As election day approaches, this country is awash in tension and emotions are running high. I will not be making any sort of political statements or taking a stand on any of the issues that are behind all of this, as none of that really matters (not as far as the intent of this particular post, anyway). This is not a prediction, as I don't honestly think anybody can accurately predict or imagine what things will look like between now and Christmas. It's just an educated guess, followed by some suggestions on what folks may need to consider...
There is a high probability that the widespread chaos and violence we have seen over the last few months will intensify as the election draws near. No matter who actually wins the elections, we will likely see an explosion of violence once a winner is declared. Extremists on both sides of the spectrum have been dreaming of this day forever, and I'm relatively sure they will not let this opportunity go to waste... So what does that mean for my friends and family who are neither extremists, nor stupid?
Your emergency responders will most likely not be responding your call for help. Cops will be busy quelling the violence, or defending themselves as they will assuredly be targeted. Fire and EMS will probably limit responses, travelling only with a police or National Guard escort. If you need help, I suggest your prepare to be your own first responder. Make sure you have prescriptions refilled, have first-aid supplies on-hand, check your fire extinguishers, have a garden hose hooked up, etc. With police response times almost guaranteed to be substantially impacted, nobody is going to show up to stop a crime in-progress. They'll get there in time to write up a report and head to the next one. Make sure your doors and windows all function and lock correctly, make sure your firearms are clean, loaded and accessible. Talk to your neighbors about keeping an eye out for each other and who is available and willing to assist with anything that comes up.
When the chaos ramps up, local, state and federal governments will institute lockdowns and curfews. This could mean you can't get to the grocery store, gas stations or anywhere else for that matter. It would be a good idea to make sure you have AT LEAST two weeks worth of food, toiletries, etc. Between now and Election day, don't let your vehicle's fuel tanks get below 3/4 tank, and make sure you fill up ON election day. Grab a couple extra propane tanks. If you have a safe place to store extra fuel, do so...
Lastly, just a bit of applicable life advice: Be aware of your surroundings! Protests and riots, potentially terrorism, they can all sprout up or occur almost instantly. With social media used to coordinate, many protests just sprout up when the word goes out to those who engage in this stuff. Right-wing militias, ANTIFA, BLM, they all maintain a robust and effective communications capability. They have also spent the last six months developing and implementing strategies and tactics in places like Portland, Kenosha, Seattle, etc. These events, should they occur, will be well-organized, well-equipped, and dangerous.
How do you handle this stuff? If you're out and about, keep an eye out for large groups of people. Watch for unmarked school busses, multiple vans, or a large police presence. If you see that sort of stuff, probably time to head home or change course. Follow your local law enforcement agency's twitter and social media feeds. Obviously, the best way to keep safe when Election Day actually gets here? Maybe stay home. If you vote in person, be hyper-vigilant, and for the love of God, DO NOT travel to and from the polling venue in a vehicle slathered in your pro-Trump or pro-Biden stickers, wearing your Back the Blue or F*** the Police t-shirts. Do everything you can to blend in, to be what they call "grey". The time for flying your flag and being unafraid of "those idiots who don't think like me" is over. Nobody is going to be swayed into voting for your guy on Election Day by your awesome shirt or big ol' flag.
Maybe this is all bluster. Maybe we haven't given our fellow Americans enough credit as human beings. I'm hoping, sincerely, that my wife and my friends and those who follow this blog, will poke fun at me for the rest of my life for being such a drama queen about this whole dang thing. But the smart move today is to take some basic precautions and be ready in case I'm right. And while we navigate this whole debacle, I would, as always, encourage you to join me in praying for our friends and neighbors, strangers, the opposing parties, our first responders, our country and our leaders. 2020 has been an incredible demonstration of the fact that wordly things and events are surely and completely out of our control. Placing our identity in pro-mask vs anti-mask, Red vs Blue, Pro-cop vs anti-cop, whatever you stake your claim on? Galations 2:20 reminds us that we are now identified in Christ, that we need no other claim of identity to be whole. And that looking to the world around us for hope or peace? That, my friends, is a losing proposition. The only true peace we can be guaranteed is found in the Grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Keep your ammo dry, your eyes open, your bourbon neat, and we'll put the whole thing in God's hands.
Amen brother! As always, very well written.
ReplyDelete