe, online transactions, and making cash
      more accessible. Simultaneous car bomb attacks on several banks in a
      given city can shut down commerce fast. Banks should take precautions.
      Inconvenient for your customers and too expensive, you say? Wasn't an
      issue with the federal government after Oklahoma City. In the case of a
      bank, it doesn't even have to be a car bomb. Remember the Rome and
      Vienna Airports back in the 80's, and Prozac enhanced psychopaths in
      restaurants, schools, and other places in recent history.

      Lesson learned: armed people can thwart such attacks.

      These are just a few precautions that need to be taken. All of America
      is saying things will never be the same again. They are right. Things
      have to change. Our federal government vows to protect us. They mandate
      x-ray machines at all airports, and 4 planes are hijacked
      simultaneously. They put barricades around their buildings, while the
      World Trade Center is there for the taking. The want armed guards on
      planes and in airports, but the potential victims can't even carry
      knives.

      Go ahead. Call me crazy, Sen. Schumer and Clinton lovers. Then turn on
      the news and witness the results (in their own state) of doing it your
      way.

      We are at War, America. Look at New York. Look at Washington right now.
      Take a good look, dammit. Don't hide our children from the truth
      anymore. Our enemy has proven that he can and will bring this battle to
      our own soil. Americans will support their troops in battle in a war
      zone.

      But there are simply not enough law enforcement personnel to watch this
      battlefield. If Congress simply passed more laws taking the right of
      self-defense away from the people who will be working to support their
      war machine and leave us vulnerable, then don't bother sending the
      military anywhere.

      Our enemy is not stupid. They took advantage of the lack of trust
      between this government and its people. If this government does not take
      a hard, honest look at this cold fact and respect the people's right of
      self defense, we will be sitting ducks for the next attack.

      There are over 55,000 take-offs a day with commercial and cargo aircraft
      in the U.S. The federal government barely has that number of civilian
      law enforcement in arms. There is no feasible way to train that many
      that fast. The Airline industry on the other hand, could handle 1.3
      million passengers daily. With law-abiding air travelers in arms - you
      do the math.

      The lesson of September 11, 2001:
Don't disarm your soldiers on a battlefield.
It can cause heavy losses.
      These are the new Rules of Engagement.

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