Career politicians in Chicago have successfully kept freedom of choice away the law abiding. Certain clergy have become famous advocating against the rights of honest people related to guns. Many people do not understand the history of gun control. Many people do not understand that most of what has been said is not true about gun ownership and firearms.

Well, that changes as of Sunday (12/11/2011).  I hope I cause a stir in the city.  Open the minds of the Hip Hop loving people of Chicago and cause them to seek me out to find out the truth about gun control for themselves.  It’s going to get busy.

Pray for a brother trying to do good in the neighborhood!
Reverend Kenn Blanchard
Host of the Black Man With A Gun Podcast

http://kennblanchard.com

While “I Love Gun People”  might seem like a crazy statement, it is anything but.  People that enjoy the freedoms that America provides and test the limits by doing what few in the world cannot by legally carrying a firearm for their protection are unparalleled.  Knowing that they represent the best of the society, they are models of citizenship, self control and responsibility.  Knowing that they have passed FBI background checks and can legally purchase a gun sets them apart from some of my own relatives.  And then there are the sports themselves.  Shooting is unique because it is not reliant upon genetics but skill. It encompasses tradition and a love of liberty.

I may be an unlikely spokesman sometimes, but I know what is right. God bless the United States of America and the freedom we have.

Rev. Kenn Blanchard
kennblanchard.com

It’s been a phenomenal year for the pastor of pistoleros, patriots and paladins.  This year I had over 400,000 downloads of the show and spoke directly to thousands from under the washer and dryer of the Blanchard home.  Not bad for a guy like me.

I have the most diverse and fun pro-gun podcast out there I think.  I managed to get the occasional but always solid observation and input from Women’s Outdoor Network editor Barbara Baird.  She does it all, fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, mother and wife.  I have had a steady contribution of a serial story from Derek Ward, the author of Zombie Strike.  He writes something fresh and original every week and I read it Old Time Radio style.  It’s unique and loved by some, tolerated by the rest.  Zombies are hot, whether folks know it or not.  I have friends in the industry that occasionally share something cool with me.  Folks love when my Rabbi and I talk about life, guns and religion together.  I have a big group of listeners from LSU and colleges across the south.  We have the family members serving overseas, that need a chuckle every now and then and I share the smiles freely always giving loving to my fellow Marines.

The show is sponsored by Crossbreed Holsters, and Lucky Gunner.com.  Over the year though I have been shown love from ESS EyePro, Federal Premium Ammunition, BlackHawk!, ATK, Kitanica.net and Laura Burgess Marketing.  The latter is teaching me a thing or two.  Got a couple of lawyers that have started a membership site for concealed carry members wanting access to a pro-gun attorney they can reach which is cool.

I went to Hollywood this year for my first media red carpet event to support the City of Hope Bone Marrow donor program and learned a lot from the experience.  And I also attended the SHOT show in 2010, met Michael Bane and the Downrange.TV crew and became a part of his blog.  Michael Bane or THE DUDE, as I call him, is an eclectic cat that is breaking new ground with the old heads every day.  It’s been a good year.  Can’t make it to SHOT this year or I would be trying to be his zesty sidekick but maybe next year.

I’m now in the IMDB database and even worked on a pilot for a reality show this month.  What a life.  I know I’m different, but it feels good to be me.

From my family to yours, happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

Rev. Kenn Blanchard

This subject would probably work better on TV but I bring it up so that you will start to think about it.  Or maybe search the archives on this site, Michael’s (the Dude) team may have already addressed it.  The Dude is busy.

I’ve been a bodyguard, crossing guard, lifeguard, security guard personal security professional, or some type of mall ninja most of my life.

Protecting people as I have, I have a healthy fear of crowds.  It’s so much easier when you are in the WIDE OPEN spaces.  But if you live in an urban area, i.e. a city, let me tell you, people can get hurt in crowds that you are trying to protect.  Especially me.

I took a course once from someone at the federal police academy I attended once, whom I think was famous but I have CRS right now and can’t remember stuff, but the class was intense and involved something called weapon retention.  It was done in a defensive training room, with mats, a blindfold.  You had to walk into and through a crowd of sadistic older cops that would be hazing you, patting you, punching you, and before you got through, someone was going to grab your firearm.

You had to learn to stay in possession of your firearm in a hostile crowd, or from an opportunist.  We used some kind of aluminum alloy dummies that didn’t give.  There were a lot of hurt knuckles and fingers.  Blood was drawn on occasion and you could end up on the floor, fighting sometimes.  When you had it going on, you could do some cool stuff that made you think you were Steven Seagal.  But sometimes, you lost your gun.  The worst or best at it, were other law enforcement and of course bad guys that practice this.  Once you do it all day, you will be surprised how fast you can be taking a gun out of someone’s holster.  It’s ok if you flunked physics, believe me when I tell you that action is always faster than reaction.  As the defender, you are starting from zero.

All the talk about open carry brought this item back into my mind.  How many of open carry supporters, activist and doers, prepare for crazy person looking to take your sidearm if given the chance?

Losing your gun would suck.  In class, we started out in sweats but the next day worked out in coat and tie.  Pancake holsters, and most holsters are good for comfort, long wear, stylin’ and profiling but absolutely STINK in keeping unauthorized hands from breaking the snap and removing your sidearm.

How do you prevent someone from ruining your day?  Consider getting a holster with built in retention features.  The only one that comes to mind is the Serpa by Blackhawk.  That thing works great for keeping bad guys from taking your firearm but you have to practice using it to be proficient.

If you are open carrying your firearm and will be any place other than the wide open spaces, I recommend you consider getting a Serpa holster from Blackhawk.

You should find someone that knows a thing or two about weapon retention to give you the benefits of his or her education.  Don’t sleep on this.  If this was a video podcast, I might attempt to show you that what you do in defense is like aikido using gravity, pivots, fulcrums, body movement, joint locks and stuff Steven Seagal might do in the movies.  But less flamboyant, hardly noticed once done correctly but highly effective if you can get control.  Its’ not something you can learn from a mall ninja in a few minutes.  A good class will take at least a day.  You will have sore muscles, sore wrist, hurt fingers, and be very cautious the next time you go out in public.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy episode #191.  If you carry openly, please consider weapon retention.  The life you save may be your own.  You can hear the hour long podcast below.

Rev. Kenn Blanchard

Pastor of Patriots, Paladins and Pistoleros

Host of The Urban Shooter Podcast

I also give a little pastoral advice to count your blessings in this crazy time in our lives to help get you to the next level.  I give a funky review of the Sig Sauer P239 9mm pistol and spice of Zombie Strike #43 a little.

I also plan to have a live audience show in Virginia on Oct 30, 2010.  The details are forthcoming.  If you are interested let me know.  Tickets are $30 in advance.

We have our second Tip of the Week from Urban Shooter correspondent, Barbara Baird of Women’s Outdoor News, about “boots on the ground.”

Also your friend and brother from a different mother is planning to attend the Celebrity Shotgun event of the year in Hollywood, CA next month.  Check out www.hollywoodsportclays.com for details.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your life is
thank you, it will be enough.”

Shalom baby!

Neither was the interview  I had with Top Shot’s cowboy, Denny Chapman.  We talked about his experiences on the reality show, his cowboy action shooting guns and had a great time.

I also got educated on the M1 Garand by a listener and fan of the rifle General Patton thought was the “greatest battle implement ever devised.”  We are still having fun with “Zombie Strike!” and I am now giving a recap of the previous weeks show before reading a new one.  Love it or not, it has a growing following.

I highlight a Chicago newspaper article that tell of a woman defending her life with a firearm in the changing state of Illinois.  I am looking for a correspondent to help me focus on stories of interest to our sisters in arms.

I’m still having fun and I hope you can tell if you listen to the show.  Check out episode 174, “Gun Review #2”, and let me know what you think.

It’s the pro-gun variety show from your friend and brother from a different mother, Rev. Kenn Blanchard.

www.Urbanshooterpodcast.com

I give some quick briefs about a Washington Times article  and one from Marie Claire that was sent to me.

I give a lot of Shout Outs because my friends really came through for me this week when I was feeling low.

The narrated story “Zombie Strike” is up to #34

And I got some good guest spots from Papa Yost and a kudo from listener John A.

Our “Man of the Street” gives us the lowdown from Chicago after the McDonald vs Chicago victory.

and Bones Hooks gives us “I’m a Man” a knock off from Muddy Waters

Take a visit to www.urbanshooterpodcast.com too, I changed it around a bit.  thanks for listening.

I know you know this but I am just here to remind you that gun ownership is also a symbol of freedom.  Slaves cannot own guns.  Sometimes we forget in our zeal, and enthusiasm to shoot the hottest new gun or sport the best gear that everyone still doesn’t understand.  Help them.  Remember that every great shooter, competitor and sportsperson started off a beginner.

I know you know this but you can help just by not being flippant, obtuse or rude about what you know.  Help your neighbors understand why they should stand for our national anthem.  Help them understand that respect for each other, the flag and for those that serve others, help us all.

I know you know this but our flag represents the symbol of a living nation.  Our colors, red, white and blue have meaning; red for valor and hardiness, white to mean purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  The flag is not a decoration and actually shouldn’t be used as a napkin, piece of clothing or 99% of the stuff we do with it to be patriotic.

The Fourth of July doesn’t mean anything to someone who is struggling, hungry, lost or battling demons.  It is only for the free.  I know you know this but it’s time for more of us to act and live free.

I know you know this but I am just here to remind you.  If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.

This week on The Urban Shooter Podcast episode #171, I have a similar rant plus some tips on Protecting Whats’ Yours when you go on vacation.  I give an honorable mention about Crispus Attucks.  The narrated story, Zombie Strike #32 and my regularly tomfoolery.  Have a great summer!

Rev. Kenn Blanchard

www.urbanshooterpodcast.com

www.blackmanwithagun.com

I also apologize for my disparaging remarks about Arizona in a commentary.  Those guys are under siege.

“Zombie Strike” continues with episode #29.  I got my numbers mixed up and said 28 a couple of times but it is in sequence.

I show some love to our military in a tribute to the American Fighter.

And my alter ego, Bones Hooks sings “Right Place, Wrong Time”

Life is good.  Thanks for listening.  Feel free to share the link for the show with your friends that don’t know what a podcast is or didn’t know that speakers were on the computer.  You know those guys.  Have a great week.

www.twitter.com/kennblanchard

www.Facebook.com/kennblanchard

www.urbanshooterpodcast.com