Unfortunately, trust in our governing institutions is at an all-time low. I have heard, many times, among people I know, that they fear what is going to happen if “the wrong guy” gets elected. Ironically, this anxiety is on both sides of the political isle, as many suspect that nobody on the losing end will be happy, and many on the losing end may not believe the results of the election.
The attempted assassination of President Trump is a perfect example of the universal lack of faith in our institutions. Likely, the crime was perpetrated by a lunatic acting alone. However, it is not at all preposterous to jump to conclusions of all manner of conspiracy theories. Were there government forces behind the attempt? Was the gross incompetence of the protective detail a product of loosened recruitment standards for the sake of diversity, or was it on purpose? Will we ever know the full truth? And, bear in mind, many who hate Donald Trump are convinced that the assassination attempt was staged by the Trump side to win him political support. With such vastly differing political divides in play, the prudent individual should expect a highly volatile election and possible violence.
As an armed and prepared citizen, the coming election season should be a noted event on your radar. Things may get ugly, and we are likely to see unrest if not full-scale rioting. This is the reality we face post-2020. And the truth is, such behavior on the streets is not new to post-2020 life. We have a long history of rioting and civil unrest, such as seen throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and even closer in time, such as what was witnessed in the Los Angeles riots in the early 1990s. While political demonstrations and protests are legitimate events and certainly Constitutionally protected, rioting, ransacking businesses, and hurting people in the streets is not. These unacceptable events are likely.
With this potential safety threat on the horizon, consider the following:
Avoid the Likely Vicinities
Now, anything can happen; however, you might notice that riots don’t typically kick off in rural, less populated areas. They also tend to be far less common in the suburbs, although there are exceptions. Generally, though, violent protests are an urban event.
Urban areas that tolerate and actually promote and foster such behavior through policies that limit police authority and the prosecution of offenders are the obvious choice for those who wish to do violence during political protests. Even during events where most of the crowd is peaceful, there are often bad actors that infiltrate in order to loot, steal, vandalize, and assault. There have been plenty of events in which the majority of the crowd becomes hostile and dangerous. Such events occur most commonly in urban centers. Avoiding city centers during volatile times makes good sense, if possible.
Avoid the Likely Locations
Demonstrations often occur in front of specific places, commonly government-affiliated buildings. Court houses, police precincts, state capitals, etc…, are often the scene of such gatherings. It should be obvious that attending such protests in front of these locations puts you in harm’s way.
However, avoiding the likely locations of protest is easier said than done. Part of this safety measure is to be aware of these potential hotspots, as they pertain to you, in any location you live, work, or visit. It is important to know where these centers of likely demonstration are in reference to your home, work, and your route in between. On your daily commute, do you drive past such localities? It is sound to know. If you are in proximity to these places, then it is all the more important to pay attention to the political happenings around you. Be aware of any scheduled protests, and understand that they can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
Make a point to know alternate routes to and from work and home that give such places a wide berth. If an event happens, you want to be as far away from it as possible. Such awareness can prevent a terrifying incident, such as we have witnessed when people get surrounded by a hostile mob while in their vehicle.
Prepare to Sustain
One of the most important aspects of preparedness in general, and in particular as it applies to this topic, is the ability to sustain yourself in your home so that you do not need to leave for an extended period of time. If you live in or close to a city that gets shut down due to rioting, it makes good sense to have everything you need in the home so you don’t have to venture out to obtain necessities while the event is ongoing. Have at least two weeks, preferably a month’s, worth of food, medicines, water, and other needed items on hand to see you through beyond the immediate effects of the situation.
Also, consider the ability to sustain when away from home. Do you keep necessities to get you through for several days in your vehicle? If you work in an urban area, getting stuck at the office is a real possibility during a disaster of any kind. Have the supplies needed to sustain you if you find yourself unable to travel, even for a return trip home from work. Disruption to your ability to travel freely is a likely result of such chaos.
Prepare to Defend
Avoiding such violent tantrums in the street is the best policy, but such events can, ultimately, happen without warning. You must be capable of defending yourself and your loved ones. Going into this coming season, carrying your concealed weaponry is more important than ever. Avoid at all costs, but have a Plan B in case violent miscreants attempt to harm you. Now is the time to carry a concealed handgun of significant capability and a less lethal tool. Consider further carry gear, such as medical, and carry what you can at all times possible. Emergency tools must be carried to be of any use when needed.
Turbulent times lay ahead; prepare now.
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