Shotgun!

Earlier this week I watched an episode of Inside Man, done by the same guy that did Supersize Me from the suggestion of a friend. Basically, this guy goes and works different jobs that would be considered controversial, and the topic of this episode; guns. It basically outlined the different views on guns and gun laws. Mainly, Constitutionalists, and the gun law agenda (yayyy Liberals).

 Morgan went to work in a gun shop to see what types of people were buying guns and what their reasons for doing so would be. During his time there, all kinds came in to exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves and their family. After completion of working at this profession, it went through the process of obtaining a firearm, and how it might possibly be lax as far as how little one has to go through for this process. It also went through gun law legislation and how they are trying to enforce ten round magazines and prevention of sales of assault rifles. During the filming of this episode, the Newtown School shootings happened (don't even get me started on how shady that entire incident was...new post maybe?). After this, he went back to the shop to see how business was. It was completely empty aside from a smattering of handguns and shotguns; explanation of this was fear. Fear that their rights would be taken away and the government would prevent them from purchasing. 

All in all, it was a pretty well rounded argument. It leaned a little too close to my opposite opinion for me to wholly agree with it, but considering....he did pretty well.

Now I personally fall within those wanting to uphold our constitutional right as American citizens to keep and bear arms. However there are those that wish to change the rules basically because "when the constitution was written, there were no assault weapons". To this I say, when the constitution was written, there were those actively trying to take away our freedoms...wheres the difference? The enemy has better armed themselves, so why shouldn't we be better armed to protect ourselves from all enemies foreign and domestic. I own firearms. I agree with others owning firearms. (unless you're a psycho with a record of psychotic behavior) However, I do not agree with gun laws that prohibit law abiding citizens the ability to defend themselves. It is a statistical fact that the states with the strictest gun laws have the highest gun violence. This is because criminals can get firearms illegally, while regular citizens can not even legally purchase them. To this I also say, where there is a will, there is a way. If it were not a gun, it would be something else. How many stabbing sprees have been in the news lately? You don't see the government trying to ban butter knives.

I also believe that concealed carry permits save lives. If there were more citizens willing to do something instead of standing idly by, the world would be better off. If teachers were able to carry in schools, i would feel safer having my (future) children in a protected learning environment. I personally have this nifty contraption: 

It's called a flashbang holster....it goes in your bra...well in the middle. (Like a garter gun...but more practical as not all of us work at saloons) Not the most comfortable thing in the world but hey. When it comes to safety, when was anything ever comfortable (look at life jackets...). They can be found here btw http://flashbangholsters.publishpath.com/the-flashbang and I would recommend it to any lady who has a concealed carry permit and a bra. Plus. It's made just for women so *raspberry noise*. 

Anyways. I believe that there are two sides to the ten round magazine discussion. Per an officer during this documentary, if someone were...shooting up a school for example...they would need to reload more frequently if they had a ten round magazine, giving more options for someone to go tackle their ass before they could harm more innocents. However, this argument seems to be solely geared towards school shootings which do not happen frequently, but get a hell of a lot of news coverage when they do. Now don't get me wrong, school shootings are a terrible thing, but I think that they are more a scapegoat for gun legislation. In the event a school shooting occurs, yes, a ten round magazine would be better as the criminal would need to change mags more often. However, in the event of government takeover, a police state, an EMP or solar flare, the zombie apocalypse, etc...it would be more effective. The time when we would need to have more rounds would then be the time when we would not have them and that would put us right where they want us. Now I don't want to sound like one of these conspiracy nutjobs, but doesn't it seem convenient that all of these shootings are going on right at the same time that gun legislation is being suggested? That there are strange ties between shootings that deserve explanation, but are getting none...

I'm sure I will have more to post on this later, or add more to this one, but coming from someone that is a bit new to all this, it just seems too convenient. I know many others feel the same way, and are actively doing things to prevent these laws from passing to protect our rights. Even going to Washington. (i try to stay as far away from that hole as possible). Just makes you wonder how some can just sit and do nothing...

Vix out.

The Dream Crusher

During an interesting conversation that I had with a wonderful co-worker of mine (Hey Bestie!) about work, and college, and basically the way that we wound up in our current situation of employment, came the inspiration for my next post (rant). College. College was supposed to be this huge opportunity to get a big girl job in the "real world" with better pay, and benefits, and a new car, and a house, and puppies, and a man that gets you a big rock (still gunnin' for that one btw *wink wink nudge nudge*). Basically, a College education was supposed to pave the way for a better life and and great opportunities in the shiny new world. However, nothing was ever shiny (you can't stop the signal...).

Our current economic state is...well...less than optimal. With unemployment rates and a job market that has essentially hit the proverbial iceburg, were all going down on this ship. (you said you'd never let go Rose!).

Back in February of 2012, i was fresh out of Hood College's graduating class of 2011. Everything was full of opportunity and excitement. I had graduated in May, worked a summer job, took off a couple of months, then moved to be with my Mr. Tactical. I had hopes of a job in my field, that field being Psychology. I had always wanted to work with PTSD patients and returning soldiers and was confident my BA would get me there. 7 months later, after hundreds of applications, multiple job interviews and many stressful weeks of nothing, I finally got a job...as a temporary hire...at a customer service call center. Now don't get me wrong, I am grateful every day for my job (now full time). However, this was not my dream. No one wants to look back on their life and think...man...i really took a lot of calls...

A breakdown of college tuition at my school, Hood College, proceeds as follows:
Tuition: 33,620
Comprehensive Fee: 500
Room (with two people...mine was an Obama Voter): 6,080
Board (wtf is a vegan brownie?): 5,530
TOTAL: 45,730 for someone staying on campus.

For four years, my parents sucked up 127,190 in college debt with some help from my scholarships and grants. Not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on textbooks that might have been opened about 4 times. I am grateful that they were willing to do this for me, but that is a lot of student loan debt for them and for those that have to pay their own way through college. Then after that, to not be able to find a job, it's almost impossible to pay it off and very disheartening.

Some new legislation has also been allowed in some states with support from other states on giving undocumented immigrants the ability to qualify for in-state tuition fees. The same as a resident of the state. Now tell me how that seems right? I had to pay out of state tuition fees to attend my college. Someone who is not even legally in this country will have the ability to get lower tuition than a citizen (wonder if they can use EBT cards for that...)

So currently, unemployment is at it's highest point since 1982. During that time where I was searching for a job, I fell within the 6 million workers out of work for at least 6 month and had looked for a job within the last 30 days (try about 40 jobs or more per month). College grads are over qualified for most jobs, but under qualified for the ones they want, leaving them monkey in the middle (worst. game. ever. for short people).

I'm not sure how any of this can be solved. The price of living has gone up, pay has stayed the same, and jobs are few and far between. I feel like something drastic has to happen in order for the system to be reset. One of these days, I'm going to pray for apocalypse so that I no longer have to worry about my car payment, or the grocery bill....bills in general...

Anyone wanna build a cabin???

Vix out.

Thoughts on Morality...

Due to the most recent holiday for those lovely ladies that decided to allow us to live until adulthood (hi mom), I figured that this would be my first topic of discussion. So during the long drive home Sunday, Mr. Tactical and I were having a discussion about mothers and babies etc. due to a family member currently going through the process of becoming a mother. Through this, the discussion of mothers day cards came up and whether you would get an expectant mother a mothers day card or gift since technically, they are a "mother to be" I said yes, He said no. After an interesting conversation about "you aren't a mother unless you've changed a diaper (not argument, where i may or may not have threatened scalping if i were not to get a card in such a situation) I found out that the hilarious Mr. Tactical was just screwing with me and indeed did feel the same as I in thinking that if you are carrying a child, you are a mother. Reason being is, that if you are responsible for the care of that child, whether through accident or decision, you are a mother. 

Per this topic, I've been thinking a bit more in depth. The term morality came to mind and a particular discussion that occurred over the weekend about the definition. Morality being defined as: A Particular system of values and conduct, especially one held by a specified person or society, or principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

During this discussion, there were a few topics of interest , on being abortion and it's moral standing. Although morality was defined as being the norm for a particular group of people and what they would deem morally right (like cannibals) I do not see that as fully correct. I believe that morals are beliefs that are not only set by the individual, but also partially by society. No matter what the situation, Rape is not morally right. Murder is not morally right...so what about abortion?

Now normally with a discussion about this disgusting topic, I tend to hear "oh it's the woman's right to decide because it's her body" or "it isn't a baby yet" well then what the hell is it? A velociraptor? I believe that if someone is adult enough to make the decision to be intimate with someone, they should take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that might ultimately arise by those actions, no matter how "inconvenient". On that same aspect, I don't believe that healthcare should pay for such a procedure as it is a choice and it is murder.

Another topic that just makes my head spin, PETA. PETA, the "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals". But what about Americans? Where are the activist groups throwing blood on the abortion doctors killing infants? Where was the outpour of disgust and loathing when Dr. Kermit Gosnell murdered living newborn babies with scissors? Per ze boyfriend, "Be a hero, save a whale, Save a baby, go to jail". 

Now Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the proper treatment of animals and own my own little furry hoard. I mean...look at that face...

And if anyone has not had the chance to watch Earthlings, I would highly recommend it (with tissues). But just the fact that PETA cares more about the animals of the world then their own species survival is just horrendous. How can somtheing that is such a blessing, not be considered alive? To those couples that have been trying and trying to have a child, they're alive. To those parents that experience a miscarriage, they're alive. But for the irresponsible, it's just a decision.

Now i do not have children of my own (aside from the furry ones), and I could not even begin to imagine taking care of a miniature version of me, but that does not mean that I would not consider them a child and say "screw it, I can always have more". 

I do not understand what has happened to society where this has become the norm. That this has become what most people deem moral. Some days all you can do is shake your head and pray. 

Vix out.

A Different View

So starting off something new is always a little difficult, but being as I feel like i have something important that needs to be stated, I figured I would start here. I've had a blog before that went absolutely nowhere other than a funny post here or there. After a informative weekend with a bunch of like minded people, and this pretty sweet peacock...

I figured i would share my thoughts, questions, concerns about the current state of things and my views as a...young woman? sounds kinda stupid. um...a human of the female variety.

I find it a bit interesting and a bit depressing at the same time how most people my age today, just don't get "it". By "it" I mean the shitty state of things going on in the United States right now. The corruption, the two face politicians, the backhanded deals going on in the White House. Although none of this is surprising or new to me, most people within my age bracket think everything is fine or dont care if it is. They only care about what is going on right now and what new Iphone is coming out. Now don't take me wrong, I love my smartphone...and my game systems...and Netflix....*ahem* anyways.

Now most 25 year old girls are more concerned about what new filter they can use on instagram for their #selfies, who is following them on their twitter accounts, or what celebrity is havin' babies named after directions. Although I do tend to take a bunch instagram photos of my cats, I also realize that all of these luxuries could go away with the drop of a hat...or an EMP...or another executive order by head asshat, for the American people to say "fuck it, I've had enough".

Believe me...BDU's are not very fashionable.Or comfortable. Especially since they are kinda made for guys, but get stuck in the rain in a pair of blue jeans and puma's instead of some goretex boots and tell me how damp and uncomfortable you are for the rest of the day. Freeze dried food isn't a lunchable...it's a baggie you add water to, to reconstitute whatever the hell they put in it. But hey, It's going to be better than starving. Never had the..um..pleasure of having an MRE yet, but hey, why try it until I have to.

I've heard it enough from my boyfriend that I tend to not see the world as most people my age do. This tends to lead to some interesting conversations with my friends and family that don't understand that this is part of me too. I've caught shit before for the canned goods, the bug out bag in my car, the fact that I can things, love getting away for a nice weekend in the woods (no plumbing included...and no wifi).

We currently live an hour away from my job. I've had friends/family tell me, you don't carry your gun enough to need it, you don't need a concealed carry permit, just move to MD. Yes...that's it. Move to MD. And that right there is the reason that I am starting this blog. The fact that having protection in MD would be based off of someone else's opinion of need and not my desire to be able to defend myself from threat is BS. And the fact that no one else would care about protecting their own rights and lives is just as scary.

So my boyfriend teaches classes on survival and tactics and things, and I tend to go when he teaches classes and have been doing so for the (over) two year's we've been together. Although I go mostly for support, you tend to pick up things along the way and it kind of...sticks. When I think about the state of the country these days, it scares me. Not knowing if by tomorrow, everything that we now know as reality will be gone and will be some sick version of One Second After...

I'm sure I will come up with some more perspectives on things, but i figured i would keep this short and sweet with enough explanation.

MDV out.