"IT PAYS TO PLAN AHEAD"

            First of all, I want to apologize for not putting something new up on this site for a while.  It’s not that I haven’t had anything to say; in fact, I’ve had too much to say.  Every time I started to write about something happening in the world, something new would occur and things just got worse.  There was so much sad news and angry words being posted that I just decided that mine didn’t need to be added to the mix.  Anyway, a lot of good stuff is going on and I’ll try to focus on that for now.

            The state of Georgia – a really lovely place to be – has gotten even better in terms of firearms carry and ownership.  The Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill allowing citizens holding firearms carry permits to be able to bring concealed weapons to houses of worship, bars and onto college campuses.  It would also allow firearms into government buildings that lack screening systems.  This bill still has to pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor during the next session.  Members of both political parties were involved in the crafting of this legislation so it seems likely to pass.  Before conclusions are drawn, please be advised that in all these areas, there are caveats that would allow for a no firearms allowed status.

            On a still more local level in Georgia, many counties within the state are offering training sessions on safe firearms handling to concerned individuals.  Having a firearm available is not good if you don’t know what to do with it. These classes are being taught by qualified personnel.  Some counties have also offered classes to law enforcement in correct procedures for school, business or government facility active shooting incidents. These classes were also open to teachers and administrators so that they could have a better understanding of such situations and what to do.

          In the world we live in today, we can’t always rely on outside help coming in the nick of time.  As John Thomas Rourke always said, “It pays to plan ahead.”

            Speaking of John Thomas Rourke…  I just finished reading the final proof copy of THE SURVIVALIST Number 30, THE INHERITORS OF EARTH.  Co-author, Bob Anderson and I hope that those of you who have followed the series since book #1: TOTAL WAR, which came out in 1981, will continue to enjoy the exploits of the family; albeit there are a few more members that haven’t until now been introduced.  There’s still a lot of action going on (guns, knives, politics, etc.) but, THE FAMILY and what it means to be part of one, is still the heart of the story.

            Jerry and I had given a lot of thought over the years as to what could come next in the Rourke saga.  This, with Bob’s help, is our vision.

            I’ll keep you posted as to when the first installment of this continuing series will be available from www.speakingvolumes.us.

Sharon