The Anatomy of the State by Murray N. Rothbard

The Anatomy of the State by Murray N. Rothbard

Although I consider myself a huge fan of Rothbard, a Facebook friend of mine recommended this particular essay (which I had not previously read) as essential to understanding the nature of the State. After reading it, I would have to agree... Rothbard excellently lays bare the predatory, parasitic quality of the State...
If you have not previously considered the question of the nature and legitimacy of the State, then this essay truly is a must read as a primer on that consideration...

TSA Desktop Image Makes Joke of Cavity Searching Children

TSA Desktop Image Makes Joke of Cavity Searching Children

As the TSA and the government overlords descend into more and more depraved policies intended to free/enslave us, the people are beginning to wake up. It is still not a rapid enough awakening for me, but it is happening.

This is where we, as Freemen, must take a stand...do we live on our knees? Or are we willing to die on our feet?

Stand up!!!!!!

Counting down

For anyone that may read this, my apologies upfront in that this post is not about current events in the worldly sense but rather a more personal post...venting for my own sake... :-)
I am finally (almost) at the terminus of my adventures in the military-industrial complex... The closer I get to my freedom, the more I find myself agitated that it can't come soon enough! I walk around the base, confident in my knowledge and awareness of who I am, and I view my fellows in arms with suspicion, alarm, and pity. I shouldn't project my aversions to my service onto them, but it is difficult to not view them as sheep, lined up for an eventual slaughter...and the tenuous reality is that should I be set up for the same slaughter prior to my liberation from this "chicken-shit outfit", what could I do to avoid the looks of pity of others? Not much. My actions are constrained...so close to freedom and yet the proximity is a maddening reminder of my bindings!!!
Nevermind that...I very much look forward to the near day that I (and my family) are free of these trappings and able to stretch our legs and smell the air of freedom of choice and action. I have no illusions that it will be easy or the land of milk and honey, but the mere thought that there is a forge against which we can test our mettle heartens me to the prospect of truly living...of facing life with all of its possibilities and, God willing, succeeding.
We are going to be Free Staters in new Hampshire. Whether we will live as Anarcho-Capitalists, Agorists, Voluntaryists, or mere mundanes remains a mystery...what is not a mystery is that the page is yet unwritten...and thank God for that! :-)

Rights

I was listening to a podcast the other day and was somewhat surprised to hear the commentator make, what I felt was a major gaffe, given his solid libertarian-esque creds. Basically, he was advocating for gay rights which, on the surface, one could argue is valid. Everyone has a right to associate as they wish as long as it does no harm to anyone else... But there-in lies the key. Everyone.
In other words, the distinction of 'gay' rights is an arbitrary classification of rights that pertain to all and is thus superfluous, and worse than that, dangerous as it creates interest groups that can be exploited by the state. Better that we recognize the human rights inherent in all (citizen, non-citizen, black, white, gay, handicapped, etc) than to break those rights down as exclusive to a certain segment of society.
I say, we all loudly proclaim all rights as ours. If we must operate in the current paradigm of divisions of rights, then rightfully claim your gay/straight/black/white/jewish/atheist/minority/one-eyed/too-hairy/fat/etc rights as YOURS! They all belong to you as a human right...there should be no other distinction.

Letter to a Friend

I wouldn't normally consider posting something that I shared in private with a friend, however in this particular case there is no harm as the person is not mentioned by name in what I am about to share.
The background is this: My friend sent me a message asking if I would mind if they 'de-friended' me on Facebook. The friend's concern was that he/she was going to be seeking a government security clearance and that the background check would undoubtedly include (yes, it seems silly but it is true) his/her Facebook profile. Being friends with me could possibly sully my friend's chances of getting the security clearance because the prevailing tenor of the majority of my posts are decidedly anti-state and anti-war and, even if he/she hid my posts on Facebook, I would still be on his/her "friends list".
Now, being a friend and, perhaps more importantly, being pragmatic, I let my friend know that I understood and that by all means, do what needed to be done. However, through out the course of the day, the motivation behind the request began to really nag at me... In a matter of hours it dawned on me why I was so troubled. Following is what I wrote to my friend:

"I've been thinking all day long about the concerns that you expressed...and although I recognize your concerns and the pragmatism of your actions (you are right to do what is right for your situation), it really, really disturbs me that we (you and I) are intimidated into cowing before our government for the prospect of a 'better' job. In essence, we are boot-licking!
I understand that what I may think, say, or post is explicitly anti-(bad) government but nothing I have done is unpatriotic, whatever that means in today's wacko world! Do we not still have the freedom of speech, the freedom of association, the freedom to be secure in our persons and properties, the right to disagree with the actions and political philosophies of our elected representatives?
Sadly, as we act to hide ourselves from our government, the answer is stunningly clear...it appears that we do not have any of these anymore in any meaningful way. Liberty is not a half-measure. We either are free, or we are not. And, your request/explanation to me today, regardless of my understanding of the purest of intentions behind your actions, brought it home to me this morning - WE ARE NOT FREE.

I had to share this little epiphany with you, if anything to thank you for clarifying some of my thoughts, but perhaps also to offer you some unsolicited food for thought: Is a job that requires this kind of acquiescence from you worth the price?"

So, epiphany for the day: We are not free.

Actually, it is not so much an epiphany as it is a more clear understanding of the extent of the loss of our liberties. It is depressing...and it is a call to action. How much longer do we continue to play the game of good sheep? I, for one, am very weary of the boot on my neck and shackles on my actions...

Gas Stations in the Sky: $35 Billion in the Corporate Welfare Pipeline

Gas Stations in the Sky: $35 Billion in the Corporate Welfare Pipeline

As the author states, the numbers may be a little dubious but when you are talking about $35B, the equivalent of about 3% of the entire US spending on offense, what is a few billion among friends? Disgusting, really.

Government is evidence of failure

Government is evidence of failure

"Taser Monkey"...Now that is catchy! :-)

President Obama, White House: Al Qaeda Is Racist - Political Punch

President Obama, White House: Al Qaeda Is Racist - Political Punch

OK - this one was a bit too 'hot' to post to my FB page so to my blog it goes...

What in the hell kind of pap pronouncement is this that Al Qaeda is racist? They may be a lot of things (CIA boogey man; US government straw man; convenient distraction from the tyranny at home; callous murderers; etc) but racism is probably the last quality that I would ascribe to them. That is just damn silly!!

However, stepping back from the fray, what other nefarious organization has been deemed to be racist, or at least have 'racist elements'? Yes, the Tea Party folks and, by the current statist reasoning, anyone who opposes big government and big government agendas. (For example: oppose Obamacare, you are racist; oppose illegal immigration, you are racist; end the fed - racist; oppose greater taxes - racist; oppose the wars - hippie racists!...and the list goes on.) So, although the link hasn't been explicitly made yet (though some would say it has citing the MIAC report as evidence), it certainly appears that the administration is but one small step away from equating the Tea Parties and all opposed to a statist agenda, as being terrorists...

It won't be long before an event will occur here in the US that will be portrayed as an act of (racial) terrorism and it will be squarely affixed to the Tea Party or an anti-state individual or group...and the crackdown will commence in visible earnest on our freedoms. The framework is in place. The means are being set. The ends are approaching...

Learn Austrian Economics | Tom Woods

Learn Austrian Economics | Tom Woods

This is an AWESOME resources for anyone interested in Austrian Economics. As the world's economies falter and the fiat currencies fail, the wisdom and philosophies contained within this school of economic thought will ring true.

Campaign For Liberty — Celebrating Independence from the State | by Anthony Gregory

Campaign For Liberty — Celebrating Independence from the State   | by Anthony Gregory

So, like the author of this linked article, I agree that there seems to be little to be celebratory about on this 4th of July. I also share his optimism...though I think the price of readmission to liberty and freedom may be steeper than many are willing to pay. Hmmmm...subservience at a cost, or liberty at any cost? I know what I will pay!

Happy 4th of July America.

Is the U.S. a Fascist Police-State? by Tyler Durden

Is the U.S. a Fascist Police-State? by Tyler Durden

This one is a painful read if you are afraid of some national introspection. Frankly though, I think the author lays out the case well. The rulings which he cites sure seem to me to set out a circular argument against a citizens' right of association based on government decree...

Been a While

Its not like I have a 'dedicated' reader base but to those of you that actually do check in every so often, my apologies for not updating the blog for almost a month. I have been busy relocating and resettling...who knew that it could be so difficult? ;-)

That said, I do want to expound on the events unfolding of late... I don't wish to sound like an alarmist, but good God!!! The events, legislation, and other crap befalling our country is absolutely mind-numbing. As both Alex Jones and Glen Beck would both admit, the pace is quickening...events are happening with absurd rapidity. I am truly fearful for the fate of my country and yet, I have a sublime confidence that our citizens WILL wake up the nightmare in progress around them and act. It is both scary and comforting at the same time.

Our plans to deal with the possible scenarios?...Nothing concrete, still formative. The longer we delay in planning and executing, the more worried I get. I don't like the uncertainty of preparations delayed but...well...hopefully I do get to those preps before the shit actually hits the fan.

In any event, I know this entry is to some extent, a non-entry, but I hope to begin adding entries in the near future. The opposition is engaged in a full, frontal assault and our resistance is absolutely vital!!

Thanks for checking in!

Cheers!
D

Facebook | The Freeman: Are Cameras the New Guns?

Facebook | The Freeman: Are Cameras the New Guns?

When the cops use the law to raise themselves above the law, we have a very, very serious problem at hand. Although this law only applies in 3 states, I can imagine that it won't take long (if it is not already the case) for the federal government to take up the practice. After all, the law only applies to the masses, not the state. Ugh! Disgusting!

The Power Problem: How American Military Dominance Makes Us Less Safe, Less Prosperous, and Less Free by David Gordon

The Power Problem: How American Military Dominance Makes Us Less Safe, Less Prosperous, and Less Free by David Gordon

Looking forward to buying and reading this book. This synopsis provides some concise arguments in favor of a minimalistic military infrastructure and adventurism...

House votes to expand national DNA arrest database | Politics and Law - CNET News

House votes to expand national DNA arrest database | Politics and Law - CNET News

This is yet another intrusion of Big Brother into the lives of everyday citizens and the State governments' proper domain... This was not a power ceded to the federal government in the constitution...therefore it belongs either to the state government or the people. So, the stage is set for another 10th amendment 'cause'. What I find amusing though is that the federal government will 'make available' $75 million in funds for the states that choose to administer the program...hopefully no state will prostitute itself for such measly sum. Also amusing, or rather, ironic, is that should a state choose to administer the program, it would be persecuting its citizens with funding ultimately obtained from the citizens themselves! Ouch!

U.S. Decision to Approve Killing of Cleric Causes Unease - NYTimes.com

U.S. Decision to Approve Killing of Cleric Causes Unease - NYTimes.com

No due process...I am pretty certain this is not the path we should be choosing much less the one that will bear the fruits of liberty that we wish to secure to ourselves... Bad choice here.

Obama 'helped save the Euro' after calling Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel with advice | Mail Online

Obama 'helped save the Euro' after calling Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel with advice | Mail Online

Just watch, for his arm twisting and whispered advice, his simpering sycophantic admirers are going to proclaim that he single-handedly save Europe from collapse all-the-while preserving Socialism. Good grief!

Treasury Redeems $144 Billion In Bills In First Four Days Of May | zero hedge

Treasury Redeems $144 Billion In Bills In First Four Days Of May | zero hedge

In Defense of Sedition by Thomas DiLorenzo

In Defense of Sedition by Thomas DiLorenzo

This is the kind of fire we need to motivate an American reawakening! We the people...the Sovereign states...together must act to take back the dignity and freedom sucked from us over the past few generations. We are not serfs, so why do we consent to being treated as such by our government servants?

STAND UP!!!

Southern Poverty Law Center Publishes Patriot Hit List

Southern Poverty Law Center Publishes Patriot Hit List

Lists! It comes down to lists. Seems that back in the mid-1930's on through '45, various governments (Germany, USSR, US) had lists by which their thugs could round up anyone who was targeted or posed a threat... It may seem innocuous enough at the beginning...until they come for you. There is NO reason our government needs to be creating lists... Sleep well folks.

We Refuse! by Michael Boldin

We Refuse! by Michael Boldin

Inspirational reading... I am ready. Are you?

YouTube - "You Picked a Fine Time to Lead Us, Barack" by Jonathan McWhite

YouTube - "You Picked a Fine Time to Lead Us, Barack" by Jonathan McWhite

A few of you out there may find this humorous... Thanks Mike for sharing! ;-)

Davy Crockett and the U.S. Constitution

Davy Crockett and the U.S. Constitution

I read this Davy Crockett anecdote a few months back...pretty powerful stuff. What is especially powerful about it is the relevance, or lack thereof depending on one's perspective, to today's governance.

Breitbart.tv » Illinois Mayor Expresses Doubts About Obama’s Citizenship

Breitbart.tv » Illinois Mayor Expresses Doubts About Obama’s Citizenship

Hmmmm...seems that more and more of these 'conspiracy theories' are going mainstream. Yesterday there was an article in the Washington Post or Times about the mainstreaming of the 'hate the government' school of thought. Well, we do dream in strange times and perhaps, just perhaps, people are finally waking up to it... Perhaps that fabled sleeping giant - the American people - is rising.

GE: 7,000 tax returns, $0 U.S. tax bill - Apr. 16, 2010

GE: 7,000 tax returns, $0 U.S. tax bill - Apr. 16, 2010

Ahh...corporate chicanery and welfare at its finest. The "rich" aren't the Smiths down the road that make $1 million even though that does put them in the top percentiles of wealth among Americans. No, the rich are the billionaires and corporations that do NOT pay taxes...in fact, they are the recipients of our government's largess and our taxes. This is corporate welfare/vampirism writ large...

Lawyer: Laptops took thousands of images | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/15/2010

Lawyer: Laptops took thousands of images | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/15/2010

And it is for reasons like this that no matter the coolness factor of whiz-bang technology issued for 'free' by the school/government, my children will not partake. That road of good intentions has been too well traveled for my liking...

National Animal Identification System

National Animal Identification System

No, Big Brother (BB) is not just interested in you, my friend. BB wants to become close and personal with your cow, Bessie, your pig, Petunia, and even your goldfish, Spot. Scroogle - use Scroogle for private searches as opposed to Google - the National Animal Identification System and see what comes up. Like any good BB program, it refuses to die!!

Unprovoked Cops Viciously Beat Student Then Charge Him With Assault

Unprovoked Cops Viciously Beat Student Then Charge Him With Assault

Our police state at its finest... You can SEE this victim slow as he approaches the cops and visibly thinks to himself, "oh shit"... And then gets beat to shit, for no reason other than he is in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong crowd. I fear for our nation.

The Income Tax and American Servitude by Jacob G. Hornberger

The Income Tax and American Servitude by Jacob G. Hornberger

Great commentary from Jacob Hornberger on what it means for an American citizen to be free viz-a-viz the U.S. Government. At one point in time (prior to 1913) we were free men in a country of opportunity and a government that was no master of the free man. Now, we are slaves to the state, coerced at the point of a gun (figurative or literal, it matters not) to hand over our property, our money, our time, and thus, our lives. A truly depressing state of affairs...

A Grand Adventure by Fred Reed

A Grand Adventure by Fred Reed

Caught this off the Lew Rockwell site... Reed's literary style is awesome! Seems to be a mix of a number of 20th century icons such as Thompson, Hemingway, Salinger, Heller and maybe even Vonnegut? In any event, the article succinctly traces the maturation of awareness and knowledge...and even hate. And maybe even more accurately, hate properly placed. My favorite line though was towards the end...the part about the elites being a bit like shit, in that they float to the top. Gotta love it.

What is a Libertarian - from the John Stossel show

http://ow.ly/1wxcK

Use the address above to see what we Libertarians are saying about ourselves...

Birmingham - the new Greece

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/32906678/looting_main_street/1

Follow the above link to an excellent expose by Matt Tabibi of Rolling Stone regarding the financial take down of Jefferson County, Alabama. The level of ludicrousness of the parties involved is, well, ludicrous! And yes, it really is the usual suspects at work - JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and of course the required victim/enablers (local government reps). The ultimate victim obviously though is the Jefferson County resident taxpayer.

In any event, this is representative of what is happening worldwide...the rape and pillaging of all manner of civilization. And this is not just the banks doing this...it is the governments that are in bed with the banks that are perpetrating this disaster. Both are to blame....

And this is shocking?

http://www.jbs.org/jbs-news-feed/6149-mumbai-terrorist-was-us-agent

This link leads to a story about US/US agent complicity of some degree or other in the Mumbai massacre. This story seems to confirm a trend of US involvement in less than savory (nice pc speech, eh?) incidents. Another article on this same topic (no link here, apologies) discusses the perception that the US is out for itself and its own agenda, allies be damned. Specifically, the grievance aired dealt with a paucity of intel shared with the Indians, resulting in a possibly preventable loss of life...

What the Eff?

http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2009/09/04/ga-pastor-shot-and-killed-in-botched-drug-raid/

Why is it that I seem to be coming across more and more instances of police misconduct, brutality, murder, or whatever you want to call it? The police are supposed to be the good guys yet the rules of the game out there seem to be placing regular Joes in the line of fire of the cops, no doubt thinking they are just trying to get through their 9 to 5 themselves. Something has got to give...

Fascism

Strict regulation and control of the economy by the regime through some form of corporatist economic planning in which the legal forms of private ownership of industry are nominally preserved but in which both workers and capitalists are obliged to submit their plans and objectives to the most detailed state regulation and extensive wage and price controls, which are designed to insure the priority of the political leadership's objectives over the private economic interests of the citizenry. Therefore under fascism most of the more important markets are allowed to operate only in a non-competitive, cartelized, and governmentally "rigged" fashion.

Why All the Angst Over Nullification? Just Do It! by Gary D. Barnett

Why All the Angst Over Nullification? Just Do It! by Gary D. Barnett

Love it! Like Nike back in the 80's and 90's - just do it! This sentiment however is a long way from being a prevalent amongst the politicians in power in the various States, as it takes an immense amount of political courage and the understanding/consent of the electorate. After all, the amount of shit that would rain down based on a State's active nullification of a federal law might be quite the flood...

Dates That Destroyed America

Dates That Destroyed America

Chuck Baldwin's analysis here is spot on. Regardless of what one may think of the various dates or reasons, the trajectory of results is blatantly obvious. Our country has slid sooooo far... It is time to get up and stand for our rights.

The Last Hope by Fred Reed

The Last Hope by Fred Reed

Absolutely nullification! I suppose there is safety in numbers in that route of civil disobedience... Still, would that our citizenry stand up to Leviathan, and then, if it comes to it, have the local sheriff, government, and eventually state government, intercede on behalf of the citizens' right to protection from federal unconstitutional over reach...

Would that it could be this way. Five years indeed. I think less.

How to start you own legal Marijuana Business

How to start you own legal Marijuana Business

Microsoft exec pitches Internet usage tax to pay for cybersecurity programs - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

Microsoft exec pitches Internet usage tax to pay for cybersecurity programs - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

What ABSOLUTE pap!! The unmitigated gall that Microsoft would baldly ask for a subsidy via citizen taxation in the name of internet security! Let the market decide how best to 'fix' the internet... Look at projects such as Linux and Firefox and it is evident that that market is taking care of itself just fine thank you. No tax-payer subsidy needed. Microsoft may be sounding its own death knell with dumb suggestions such as this.

Denninger: Let’s Cut the Crap — We Are in a Depression Right Now

Denninger: Let’s Cut the Crap — We Are in a Depression Right Now

This does NOT sound like a fun time. The financiers and politicos may have been having fun while it lasted but I tend to agree with Denninger here and suspect that it will not end well for them...

Majority of Americans believe Government a threat to their liberties

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/26/cnn-poll-majority-says-government-a-threat-to-citizens-rights/?fbid=oXXir9Dbx0F

Cut and paste the above to read the story...

This, from CNN no less! Unfortunately, I don't think the 'government' is listening. The continued misrepresentation of the citizens as well as the trampling of the Constitution bear witness to this...
Well...one can only be politically deaf for so long before it comes back to haunt them.

Investors.com - Investigate Climate Crimes

Investors.com - Investigate Climate Crimes

To HELL with a show hearing in Congress. Find John Edwards, the best trial lawyer money can buy (LOL), and have him file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the average citizens of the world that were the targets of this insidious fraud! Class-action lawsuits have been filed for much less cause than this!!

I am not really in favor of a lawsuit but I really think the people that have, and continue, to foist this crap science on us need to feel the pain where we were/are feeling it...in their pocketbooks. Honestly, jail would not be a bad place for these hucksters as fraud, embezzlement, and extortion are, to my knowledge, offenses that merit imprisonment... I can get behind that!

Wall Street's Bailout Hustle by Matt Taibbi

Wall Street's Bailout Hustle by Matt Taibbi

Who knew? I guess, like Playboy, Rolling Stone does have good articles occasionally?

I actually came across this article at lewrockwell.com and was so fascinated by it that I followed the link through to read it in its entirety. Wow! The sham and scam that the Wall Street banksters are engaged in makes murders like Ted Bundy look like absolute benevolent socialites! Incredible. This behavior though, I hope, will sooner or later result in Main Street storming the Bastille of Wall Street...looking for repayment, in blood if necessary. And I truly hope it is sooner...

Walter Williams

Walter Williams

Yeah! Walter Williams' plucky aplomb in Korea is absolutely as applicable today wrt the census... Make a stand!

Attention, Mundanes: “You Don’t Ever Touch a Cop”

Attention, Mundanes: “You Don’t Ever Touch a Cop”

This ought to have your blood boiling. Never mind the police bullying, how about that cop compassion for the distraught parents? As a parent, I can't say that my response to the policemen's alleged behavior would be nearly as civil. Jail be damned.

Gun Refresher Course

Gun Refresher Course

This is absolutely priceless!! A quote a day for the next month! 2nd amendment rights - yours to promote and protect.

The New World Order Prison Planet

The New World Order Prison Planet

This 10 minute video is a real eye-opener. Conspiratorial? Maybe. Possible? You bet. Discomforting? ABSOLUTELY. What reality are we living in?

Martial Law in America: No Longer Just a Possibility! by Gary D. Barnett

Martial Law in America: No Longer Just a Possibility! by Gary D. Barnett

Many of the ideas brought up in this article have been covered in other postings however, the final paragraphs are especially frightening. Not for what they foretell but for what they point out is already in place! And yes, at what point do we the people stand up and fight for our disappearing liberty? Once we are in the slaughter chute it will be too late...

Lew Rockwell on the Presidency

I picked this article up via the Mises Organization's Facebook posting. As a fan of Lew Rockwell, I suspected it would be an entertaining read. And indeed, it is a fascinating analysis of the nature of our executive branch. I would be more prone to indict the 'state' rather than the executive branch as the sum of the state is even more crushing than just the one branch... That said, read on (copy and paste link below) for a different perspective!

http://mises.org/daily/4126

New Contributors

I have decided to open up this blog to a small group of friends who share interests similar to mine. In part this is to facilitate our discussions as it can be cumbersome using Facebook. It is also in part to open up the range and breadth of topics discussed on this blog. I look forward to this effort bearing fruit and hopefully spreading the benefits of varied perspectives and ideologies to whomever our readers may be.

Cheers -
Damien

Well, this is cool...

Libertarian - A video explanation

http://www.isil.org/resources/philosophy-of-liberty-english.swf

This excellent video clearly explains the Libertarian point of view. The video is courtesy of The International Society for Individual Liberty.

Yuri+Bezmenov

Yuri Bezmenov
Uploaded by onmyway02.

Although this interview occurred some 25 years ago, it is a bit eerie in how the defectors analysis mirrors what is happening today in our country...

Are You Ready For The Coming Obama Retirement Trap? by Ron Holland

Are You Ready For The Coming Obama Retirement Trap? by Ron Holland

The author of this article is a retirement specialist and that, of course, may color his outlook. That said, I can find no quarrel with his analysis regarding the legitimacy of the national debt accrued in the name of the people and yet for the benefit of a minuscule few. Even now I am picking up word that the Fed is contemplating bailing out Greece from its debt crisis...WHY? Although I don't have the info at hand, I am willing to bet it may be because certain US financial institutions may have interests in a bailout... Say, institutions such as Goldman Sachs? It is bullshit and I for one am willing to rationally consider exit strategies for the sovereign states as legitimate vehicles to escape the tyranny of the federal government and its cabal of illegitimate financiers.

Good God...the more I read and hear, the more disturbed I become, recognizing that to some sick extent, we live in a world that is distressingly like the Matrix. There is the projected/perceived reality and then, there is cold, hard reality. That splash of reality in the face is a refreshing (depressing) wake-up call that our country and liberty are at stake...

South Carolina steps on the throat of the First Amendment

Again, links giving me fits - copy and paste the address to find the actual proposed law form the SC Government website: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c029.htm

Unbelievable!! The government of SC is poised to deem freedom of speech and assembly illegal unless pre-approved through registration with the government. Specifically, if a group of people with contrary views of the role of government (hereafter defined as subversive activities) wishes to congregate and air their dissatisfaction...may only legally do so if registered as a "subversive activity". Failure to do so is punishable by up to $25000 and/or 10 years in the clink.

Wow! The scope and intent of this proposed law is simply staggering... I will have to post more later on this topic as it is, at this point, indigestible. What the hell???

The Who Sing to the Obama Faithful

The Who Sing to the Obama Faithful

Now this is a nice stinging slap to the face of anyone out there that believes that there are any material differences between one administration and the next. What hasn't changed is the continual assault on our liberties and our Constitution. Why can't more people see this when it is as clear as the nose on their face?

Daily Gut: Obama’s Coffin/T-Shirt ‘Moment’

Daily Gut: Obama’s Coffin/T-Shirt ‘Moment’

Yeah...narcissism is probably too polite a term for what afflicts the Commander in Chief. No doubt a few of my friends out there have a few more choice ones to proffer for contemplation?! :-)

Raising the bar for Nullification | Tenth Amendment Center

Raising the bar for Nullification | Tenth Amendment Center

When a state or individual stands up to Leviathan, I find a moment of inspiration. Just maybe, we are a country of courageous individuals after all, and not the gelatinous mass of insipid non-persons that those in power wish us to be.... Just maybe.

Hmmm - once again, the link feature is either not working for me or is eluding my collective brain cell wattage. :-( Please cut and paste to read the story below...

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6145UJ20100205

Somehow, the thought of anarchy in the absence of Putin's firm hand at the rudder is VERY comforting. Living a life under the boot of a tyrannical state with a prolific absence of freedoms just isn't something that I would cotton to.

On further reflection, our government's recent mewling about cross, uncivil citizens is not that far removed from Putin's political ruminations. Our Chief Executive seems to think that if one adamantly disagrees with his agenda, they are opening the door to uncivil discourse (i.e. anarchy)... So maybe the answer is government's firm hand on the First Amendment to assure civil discourse and right speech and right thought...

Good God!!

Anarchist...Sure, why not?

http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/5734953/confessions-of-a-middleclass-anarchist.thtml

Apologies - cannot make the link work...if you want to read the piece (I recommend it) you'll need to copy and paste the address into your browser...

Reading this piece about the life of a middle-class anarchist in Britain had me up in arms and enthusiastically supportive of his techniques. When government becomes petty and overbearing, like the bully that steals your lunch money in the school yard, well, hell yeah, at that point, anything you can get away with that contravenes the bullshit laws is fair game...and maybe even fun!

As a libertarian, I am beginning to see more and more value in the anarchist view point... Show me a government/state that is benevolent and selfless...I'll show you my 18 point golf game!

In any event, I digress...the article is humorous but only in the gallows sense. I feel pity for the English now living under their warren of banal rules...I feel horror for the Americans, knowing what awaits them if they do not wake up to the tyranny of the Nanny State...

The Bankruptcy of the United States is Now Certain

The Bankruptcy of the United States is Now Certain

And the drum keeps insistently pounding... I believe that only the most woolly-headed optimists in chronic denial can assert that the U.S. is not headed for some serious financial turmoil. The if I think is no longer in play, only the when. The when is becoming an ever more closely looming specter... Of course, this is one thing that I would most gladly suffer to be wrong about!

Investors.com - Bare Warning

Investors.com - Bare Warning

Ok - so no doubt I am going to sound like a conspiracy theororist here but...they can be right too....right?

So, maybe, just maybe, the only reason these intel bubbas can be so certain that there WILL be a 'terrorist' attack in the next 6 months or so might be because they are the ones pulling the strings to make it happen?

Think about it...how can someone predict with 100% certainty the actions of another, especially if the subject of the prediction is bent on surprising you? Predict publicly 3 to 6 months? Act in 1 month or 7...their guard will be down. Wait a year, the threat of effective counter action may have passed.

So really, the only certainty is contained in the elements that you control. Either there will be an attack in that time frame because it is what the govt wished/enabled to occur or there won't. Either way, the govt 'wins' because, using the justification of an impending terror attack, they can seize ever more power and control...more curtailment of our liberties for the purported benefits of public safety.

On this one, I am throwing the bullshit flag. Either way it goes - attack or no attack - government is controlling the outcome...their level of certainty assures it.

Will Ron Paul Run for President in 2012?

Will Ron Paul Run for President in 2012?

Hell yeah! Ron Paul ought to run...not that I believe in any mortal 'savior' types but Ron Paul certainly talks and acts straight and what you see is what you get. The big plus, of course, is that his politics and economics make sense. Hopefully he runs...

Investors.com - Walesa's Warning

Investors.com - Walesa's Warning

Perhaps the most ironic bit in this piece is Walesa's observation of America's slouch towards socialism... This moral lapse, amongst others, truly has tarnished the inspirational strength that America had been for generations. Perhaps no more.

I've got mine -have you got yours?

I posted this to my FB page as well only because, despite the drama sown throughout the piece, I believe there is merit to the postulated scenario... Not sure what else I can intelligently add to this piece so I will leave it at that.

Enemies Of Free Speech Call For Internet Licensing

Enemies Of Free Speech Call For Internet Licensing

This lengthy article is worth a good read because, if there is any truth to it, we are being led inexorably to a state/world that is more and more scarily reminiscent of Orwell's "1984". The axiom goes (loosely) that knowledge is power and he that has the knowledge, has the power... So, the internet, which has IMO led to perhaps the greatest explosion ever of globally shared information and knowledge poses a threat to those who wish to have the power and hence, must control the information/knowledge. That governing bodies are out there that wish to regulate the flow of information should scare the living shit out of anyone that prefers a life of freedom than one of servitude...

Count me as a strong advocate of the former!!

The Secessionist Campaign for the Republic of Vermont

The Secessionist Campaign for the Republic of Vermont

Looks like some left-libertarian folks in Vermont are intent on taking the gloves off and proclaiming their intent/desire to secede from the Union. More power to the Green Staters...

Unfortunately, I don't think that they will find the necessary amount of popular and legislative support within their state. Vermont's neighbor, New Hampshire may arrive at that point sooner provided the Free State Project folks have some success in obtaining the required concentrations of like-thinking people. Wyoming may as well.

That said, I don't think that secession is the first thing these folks ought to be striving for... They may find more accommodation in pursuing staunch 10th, 2nd, 4th, and 1st amendment state legislation as well as standing strongly for interposition and nullification of federal laws and unwanted encroachment. If these efforts do not work, then eventually the way to secession may be cleared.

Finally, I should state that I do not support secession as a preferred initial means of dealing with an overbearing and encroaching federal government. However, provided a logical, moral, and ethical progression of steps has been taken to assert the will of the people of the state, and it has been to no avail, then the state ought to be free to secede from its union with the United States. After all,lest anyone forget, each state came to the Union on behalf of the will of its people...so should they be free to leave the union....

Fiorito: The cops came and took my gun - thestar.com

Fiorito: The cops came and took my gun - thestar.com

Wow...this is an incredible story. Thank God it is 'just' Canada and not the US of A. Yet. Although I don't know of any particular instances such as this here in the US, I don't doubt that if it hasn't happened yet, it probably will soon. Here in the US, the irony is that those major cities with some of the strictest gun laws (Canadian-style) are the cities with the highest rates of violent crime. DC, Chicago, NY, etc. Why? Not because of the armed populace but rather BECAUSE of the unarmed populace...well, unarmed saved for the criminals who don't give a hoot about the gun laws anyway...

Beyond the crime/safety angle wrt gun laws, I believe the larger issue at hand is why is it in the government's interest to have an unarmed populace? Um...perhaps for their (the government's) safety? Our founding fathers knew from experience that an armed populace is to be respected...civil and respectful government. An unarmed populace...well, they are nothing more than the playthings of capricious government and tyrants.

As for me, I prefer to be armed. I prefer that may neighbor be armed. I prefer that my countrymen understand the rights and responsibilities and the necessary implications of maintaining their full and unfettered right to bear arms. I prefer that government get out of the business of disarming its citizens as when it does, it is, through numerous examples, one step away from tyranny.

For Fun

A little light-hearted political quiz... As a friend of mine rightfully pointed out, the questions can be perceived to be a bit stilted in favor a particular outcome but then again, there are folks out there that really don't believe in free speech if they don't agree with the message! :-) Enjoy.

I couldn't get the link to the quiz to post properly so you will have to copy and paste the address below to take the quiz. I know, not quite 1-click convenience!

http://www.theadvocates.org/quizp/index.html

The True Nature of Natural Rights | Tenth Amendment Center Blog

The True Nature of Natural Rights | Tenth Amendment Center Blog

I really can't (nor should) add to this post defining natural rights. I am a simple person and this piece described natural rights simply and concisely...a very good read and worth consideration.

He is We?

He is We?

Paul Krugman is a schmuck! The economists at Cafe Hayek call him out for what he is...

Scandal: Albert Edwards Alleges Central Banks Were Complicit In Robbing The Middle Classes

Scandal: Albert Edwards Alleges Central Banks Were Complicit In Robbing The Middle Classes

If what this article purports is true then I believe we are in for a bumpy ride indeed. Heads will roll, quite possibly in the most literal sense. Yes it is cliche but for a very solid reason: "Hell hath no fury like a...". In this case, it will be the fury of we peasants, IF we can wake up fast enough and in mass...

Obama Justice Department Decapitates Gun Industry: FBI Arrest 21 Gun Industry Executives in Las Vegas to Attend Gun Show

Obama Justice Department Decapitates Gun Industry: FBI Arrest 21 Gun Industry Executives in Las Vegas to Attend Gun Show

Granted that Alex Jones is a bit of an inflammatory source, this is still a potentially scary development. Regardless of whether these folks were breaking federally regulated business laws, the signal it sends from this administration is less about keeping business clean (the administration is about as dirty as they come) and more about launching a shot across the bow of the 2nd amendment...

Calling all Death Pimps...

Well, in a manner of speaking anyway. As I told (Texas) Mike the other day, I am in the market for some home defense tools... Mike gave me some great advice and although a shotgun is arguably the best home defense weapon, I think I want to start with a pistol (or two). Based on my range and shoot house experiences, I am not so sure that I want a 9 mil...probably looking at a .40 or .45 mostly for security of 'stopping' power. As a family man, budget is always a consideration...as is quality. So, setting an arbitrary ceiling of $700...any thoughts and rationalizations out there for what might hit the mark? (Yeah, bad pun!)

Is Liberty Doomed? | Tenth Amendment Center Blog

Is Liberty Doomed? | Tenth Amendment Center Blog

While I agree with this author's assertion that there is something amiss when the states must pass resolutions affirming their rights under the 9th and 10th amendments, I would take the level of umbrage a step further and ask, why must we stand up for our rights that are explicitly negatively and positively delineated in the constitution...

OK - somewhat of a rhetorical question as I believe we MUST stand up whenever and wherever our rights, our constitution, and our country are threatened. I guess I also, more pointedly, believe that neither the states nor the individuals should NEED to be reminded about what is at stake...we, collectively and individually should be walking and talking it every day so that is is woven into the fabric of our lives and speaking about it would be merely an exercise in superfluous jaw-jawing...

So, obviously we are NOT there and proactive action on our part is a MUST...the goal of aggressive action now would be for clear understanding and muted calm later.

The Best Intentions, football, and economics meet head on...Libs win!

Chalk this one up to the, "There ought to be a law..." mentality. In this case, the disaster we call minimum wage. Wages are a cost of production and if govt forces wages up, thereby driving costs of production up, then, unless a company has enough margin to continue making a profit (or remain operable), it has little choice but to either move somewhere else where costs of production are lower or, close its doors.

The road to Hell, as we all come to be painfully aware in life, is paved with good intentions.

Government Is Too Big to Succeed

Government Is Too Big to Succeed

Too big to succeed indeed!

Gotta love it... The administration voices concerns about needing to 'create' more jobs. Solution? Tax the citizens even more to rob them of money which the administration then, with great fanfare, gives back to its selected friends and benefactors to, ostensibly, create more jobs. Nope. It is theft plain and simple. Theft through taxation and then theft through perennial indebtedness. Want to create jobs more easily? Leave the money with the taxpayers to begin with. But then, this is not about jobs but rather political theater...

The Powers Delegated to the Federal Government are Few and Defined

The Powers Delegated to the Federal Government are Few and Defined

Finally, something with legal teeth! Now if other state legislatures would follow, we might get the federal govt to begin withdrawing its odious presence from every aspect of our lives!

Mandating the purchasing of U.S. Treasuries?

This little gem of a piece discusses possible moves afoot within the government to force retirement account investments (401k's etc) into government treasuries. It sounds a bit off and more than a bit scary but there is a ring of truth and possibility to it. After all, if there are no buyers in the market for U.S. Treasuries, what happens to the government's ability to continue funding its deficit spending and interest payments on its debt? So, to prevent that, why not legislate (mandate) a buyer into existence? And, if this sounds far-fetched, as the author points out, Argentina has already embarked on this road...

The Battle For Washington D.C Is Lost, The Battle For America Has Just Begun | Oregon Tenth Amendment Center

The Battle For Washington D.C Is Lost, The Battle For America Has Just Begun | Oregon Tenth Amendment Center

Yup...and the tide is beginning to recede ominously. The tsunami is building. Well, at least I can write that it is. Only individuals' actions at the state level will build the wave that will lift the yoke off our necks...

After the Collectivist Winter Will Come the Spring by Vin Suprynowicz

After the Collectivist Winter Will Come the Spring by Vin Suprynowicz

You betcha! I think that perhaps the only substantive argument that remains now for a scenario described by Mr. Suprynowicz is the "when". As I have mentioned in previous posts, I really believe that at some point, the American people will finally rise up, be it at the ballot box or the gun shop, to reclaim their country and their constitution. I should also state that the pessimist in me believes that there are too few Americans left that really give a damn...too addicted to the American version of the Roman Empire's "bread and circuses"... We'll see. Perhaps, as the article suggests, it will be another 10 years before a critical mass of dissenters is formed to alter the course of our country...for the positive, of course! ;-)

2009: The year climate change and global warming activists would like to forget

2009: The year climate change and global warming activists would like to forget

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Not too much too say about this one other than I found it humorously encouraging and wanted to share it...

The Command Economy by Charles Goyette

The Command Economy by Charles Goyette

As I post this I am listening to an interview with Charles Goyette discussing, among other things, the impact of the U.S.'s inexorable slide toward a command economy. As he points out in the article, our government is foisting these radical changes on us without our 'knowledge' or consent. I guess Rahm Emmanuel's "never let a good crisis go to waste" is in full play to effect this transition...

Mish Charles Goyette and George Noory on The Meltdown of the Dollar

Mish Charles Goyette and George Noory on The Meltdown of the Dollar

Ron Paul's ideas no longer fringe - latimes.com

Ron Paul's ideas no longer fringe - latimes.com

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I suppose we can't expect everyone to drink the Austrian/Paul economic/political school of thought Kool-Aide in one sitting. At least this article is a start...

Is the Dollar a Ponzi Scheme?

Is the Dollar a Ponzi Scheme?

Good read. Sobering. So, are we, collectively, ready for the shit to hit the fan? I think not.

If what Jake Towne describes comes to pass, I forsee a whole lot of angry Americans wondering what happened to the "American Dream". I think (hope?) that they will do a lot more than just angrily wonder and actually take action to wrest our country back from the current batch of kleptocrats. I sincerely hope for action through the ballot box but I believe it is not out of the realm of the possible for the wresting back part to be disorderly and violent.

These are going to be interesting times to be sure!

Happy New Year

Happy 2010 to any who happen to read this. I hope that this coming year, and decade, is much less turbulent than most of the signs portend. I like living in exciting times but sometimes that too can get very old, very quickly. So, here is to a peaceful, productive, and beneficent year...may our spiritual, professional, and personal pursuits bear vibrant fruit...