Keeping your head low...

A stylized Gadsden flag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As most folks that run in our circles know, the Gadsden flag has been taken up once again by those who who value Liberty and Freedom-a seemingly absent idea of today's government. It is a proud symbol and one that deserves a place in the solid foundation of our country. But...it has also become a calling card for law enforcement and those who think that individual thought and desire for Freedom of choice is a crime. I could link to dozens of tales on the net of folks who have been pulled over and harassed by law enforcement officers simply because they display this symbol on their vehicle. Is it fair? No. Is it right? No. But, it is what is being taught to young officers today. A while back I read a story written by an anonymous LEO that had posted at survivalblog.com (one of the best sites you will ever read. Thanks, Mr Rawles). He stated that police depts. nationwide are being largely instructed by folks from Homeland Security and that their take is that anyone who displays the Gadsden flag could be right wing militia and that they should find any reason possible to pull them over. At first, I thought that there was no way that this could be true. About a month ago I managed to get a cop acquaintance to talk to me about the subject and I asked him point blank about the flag. After a great deal of hemmin' and hawin' he finally 'fessed up and said that yes...it was being taught to look for such symbols. Soon thereafter he came up with an excuse to leave the building. Now...I've known this guy for several years and respect him. He's one of the good guys, as most cops are. But let's be honest; there's always that young guy trying to get ahead or make that big jump to a Federal law enforcement position. Do you think he would have any problem pulling you over and finding a reason to give you grief about a properly licensed weapon in your possession?  Maybe. Maybe not.

I guess my point in all of this is what a great deal of the smart, and old(like a an old tom turkey-aka "smart"), guys in our world talk about. It's ok to raise a little cane about the wrongs of the Feds. It's ok, hell it's an obligation, to protect your family and yourself. Just do it smart. The best and oldest "operators" in service of our country are the ones who blend in. They don't walk around with buzz cuts, Oakleys, and cammies. They wear neutral clothing and learn to just...be. So, what I'm trying to get across is this: when it's time to be a Grizzly, be a Grizzly. But, when it's time to be a fly on the wall, be the fly. Just be the fly with a big stick behind his back. Like Daddy always says' "There's a time and a place for everything." Thanks for listening to the rambling. Y'all have a good 'un.