The Right To Keep And Bear Arms

The following selection is from the reference materials found in The American Patriot's Bible (page 16):

The Right To Keep And Bear Arms

Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants...  Genesis 14:14 (NKJV)

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Having fled persecution in Great Britain, the Puritans had laws requiring every family to own a gun, to carry it in public places, and to train children in the use of firearms. In 1619, the colony of Virginia had statutes that required everyone to bear arms. Connecticut law in 1650 required every man above the age of sixteen to possess "a good musket or other gun, fit for service." 

The early laws of America are very clear about this. The people were responsible for their own defense and freedoms and needed to be prepared to fight. Thomas Jefferson said, "The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." At that time, there was no concept of a professional army, created and paid to defend the colonies. George Mason, called the Father of the Bill of Rights, said, "What is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."

With the approach of the American Revolution, the natural rights philosophers had established the foundation for self defense. Every man's life, they said, belongs to God, and to allow one's life to be taken because one failed to defend it was wrong. This natural law to the right of self-defense was also applied to the duty to protect one's family, community, and national liberties. For the colonists, at the heart of their religion was liberty, a sacred gift from God. 

For the most part, the colonial churches, particularly New England's Congregational congregations, believed that to revolt against tyrants, such as King George, was to obey God. It may have had its roots in the Old Testament accounts of Israel's wars for freedom, but it became a powerful fire that impassioned the citizenry. And remains a belief that continues to influence Americans' views about the right to bear arms today. 

--------------------

The American Patriot's Bible is available on Amazon.

--------------------

***  Become a Dystopian: Click here to join the free email list!

Building an Urban Survival Network

By Cade Shadowlight

Become a Dystopian: Click here to join the free email list!

If you’re stuck in the city or suburbs — whether due to family, finances, or other ties — and can’t relocate to a rural area, here’s my best advice: connect with trustworthy, like-minded people nearby and start prepping together for tough times. This survival network, often called a mutual assistance group (MAG), can be as structured or laid-back as you want.

Why a Survival Network?

• Keeps you motivated and accountable.
• Pools diverse skills and experiences.
• Splits tasks and responsibilities.
• Shares costs for bulk buys or single-use gear like a ham radio.
• Could lead to joint investments, like a rural bug-out spot.

Dividing Roles

Everyone should learn core skills like first aid, CPR, and self-defense. Beyond that, assign specialized roles based on strengths:

• Sam and Emily: Medics (advanced first aid training).
• John: Comms expert (ham radio operator).
• Bill: Logistics (owns a pick-up, gets a hand truck).
• Mary: Seamstress (stocks sewing supplies for post-SHTF repairs).

Solo, you’re juggling everything. In a group, you divide and conquer.

Planning for Disaster

Plan for mutual aid during and after crises — natural or man-made. Write down detailed plans to avoid confusion, covering roles, resources, and expectations. Review them regularly.

Who’s In Your Network?

Seek trustworthy, like-minded folks nearby. Shared worldviews and goals trump specific skills (those can be learned). Start with people you know — family, friends, neighbors, church members, or coworkers. Prioritize proximity: ideal is someone within eyesight, next best is walking distance. Long-distance allies are less practical when fuel and infrastructure fail.

Finding Like-Minded People

You’ll need to talk to people IRL, not just online. Don’t lead with “I’m a prepper.” Start with those you know, then branch out to gun shows, prepper expos, gun shops, outdoor stores, or farmers’ markets. Look for mindset clues: bumper stickers may reveal a lot about values and priorities. Test the waters by mentioning a hunting show or survival topic. Positive reactions? Keep talking. Negative? Move on. Discuss religion and politics early — opposing views can tank group cohesion. Probably not in the very first meeting, but soon after. You don't want to find out a year into the relationship that you're incompatible.

Red Flags

• Addictions: Avoid anyone with active substance or behavioral issues until they’re fully clean.
• Mental Instability: Steer clear of those with serious, untreated mental health problems — meds may run out in a crisis.
• Weird Requests: Early asks for big money, major commitments, or shady actions are bad signs.
• Dishonesty: Guardedness is fine, but outright lies about major things are a dealbreaker.

Green Lights

• Stability: Steady job, relationships, or living situation? Good sign. Chronic instability? Warning flag.
• Friendship: Can you vibe with them? Enjoy their company? If they annoy you now, it’ll be worse in a crisis.
• Trust: Can you confide in them without judgment or gossip? Do they prioritize the group over self-interest?
• Reciprocity: Do they give as much as they take? Are they willing to invest time, money, and effort like you?

Final Note

Building a MAG takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. You’re not just prepping for yourself—you’re creating a team to face whatever comes. Start small, stay sharp, and keep talking.

--------------------------

Dive into the unknown at CadeShadowlight.com — where we unravel mysteries like UFOs, cryptozoology, dark literature, and the fight for a freer, wilder world. Join the adventure!