(Daily Signal)—Last week, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, questioned former Baltimore law enforcement veteran Maj. Neill Franklin about the safety of Baltimore City. This was part of the House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into sanctuary jurisdictions. In his line of questioning, the freshman representative asked Franklin outright if Baltimore was a “safe city.”
Any person with common sense would have replied to that question with a resounding “No,” but not Franklin—he said, “Yes.” The Texas Republican then laid out the crime statistics of Baltimore to Franklin.
The homicide rate in Baltimore is about five times the national average. The robbery rate is 8.4 times the national average. The assault rate is 3.4 times the national average.
Gill then asked again and again if Baltimore was a safe city. Eventually, the witness added that safety is “perception” of whether or not you feel safe—implying that even if you aren’t safe, you are if you simply believe it.
Unfortunately for people who live in Baltimore, feeling safe isn’t enough. Crime doesn’t magically go away because you feel it isn’t there.
When wild prey like deer or rabbits are grazing in an open field, surely, they feel safe enough to do so—but as they are silently stalked by natural predators like lions, hawks, or snakes, they really aren’t.
As someone who grew up in and around Baltimore, I rarely felt safe—nor did my parents. They knew the “bad parts” of town, and even then, I was taught to keep my head on a swivel when I went out downtown, regardless the time of day or the area I was in.
My family’s experience isn’t unique, it is the everyday reality of citizens in each of the cities that rank in the top 25 for violent crime. All of those cities coincidentally happen to be run by Democrats (even though the mayor of Las Vegas (at No. 23) is a “nonpartisan role”).
Americans know this—as I’d wager that most can name 10 or more of our nation’s top crime-ridden cities off the top of their heads. This leads me to then ask, what was the congressional witness trying to pull?
This is an age-old trick of politicians, snake oil salesmen, and common scammers—convincing people that if they personally feel better, everything must be working. People not believing these lies is one of the major reasons Donald Trump won in 2024.
While Democrat politicians and their surrogates tried to tell Americans—particularly minorities—that if they felt safe, they must be safe, real-world experiences immediately disproved their claims.
When you live in a major city in America, you don’t feel safe. I knew this growing up: On three separate occasions, criminals tried to break into our home. And I knew this before and after I was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C., just a few short years ago.
When there are quiet nights, the quiet around your house is interrupted by police sirens ringing through the air—a constant reminder that even if you aren’t personally affected, something bad has happened to someone in your neighborhood.
It should be insulting to everyone’s intelligence that a law enforcement veteran from Baltimore would claim that safety is all in one’s perception. Gill’s tone and facial expression reflected this as he replied, “If you’re murdered, I don’t think it matters what you feel.”
The time for the gaslighting of crime statistics is over. Facts will always supersede feelings here. Americans know which cities are riddled with crime, and Americans who live in those cities either have been personally affected by crime or know someone who has.
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How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
