Free State Wyoming Forum
Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Topic started by: Athanasius on October 07, 2009, 06:14:23 PM
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Howdy.
I looked around for a "New Members Introduction Thread" and, not seeing one, decided I had to post one of my own.
Lemme start by telling my story.
I'm a younger fellow who, while over in Afghanistan, began to think about moving to the Rockies for some peace and quiet. I was raised in Chicago and then Tennessee (near Memphis). Then I moved to Kentucky for college, to a town of about 3500 people called Grayson. So in that respect, my life has been one move after another away from urban sprawl and toward the countryside.
I had recently gained a fascination with the West. I confided in my best friend (a Coloradoan) that I was wanting to move out west to less populated locales. He recommended Wyoming. I did my research, and it seemed to speak to me deep down.
Then I read Molon Labe.
I'm pretty Libertarian in nature, and the idea of a "Free State Wyoming" speaks to my very soul. I've believed in my country, and I've fought for freedom(you may, of course, disagree-- it's your right). But more and more it seems like my country is slipping away from me.
I didn't want to get involved in politics. But it seems that while the good men and women slept, or found real occupations, the slimeballs and statists and parasites all jumped in to the drivers' seat. And this nation is moving further away from what it was meant to be.
I'm tired of being treated like a child by a government that finds me capable of fighting for my nation, but incapable of deciding how I spend my money, or what arms I bear, or what I put into my body (not that I do drugs; I'm talking food!).
I'm tired of being looked at funny or mocked for bearing arms openly.
I'm tired of people looking at like I grew two heads when I turn down "free" money out of principle.
I'm tired of having to explain why I'm ashamed that I have relatives on welfare-- who have stopped looking for jobs because they'll get benefits cut.
I was born, more or less, free. I want my sons and daughters-- when I have them-- to be free. I want to exercise Liberty as the Founders meant it, not as some government stooge explains it to mean. I want to surround myself with others of common ideals-- people who believe in personal responsibility; who believe in less government, not more. If there is a chance--the barest, slimmest chance-- that we can go to such a place and make such ideals stick, I must be part of it. You have my hand, my arm, my voice, my mind, and if need be, my rifle.
...wow. Didn't mean to rant.
Anyways, that's the appeal of Wyoming to me. That, and I want to be able to step off my back porch and shoot a 300yd target. LOL.
I haven't been, except to pass through Cheyenne on my way from Fort Collins to Scottsbluff.
But when I get back from the sandbox (for the 2nd time- Ha!) and I finish my remaining two semesters of my Bachelors, I'm gonna visit. Not sure how many times. And eventually, move.
So, that's about it. Hope I didn't take up too much of your time.
And Boston-- your defense of the pro-life position in Molon Labe was one of the most articulate I have ever heard. Not trying to kiss arse, cause I've heard some great arguments. But it is very good.
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Welcome! You sound like you will fit in great, hopefully Wyoming will be able to offer what you are looking for. I lived all my life in TN and KY before moving out this summer, and one thing is for sure, there are a lot less people out here. Please let me know if there is any way that I can help you, and be sure to swing through Lander and say hi if you get a chance when you come out. Always welcome to bunk with us when you come too. Good luck!
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Welcome, and well said! ;D
Like you, I've been steadily moving away from urban sprawl... if, unfortunately, more gradually. It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders. It's unfortunate, but an interest in politics is necessary for anyone who wants to keep their freedom. Hopefully we'll meet one day soon in Wyoming.
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Welcome! I'm always eager to meet folks like you. You'll fit right in here, I'm sure. But don't delay coming any longer than you absolutely must. The storm comes...
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Hello, Athanasius.
Welcome to the forum, I think that you will quickly find an on-line home here.
Let us know if you need anything over there.
Do you have enough reading material?
Have you read all of Boston's work? And what else so you/have you read?
Welcome again.
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Welcome!
MWD
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Hello, Athanasius.
Welcome to the forum, I think that you will quickly find an on-line home here.
Let us know if you need anything over there.
Do you have enough reading material?
Have you read all of Boston's work? And what else so you/have you read?
Welcome again.
I've only read Molon Labe. I did order at the same time a copy of Boston's Gun Bible, but although it was supposed to arrive yesterday (and Amazon and the USPS show it as "delivered" on their tracking systems) it didn't. Nor did my neighbor (friend from college and his wife) see anyone arrive at my front door or hear a knock.
I'm waiting, and if it doesn't arrive today...
I guess I'll be irate, and order again.
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I've only read Molon Labe. I did order at the same time a copy of Boston's Gun Bible, but although it was supposed to arrive yesterday (and Amazon and the USPS show it as "delivered" on their tracking systems) it didn't. Nor did my neighbor (friend from college and his wife) see anyone arrive at my front door or hear a knock.
I'm waiting, and if it doesn't arrive today...
I guess I'll be irate, and order again.
Or wait to see if the neighbor suddenly develops a new interest (and expertise?) in rifles? LOL Just kidding. Hope the book gets to you soon.. but don't pay for another one! Make UPS cough it up!!
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Athanasius;
Get in touch with your Post Office, speak to the carrier, make sure they 'delivered' to the correct address. If a signature was required and you were not there, the carrier may be holding it.
Also, call Amazon, explain the situation to them and ask them to pursue from that end, as well.
Good Luck
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Quote:
Anyways, that's the appeal of Wyoming to me.
Me too! That's why I'm here!
Welcome!
Mac
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Well said and well reasoned! Like you, I am a member of the military... So, questions for you... How are you squaring our government's policies that are unconstitutional and anti-freedom with the oath that we have sworn to uphold? I am not happy with it...and having all sorts of issues squaring it. For me, I think the direction that we have been headed amounts to the writing on the wall...what I am 'defending' exists only in the most tenuous principle now... So, my family and I will be WY and freedom bound at the conclusion of my next and final tour of duty...
Cheers -
Damien
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Welcome Athanasius and you too Damien,
Keep your heads down and watch your six. get back in one piece, hopefully just as you left. We are here to help in any way. Let us know if you need stuff.
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Howdy Athanasius and Damien, welcome to FSW. Have you two heard of Oathkeepers?
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
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How are you squaring our government's policies that are unconstitutional and anti-freedom with the oath that we have sworn to uphold?
If you are in Iraq or Afghanistan, and are having to shoot at someone (that is, someone defending his country), and are uncomfortable with that, you could always miss a lot. ;)
If you dig around some you can find there were studies that found only a relatively small percentage of American soldiers would actually intentionally kill an enemy, during WWI I think. Most just "fired for effect" (is that the term?).The generals and others did a lot of work to get that percentage up, over the years. Probably a lot of the traditional thing, demonizing and dehumanizing the enemy, etc.
Of course if you are being attacked, you have to defend your life.
When I was in the Marines (during Viet Nam), there were lots of ways to be less "efficient" than one was capable of. It was about all we could do to show our lack of support for the war. Well, that, and blowing marijuana smoke in the faces of the guards as we drove through the gate every morning. :D
I should add, I was never in combat, so take any advice here with a grain of salt!
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I read somewhere that 20 billion rounds were fired in vietnam during the war. I would say that quite a few missed. Just protect yourself and fellow soldiers and come home safe.
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Welcome, Athanasius and Damien.
Athanasius, that's quite a handle.. did you choose it because you feel alone against the world, just like the original saint? Well, you're not alone here, brother. Keep yer head down and powder dry and get back safe and whole. We'll leave the light on for ya.
Damien, I echo a previous poster's advice.. oathkeepers is a good place to start. My brother, who's a retired Air Force sargeant, read a book describing what steps the military has taken to desensitize soldiers to killing; the book claims that realistic military style shoot-em-up computer games have done the trick, or are doing the trick. I'm curious about your take on this.
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Well, as a Naval Officer my experiences on the pointy end are pretty few. I have, however, had numerous opportunities to train for VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure) missions. In that training we engaged in plenty of shoot house, close quarters combat training...and I think, although it was training that was very serious in nature, it did have an element of insouciance to it that was intended to make us fearless...or maybe, insensitive to the plight of those on the receiving end of our fire?
In general, whether the military is at fault or society through its choices of entertainment (shooting games, gratuitous violence in movies, etc), I would have to say that the level of sensitivity to the horrors wrought by war has fallen. All that said, I would not hesitate to defend my family and home/property from harm...
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Hi Athanasius,
I'm a fellow seeker, who like yourself has yet to make the jump to Wyoming. Our plans for a road trip over the Valentine's weekend are shaping up nicely, however and I'm looking forward to connecting with a handful of you if possible.
Stay safe during your tour!! Thank you for doing your part to ensure our liberties are in the best hands possible. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that your sentiment isn't terribly widespread (regarding defending liberty, rather than corporate tyranny as it were), but it is nice to hear it first hand from a soldier who believes in what they stand for.
Again, good luck!!
JP & Victoria Bernier
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@bristlehead:
I picked the name for several reasons: He is my favorite saint for his defense of the Incarnation against Arius. He did stand against the world-- and sometimes, it feels like that's what happens in my life as a Christian.
"Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world--No. You move."
-Mark Twain
Also, his book De Incarnation Verbi Dei is fantastic.
@Damien: Hmm. See, in Afghanistan I did route clearance-- looking for and neutralizing IEDs. So my job on a day-to-day level was to 1) Protect myself and my fellow soldiers, and 2) make the backroads of Afghanistan a little safer for the Afghans themselves (as a bomb is no respecter of persons-- something I've seen firsthand). While over there I had seen and heard enough horror stories (such as my interpreter explaining why there were no girls at a school we passed-- "The Taliban will kill them if they do.") to justify what I did and why I fought who I fought. And I also saw how we made the lives of the Afghan people a little better.
Maybe I read a little too much Ivanhoe and Superman when I was a boy, and I'm merely tilting at windmills. I dunno. What I do know is that seeing the concetrated evil of the Taliban made me realize that America is a bubble, safe and secure from the rest of the world. When that bubble is punctured, the results end up on the nightly news. Seeing the wolves out there made me realize that there are wolves here, and that I don't want to be a sheep. So... it took me going overseas to wake up?
Kinda rambling again, and I apologize.
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Welcome Athanasius!
Thanks for the kind comments about Molôn Labé!
It's heartening to read of its effect on yet another Wyoming future relocator.
Stay safe, check 6, and see you soon in the Cowboy State!
Boston
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;)Athanasius, actually Wyoming will be an easy transition after Afganistan except we don't normally shoot at you. Terrain is very similar, of course we don't have Al Qaida in Wyoming, you just have Wyoming in all it's glory. Thank you for thinking of us. We're not quite Memphis but I think you'd be very happy here. Here "Life is as you make it, not what is expected". Thank you for the vocation you have chosen and may God be with through your tour, I know that my family sleeps better even if they don't know it. You won't be dissapointed in Wyoming if you truely belong here, Paul. ~W~
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@Bristlehead - thank you for the words of advice. Re Oath Keepers, I have been following them the past few months. I like what they stand for. I also follow/belong to a number of similar groups...the more I learn, the more I feel compelled to join like-minded groups.
@Athanasius - as one service member to another, my sincere thanks to you for your service in the various sandboxes... :-) My duty in the various gulfs onboard USS Ustafish was admittedly less arduous and visceral.
I do, whole-heartedly agree with you that our fellow Americans have indeed lived in a bubble and are, in a manner of speaking, sheep, awaiting the arrival of the wolves, My disheartening fear is that too many of them are happy to be sheep and are simply unwilling to take any action against the impending danger of the wolves...and yes, the wolves are already in the pen. So do they merit protection or do they deserve to be awakened from the their slumber? My duty, as is yours, is to protect them...my inclination is, as with any indulged child, is to awaken them to the truth and freedom of personal responsibility and self-reliance.
It is a tough row to how...
Cheers -
Damien
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...yes, the wolves are already in the pen. ...
Just curious, are those foreign or domestic wolves??
A foreign wolf doesn't care where we live, work, play or worship.
A foreign wolf doesn't care how much we make, spend or save.
A foreign wolf doesn't give a crap about us EXCEPT
that our domestic wolves are running in HIS territory.
What would you do to protect yours?
MANUMIT
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At this point, it would seem almost irrelevant to distinguish between the two as they are basically two sides of the same coin. The enemy you know versus the one you don't really just points out that they are both your enemy! :-)
As to what would I do?...whatever it takes to ensure that the wolves do not maul our liberty... On a more concrete note, I plan to be moving myself and my family to WY within the next 3 years...we'll take it from there.
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Roger that!!
Plan for three but execute ASAP...we're sure glad we did!!
MANUMIT
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Believe me...the family and I are wishing it could be sooner than 3 but I need to finish my last tour of the duty with the Navy. If the Navy is willing, and we can swing it, we will be there in 2 years. One of my most pressing concerns is the solvency of our economy, and to an extent, our country...I don't want things to go to hell in a hand basket before I have moved us to WY. If things head south before then, things may become orders of magnitude more complicated... Hopefully not.
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Our economy is preoccupying me as well, Damien. But things being as they are right now, I can't leave where I'm at in KY; I figure I'm stuck here for at least 2 more years. If SHTF, I may stick it out here depending. If things get really bad, I'm driving/rucking/fighting my way to WY.
So I guess I'm hoping for the grace period to last just a little longer..
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Athanasius - you and me both brother. My final tour is a 3-year stint in Korea. I am praying for that grace period to last long enough to get the family and I to WY without any major hassles... Obviously, should the SHTF, the logistics of getting the family from overseas to CONUS becomes, um, challenging! ;-) I am laying my plans though, making sure that I am as prepared as can be for whatever contingencies may arise.
On a different note, what is your MOS? I was a Navy Supply Officer (Quartermaster for the Army-types) but transitioned to Foreign Area Officer (FAO). I had planned on staying in a bit longer but given that I am hitting my 20 next year, coupled with the serious uncertainties about our nation's future, I figure it is probably time to pull chalks. Obligations in the military being what they are...3 years is what I owe to square the books. After that, WY, here we come!
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My current MOS is 21B (Combat Engineer), though I've considered staying in, going to OCS, and picking infantry. I'd certainly like to bone up on all that stuff, and I suck up all my explosives and small-unit tactics like a sponge-- Just like to learn, I guess. Though to be fair, I'm in the Kentucky National Guard, not active duty-- I wanted to finish college and I've always found the idea of the "citizen-soldier" to be a bit cool.
I am, I admit, getting tired of being told what to do. It grates on me.
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Athanasius - I am prior enlisted (6 1/2 years) so I certainly hear ya when you talk about being told what to do... :) Best of luck with your decision-making process re OCS. In some ways it would seem to be a no-brainer, go-for-it, kind of choice. But on the other hand, it brings up a host of other issues such as extending your length of service and delaying your move to WY. Lots to think about eh?
Oh, and for the record, even as an officer, you still get told what to do...admittedly by fewer people, but still! It really is the same stuff, just a slightly different flavor. ;)
Out of curiosity, where in WY are you thinking of going?
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Been looking at Crook County, though I've come to the realization that it doesn't really matter where in the state I start out, since I can always move later- what matters is getting that state residence.
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Crook county is really nice. Possibly the prettiest place in Wyoming. I have a place there too. The only problem is that it is either for people who are retired or who can bring their own jobs. Many people who live their work in either gillette or Rapid city. It can be a bear to go to work sometimes during the winter...
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My wife and I are looking at the Sheridan area...Dayton, Big Horn, Rancherton would all be good. Of course, we are also open to the possibility of any other area that works for us in WY!
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To add to Athanasius and Damien: Thank you for your service. As an Army vet myself (didn't spend any time in the sandbox due to being the unit armorer... seemed like a good idea at the time) My buddies that were/are there repeat the same belief. Its not for freedom of the Afghan/Iraqi people or their right for them to vote, but for the guy in the seat next to you or rucking in front and behind you, for the scouts that just saved your butt with their forward advance info and the techies that paved the way with the drones above. They all tell me that the brother hood is what is freshest in their minds. Do what you NEED to do. Pay strict attention to what your duty is and the safety of others around you. Don't be too proud to start and finish your day with prayer.
I am soon on my way to Wyoming, was going to finish school but... life is sometimes too short, time is flying by to be where you are not meant to be. So I am high tailing it out of Arkansas to be where I need to be.
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I am soon on my way to Wyoming, was going to finish school but... life is sometimes too short, time is flying by to be where you are not meant to be. So I am high tailing it out of Arkansas to be where I need to be.
Amen! I'm looking forward to meeting you, and having you as my neighbors! :)
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Mama Liberty if your not a motivational speaker then you have missed your calling!! My wife (Proverbs) tells me your going to trade bread recipes? She just made some killer home made sticky buns, Oh man, and with some breyers vanilla... ;D :o She's bringing the recipe in June!
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Mama Liberty if your not a motivational speaker then you have missed your calling!! My wife (Proverbs) tells me your going to trade bread recipes? She just made some killer home made sticky buns, Oh man, and with some breyers vanilla... ;D :o She's bringing the recipe in June!
Thanks! :) Done a lot of speaking in my career, but at least motivated my two sons quite a bit. LOL
I hope everyone will bring recipes to exchange. We've been collecting our favorites and original recipes for quite a while, trying to come up with enough of them to publish a small cookbook of our own. The more cooks we have, the better the chances that can really happen. :)