2A NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23RD

Major Cellular Outage Exposes Fragile Infrastructure and Ignites Call for Preparedness

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile wireless customers nationwide experienced service outages overnight, severely disrupting 911 dispatch services and causing widespread concern. The outages, which began around 3:30 a.m. ET and peaked at over 73,000 reports, were highlighted by cities like Houston, Dallas, San Fransisco, and New York among those most affected.

Some news outlets have attributed the cellular wireless outages to intense solar flares and geomagnetic storms. These phenomena are known to cause disruptions in radio communications and technology on Earth. However, telecom experts have pointed out to other news outlets that such outages, while notable, often occur due to more routine issues. According to these experts, common reasons for these disruptions include accidental damage to fiber optic cables during construction activities and software misconfigurations that result in service interruptions. TJ Kennedy, an expert in public safety communications, remarked that while it's challenging to recall every specific incident over the last few years, he has observed various causes linked to network infrastructure, such as issues with routers, backhaul connections, and software glitches. "These incidents have occurred across all major carriers, several times in just the past few years," Kennedy explained.

Simultaneously, pharmacies across the U.S. also experienced outages. Change Healthcare, encountered a cyberattack targeting a health technology company responsible for managing patient payments and pharmacy orders nationwide. The company confirmed this incident on Thursday afternoon, noting the impact on its network systems as per their statement on their website.

In the grand scheme of human history, our modern society, with its complex network of interconnected systems and dependencies, is an unusual and delicate construct. The complex infrastructure that supports our daily lives—cell phone networks, fuel supply chains, water distribution systems, railways, electrical grids, propane distribution, the Internet, and the mechanisms of food production and distribution—is remarkably vulnerable. Events in recent times have highlighted this vulnerability, demonstrating how quickly essential services can be disrupted.

The disruption to cell phone service experienced today reminds us of our systems' susceptibility to failure. Similar vulnerabilities exist across all other critical infrastructure sectors. The gasoline and diesel that power our vehicles, the water that flows through our taps, the trains that transport goods across continents, the electricity that lights our homes, the propane that heats them, the digital networks that connect us, and the food that sustains us—all these can be interrupted by a variety of threats. These threats range from natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, to human-made challenges, including cyber-attacks, infrastructure neglect, and geopolitical tensions.

The interconnected nature of these systems means that a significant disruption in one can lead to cascading effects across others, amplifying the impact and making recovery efforts more challenging. A prolonged power outage can halt water treatment and distribution, disrupt food storage and supply, and cut off communication, including the internet and cell phone service.

Individuals, communities, and governments must recognize the fragility of our modern infrastructure and take proactive steps to mitigate these risks. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, developing contingency plans, fostering community resilience, and encouraging individuals to prepare for potential disruptions. Personal preparedness can range from having an emergency supply kit with food, water, and essential supplies, to learning basic survival skills, and developing a communication plan with family and friends.

During extended periods such as a prolonged blackout, your safety becomes the top priority, and owning a firearm is a simple ideal practical approach to ensuring your safety and that of your family. Buying or building your firearm ensures that you’re ready to stand your ground and keep your family safe during unpredictable challenges. Such blackouts can lead to increased vulnerability, potentially inviting criminal activity when security systems fail and help is not immediately available. Being equipped with a firearm and knowing how to use it effectively becomes an essential line of defense. It’s about being prepared for any situation, ensuring you can protect your home and loved ones in times when you might be on your own longer than expected.

Being prepared is not about succumbing to fear or anticipating the worst; it's about recognizing the reality of our modern society's vulnerabilities and taking sensible steps to ensure that we can withstand and recover from the inevitable disruptions that will occur.

The Expansion of Assault Weapon Bans Across 3 States

Despite facing challenges in getting Congress to approve his stringent anti-Second Amendment proposals, Biden is utilizing federal agencies to implement various gun-control regulations. These measures, are currently facing legal challenges, and indicate a continued use of entities like the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to impose further restrictions on American gun owners' rights.

On February 2nd, Biden’s White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs held a meeting with over 150 state legislators, advocates, and staff. The purpose of this gathering was to discuss the progress and strengthen the drive following the introduction of the White House Safer States Agenda in December, where Vice President Kamala Harris encouraged state legislators to continue advocating for increased gun control measures in the upcoming 2024 legislative session.

Since this meeting, there already has been a notable increase in states proposing legislation in line with the White House's Safer States Agenda, particularly focusing on assault weapon bans. The increased push for assault weapon bans raises concerns about infringing on the constitutional right to bear arms. So far, the legislative efforts to regulate the ownership and sale of certain firearms in Virginia, Colorado, and now Hawaii are reflecting a trend towards ‘Assault Weapon’ bans. Here's an expanded look at each state's proposed or enacted bill:

Virginia: House Bill 2

Virginia's House Bill 2, narrowly passed by the House of Delegates, proposes a ban on the sale and transfer of assault firearms manufactured after July 1, 2024, and aims to restrict large-capacity magazines. This legislation is part of a broader effort to address gun violence but has been criticized for potentially outlawing the most commonly owned rifle in the United States. The bill could infringe upon the Second Amendment by restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms for self-defense, hunting, and recreational shooting. The bill's passage has some expecting a veto from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has urged lawmakers to focus on criminal behavior rather than imposing more restrictive gun control measures on state residents.

Colorado: HB24-1292

In Colorado, the newly introduced HB24-1292 seeks to ban the sale, transfer, and importation of so-called assault weapons, defining them to include semi-automatic rifles and pistols with certain features, such as large-capacity magazines or the ability to accept detachable magazines.

Hawaii: Senate Bill 3196

Hawaii is working to tighten its existing assault weapons ban through Senate Bill 3196, which aims to expand the types of weapons covered by the ban. The current law, unique among states for its focus on assault pistols, does not address assault rifles and shotguns. SB 3196 seeks to include these firearms and detachable magazines with over 10-round capacities in the ban.

Staying informed and actively engaging with your state officials is crucial, especially when it comes to opposing bills that you believe infringe upon Second Amendment rights or any legislation that seems to erode personal freedoms. By keeping up-to-date with the latest legislative developments, you're not just a passive observer of the political process; you become an active participant. This involvement is key, as elected officials are meant to represent the interests and will of their constituents. Contacting your state representatives, voicing your concerns, and presenting reasoned arguments against legislation you oppose is a powerful way to influence policy. It ensures that your perspective, particularly on critical issues like gun rights, is heard and considered. This kind of civic engagement fosters a more responsive and representative government, one where the voices of the people genuinely shape the laws that govern them.

Missouri Democrats Stir Up Storm in House to Push for Gun Reform

On Tuesday, House Democrats visibly escalated their approach, resorting to shouting and emotional displays on the floor to emphasize their position. Missouri House Democrats proposed a constitutional amendment aimed at granting local governments more authority in regulating firearms. This proposal, emerging from a deep sense of frustration with the prevailing legislative stance on gun control, signifies a shift towards more localized decision-making in firearm regulation. This move raises concerns about the potential fragmentation of gun rights across the state, potentially leading to a patchwork of regulations that could complicate lawful gun ownership and infringe upon citizens' constitutional rights.

House Republicans, maintaining a stance aligned with Second Amendment principles, cautioned against reactionary legislation in response to emotional events. They emphasized the importance of a measured, rational approach to lawmaking, especially concerning firearms.

Representative Ben Baker, voiced a key concern: that no law can completely prevent tragedies. His statement highlighted a fundamental belief in the Second Amendment community – that responsible gun ownership, rather than restrictive laws, is a more effective way to address gun-related issues. 

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