Bracken: A Review Of “A Failure Of Civility”

Western Rifle Shooters Association ^ | February 24, 2013 | Matt Bracken

[Perseverando]

“A Failure of Civility” A Book Review by Matt Bracken

First, let me apologize for the poor writing quality of this review. Normally, I write an essay and spend days and days polishing it. Not this time. I’m currently in between my “pretty” essays, but this review is just pure business, like a claw hammer you picked up at Home Depot to bang nails. Pretty has nothing to do with it, so let’s get on with the job.

Second, let me apologize to the other very kind authors who have sent me their books to review over the past months. I have read them all, most of them are worthy of their own reviews, and I hope to get to them when I can.

A few months ago, I received a copy of the new book “A Failure of Civility,” by Mike Garand and Jack Lawson. It is subtitled “How to defend and protect you, your family, friends, neighborhood and America during a disaster or crisis.” Other than receiving this unsolicited book in the mail, a book I had never even heard of before that moment, I have no connection whatsoever to the authors or to the book.

“A Failure of Civility” grabbed my attention on the first page. It begins, “A few notes to our readers…. Consider reading this book as if the authors have parachuted into your backyard as special operations soldiers to assist you in forming a cooperative protection of your neighborhood. That’s one of the things that special ops soldiers are best at…covert insertion into isolated areas to train people in how to defend themselves against inequitable justice and malicious aggression. The authors’ combined life experiences, military and law enforcement, span 80 years. With this book, we give you the tools of knowledge to enable you

[Travis McGee]

That’s not in the printed book, it’s just an extra to give you an idea of where they think things will go. The authors should make clear that’s not part of the printed book. There are a few pages of “notional” fiction in AFOC, but nothing like that long piece.

[Travis McGee]

I feel the same way. This book is a lifesaver. I just want it in as many patriotic American hands as possible asap.

[yorkiemom]

From the article: This is not just another handbook on how to build a remote fortress on a mountaintop, beginning with a fantasy budget. It takes a completely different tack, namely, how to survive in place, where you are, on your current budget. How to “bug in,” not bug out. It postulates, and I agree with this, that no single family can survive alone, hidden in a remote fortress or bunker, no matter how large their pre-SHTF budget. It assumes that you will stay in your house and in your neighborhood. And it theorizes that no single house can be fortified to hold out against hordes of criminal bandits once the SHTF. You cannot get through TEOTWAWKI on your own.

I need this book - thanks for the heads up, Marcella.

My Plan A is to get to the mountains, where we have provisions for a year or more and neighbors with a similar mindset. However, that is 2 hours away and the 3 ways to get there may not be passable. I've been concentrating more on getting the mountain retreat ready and less on the house in the city. I only have a few months of supplies here and only know of a few scattered neighbors preparing for problems - and they are all several blocks away. I hate to think of it because 1) I hate the city and 2) the pillaging hordes will be all over this place in no time. So I've put it in the back of my mind to be dealt with later ;) But I need to get my Plan B up to speed in case hunkering in is required.

[yorkiemom]

Forgot to mention that I got that excerpt from your post. Thanks for posting the entire article.

[yorkiemom]

I can’t find it on Amazon. Is it only available on the ‘failureofcivility.com’ site?

[immadashell]

In the Bloggers & Personal forum, on a thread titled Bracken: A Review Of “A Failure Of Civility”, Blood of Tyrants wrote: If Matt recommends it, it must be good

When Matt Bracken speaks, I listen.

[Marcella]

“Is it only available on the ‘failureofcivility.com’ site?”

YES.

[simplesimon]

Thanks Matt ~

It’s on my “ to purchase very very very soon...as in yesterday “ list ~!

[haywoodwebb]

Ordered my copy. Thanks for the review!

I posted the review link to my Twitter account yesterday so a couple thousand more patriots have had a chance to read it as well.

I hope they sell millions of copies! God bless!

[Travis McGee]

Please be patient, I understand they are kind of swamped right now.

[haywoodwebb]

"Please be patient, I understand they are kind of swamped right now."

No problem. I'm glad they are!

[CodeToad]

Bumpitty, Bump, Bump.

*Haven't had much surfing time lately.

[ctdonath2]

Authors need to read this page: https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help
I’m shying away from paper books now. Nothing against them, beyond having 26 bookcases and growing disinclined toward further physical expansion. If an e-book version were available I’d have ordered it already and be reading it instead of writing this.

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for the clarification. I enjoyed reading it, but it was a little confusing since it didn’t seem adequately introduced.

[archy]

Rather, it suggests a very low-key approach, suggesting that your neighbors might look into various options for what it calls a “neighhood protection plan.” The time for this is after your area has suffered a spate of burglaries or other crimes. Baby steps, at first. Find out who is “on board” with a NPP.

Yes, forming a "neighborhood watch" would be a not-so-controversial first step.

You begin at the local veterans club or watering spot: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AMVETS, Society of St Barbara, et al. In our local case, that includes a little water hole known as Fiddler's Green- though that is not the name posted on the outside of the establishment.

[GeronL]

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2992517/posts?page=1

CIVILITY SUPERFAIL

[archy]

(11 minutes later several police cars show up; officers emerge with weapons drawn...): “Place your hands behind your head. Lace your fingers and kneel...”

Clack!

[Riflema]

Having "enjoyed" Matt's trilogy, I ordered this based on his review and my much anticipated copy was waiting for me when I got home last night. As Matt indicated, it is full of actionable information.

However, the more I read (it had me pinned down for 3 hours), the more I realized that I might be in the wrong neighborhood. Or Region (I'm in 'burbs of Boston).

Anyhow, it does have a ton of info that is usable with or without the co-operation of my neighbors.

One of the benefits of this book is that it brings home that this type of prep/planning is not to be taken lightly.

[TADSLOS]

CIVILITY SUPERFAIL

Yeah, the ferals are growing.

[haywoodwebb]

I got mine today! Thanks for the info!!