Preparedness
Trump Appointed Judge Challenges Federal Machine Gun Ban
A recent ruling by a federal judge has dismissed criminal charges related to machine guns, emphasizing that such firearms are considered “bearable arms” under the Second Amendment.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes in Wichita, Kansas, dismissed two counts against defendant Tamori Morgan for possessing a machine gun in violation of federal law.
Last year, Morgan was indicted by the DOJ for possessing an Anderson Manufacturing model AM-15 .300 caliber machine gun and a “Glock switch” that enabled his Glock model 33 .357 SIG to function as an automatic weapon.
Federal prosecutors argued that the “Supreme Court has made clear that regulations of machineguns fall outside the Second Amendment,” as reported by the AP.
Broomes, however, disagreed, stating, “The government has not met its burden under Bruen and Rahimi … . Indeed, the government has barely tried to meet that burden.”
Morgan had filed a motion to dismiss the charges, claiming that the federal statute, 18 U.S. Code § 922, infringed upon his constitutional rights. Judge Broomes concurred with this argument.
“The court finds that the Second Amendment applies to the weapons charged because they are ‘bearable arms’ within the original meaning of the amendment. The court further finds that the government has failed to establish that this nation’s history of gun regulation justifies the application of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) to Defendant,” Broomes wrote.
In his decision, Broomes, appointed by former President Trump, explained that the “plain text” of the Second Amendment protects Morgan’s actions of possessing a machine gun and Glock switch. He noted that § 922 directly contradicts this plain text regarding firearm possession.
“If an individual purchases such a weapon and locks it away in a gun safe in his basement for twenty years without touching it, he is just as guilty of a violation of § 922(o) as one who takes the same weapon out on the public streets and displays it in an aggressive manner,” the judge pointed out.
Broomes also highlighted that federal prosecutors had failed to provide a relevant “historical firearm regulation tradition” to justify Morgan’s charges, referencing two U.S. Supreme Court decisions: Bruen of 2022 and Rahimi of 2024.
“To summarize, in this case, the government has not met its burden under Bruen and Rahimi to demonstrate through historical analogs that regulation of the weapons at issue in this case are consistent with the nation’s history of firearms regulation. Indeed, the government has barely tried to meet that burden,” Broomes insisted.
The National Association of Gun Rights cheered Broomes’ decision, posting to X: “This is incredible.”
Meanwhile, many gun opponents seethed. Shira Feldman of Brady United Against Gun Violence called Broomes’ ruling “incredibly dangerous,” and Jacob Charles, an associate law professor at Pepperdine University, insisted it gave lower courts “the ability to pick and choose the historical record in a way that they think the Second Amendment should be read.”
Eric Ruben, a fellow at the Brennan Center and an associate law professor of Southern Methodist University, indicated that Broomes’ opinion may be “the first time in American history that a machine gun ban has been found unconstitutional in its application.”
Trump-appointed Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Neil Gorsuch helped bring about the Bruen and Rahimi decisions as well, concurring with the majority in both cases.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
When emergencies strike, whether it’s a power outage, a storm, or a supply shortage the food you have on hand can make all the difference. Building a practical, long-lasting food stockpile doesn’t mean settling for bland meals or astronaut rations. With a bit of planning, you can create a pantry that’s nutritious, comforting, and ready for anything.
1. Rice: The Reliable Staple
Rice is a survival classic for a reason. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, and can last over 20 years if stored properly in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers. Pair it with beans, canned vegetables, or spices to make complete meals. Brown rice offers more nutrition but has a shorter shelf life about six months, so white rice is the go-to for long-term storage.
2. Beans: Protein That Never Quits
Dried or canned, beans are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and minerals. They fill you up fast and combine perfectly with rice for a balanced diet. Dried beans keep for decades, while canned varieties are ready to eat in minutes just check expiration dates every year.
3. Peanut Butter: The Energy Saver
Packed with calories, healthy fats, and protein, peanut butter is a morale booster when fresh food is scarce. It requires no cooking, lasts up to two years unopened, and offers comfort in uncertain times. It’s especially useful for families with children.
4. Canned Meats and Fish
Tuna, chicken, salmon, and even Spam are excellent sources of protein and essential fats. Canned meats last several years and can be eaten cold if cooking isn’t an option. Rotate them every 18–24 months to maintain freshness and flavor.
5. Oats: Breakfast and Beyond
Oats are nutrient-dense, easy to prepare, and versatile, you can make oatmeal, granola, or even use them as a flour substitute. Stored in a sealed container, they’ll last for years and provide sustained energy.
6. Honey: Nature’s Forever Food
Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found jars of honey thousands of years old that are still edible. It’s a natural sweetener, cough remedy, and wound treatment. Keep it sealed and store at room temperature if it crystallizes, just warm it gently.
7. Powdered Milk and Eggs
These are perfect for baking, cereal, or protein shakes when fresh dairy isn’t available. Properly stored in cool, dry places, powdered milk lasts up to 10 years, while powdered eggs can stay good for up to 5.
8. Salt and Seasonings
Salt isn’t just a flavor enhancer, it’s a preservative and electrolyte source. Pair it with spices and dried herbs to make otherwise dull survival meals much more enjoyable. Comfort food matters more than you think during stressful times.
9. Dried Fruits and Nuts
These provide quick energy, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. They’re ideal for snacking or adding to cereals and trail mixes. Store them in airtight containers to extend their shelf life up to a year or more.
10. Freeze-Dried Meals
Modern freeze-dried meals have come a long way, they’re lightweight, tasty, and can last 25 years or longer. Just add water and you’ve got instant lasagna, chili, or chicken teriyaki. They’re expensive, but worth including for convenience.
Final Thought
Survival food isn’t about hoarding, it’s about being smart. Build your stock gradually, rotating items so nothing goes to waste. Focus on variety, nutrition, and comfort foods that boost morale. The best survival pantry is one that you’d happily eat from even without an emergency.
Winter can be beautiful, but when temperatures drop below freezing, it quickly becomes dangerous, especially for older adults or anyone with health conditions that affect circulation or mobility. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory problems. Whether you live in the countryside, a city apartment, or a rural cabin, preparing before the cold strikes can make all the difference. Here are seven proven ways to stay warm, safe, and healthy through the harshest winter conditions.
1. Dress in Smart, Protective Layers
Layering is your body’s first line of defense against cold. Rather than piling on one heavy jacket, wear several thin, insulating layers. Start with a base layer made of synthetic or wool fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating layer like fleece or down to trap body heat, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell to block snow and icy winds.
Don’t neglect extremities wear insulated gloves, a thermal hat, a scarf, and warm socks. If you’re indoors, cozy slippers and thermal leggings can also help you stay warm without overusing your heating system.
2. Seal In Warmth and Block Out the Cold
Even small drafts can drain heat from your home. Inspect doors and windows for gaps, then use weather stripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal them. Hang thick curtains and close them at night to trap heat inside. If you have unused rooms, close their vents and doors to concentrate warmth where you spend the most time.
Rugs, towels, or blankets rolled up at the bottom of doors also help prevent cold air from seeping in. If possible, consider window insulation kits inexpensive plastic sheets that add an extra layer of protection.
3. Stay Dry at All Costs
Moisture is a silent danger in cold weather. Wet clothing can cause body heat to evaporate rapidly, leading to hypothermia even in temperatures above freezing. Always keep an extra set of dry clothes nearby. If you must go outdoors, wear waterproof boots and gloves. When you come inside, remove damp shoes and clothes immediately and replace them with dry layers.
4. Create a “Warm Room” for Emergencies
If your heating system fails or power goes out, select one small, well-insulated room to serve as your heat zone. Hang blankets over windows and doors to keep warmth in. Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and all household members (including pets) in that space. The shared body heat will make the room more livable. You can use candles, hand warmers, or small battery-powered heaters to supplement warmth just ensure proper ventilation and avoid open flames near anything flammable.
5. Eat and Drink to Fuel Warmth
Your body is like a furnace, it needs fuel to stay warm. During extreme cold, focus on nutrient-rich, high-calorie foods like nuts, peanut butter, whole grains, and soups. Warm drinks such as tea, coffee, or broth can help maintain your core temperature. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in large amounts, as they can dehydrate you and give a false sense of warmth.
Drinking plenty of water is equally important. Cold weather can dull your thirst, but dehydration makes it harder for your body to regulate temperature.
6. Build and Maintain a Winter Survival Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Include thermal blankets, batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, bottled water, energy bars, a whistle, and a hand-crank radio. If you live in a snowy area, add snow shovels, cat litter (for traction), and jumper cables for your car. Recharge portable power banks regularly, and keep an extra set of warm clothes in a waterproof bag in case you need to evacuate or travel.
7. Recognize and Respond to Cold-Related Illnesses
Knowing the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite can prevent tragedy.
- Hypothermia begins with shivering, fatigue, and confusion, then progresses to slurred speech and drowsiness.
- Frostbite causes numb, pale, or hard skin, especially on fingers, toes, and ears.
If you suspect either condition, move to a warm area immediately, replace wet clothing, and warm the person gradually using blankets or body heat. Never apply direct heat, like a hot water bottle or hair dryer, as it can damage skin and tissue.
Final Thoughts
Surviving extreme cold is about preparation, awareness, and calm decision-making. By layering properly, securing your home, staying dry, and having an emergency plan, you can protect yourself and your loved ones through even the harshest winter storms. Remember, it’s not just about enduring the cold; it’s about staying comfortable, confident, and safeuntil spring returns.
Because peace of mind beats panic every time
When a big storm’s coming, the news spreads fast. Shelves empty, gas stations fill up, and suddenly everyone’s buying bottled water like it’s gold. The truth is, once panic buying starts, it’s already too late. Real preparedness isn’t about fear it’s about peace of mind. The best time to get ready is when things still feel normal.
Here are ten simple, affordable items you can stock quietly now so you’re not scrambling later.
1. Water and Water Filters
Start with the basics: one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Keep bottled water handy, but also grab a small filter straw or purification tablets for backup. Clean water matters more than anything else when supplies run short.
2. Non-Perishable Food
You don’t need fancy freeze-dried meals. A few weeks’ worth of canned goods, rice, oats, peanut butter, and protein bars go a long way. Choose foods you actually eat, rotate them out as part of your normal pantry.
3. First-Aid Kit and Medications
Every home needs one. Bandages, antiseptic, gloves, and basic medicines like pain relievers and allergy pills can make a huge difference. If you take prescription medication, try to keep at least a few extra days’ supply on hand.
4. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
When the power goes out, light is everything. Stock a few small LED flashlights and a headlamp for hands-free use. Don’t forget extra batteries or a crank-powered option that never needs charging.
5. Portable Charger or Power Bank
Phones are lifelines during emergencies. Keep a charged power bank in your bag or car. Solar versions are great backups if you’re stuck without power for days.
6. Trash Bags and Zip Ties
Sounds simple, but trash bags are a survival essential. They can collect waste, store supplies, or even serve as ponchos or tarps. Pair them with a handful of zip ties one of the most underrated tools for securing gear or sealing openings.
7. Manual Can Opener
If your food storage depends on cans, make sure you can open them without electricity. A sturdy manual can opener can save you a lot of frustration (and hungry hours).
8. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
A good multi-tool replaces an entire toolbox in an emergency. Cutting rope, fixing leaks, opening packages you’ll use it more often than you think.
9. Basic Hygiene Supplies
Soap, toothbrushes, wet wipes, and feminine products often get overlooked. Staying clean keeps morale up and illness down, especially when running water isn’t guaranteed.
10. Emergency Cash
If card readers go down, cash is still king. Keep small bills in a waterproof envelope somewhere safe but easy to grab.
Final Thought
Preparedness isn’t about hoarding or panic, it’s about independence and calm. When something unexpected happens, the people who’ve planned ahead are the ones helping others instead of fighting for supplies.
📝 Starter Supply Checklist
☑ Water (1 gallon per person per day)
☑ Food for 3–7 days
☑ First-aid kit and medicines
☑ Flashlights + batteries
☑ Power bank or solar charger
☑ Trash bags + zip ties
☑ Manual can opener
☑ Multi-tool or knife
☑ Hygiene essentials
☑ Small cash reserve
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Peter Miks
September 5, 2024 at 12:40 pm
The commie dummycraps can keep their hands off law abiding citizens 2nd Amendment rights. This is about total dummycrapcommunism control over Americans rights. From my Cold Dead Hands as Charlton Heston would say. Go after the criminals and illegal criminals you devilcraps have created with you lawlessness laws for criminals, no cash bail, safety acts, and your other bullshit laws that career criminals reap over everyday citizens. 2 words for the democratic party, FUCK YOU.TRUMP 2024 will end this shit and the chaos created by the party of commies.
Joan
September 5, 2024 at 1:09 pm
George Washington contemporaneously recorded his position on the 2nd Amendment: “A free people ought not only be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.”
Washington placed NO limit on weapons even though a machine gun was invented 70 years earlier in France. Privateers (privately owned ships) had cannon aboard and they were not banned in the Constitution. Guns are inanimate objects and will not operate without a person to load it and pull the trigger. It is the person and their state of mind that needs to be considered, especially BEFORE an act of violence takes place.
The people should place more attention on raising children to respect and love their neighbors, to not covet neighbors’ property, and to find ways to reach out in peace to each and everyone, including those who have different opinions, to create a community that nurtures good neighborliness and friendships. Put away the cell phones and talk in person with your family, friends, and visitors to give them a sense they are valued and not alone.
Dr. Caligari
September 5, 2024 at 2:31 pm
An interesting analysis by the Judge, if you buy a machine gun and lock it away for 20 years you are just as guilty of a violation as the person that displays it in public in anger.