The holidays apparently didn’t provide sufficient inspiration to show our best and brightest sides. In fact, the wrap-up for 2024 probably reinforces the idea we’re not in the best of shape humanity-wise.

Nothing, however, will minimize the heinousness of that senseless attack on partygoers in New Orleans. There’s absolutely no comfort when terrorism experts predict the country’s ideological divide means we have an increased likelihood of other terrorist activity.

In fact, the backchannel chatter between terrorism observers at the local, state and national levels indicate a belief that radicalized locals will join foreigners to create more mayhem.

The likelihood of attacks on civilian targets is apparently higher today than at any time in our recent history.

Mass casualty events require masses of people. There’s safety in numbers in some instances, but you should always consider inherent risks associated with mass gatherings. Remember, being aware and afraid are distinctly different. OWDN photo.

So how are we supposed to live our lives? The same way we should have been living them since reaching the age of majority.

By watching our surroundings, not our phones. Noticing the people around us. And, as my friend Tom Gresham puts it: “not going into stupid places for stupid things.” In other words, not going where predators hunt.

Ultimately, this time-worn expression is still true: to avoid getting eaten, don’t look like food.

That’s really not all that tough. Be aware of what’s going on around you. Coming out of the grocery with a couple of medium bags of stuff, don’t carry them in your arms; use a grocery buggy. If you’re female or have a physical issue that limits mobility, don’t shut down the idea of a grocery worker carrying them for you, especially if you have children with you.

Grocery workers are more familiar with what’s “normal” in their parking lot that you’ll ever be.

In a “parking lot situation” a grocery buggy becomes a standoff weapon. Use it to block, delay or even down an attacker. But never lose sight of the ultimate goal: to prevent transitioning from shopper to victim. The goal is never to make a “citizens’ arrest.”

Never look for a confrontation.

Cut off in traffic? Breathe before you blow.

Seriously, I’m talking to you. Especially if you always carry your pistol, backup mags, a fighting knife and a million-watt tactical flashlight. They are there as last-ditch options. The mental confusion that follows any shooting isn’t time try and explain to the new-to-the-scene, adrenaline-fueled police officer that you’re the good guy.

If you’re at home, precautions should already be in place. One reminder: you’re always responsible for all your firearms, even if they’re not under your direct control.

There’s quite a calendar of potential targets over the next few weeks: former President Carter’s funeral later this week, the college football playoffs, the NFL playoff games, ATA, DSC, SCI, SHOT, etc., etc., etc. Security will be heightened at the major sporting events, but the industry shows could also make attractive targets.

January is a big month for industry-focused events. Major events already have security precautions in place -many of which you won’t see. That having been said, activities “post-show” should always be evaluated.

Fortunately, I’ve been assured that “precautions” have been taken at industry events.

And while we were out…other groups weren’t.

Last week, the Center for Biological Diversity, for example, sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over protections for the Sierra Nevada red fox. Their suit claims the USFWS failed to “provide critical habitat protection” for the fox. The complaint, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleges the 2021 decision wasn’t “prudent” not to designate critical habitat for the endangered species. The claim is the USFWS unlawfully expanded an exception to the endangered species rule.

The suit claims the Sierra Nevada red fox’s habitat is being threatened by climate change, loss of habitat from snowmobiles “and other recreation” development and livestock grazing.

No comment as of yet from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the suit.

And…as we told you last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee committee had some membership changes. For the Republican majority, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Jim Justice of West Virginia will be joining the committee. New Democrats are Michigan’s Elissa Slotkin (formerly a House Agriculture Committee member) and California’s Adam Schiff. Schiff is California’s first Ag Committee member since the 1980s.

Only one Republican departs the committee. Mike Braun was elected the Governor of Indiana.

The new Senate Agriculture Committee is headed by Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas. Amy Kolbuchar of Minnesota will become the Democrats’ ranking member. The House Committee on Agriculture is now headed by Pennsylvania Senator Glenn “GT” Thompson, with Angie Craig of Minnesota as Ranking Member.

The last action of the 118th Congress was a one-year extension to the Farm Bill. The American Relief Act 2025 extends funding through March 14, 2024 and grants a one year extension to certain parts of the 2018 Farm Bill, along with $31 billion in disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Western regions.

Finally, one more bit of industry insider news. Unfortunately, it is not good. Friend, colleague and Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards lost his wife, Elaine (a/k/a “Miss E”), on New Years Day. Cam’s friends, colleagues and supporters have launched a GiveSendGo campaign to help the family out. If you’d like to contribute, the link is: https://www.givesendgo.com/miss-e/ .

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

— Jim Shepherd