UnCivil Defence

Musical History

2011-05-17T18:33:00.001-04:00

It doesn't happen very often that bands get back together. Especially, when death has stolen a member from you and everyone else seems to be angry with each other. Thankfully, time does heal wounds, as evidenced by this video of Roger Waters getting back together with David Gilmore at a recent concert to perform "Comfortably Numb". For one moment the old Pink Floyd magic was rekindled and history was made. Wish I could have been there in person, but London is quite too far for me. Fortunately, technology exists to let fans make high quality videos and share them with the world. To the poster of this video...a hearty "Well, done!".

One More Reason

2010-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

As if we needed one more reason to despise the "United Nations", here comes their latest atrocity. They've decided that it's just fine for governments to murder their citizens for the "crime" of being gay or lesbian.

The United Nations has removed a plea for lesbians, gays and bisexuals not to be executed in a narrow vote.

---------------

But now sexual orientation has been taken out of the list. The amendment was supported by Benin in Africa on behalf of the African Group in the UN General Assembly. It passed on a narrow vote of 79 for, 70 against , 17 abstentions and 26 absent.

Some of those voting to remove sexual orientation were countries where gays are known to be or thought to be executed or summarily killed including Iran, Nigeria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Iraq.

The UK, US, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries voted in favour of gays.

We didn't really need further proof that the UN was being overrun by savages and those who hate anything outside of their collectives, but we got it anyway. The time is long past when we should have torn that edifice to collectivism down and salted the earth it stood upon, as an example to everyone around the world. Sadly, the UN has decided to sign death warrants for thousands of people around the world. The inmates are running the asylum in New York. It's time we sent these slavers back to their own countries.

No Winners In This Go Around

2010-11-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

There will be no winners this go around of the election machine. Especially for folks like me, whose ballot would look blank for the most part. It's highly doubtful that any of the folks I would choose to represent me will win their election bids. Some republicrat will likely win and take that victory as a mandate to do as they will to us for another cycle, as opposed to what it actually is. Just a loss by democrats. My prognostication in this arena says we'll see little substantive change, no matter who "wins" or who is retained. Government's going to continue its cancerous growth if the republicrats take the House and/or Senate. Spending may be cut by a $100 billion or so, but that's literally a drop in the bucket with spending in the multiple trillions of dollars.
The wars will continue apace and more people will die, more enemies will be made and more wealth will be squandered.

If there are any "winners" this time around, it will likely be those who didn't vote. They are likely to be in a majority, as usual. Maybe they know something that everyone else doesn't, huh? Even hamsters eventually tire of running in the wheel and slink off to do something better. Maybe we need a cycle where we all just take a time out and no-one votes for anyone, so we can show them how we really feel about them.

A Musical Interlude

2010-11-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

Here's a little something to take your minds off of the election day sadness. Music from a time when they actually made really good videos to go along with it.

No More Microsoft

2010-10-08T10:32:00.000-04:00

As we all know, actions have consequences. That's especially true where politics and principles are concerned. If someone espouses a particularly odious political position there are numerous avenues that people may take that will result in consequences for that person. That's the case with me. The Gates family, Bill's Senior and Junior are using their wealth in an attempt to impose taxes on small business people and the other productive individuals in Washington state. They'd like to see special, class specific taxes levied on people whom they consider "wealthy". They're in favour of this, despite the fact that it will be bad for the economy of Washington, (just as taxes have had an impact on states like Indiana and others who were late to the state tax game) and bad for the people in general.
Well, not being a resident of Washington, there's little I can do to impact the voting that will take place on Initiative 1098. But there is something I can do as a consumer. I can refuse to do business with the proponents of this scheme and withdraw some meagre amount of capital from their pockets. No more Microsoft products for me, not that I use many of them to begin with. This blog is proudly Made on a Mac. If, for some reason, I need a system in the future that requires another OS, it won't be a MS product. I'll stick with my Mac or find a Linux system. The Gates are more than showing their true natures as progressives. I can't be a party to their attempts to impose taxation on the very people who run the machinery that drives our economy. These two men are more than willing to see that machinery falter, I am not.

Five Years On

2010-08-27T17:14:00.000-04:00

Today marks the 5th anniversary of hurricane Katrina's devastation of the Gulf Coast. My family and I, as is our wont, took our summer vacation and made a return to the Coast this year. It had been 5 years since our last sojourn there, shortly before Katrina hit. Despite the presence of an oil spill we decided that it was time to make our way back and see what had been happening down there. The answer...not a lot.
The reminders of Katrina were still there, etched on the landscape like a wound that just refuses to heal. Where there were once houses and business there are still empty lots and bare slabs, scoured clean by the fury of the hurricane.
Some businesses have rebuilt, but far too few. There are areas where old and new homes mingle, fronting the beach (primarily between Gulfport and Biloxi), but there are far fewer now than there were prior to the storm. There are far too many empty and overgrown lots. The folks who once lived there have moved on, either farther north and away from the beach or out of the county or state entirely. A new diaspora has occurred and it has left its mark on the area where I once lived. It's painfully obvious that the coast was forgotten in the aftermath of the storm and that what attention was paid to the area was given to New Orleans, which did not suffer as much as points east. We even heard the same from a New Orleanian when we were there.
I must say, tho that I was pleased to see one thing. Where once stately live oaks grew and lined the highway along the coast there now exist wooden statues, carved from the remains of the shattered trees. Instead of digging them up and consigning them to the fire pits they have been lovingly carved into coast centric forms. Reborn as a symbol of hope along a still devastated coast.
I must also say that I was much relieved to see that the Deep Horizon oil spill had not taken a toll on the beaches. The vagaries of wind, tide, current and barrier islands had manage to keep most of the oil away from the beaches of Gulfport. There were some signs of the spill, tho. Cleanup crews festooned the beaches, removing even the smallest of tar balls. We even got to speak with two of them and they were informative, even going so far as to show us what the small tar balls looked like. This is not to say that there was no oil there. There certainly is some buried under the sand of the beaches at the water line. And there's a mix of scum, oil and dispersant that washes up. Rather nasty looking stuff. This latest disaster was something the coast didn't need or deserve.
It's just rather sad that, five years on, the signs of recovery are so few. Coastians are a hardy breed, tho. They have to be in that heat and with the constant threat of destruction via storm looming over them on a yearly basis. There is no doubt in my mind, tho that the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been forgotten. New Orleans is what comes to the minds of most people when you remember Katrina. Not the places that were actually hit with the full force of the storm. New Orleans today looks much like it did prior to Katrina. Oh, there are still signs of destruction there, but they're nothing like the scale of what one sees on the Gulf Coast. New Orleans was a city in decline before the storm and abandoned buildings existed all up and down Canal Street. Those buildings are still there and still abandoned. Signs, not of the storms fury, but of the inevitable decay that's been plaguing New Orleans for decades.
Here's hoping that the Coast is remembered and that the next five years are better than the previous. To see this wounded landscape remaining the same a decade after Katrina would be too much.

DOMA On The Defensive

2010-07-08T20:51:00.003-04:00

A US District Judge has ruled against section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, ruling that it violates the Constitution in numerous areas. This is quite a victory for equal rights in this country and is a significant step towards getting Bob Barr's monstrosity repealed. No doubt the Obama regime will appeal the judges decision, but the stage is set for this abomination to finally be struck down.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Tauro, appointed to the federal bench in 1972, ruled this afternoon in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act violates the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A companion decision in Massachusetts v. U.S. Dep't of Health and Human Services also was issued, with Tauro finding that DOMA also violates the Tenth Amendment and the Spending Clause of the Constitution.

The Gill ruling: 2010-07-08-gill-district-court-decision.pdf

The Massachusetts ruling: 2010-07-08-massachusetts-district-court-decision.pdf

The Widening Gulf

2010-06-30T14:41:00.004-04:00

I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It's a place I remember fondly and still have a special place in my heart for. Now, I get to see what government incompetence is doing to it, (not that I had the least bit of faith that they'd actually do anything), in the wake of the Deep Horizon disaster. Unlike other countries that have crafted contingency plans and put equipment in place for the inevitable accidents that are going to occur with oil, the US has managed to thrash about and get virtually nothing done, despite being offered aid from other countries who have experience in these matters. One of the many aspects of the current regimes failure stems from their love of labour unions. The Dutch have offered immediate aid to the US with advanced machinery and trained personnel and the US has declined. Oh, they're willing to take the equipment, but they want US union people to be trained to do the task, rather than let the Dutch just get right to work.

This type of nonsense is par for the course where the Obama regime is concerned. They are putting the interests of labour unions ahead of the people and environment of the Gulf Coast. What else could we expect, tho? Unions put the man in the White House and he's paying them back in spades, no matter the cost to the coast. And, as usual, the American press are choosing to ignore and purposefully overlook his administrations monumental failings. Thankfully, the foreign press is not so enamoured of him.

Some are attuned to the possibility of looming catastrophe and know how to head it off. Others are unprepared for risk and even unable to get their priorities straight when risk turns to reality.

The Dutch fall into the first group. Three days after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico began on April 20, the Netherlands offered the U.S. government ships equipped to handle a major spill, one much larger than the BP spill that then appeared to be underway. "Our system can handle 400 cubic metres per hour," Weird Koops, the chairman of Spill Response Group Holland, told Radio Netherlands Worldwide, giving each Dutch ship more cleanup capacity than all the ships that the U.S. was then employing in the Gulf to combat the spill.

To protect against the possibility that its equipment wouldn't capture all the oil gushing from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, the Dutch also offered to prepare for the U.S. a contingency plan to protect Louisiana's marshlands with sand barriers. One Dutch research institute specializing in deltas, coastal areas and rivers, in fact, developed a strategy to begin building 60-mile-long sand dikes within three weeks.

The Dutch know how to handle maritime emergencies. In the event of an oil spill, The Netherlands government, which owns its own ships and high-tech skimmers, gives an oil company 12 hours to demonstrate it has the spill in hand. If the company shows signs of unpreparedness, the government dispatches its own ships at the oil company's expense. "If there's a country that's experienced with building dikes and managing water, it's the Netherlands," says Geert Visser, the Dutch consul general in Houston.

In sharp contrast to Dutch preparedness before the fact and the Dutch instinct to dive into action once an emergency becomes apparent, witness the American reaction to the Dutch offer of help. The U.S. government responded with "Thanks but no thanks," remarked Visser, despite BP's desire to bring in the Dutch equipment and despite the no-lose nature of the Dutch offer --the Dutch government offered the use of its equipment at no charge.

More at the source.

Thank goodness there are people like the Dutch, who are competent. Here's hoping that Obama and his regime finally get out of the way and let the grownups handle things. We can't stand much more of his Hope and Change. Maybe his worshipers in the environmental movement will remember this debacle when the elections roll around.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Gulf Coast, Deep Horizon

Coming Attractions

2010-06-29T15:08:00.005-04:00

When I go to the theatre I look forward to coming attractions that air before you get to the main feature. It gives you a sense of hope in the future and something to look forward to. I like having my wife lean in and tell me, "That looks good" or "I'd like to see that". It's like making a date for a far off future point. It leaves me feeling good, even when the main feature may suck, (which is seldom in our case, as we are really picky about theatre movies).
Well, I got to see a new coming attraction today. I wasn't at the theatre and my better half wasn't with me, but I'm sure it would have elicited a comment or two from her. The new trailer for the next Harry Potter movie is out and it looks like it's going to be a great movie. It's going to be in two parts, since there was no way anyone could have made the final book into a single 3 hour movie. This one looks like a winner to me and I can hardly wait to get the family together to go see it. Here, why don't you have a look for yourself? Sorry about the embedded ad, nothing I can do about that one. Click through to YouTube if you want a larger version of it.

Technorati Tags
Harry Potter, Deathly Hallows, Deathly Hallows Trailer

The Muslims I Remember

2010-06-04T20:14:00.004-04:00

Via Radley Balko comes this interesting piece on Afghanistan in the 50's and 60's. It's a surprising contrast to the 14th century hellhole it is today. The people of Kabul, all Muslims, were embracing the West, technology, reason and civilised culture. It was a place where women dressed much like their Western counterparts and embraced higher education, in a mixed sexes environment. Industry and infrastructure were growing and they were growing cotton and making textiles instead of exporting opium. The difference between then and now is stark and disturbing and the US bears a chunk of the responsibility for its descent into fundamentalist savagery.
Afghanistan was just one of many casualties in the USSR/USA Great Games of the 20th century. The Soviets wanted what little Afghanistan had and the US couldn't allow communism to expand, so we backed the foreign fighters who eventually morphed into the Taliban (who the US was giving money to right up till 9/11). Caught in the middle of this pissing match were the reasonable, secular Muslims of Kabul and the other cities. Needless to say, many of those folks fled.
These were the first Muslims I remember meeting overseas, when I first started traveling. Secular Muslims. Not the fundamentalists that have spread through many areas of the Middle East and now run Afghanistan, (with US blessings). People like YaYa, a Muslim from Indonesia and Afghan refugees I met stand out in my mind. They and many others never let their religious beliefs get between themselves and a new friend. The many Muslims I met during my years in Egypt were what some label "fundamentalists", but they sure didn't act as they were stereotypically supposed to. They were civil, kind and open people. They embraced the West and, almost to a T loved America and Americans. I was welcomed in their homes and businesses all the time. Shoot, even the members of the Muslim Brotherhood, a "terrorist" organisation that I ran across were nice individuals. Civilised. They hadn't been caught up in the full fury of the Great Games of the superpowers. Just the machinations of their local despotic government.
Our participation in those games, with the now defunct USSR, is having ramifications, decades later and will reverberate for many years to come.
Sadly, we're unlikely to see that old Afghanistan or those Muslims anytime soon in Afghanistan. And that's sad. Education, free trade, industry and freedom were what they had and it was all for naught. I wish I'd had the chance to see that Afghanistan.

Getting To The Root Of Things

2010-05-16T17:28:00.003-04:00

Radley Balko has a piece up at the Agitator that shows what some of us have been saying for awhile now. "Libertarian" Wayne Allyn Root, would be head of the Libertarian National Committee, has a few screws loose. He makes a decent puppet for some folks in the party, but when he goes off the reservation he sure goes full bore. Funnily enough I have seen links to this story from some sites run by Libertarians who support Root being memory holed. That's rather sad, especially for folks who value the truth and openess under most circumstances. Root is running to be the face and voice of the National Libertarian Party and his supporters have made a point of haranguing his opponent, Ernest Hancock, for being a 9/11 Truther. Looks like both of them have taken to wearing tin foil hats, no matter how you spin it. George Phillies is looking better and better every day. I do hope that Roots supporters will decry his adherence to this particular insanity. This will reflect poorly on the LP at all levels, national, state and county. And, at a time when libertarians stand to make significant gains in the political arena the last thing they need is something like this. Hopefully his supporters will repudiate his actions, instead of seeking to cover them up.

Saying Goodbye To A Rock Legend

2010-05-16T16:32:00.002-04:00

Ronnie James Dio has died in Houston after a long battle with stomach cancer. He's certainly going to be missed around here. I always loved his solo work, but his stint with Black Sabbath was a good one in my eyes and ears. His distinctive voice, ten sizes larger than himself were a welcome addition to Rainbow when he was their lead singer. There was a period when Dio was the go to guy for power groups. That voice was always something else. It brought a raspy power to any heavy ballad or song that no-one else could match. I'm definitely going to miss the man, but his musical legacy will live on with his longtime fans. Bye, Ronnie. You'll be missed.

Goodbye, Frank

2010-05-10T17:34:00.003-04:00

Frank Frazetta has passed away at the age of 82. All too soon, in my opinion.
We're all going to miss you more than you anyone will know. Frank's works set my appreciation for fantasy/pulp and science fiction in ways that enhanced what I read. His works are in no small part responsible for my personal perceptions where feminine beauty are concerned. His women became the template against which I compared the female forms I found attractive. Frazetta's Dejah Thoris, Thuvia or Dian The Beautiful were the epitome of the female form, and still are to this day. Sadly, we'll have to be satisfied with the works Frank left us. Nevermore will his phenomenal works grace the covers of the writers out there. Thankfully, I still have plenty of his works to gaze upon in my library. And my kids will get to see those lovely women and brave fighting men as they grow older, too. Thanks, Frank.

Making Statements

2010-04-02T12:22:00.003-04:00

Via a Facebook friend comes this story out of Florida. Seems like a medical specialist has decided to exercise his rights of freedom to associate, freedom of speech and the free market to make his sentiments on Obamacare known in no uncertain terms. He's advised Obama and "healthcare reform" supporters to take their business elsewhere. He doesn't want their monetary support and is willing to forgo having them as customers, as is his right. I do have to wonder, tho if he's taking this to its logical conclusion. If he's against socialised medicine does he still accept Medicare and Medicaid? They're are just as damaging as Obamacare and worked as the cornerstones for the latest depredation. I am glad to see that someone does understand the concept of shunning, tho. It's something we could all do that loses us nothing in the long run. If we all practiced it the world would be a much nicer place and people would have to either change or face the prospect of their neighbours refusing to associate with them.

MOUNT DORA — A doctor who considers the national health-care overhaul to be bad medicine for the country posted a sign on his office door telling patients who voted for President Barack Obama to seek care "elsewhere."

"I'm not turning anybody away — that would be unethical," Dr. Jack Cassell, 56, a Mount Dora urologist and a registered Republican opposed to the health plan, told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday. "But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it."

The sign reads: "If you voted for Obama … seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years."

The Proof Is In The Pudding And The Soda

2010-03-24T20:02:00.003-04:00

I, and many others beside, have been saying for years that the so-called "obesity epidemic" and the fattening of America could be lain at the feet of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Manufacturers have poo-pooed the idea that this was true, despite the mounting evidence to the contrary. Well, now comes some serious evidence from researchers at Princeton University that shines a light on the HFCS conundrum and it doesn't bode well for the supporters of HFCS.
From Princeton

A Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same.

In addition to causing significant weight gain in lab animals, long-term consumption of high-fructose corn syrup also led to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen, and a rise in circulating blood fats called triglycerides. The researchers say the work sheds light on the factors contributing to obesity trends in the United States.

"Some people have claimed that high-fructose corn syrup is no different than other sweeteners when it comes to weight gain and obesity, but our results make it clear that this just isn't true, at least under the conditions of our tests," said psychology professor Bart Hoebel, who specializes in the neuroscience of appetite, weight and sugar addiction. "When rats are drinking high-fructose corn syrup at levels well below those in soda pop, they're becoming obese -- every single one, across the board. Even when rats are fed a high-fat diet, you don't see this; they don't all gain extra weight."

Vindication feels good. Now, perhaps, the manufacturers will pay heed and start to remove this unnecessary sweetener from their products and replace it with sugar, (preferably cane sugar). Those manufacturers who have already done that have met with no small amount of success. PepsiCo's "Throwback" lineup has been a rousing success. Premium sodas made with sugar are selling like gangbusters, where they're available. There is a serious market there and people are more than willing to forgo HFCS for sugar.
If we can get the government to drop import restrictions and their price support and subsidy system we'll not only be healthier, we'll have access to tastier snack foods. What we don't want, or need it the government poking their super-sized proboscis into things. The market, backed by science is capable of making the right choice. Let's hope this latest science spurs a move away from HFCS, (which doesn't taste that good) to old fashioned sugar as the sweetener of choice.

Better Late Than Never?

2010-03-20T11:41:00.003-04:00

We finally have confirmation that the Iraq Invasion was a "horrible mistake", via Republican representatives Dana Rohrbacher and Tom McClintock. At a recent Cato gathering they came right out and said that they and a good many of their Republicrat allies are now willing to admit that the war they so vociferously supported was a mistake. It really is too bad that their mistake has cost the lives of thousands of American soldiers and lives of uncountable thousands of Iraqi men, women and children. This is the kind of "mistake" that no sane individual can afford to make. If these people truly recognised that they had committed this type of "mistake" the least they could do would be to resign their office and return to their homes in shame. I'm not looking for that to happen anytime soon. People like this have no shame.

Two GOP congressmen say most Republicans on the Hill now believe the Iraq war was a mistake, and "more than half the Republican caucus" believes the way in which the US entered the Afghanistan war was also a mistake.

Reps. Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Dana Rohrbacher (R-CA) made the comments at a discussion panel at the Cato Institute on Thursday.

Going into Iraq "was a mistake because I thought we had to finish the job in Afghanistan," Rohrbacher told the panel, echoing a popular Democratic talking point at the time.

"In retrospect, almost all of us think that was a horrible mistake," Rohrbacher said. "Now that we know that it cost a trillion dollars, and all of these years, and all of these lives, and all of this blood … all I can say is everyone I know thinks it was a mistake to go in now.”

There's a video at the source or via Youtube of their confessions.

Tax The Internet!

2010-03-04T17:56:00.003-05:00

At least that's what one Microsoft executive has suggested. He would like a tax imposed on internet users to fund cyber-security measures.

A top Microsoft executive on Tuesday suggested a broad Internet tax to help defray the costs associated with computer security breaches and vast Internet attacks, according to reports.

Speaking at a security conference in San Francisco, Microsoft Vice President for Trustworthy Computing Scott Charney pitched the Web usage fee as one way to subsidize efforts to combat emerging cyber threats -- a costly venture, he said, but one that had vast community benefits. "You could say it's a public safety issue and do it with general taxation," Charney noted.

I find that interesting considering that the majority of problems on the internet seem to be with Windows based machines being attacked. I use a Mac, (and have for many years) and have never experienced a virus, trojan or malware of any type. Apple seems to make a machine that doesn't require extra security. Hmmm...maybe they'll exempt us Mac users from their taxation scheme. Naw. They'll likely want us to pay more.

A Heavy Metal Anniversary

2010-02-13T11:23:00.003-05:00

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of Heavy Metal. I must say that I have certainly listened to more than my fair share of that head banging goodness (and badness) that sprang from the Black Sabbath's birth. It certainly helped get me through the late 70's when there was a drought of decent music and I still manage to get in a listen now and again, even this late. Happy Birthday to Ozzy and the boys!

It began with a clap of thunder and a tolling bell. Then, as a heavily distorted guitar played a diminished fifth — a tone sequence once banned by the Roman Catholic Church for being the “Devil’s interval” — a male voice started to wail as if from the grave. A few bars later the drums came in, and the resulting din was loud enough to make it seem as if Earth was coming apart at the seams.

The date was February 13, 1970 — 40 years ago today — and the album Black Sabbath, by the band of the same name, had just been released. It gave birth not only to heavy metal, but also to a new kind of dance move for the working-class male: headbanging.

Here's to 40 more years of music. Good and bad.

In Honour Of The Birthday Of Heavy Metal

2010-02-13T11:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to the originators of Heavy Metal.

After The Iceberg

2010-02-12T10:39:00.003-05:00

What are you willing to get rid of to avoid the inevitable catastrophic debt driven crash that is coming due in the next few years? Are you truly willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that your family survives? Even if it means jettisoning your favourite sacred, political entitlement cow? I am. For the sake of my children I will gladly forgo Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the empire building military. It's all a matter of simple math and Jacob G. Hornberger, over at the Future of Freedom Foundation breaks it down into easily understandable parable for us.

Ship Captain: Ladies and gentlemen, the Titanic is sinking, but calculations made by our engineers show that there is still one way to save the ship and all the passengers. That’s the reason I have summoned you to this meeting. All of you have brought with you large suitcases containing your welfare-state benefits of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and your warfare-state benefits of military contracts. Our officials have made careful calculations and concluded that if you will just throw these suitcases overboard, the ship — and everyone on it — will be saved. Therefore, would you please proceed to your cabins, grab your suitcases, and toss them overboard?

We're going to hit that iceberg. It's now inevitable and unavoidable. The only question remains is whether we go down with the ship, make it to a life boat or manage to save the vessel.

Back To The Caves

2010-01-25T17:22:00.004-05:00

The Global Warming cultists are out in force and showing their true colours. They won't be satisfied till we're all living in shacks and the factories lie dormant.
From the BBC comes this bit of propaganda from a cult "think tank".

Continuing global economic growth "is not possible" if nations are to tackle climate change, a report by an environmental think-tank has warned.

The New Economics Foundation (Nef) said "unprecedented and probably impossible" carbon reductions would be needed to hold temperature rises below 2C (3.6F).

Scientists say exceeding this limit could lead to dangerous global warming.

"We urgently need to change our economy to live within its environmental budget," said Nef's policy director.

Andrew Simms added: "There is no global, environmental central bank to bail us out if we become ecologically bankrupt."

None of the existing models or policies could "square the circle" of economic growth with climate safety, Nef added.

Yeah. China and India are just going to put the brakes on and slide backwards to where they were 50 years ago, in order to placate the cultists and the US will return to an agrarian society with horses and buggies. These folks just continue to show their true faces. Anti-capitalistic Marxism is alive and well in the global warming religion. Their hatred for industry, capitalism, markets and all that stands between us and a return to the caves keeps them warm. In the mean time, I'm going to go and throw another log onto the fire and send good thoughts in the direction of the industrialists that move the world. They may not be perfect, but they are preferable.

Exit Clov- MK Ultra

2010-01-25T17:19:00.000-05:00

Catchy.

Flying Naked

2010-01-11T09:34:00.004-05:00

Some people have laughingly said that naked flying is the logical progression for airline security. It certainly looks like that may be coming, in one form or another. The governments plans to install terahertz wave "x-ray" machines to give full body scans is proceeding at breakneck speed. So, what are they going to see when you step into one? Apparently an embarrassing amount as new scans show.

Is this something we really want to be subjected to in the name of security circus? Do we really want our loved ones, especially our kids, to have to go through this? Is being virtually strip searched really going to make anyone safer? No. We already know that there are thieves at TSA. Who is going to insure that there aren't perverts there, too? Undoubtedly there will be a mechanism to save images taken by these scanners. Do we really want people to have access to these pictures? How long till pictures start making their way onto the internet? Not long is my guess.

This is just the latest in a long train of government giveaways in the name of security. The companies that make these scanners couldn't sell them on the free market, so they're in bed with government, which is a sure thing for them. It's always about money, in the end and there's no doubt that the underwear bomber set off opportunistic alarm bells in the boardrooms of scanner companies worldwide.

And what about radiation? Do I really need to add to my lifetime exposure every time I decide to fly? How much radiation do these things give off? There's been no definitive study on terahertz wave exposure and yet governments worldwide are rushing to install these things. Maybe they're harmless. Then again, maybe they're not, but we'll be forced to accept the governments word on them or refuse to fly. I think I'll just drive from now on.

(For a look at what TSA really sees you might want to look at this de-negatived look from Freedom Flies A Black Flag)

A Look At The 2000's

2009-12-30T09:45:00.003-05:00

Politically, I have to agree with Reason. Worst decade ever. At the end of it I feel a sense of dread, not hopefulness as one might expect. On other fronts, the decade wasn't the worst for me and mine. Our family has grown and prospered and, despite an economy ravaged by politicians, banksters and others of that ilk. I'm not likely to whip out a crystal ball and prognosticate where the next decade is concerned, but it doesn't look like it's going to shape up to be much better. The political scenery is unlikely to change much and the economy isn't getting better, as the politicians are trying to make us believe. Shoot the commercial real estate debacle hasn't even started to unwind yet. As for the seemingly endless and futile wars, they're going to be continuing for many years. That's how government maintains their health. Those conflicts will still be being waged when our children are of an age to be part of that continuing mess. Whatever the future portends we'll do as we always do around here. Hold on tight and see where the ride takes us.

Happy Solstice

2009-12-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

Well, the shortest day of the year is here and days will start to get longer again. Today is the original New Years day and let's hope it starts off well and better than the previous year. Unfortunately for all of us there are still politicians in D.C. right now and they're working overtime to see to it that we get what we truly deserve (in their minds) this holiday season. Frankly, I could do without a gift from them this year. What I've received from my family was much better than anything these evil elves could craft.
Here's to a new and brighter year. May we all make it through unscathed and find renewed freedom on the far side.

Happy Bill Of Rights Day

2009-12-15T10:20:00.003-05:00

(I'm going to rerun something I've already written on this subject. I don't think I can say it any better in a 2nd go 'round. Despite the recent regime change, not much has changed. Enjoy. Michael)

That time of year has rolled around once again. Today finds us looking at another Bill of Rights Day. This is a day which should be celebrated, but it won't be. It's a day when we should reflect on our individual liberties, but most will pay it no mind. Only a few of us out here in the aether of the blogosphere will even pay it homage, by mentioning it in a post or raising a glass to it.

It's rather difficult for most to work up the enthusiasm for a celebration of the document which theoretically reins in the powers of the government where our liberties are concerned. This grand old document has seen constant abuse and degradation at the hands of politicians, (both large and small), as well as the robed denizens of the courts. It's a wonder that anyone even deigns to mention it any more. Oh, sure. The press, that chosen class who strive daily in their task to tell us what we should think of certain issues, will occasionally mention their First Amendment Rights and the numerous violations of said right, but then they'll just turn around and call for the one of the other Enumerated Rights to be violated. All in the best interest of their readers, of course. Don't even get them started on the 2nd Amendment, unless you want to see wet panties and hanky wringing.

Today should be celebrated with great fanfare, fireworks and expressions of the very liberties enshrined in the venerable old document. Tonight the talking heads will appear on televisions across the nation and speak of many things. Their newly elected saviour, the economy, redistribution of wealth and myriad other topics. Nary a one will even mention that today is Bill of Rights Day. Well, I guess it's up to the rest of us to haul the weight. We'll mention it. Again and again. Until people are tired of it. Perhaps we'll mention Bill of Rights Enforcement and sound the call, now and again for the highest law of the land to be upheld without doubt or obfuscation, on a daily basis. Shoot, maybe they'd even deign to teach it in the government schools again.

Regardless of all of that, today is a day when we can take a few moments, at least, and honour the memory of those Founders who called for a Bill of Rights and then drafted it. To pay homage to the document itself and the principles it holds forth and to, once again, hold onto it dearly and do our best to see that it is upheld as it was intended to be upheld. As an inviolable shield betwixt the leviathan of government and ourselves. The BoR is not a limit on our Rights, regardless of what the politicians and their judges would have us believe.

Let us today ignore the petty tyrants and their bastard understandings of the truths of the Bill of Rights and hold our own celebrations, private or public. Let us refuse to be cowed by diffidence, ennui and the powers that be and stand proudly. Let us take a few moments of our day and re-read that Bill, refresh our current memory and validate that which we hold to be true. That we are sovereign individuals and we all possess Rights enumerated or not. Let us take a moment to remember that government has no Rights. Only the individual. And, regardless of what you may be told they may not be taken from you. You may only surrender them. Take a moment to reaffirm that you shall never surrender those Rights and will strive to enforce them when, where and how you wish. And, please take a few minutes and read it to your children. They need it just as much as we do, if not more.

Happy Bill of Rights Day.

Update: Needless to say, there are others out there writing on the subject, none quite so well as Mr. Vin Suprynowicz. Take a few minutes and read his writing on the subject. He does a great job, on this as well as many other subjects.

Technorati Tags:
Bill of Rights Day, Bill of Rights, Libertarian, Liberty

The Anniversary Of A Return To Sanity

2009-12-05T11:59:00.003-05:00

Today marks the 76th anniversary of the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution of these United States. On this day in 1933 the U.S. returned to sanity and eased the governments grip on the citizenry. Sadly, it did not release its grip and many of the organisations that were created to wage the governments war on people still exist in one form or another today. They still wage a silent war on alcohol via taxation and regulation and use various agencies to enforce their diktats.
We still have unConstitutional prohibition on many other substances, some of which are far less harmful and more useful than alcohol. The new prohibitions have the same effect that the old Constitutional one did. They increase crime, corruption, the powers of the state and decrease liberty and personal freedom. Perhaps, the country still needs another dose of therapy to complete the process. Perhaps government paternalism could finally be laid to rest. Today would be a great day to start that process. Unfortunately, we aren't likely to see that anytime soon. Ah, well. A guy's got to have a dream to aspire to.
Happy 21st Amendment Day!

Whiskey In The Jar

2009-12-05T11:48:00.003-05:00

Suitable for today's posting. A little something from Thin Lizzy.

The Great Thanksgiving Hoax

2009-11-26T10:10:00.003-05:00

As children in school most of us were taught the story of the pilgrims of Plymouth and their bounteous harvest after a period of tough times. This story, like so many we were taught was a fictional account. William Bradford, the colonies governor tells a different story in his "History Of Plymouth Plantation". It's much more inspirational than the fictional tale. Go and enjoy it, courtesy of Mises.org.

Each year at this time school children all over America are taught the official Thanksgiving story, and newspapers, radio, TV, and magazines devote vast amounts of time and space to it. It is all very colorful and fascinating.

It is also very deceiving. This official story is nothing like what really happened. It is a fairy tale, a whitewashed and sanitized collection of half-truths which divert attention away from Thanksgiving's real meaning.

The official story has the pilgrims boarding the Mayflower, coming to America and establishing the Plymouth colony in the winter of 1620-21. This first winter is hard, and half the colonists die. But the survivors are hard working and tenacious, and they learn new farming techniques from the Indians. The harvest of 1621 is bountiful. The Pilgrims hold a celebration, and give thanks to God. They are grateful for the wonderful new abundant land He has given them.

The official story then has the Pilgrims living more or less happily ever after, each year repeating the first Thanksgiving. Other early colonies also have hard times at first, but they soon prosper and adopt the annual tradition of giving thanks for this prosperous new land called America.

The problem with this official story is that the harvest of 1621 was not bountiful, nor were the colonists hardworking or tenacious. 1621 was a famine year and many of the colonists were lazy thieves.

Get thee hence and peruse the rest. And have a happy Thanksgiving, too!

Technorati Tags
Thanksgiving, libertarian

A Country Of Illiterates

2009-11-22T12:37:00.004-05:00

I'm often left wondering what's wrong in this country. Why do people think the way they do. Act the way they do and, especially vote the way they do. Vin Suprynowicz, noted libertarian, author and editor at the Las Vegas Review Journal provides me with some answers to my questions. In past editorials he has taken teachers, their unions and the American educational system to task for their obvious failures. His detractors amongst the teaching elite, and their supporters are quick to whine and attempt to deflect blame away from themselves. It's difficult to admit when you're wrong. Even harder to admit that you have been responsible for damaging untold numbers of children over the years, too.

"Abundant data exist from states like Connecticut and Massachusetts to show that by 1840 the incidence of complex literacy in the United States was between 93 and 100 percent wherever such a thing mattered. According to the Connecticut census of 1840, only one citizen out of every 579 was illiterate, and you probably don't want to know, not really, what people in those days considered literate; it's too embarrassing. ...

"By 1940, the literacy figure for all states stood at 96 percent for whites, 80 percent for blacks. Notice for all the disadvantages blacks labored under, four of five were still literate. Six decades later, at the end of the 20th century, the National Adult Literacy Survey and the National Assessment of Educational Progress say 40 percent of blacks and 17 percent of whites can't read at all. Put another way, black illiteracy doubled, and white illiteracy quadrupled."

It's hard to argue with things like that, though people have tried to do so. The American "educational system" is broken and agenda driven and may not be able to be fixed at all. I live in a town that has a "good" educational system and even so I have noticed that there are teachers in it who can't spell, punctuate or create a grammatically correct sentence or paragraph. My sons third grade teacher was just such a one. She was, by any standard an example of a teacher who should not be allowed to "teach". Radical change is going to be necessary and it must come sooner rather than later if we are to avoid the inevitable slide into irrelevance as a first world nation.

Those currently in power have no intention, or interest in ever changing things. They are vested in the current system and applaud it's further degradation. It's much easier to rule the illiterate. They are at the mercy of those who can read and think and are much more likely to believe the words of pundits and populists. Just look at the last elections results. It also bodes ill for the literate, as well. When you're surrounded by those who can no longer think for themselves your lives and fortunes are also at risk. Easily manipulatable masses can be made to accept anything by the master manipulators who run politics in this country. We're losing generations of people to the current system and if we don't make changes, (other than throwing piles of wasted tax dollars at it) then we will be facing the direst of consequences, a populace that has lost the ability to think and reason.

The time is now. Not tomorrow.

Technorati Tags
Education, Libertarian, Politics, Illiteracy

Take A Gun To School

2009-11-22T12:35:00.001-05:00

.38 Special asks the right questions of teachers.

The Shape Of Things To Come III

2009-11-16T12:58:00.002-05:00

With the inevitable advent of progressive inspired "health care" legislation in our near future, we can get a glimpse at what is headed our way. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at Washington States health rationing panel and what it has done to people who are using their government inspired "health care" scheme. It's certainly not a pretty sight, but it is what's likely to be foisted on the people who choose to be part of the government plans or those forced into it. I pity those poor folks.

In other words, the Medicare commission would come to function much like the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which rations care in England. Or a similar Washington state board created in 2003 to control costs. Its handiwork isn't pretty.

The Washington commission, called the Health Technology Assessment, is manned by 11 bureaucrats, including a chiropractor and a "naturopath" who focuses on alternative, er, remedies like herbs and massage therapy. They consider the clinical effectiveness but above all the cost of medical procedures and technologies. If they decide something isn't worth the money, then Olympia won't cover it for some 750,000 Medicaid patients, public employees and prisoners.

So far, the commission has banned knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis, discography for chronic back pain, and implantable infusion pumps for pain not related to cancer. This year, it is targeting such frivolous luxuries as knee replacements, spinal cord stimulation, a specialized autism therapy and MRIs of the abdomen, pelvis or breasts for cancer. It will also rule on routine ultrasounds for pregnancy, which have a "high" efficacy but also a "high" cost.

Currently, the commission is pushing through the most restrictive payment policy in the nation for drug-eluting cardiac stents—simply because bare metal stents are cheaper, even as they result in worse outcomes. If a patient is wheeled into the operating room with chest pains in an emergency, doctors will first have to determine if he's covered by a state plan, then the diameter of his blood vessels and his diabetic condition to decide on the appropriate stent. If they don't, Washington will not reimburse them for "inappropriate care."

If Democrats impose such a commission nationwide, it would constitute a radical change in U.S. health care. The reason that physician discretion—not Washington's cost-minded judgments—is at the core of medicine is that usually there are no "right" answers. The data from large clinical trials produce generic conclusions that rarely apply to individual patients, who have vastly different biologies, response rates to treatments, and often multiple conditions. A breakthrough drug like Herceptin, which is designed for a certain genetic subset of breast-cancer patients, might well be ruled out under such a standardized approach.

It's appalling that so many people will be forced to suffer under such a plan, but it is almost inevitable that this will be the case. The politicians in DC are determined to do something to us, where insurance and "health care" are concerned. Even if it kills us.

Punk And Hockey

2009-11-16T12:53:00.004-05:00

What more could you ask for? This one's for Mike.

Happy Birthday, Internet!

2009-10-29T15:59:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe but 40 years ago today the internet was born. Forty years ago there weren't even any personal computers, now we carry them around in our pockets. The internet has changed the way we do everything, from communicating with each other to ordering a pizza. It has invaded almost every facet of our lives unlike any technology I can think of. When we need the most minuscule bits of information we just hop on our computers and, more often than not that information is retrieved in seconds. This post, and the article that reminded me of this significant day were brought to me via that internet. Amazing, that in my lifetime such a thing has occurred.

It's stretched our boundaries and made our "communities" bigger than they otherwise would be. It's certainly enhanced the freedom movement and brought liberty to many a persons thoughts and actions. The internet has brought diverse communities across the globe together. Warned us and informed us of hope, tragedy, tyranny and freedom. Here's hoping that the next 40 do even more to enhance our lives and promote freedom and liberty. Let the next revolution begin!

Happy Birthday, Internet!

Technorati Tags
Libertarian, Internet, Birthday

Secret Messages, Indeed.

2009-10-29T15:49:00.002-04:00

From dial up to broadband. From wires on poles to satellite up links the internet sure has come a long way in 40 years.

Time for a party!

Technorati Tags
Electric Light Orchestra, Internet

Climate Change? Whatever.

2009-10-26T13:50:00.003-04:00

With the upcoming climate meeting in Copenhagen, (where we'll likely be sold out) there's all sorts of propaganda out there. I rather like this remix of a British commercial. It seems to sum up the true spirit behind the movement. (Not necessarily safe for work).

Technorati Tags:
Climate Change, Al Gore, Libertarian

Hat Tip to The Flea

Continuing A Canadian Trend

2009-10-26T13:44:00.003-04:00

I have a thing for Canadian bands, I guess. Triumph is one of them. I saw them in concert many years ago and was really impressed with them. As rock bands go they definitely had what it took to get a crowd going. Here's hoping they get things back together one of these days. I'd like to see them again.

Triumph, Canadian Bands

Taxing Our Hearts And Valves

2009-10-24T13:31:00.003-04:00

Because they wouldn't play ball with him Obama plans to tax manufacturing jobs out of existence in Indiana. At least those manufacturers who make medical devices. That's some hope and change, there. Chicago politics at its best. Hope the people of Indiana remember this come 2012. Especially those folks who need prosthetics of one sort or another. From The Hill comes this bit of news concerning the people who refused to play ball with the Capo di Tutti Capo now in the White House.

The more the fiscal details of the healthcare bills emerge, the more appalling they seem. The Senate Finance Committee bill includes a broad provision taxing all manner of medical devices. This tax includes such frivolous luxuries as pacemakers, stents, artificial heart valves, defibrillators, automated wheelchairs, mechanized artificial limbs, replacement hips and knees, surgical gurneys, laparoscopic equipment and the like.

President Obama is planning to reduce the cost of medical care by taxing it!

The most recent Gallup Poll reflected that 49 percent of respondents said they believed that the ObamaCare plan will increase their healthcare costs. Only about 20 percent said it would lower them. It is taxes like these that substantiate this kind of concern.

The origins of this new medical device tax are troubling as well.

The medical device industry had its day at the White House, as did the insurance industry, the drug makers, the nurses and the doctors. In turn, each group heard the White House request that it come up with voluntary cuts in its healthcare costs and support Obama’s proposed changes in return for assurances that Congress would not impose deeper cuts (or, in the case of the doctors, that it would actually rescind cuts already scheduled under current statutes).

But, unlike all these other groups, the medical device industry refused the deal. This posture enraged the tyrants in the White House, who vowed to punish the industry with cuts imposed by Congress. The result was a decision by the revenue-hungry Senate Finance Committee to extract billions in funds from the industry.

For those of you that thought he'd be a breathe of fresh air....feh. There's no such thing in Chicago. What we had foisted on us was gangster government at its finest. And now we'll all pay for your mistakes.

Technorati Tags
Taxation, Healthcare, Gangster Government, Libertarian

You Talkin' To Me?

2009-10-24T13:21:00.003-04:00

I was always taught that there are no such things as stupid questions. Apparently, Nancy Pelosi never learned that at her mothers knee. When a CNS reporter asked her where Congress got the authority to force people to buy health insurance, she had no answer. Just derision. Typical of the ruling elite.

CNSNews.com: “Madam Speaker, where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?”

Pelosi: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”

CNSNews.com: “Yes, yes I am.”

Pelosi then shook her head before taking a question from another reporter. Her press spokesman, Nadeam Elshami, then told CNSNews.com that asking the speaker of the House where the Constitution authorized Congress to mandated that individual Americans buy health insurance as not a "serious question."

no doubt, when the rest of us were learning politeness and the basics of civil discourse she was learning Rules for Radicals and the doctrines of Marx and Lenin.

On a related note: Forcing people to buy broccoli.

Technorati Tags
Pelosi, Healthcare, Libertarian

No-one Says It Better

2009-10-24T13:13:00.001-04:00

On a day like today, nothing will do but a taste of Harry. His version of this classic was much better than Dylan's.

Yes, As A Matter Of Fact They Are Watching You

2009-10-22T16:46:00.004-04:00

From Wired comes the news that the government has bought a stake in a company which makes its hay looking at blogs and categorizing their contents. No doubt this will be for our own good and will not be used to create profiles of people who choose to speak out against government policies they find abhorrent. There's no way they'd ever create an enemies list. Right?

America’s spy agencies want to read your blog posts, keep track of your Twitter updates — even check out your book reviews on Amazon.

In-Q-Tel, the investment arm of the CIA and the wider intelligence community, is putting cash into Visible Technologies, a software firm that specializes in monitoring social media. It’s part of a larger movement within the spy services to get better at using ”open source intelligence” — information that’s publicly available, but often hidden in the flood of TV shows, newspaper articles, blog posts, online videos and radio reports generated every day.

Visible crawls over half a million web 2.0 sites a day, scraping more than a million posts and conversations taking place on blogs, online forums, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and Amazon. (It doesn’t touch closed social networks, like Facebook, at the moment.) Customers get customized, real-time feeds of what’s being said on these sites, based on a series of keywords.

“That’s kind of the basic step — get in and monitor,” says company senior vice president Blake Cahill.

It was bad enough when a private company was doing it. Now that the government has a stake in it? Yeah, that's worse.

Here's Looking At You, Kid

2009-10-22T16:25:00.003-04:00

In honour of the powers that be coming out of the closet, here's a little Alan Parsons. It seems fitting.

The Kings Largess

2009-10-15T13:04:00.008-04:00

Obama is relishing his role as anointed saviour for the Democrats. Now come this story of his largess, otherwise known as vote buying to the rational sector.

WASHINGTON — President Obama urged Congress on Wednesday to authorize a second $250 stimulus check to be sent early next year to an estimated 57 million Social Security recipients, veterans and people with disabilities.

In effect, the payment would be in lieu of a cost-of-living increase for Social Security beneficiaries next year. The White House request, and receptive statements from Congressional Democratic leaders, anticipated an announcement on Thursday from the Social Security Administration that there would be no cost-of-living adjustment for 2010 because the inflation rate has been negative as the recession has driven down prices.
By contrast, a year ago the cost of living adjustment was 5.8 percent, reflecting strong inflation and high energy prices.
White House officials put the cost of the checks at $13 billion. The first $250 checks went out in May as part of the $787 billion two-year stimulus package. As with that package, the officials said Mr. Obama would not ask Congress to offset the cost with other savings because the checks were intended to stimulate the economy, and budget cuts or tax increases would defeat that.
The money would go to all Social Security beneficiaries, regardless of their income, as well as disabled veterans, those eligible for railroad retirement payments and people who receive federal and state government pensions instead of Social Security.

This is a blatant attempt on his part to buy votes. With soaring deficits and out of control spending from Congress, the fact that he would even think of spending more money is mind boggling.Then again, nothing this man does surprises me any more. His complete lack of understanding about the economy and spending is monumental. He and his cohorts in Congress see a rough time ahead, as we he get into the 2010 elections. Here's a chance to target likely voters and buy some votes, which they'll likely need. The fact that we, and our kids, shall have to pay for his vote buying scheme only adds to the issue. Maybe he could use some of his Nobel money to fund this? Naw. Bet that never occurs to him.

Technorati Tags
Obama, Stimulus, Libertarian, Voting

Something For Nothing

2009-10-15T13:04:00.007-04:00

As may happen quite often I return to the trio from the Great White North for inspiration and commentary. They say it much better than anyone else.

Technorati Tags
Rush, Libertarian, Taxation

Taking An Axe To The First Amendment

2009-10-10T13:03:00.003-04:00

Mr. Obama seems committed to bringing about change. Now comes news that his regime is cosponsoring a UN treaty that would be in direct conflict with our right to Free Speech.

The Obama Administration has now actually co-sponsored an anti-free speech resolution at the United Nations. Approved by the U.N. Human Rights Council last Friday, the resolution, cosponsored by the U.S. and Egypt, calls on states to condemn and criminalize “any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.”

What could be wrong with that? Plenty.

On its face it sounds nice. Tyranny usually does, to those who support such things. The problem with this thing is that it's in direct conflict with the highest law of the land in America. Eugene Volokh takes a gander at it and explains it better than I could.

But we still have the First Amendment, right? Legal expert Eugene Volokh, in an excellent analysis of the resolution, explains why it isn’t that easy to dismiss this. “If the U.S. backs a resolution that urges the suppression of some speech,” he explains, “presumably we are taking the view that all countries -- including the U.S. -- should adhere to this resolution. If we are constitutionally barred from adhering to it by our domestic constitution, then we’re implicitly criticizing that constitution, and committing ourselves to do what we can to change it.” He adds that in order to be consistent, “the Administration would presumably have to take what steps it can to ensure that supposed ‘hate speech’ that incites hostility will indeed be punished. It would presumably be committed to filing amicus briefs supporting changes in First Amendment law to allow such punishment, and in principle perhaps the appointment of Justices who would endorse such changes (or even the proposal of express constitutional amendments that would work such changes).”

This is change we cannot live with. I have absolutely nothing against Islam and its followers. Shoot, after 6 years in the Middle East I have a better understanding of them than many people. I refuse to condemn the totality of Islam for the horrific actions of a radicalised segment of their numbers. What I cannot countenance, tho is watching the current regime in D.C. shred the 1st Amendment in order to appease the sensitivities of the followers of Islam. Or any other religion or political belief.

The Dear Leader is taking this country down a bad pathway and it doesn't lead to a pretty place. I'm not sure he knows what his job is supposed to be. It's certainly not this.

“I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.”-Barack Obama

Protecting peoples ability to worship as they will is part of his job. Protecting their feelings, is not. We shouldn't have to remind him of this, he's supposedly an educated man.

Technorati Tags
Obama, First Amendment, United Nations, Libertarian

Uprising

2009-10-10T12:59:00.003-04:00

via PSM comes the original inspiration to post this tune by Muse. It's been getting a lot of airplay lately and I can see why. It appeals to the revolutionary in us all.

Technorati Tags
Muse, Libertarian

Having A WTF? Moment

2009-10-09T09:53:00.001-04:00

So, I wake up this morning and find out that the corrupt organisation Stockholm has granted a Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama. Excuse me? Here we have a man who is currently prosecuting two wars and is imprisoning people without trial and he gets the prize? Fer cryin' out loud. He hasn't done anything to foster peace in the world. He went on a world apology tour and made us the laughingstock of the Middle East. Is that what counts? His envoy to the Middle East has managed to do squat since he started burning up jet fuel. What has Obama done? Nothing. *sigh*

I'm sorry, but this just reinforces the belief of all sane people that the Nobel Peace Prize is a travesty and a continuing joke. First they gave it to a terrorist and now they grant it to someone who hasn't done a damned thing to promote peace. What a way to end the week. Now we'll have to listen to the Dear Leaders followers crowing about his do nothing policies till they run out of hot air. The cult of personality has gone global.

Technorati Tags
Obama, Nobel Peace Prize, Cult Of Personality, Libertarian

On A Nobel Peace Prize Kinda Day

2009-10-09T09:46:00.002-04:00

Here's what we're dealing with, now deal with it.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Nobel Peace Prize, Cult Of Personality

Pouring It On

2009-10-07T14:23:00.004-04:00

Do you ever have one of those days, or weeks, or even months when it just feels like certain people are just pouring one thing after another onto our lives? That's what it feels like these days with the current regime. It's just one thing after another. Apparently, they want to see just how much we can stand. It's all a bit overwhelming, frankly and it just sucks the hope out of people and leaves them with nothing but resentment and anger. Eventually something's got to give. We can only hope that it's the powers that be that give.

From one corner of the media comes the disheartening news that war with Iran is inevitable. I'd really hate for that to be true. From the Hill comes the news that the harridan in charge of the House is looking to impose an onerous tax on us and everything we buy. Presumably so she and her cohorts can fund their tyranny. Members from both sides of the aisle are convinced that the worlds best health care system is broken, when it's just government interference and insurance companies that have issues. They're going to ram a socialised medicine scheme down our throats, whether we want it or not.

It just gets to be a bit much, doesn't it?

At least one guy in Malawi is having a good time, poverty or not. Look what he's managed to do with a bit of freedom. Guess there's always a spark of light somewhere in the world. Even if it's not where you are.

Technorati Tags
Libertarian, War, Taxes, Obama, Hope

The Mistress And The Master

2009-10-07T14:23:00.003-04:00

Closing your eyes is advisable some days. Here's a piece of ballad metal goodness from Lita and Ozzy.

Technorati Tags
Ozzy, Lita Ford, Music

He's Left The Building

2009-09-18T20:47:00.004-04:00

In all the political hoorah and angst that's been in the news lately it completely escaped my notice till now that one of the great poets and punk artists of the 20th century has died. Jim Carroll is dead and the world is a worse place for the loss. It's sad that it didn't make headlines, the way some politicians did.

Goodbye, Jim. Thanks for the tunes.

Technorati Tags
Jim Carroll, Music

Vermont Gets It Right

2009-09-01T17:37:00.004-04:00

In a perfect world the government would be forbidden from interfering in the rites of marriage. So would fundamentalist bigots and their ilk. Until that day comes we shall have to rely upon people of courage in state legislatures to do the right thing by the people of their state. That's exactly what has occurred today in Vermont as they have legalised gay marriage and shunted aside the petty compromise of civil unions.

DUXBURY, Vt. — After 17 years together, Bill Slimback and Bob Sullivan couldn't wait another minute to get married. So they didn't.

With Vermont's new law allowing same-sex marriage only a minute old, they tied the knot in a midnight ceremony at a rustic lodge, becoming one of the first couples to legally wed under a law that took effect at midnight Monday.

Dressed in suits, saying their vows under a large wall-mounted moose head, the two Whitehall, N.Y., men promised their love, exchanged rings and held hands during a modest 17-minute ceremony. Moose Meadow Lodge co-owner Greg Trulson, who's also a Justice of the Peace, presided.

"It feels wonderful," said Slimback, 38, an out-of-work Teamster who is taking Sullivan's last name as his own. "It's a day I've been long waiting for, and a day I truly honestly thought would never come."

Slimback said he and Sullivan, 41, have long wanted to cement their relationship with a wedding, but since they couldn't legally marry in New York they chose to wed even before Vermont's gay marriage era officially dawned.

Vermont is one of five states that now allow same-sex couples to marry. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa are the others. New Hampshire's law takes effect Jan. 1, 2010.

Even though government is still involved in the issue, at least they came down on the side of rights for individuals, rather than the bigoted side of rights denial. Someday's you actually think there's some hope for this country and the people who inhabit it. Of course, tomorrow's another day. But, for today I'll "hold some faith in the goodness of humanity".

Technorati Tags
Libertarian, Vermont, Gay Marriage

For All The People Doing The Hard Work

2009-09-01T17:33:00.003-04:00

Promoting freedom is a thankless job and those folks in Vermont who have worked so hard deserve a lot of credit. Even their politicians, who managed to get something right. For once.

Technorati Tags
Vermont, Gay Marriage

Even A Broken Clock Gets It Right Sometimes

2009-08-31T16:32:00.003-04:00

Colour me surprised that some anonymous blogger at Kos managed to actually get something right where libertarians are concerned. These guys are wrong on almost everything that comes out of their pie holes and on the one subject that is anathema to their little, stunted collectivist souls they are normally so off base that it would be pathetic. If I felt anything about them, other than contempt.
In a post titled "Top 10 Signs You Might Not Be A Libertarian" the poster manages to correctly call out many of the new crop of people who dare to call themselves libertarians. (Avoid the comments section, there's real world lunacy going on in there). I've met a few of these people over the years and frankly, I'm surprised it took a Progressive collectivist to call the mark on the issue. Libertarians should have been calling it out long ago, instead of welcoming the infiltration. I find it distasteful that it took a collectivist to make this call.

10. If you think Ron Paul isn't conservative enough and Fox News is fair and balanced, you might not be a Libertarian.

9. If you believe you have an inalienable right to attend Presidential townhalls brandishing a loaded assault rifle, but that arresting participants inside for wearing a pink shirt is an important public safety precaution, there's a chance you're dangerously unbalanced, but no chance you're a Libertarian.

8. If you think the government should stay the hell out of Medicare, well, you have way, way bigger problems than figuring out if you're really a Libertarian.

7. If you rank Anthonin Scalia and Roy Moore among the greatest Justices of all time, you may be bug fuck crazy, but you're probably not a Libertarian.

6. You might not be a Libertarian if you think recreational drug use, prostitution, and gambling should be illegal because that's what Jesus wants.

5. If you think the separation between church and state applies equally to all faiths except socially conservative Christian fundamentalism, you're probably not a Libertarian.

4. You're probably not a Libertarian if you believe the federal government should remove safety standards and clinical barriers for prescription and OTC medications while banning all embryonic stem cell research, somatic nuclear transfer, RU 486, HPV and cervical cancer vaccination, work on human/non human DNA combos, or Plan B emergency contraception.

3. If you think state execution of mentally retarded convicts is good policy but prosecuting Scott Roeder or disconnecting Terri Schiavo was an unforgivable sin, odds are you're not really a Libertarian.

2. If you argue that cash for clunkers or any form of government healthcare is unconstitutional, but forced prayer or teaching old testament creationism in public schools is fine, you're not even consistent, much less a Libertarian, and you may be Michele Bachmann.

And the number one sign: if you think government should stay the hell out of people's private business -- except when kidnapping citizens and rendering them to secret overseas torture prisons, snooping around the bedrooms of consenting adults, policing a woman's uterus, or conducting warrantless wire taps, you are no Libertarian.

It's time to take a look at what's been going on. Not everyone who claims to be a libertarian is. Glenn Beck and Neal Boortz aren't libertarians, no matter how much they'd like us to believe they are. They're both self admitted Conservatives, a philosophy that is incompatible with libertarianism's core values.

Conservatives who are disenchanted with their chosen party have deserted it in record numbers, some have decided that their philosophy is somehow compatible with ours. Boy are they in for some disappointment. Unfortunately, too many people are willing to extend a hand to them, hoping they'll bring in votes for political candidates. This is not a winning policy, unless you're willing to burn down your house to gain a few votes in an already rigged electoral system. Personally, I'm not. Most will never be able to pass the litmus test. And that's fine with me.

Technorati Tags
Libertarian, Daily Kos

Delusional Monday

2009-08-31T15:37:00.002-04:00

It seems as if delusion is the watchword these days, from the Right and the Left. So let's go with that theme and a blast from the past. Golden Earring's paean to delusion, "When The Lady Smiles".

One More Down

2009-08-26T15:55:00.004-04:00

The so-called Lion of Liberalism has left the building at last. Thank the gods. The man that never met a gun control bill he didn't like, who worked so hard to help push "No Child Left Behind" and even had more of a hand in the current "health care" debacle about to be rammed down our throats. "Former" Klansman Robert Byrd would even like it to be renamed for Kennedy. Sickening. Kennedy, through 47 years of legislation, stole more freedom and did more damage to liberty, (as well as millions of individuals) and was, by any definition a world class tyranny enabler. He helped grow the government by leaps and bounds.

I got to meet Mr. Kennedy many years ago, along with his clan when they visited the PRC, while I lived there. He was affable enough and spent a considerable amount of time drinking and schmoozing. He got along quite well with the Chinese, as one would expect. One would never think that, beneath his boozy exterior lurked the soul of an enemy of the Bill of Rights. They'd be wrong. His legislative record speaks for itself. He may have occasionally come down on the right side of an issue, but it was a rare occurrence. Now we'll have to worry about that no more. Mr. Kennedy is off to his just reward.

The country is a safer place today without him. One down.

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Ted Kennedy, Tyrants

For Teddy

2009-08-26T15:45:00.001-04:00

A little rock and roll to speed you on your way.

Technorati Tags
Teddy Kennedy

Ratchetting Up The Fear Factor

2009-08-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

Well, the powers that be have decided that they need a distraction from the looming deficit, the spectre of hyperinflation and an the impending takeover of the American health care system. So, what have they done? They've trotted out their old buddy H1N1, the Swine Flu, again.

Aug. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Swine flu may hospitalize 1.8 million patients in the U.S. this year, filling intensive care units to capacity and causing “severe disruptions” during a fall resurgence, scientific advisers to the White House warned.

Swine flu, also known as H1N1, may infect as much as half of the population and kill 30,000 to 90,000 people, double the deaths caused by the typical seasonal flu, according to the planning scenario issued yesterday by the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. Intensive care units in hospitals, some of which use 80 percent of their space in normal operation, may need every bed for flu cases, the report said.

Swine Flu is the new terrorism for the current regime. "Advisers" making predictions such as this are doing nothing more than pimping fear in the populace. Oh, No! There's not enough vaccine. Someone save us! There won't be enough health care people to care for the ill. Oh. My. God! What about the children?

Fortunately, the same article has a ray of sunshine and a voice of reason. Too bad he wasn't an adviser.

‘Overblown’ Estimates

The estimates seem “overblown,” Gross said, given that swine-flu outbreaks in 1968 and 1957 failed to cause as many deaths, even with medical technology and disease surveillance less advanced than today.

“Influenza, you can make all the predictions you want, but it’s more difficult than predicting the weather,” Gross said yesterday in a telephone interview, after the advisory report was made public. “If influenza was a stock, I wouldn’t touch it.”

Rumour and fear around this subject are everywhere. They ignore the facts of this influenza. Extremely few people have died from it. The majority of people have had no serious symptoms. The government speaks and people panic. Can't say that I blame them, given governments past efforts in virtually every arena. Talk of mandatory vaccination of children and others runs through some quarters. The use of troops to quell unrest, in the event of a plague has been put forth. More and more scare tactics, every day to keep people reeling. It's time to take a step back. Take a breath and learn something from our comrade in arms, BW. Refuse to be afraid. (Download his ebook while you're at it!). Ignore the government. Refuse to play their game. There's time enough to resist when we actually know what they intend, if anything. We can always refuse them, that's what liberty and freedom are all about. And, now a few words from Frank Herbert.

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

Technorati Tags:
Fear, H1N1, Obama, Libertarian

An Interlude

2009-08-25T15:47:00.003-04:00

Those who know me know that I have a thing for Rush. How could I not? They speak to me and many others on a multitude of levels. "Mission" is one of those songs. Take a break, kick back and enjoy.

Technorati Tags:
Rush, Libertarian

Let The Snitching Begin

2009-08-04T16:08:00.005-04:00

From the Presidential West Wing comes this new missive. El Presidente' is looking for a few good snitches. Apparently, those who speak out against his so-called health care plans should be reported to the White House. No doubt those names will be added to a database and create more than a few "persons of interest", where the new regime is concerned. They can go ahead an add my name to their list.

There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.

Now this is some serious Hope and Change, Mr. Obama. Apparently, the Glorious Leader thinks a few words to his acolytes will result in the type of snitchery not seen since the halcyon days of the DDR's Stasi campaigns. Is this really the type of world we wish to live in? And if he's this concerned about his health care plans then one can only wonder what he has in store for gun owners and other dissidents. Don't Snitch!

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Snitching, Health Care, Libertarian

.Gov Giveth And .Gov Taketh Away

2009-07-27T16:50:00.002-04:00

Got an older vehicle that the new Left and their ilk might consider a clunker? Heard about their "Cash For Clunkers" deal? You know, the one where the taxpayers subsidize you purchase of a new car, if you trade in your old one? Well, maybe you shouldn't be so fast on the pedal there. Seems like the bureaucrats running things changed the very definition of clunker before they allowed all those stolen dollars to be given out. From Jalopnik comes this bit of news.

EPA Secretly Changing MPG Numbers Ahead Of Cash For Clunkers, Screwing Consumers

Consumers hoping to trade in their old "clunkers" for new vehicles through the Cash for Clunkers (or CARS) program are discovering the EPA changed fuel economy numbers for some cars last week, making it impossible to trade them in!

New Jersey resident Jeff Chase was considering trading in his 1989 Mazda 929 for a new car and checked the government's FuelEconomy.gov website and it said it met the 18 MPG threshold to be considered a gas-guzzling clunker. He went back later to buy the new car only to discover the numbers had been changed and the combined mileage was now 19 MPG and therefore disqualified from the discount.

"The dealer that I wanted to do business with had started to write sales orders for cars but were not delivering them until the final CARS rules were set," said Jeff Chance. "They are finding out that cars that they thought were qualified as trade-ins are no longer eligible. Now these people will not be able to purchase a car."

Ah, the government. They get some peoples hopes up then dash them on the rocks of bureaucratic reality. Now, that some Hope and Change for you. Things only mean what the government says they do.

Technorati Tags:
Cars, EPA, Libertarian, Obama

Want A Free Book? It's Yours!

2009-06-15T14:28:00.005-04:00

J. Neil Schulman has made his best work to date available as a free download. That's right, "Alongside Night", quite possibly one of the best libertarian and anarcho-capitalist novel written, winner of the Prometheus Award, is now available free. Get thee hence, download it and read it. If you haven't read it before you're in for a treat. If you have read it before, now you have a new electronic version to peruse. If you've lost access to television, due to the digital switch, now you've got something to occupy your time. If you still have TV, take the time to read a good book! You won't regret it. This one's a winner and well worth the time.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, Alongside Night, Free Book, Anarcho-Capitalism

200 Years Of Paine

2009-06-08T10:33:00.006-04:00

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Thomas Paine, American revolutionary, firebrand and radical. While the country that his words inspired has been begun an uncontrolled descent into socialist inspired totalitarianism, his words should still resonate with those who hold some semblance of hope in the future. His seminal work, "Common Sense" is, by necessity, needed more today than ever before. Would that we had the necessary thousands of people infected by his words today. We would be better served and have more than a gram of hope that things will not only get better, but would advance us into a place of renewed vigor, with no more government than a man can stand.

SOME writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness POSITIVELY by uniting our affections, the latter NEGATIVELY by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.

Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one: for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries BY A GOVERNMENT, which we might expect in a country WITHOUT GOVERNMENT, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer. Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise. For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver; but that not being the case, he finds it necessary to surrender up a part of his property to furnish means for the protection of the rest; and this he is induced to do by the same prudence which in every other case advises him, out of two evils to choose the least. Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others.

In order to gain a clear and just idea of the design and end of government, let us suppose a small number of persons settled in some sequestered part of the earth, unconnected with the rest; they will then represent the first peopling of any country, or of the world. In this state of natural liberty, society will be their first thought. A thousand motives will excite them thereto; the strength of one man is so unequal to his wants, and his mind so unfitted for perpetual solitude, that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief of another, who in his turn requires the same. Four or five united would be able to raise a tolerable dwelling in the midst of a wilderness, but one man might labour out the common period of life without accomplishing any thing; when he had felled his timber he could not remove it, nor erect it after it was removed; hunger in the mean time would urge him to quit his work, and every different want would call him a different way. Disease, nay even misfortune, would be death; for, though neither might be mortal, yet either would disable him from living, and reduce him to a state in which he might rather be said to perish than to die.

Thus necessity, like a gravitating power, would soon form our newly arrived emigrants into society, the reciprocal blessings of which would supersede, and render the obligations of law and government unnecessary while they remained perfectly just to each other; but as nothing but Heaven is impregnable to vice, it will unavoidably happen that in proportion as they surmount the first difficulties of emigration, which bound them together in a common cause, they will begin to relax in their duty and attachment to each other: and this remissness will point out the necessity of establishing some form of government to supply the defect of moral virtue.

Some convenient tree will afford them a State House, under the branches of which the whole Colony may assemble to deliberate on public matters. It is more than probable that their first laws will have the title only of Regulations and be enforced by no other penalty than public disesteem. In this first parliament every man by natural right will have a seat.

Take a moment today and read, or reread the words of the original American Firebrand. Do not let the spirit of his words pass unnoticed. Mr. Paine named his pamphlet "Common Sense" for a good reason. It is something we need a great deal more of, now more than ever. Some might contend that his words are outdated and unnecessary. They could not be more wrong, no matter how hard they try. Mr. Paine wrote from a time when the word Liberty actually meant something. Here's hoping that the that time comes 'round again soon.

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Libertarian, Thomas Paine, Common Sense, Freedom, Liberty, Government

Something Wicked This Way Comes

2009-05-29T16:37:00.009-04:00

我想昧耳，昧心，變石頭・我想昧耳，昧心，变石头
Wo shang mei er, mei xin, bian shi tou. Please God, make me a stone. - River Tam, Serenity

We are all going to enter into a new and devastating world sooner than we wish and our children and grandchildren will be the ones bearing the burdens of today's willful ignorance. USA Today reported that the current US debt has risen another 12%, to a whopping $63.8 trillion, and the destructive spending coming from Washington and the cretins who dwell there shows no signs of slowing. The new President is more than willing to not only continue spending, but to add more trillions of dollars in debt to further his destructive socialist agenda.

The latest increase raises federal obligations to a record $546,668 per household in 2008, according to the USA TODAY analysis. That's quadruple what the average U.S. household owes for all mortgages, car loans, credit cards and other debt combined.

"We have a huge implicit mortgage on every household in America — except, unlike a real mortgage, it's not backed up by a house," says David Walker, former U.S. comptroller general, the government's top auditor.

USA TODAY used federal data to compute all government liabilities, from Treasury bonds to Medicare to military pensions.

Bottom line: The government took on $6.8 trillion in new obligations in 2008, pushing the total owed to a record $63.8 trillion.

The numbers measure what's needed today — set aside in a lump sum, earning interest — to pay benefits that won't be covered by future taxes.

Despite these numbers, which the politicians must know about, unless they are blind, deaf, dumb and illiterate, Obama and his regime plan on saddling us with a multi-trillion dollar "health care" system, as well as other programs that will push this country, and everyone in it, further into soul crushing debt. Children as yet unborn will enter the world 10's, if not 100's of thousands of dollars in debt. They will spend their lives in toil to repay a the money that politicians and their supporters saddle them with today. They shall live, work and die as debtors for the governments follies.

Even if the government were to tax everyone at 100%, this debt would never be able to be repaid. This country may be left with no other recourse than to repudiate the debts foisted on us by this and past regimes and declare bankruptcy as a nation. That is something we are likely to never recover from.

The people leading us to this fiscally irresponsible horror have no care for the future, beyond maintaining their power through the broken electoral system. They will continue their assault on us, despite the fact that The Great Leader admits that the country is broke. When and where will it end? We will either have to harden our hearts and become stones to bear this or it will end in violence when no more may be borne by the peasantry.

We may well be past the point where there are "libertarian" or "conservative" or any political solution for this. Ceasing spending alone is not the answer. That $63.8 trillion will still be out there hanging over our heads like the sword of Damocles. Only a dismantling of government, programs and entitlements will have any effect. Even that is unlikely to do the job, since people will inevitably wish for "pragmatism" and a slow dismantling, (which is unlikely, as they'll wish to maintain their power base and the bureaucracy).

I fear for my children and theirs to come. The world they will inhabit will be vastly worse than that we once inhabited. Thanks entirely to politicians and their quests for power.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, National Debt, Obama, Spending

Sometimes You Should Listen To The Fans

2009-05-26T16:47:00.005-04:00

The Green Lantern Movie has been in development for a while now and nothing is set in stone, as of yet. A truly talented fan has come forward and made a very convincing case for Nathan Fillion to head up the movies starring role, Hal Jordan. They've also made one of the best fan made movie trailers I've ever seen. Personally, I think the case is made. As a Fillion fan and a Green Lantern fan I think he would bring just what is needed to the role. Hey, producers and director! Listen up! This is gold!

We loved Fillion in Firefly and Serenity and there's just no doubt that he's the man for the role.

via I09

Technorati Tags:
DC Comics, Nathan Fillion, Green Lantern

Yet Another Soda Tax

2009-05-12T15:55:00.006-04:00

First it was the governor of New York, wanting to raise more money for his dwindling coffers. Now it's the current regime and Obama who want to impose yet another tax on people and their carbonated beverages in order to help him fund his socialised medicine scheme.

Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks to help pay for an overhaul of the nation's health-care system.

The taxes would pay for only a fraction of the cost to expand health-insurance coverage to all Americans and would face strong opposition from the beverage industry. They also could spark a backlash from consumers who would have to pay several cents more for a soft drink.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee is set to hear proposals from about a dozen experts about how to pay for the comprehensive health-care overhaul that President Barack Obama wants to enact this year. Early estimates put the cost of the plan at around $1.2 trillion. The administration has so far only earmarked funds for about half of that amount.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington-based watchdog group that pressures food companies to make healthier products, plans to propose a federal excise tax on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages. Excise taxes are levied on goods and manufacturers typically pass them on to consumers.

Senior staff members for some Democratic senators at the center of the effort to craft health-care legislation are weighing the idea behind closed doors, Senate aides said.

The Congressional Budget Office, which is providing lawmakers with cost estimates for each potential change in the health overhaul, included the option in a broad report on health-system financing in December. The office estimated that adding a tax of three cents per 12-ounce serving to these types of sweetened drinks would generate $24 billion over the next four years. So far, lawmakers have not indicated how big a tax they are considering.

Mr. Obama and his bureaucratic cohorts are willing to add a "sin tax" on people who just want a few joyous moments with a frosty non-alcoholic beverage. This is just the opening salvo in his tax and spend health rationing plans. No doubt other onerous taxes lay in wait in the wings to fund this debacle. Fat taxes, fast food taxes, non-organic food taxes, organic food taxes and more are likely to rear their ugly heads, just to fund Obama's "health care" plans.

If they pass this one without resistance we can rest assured that they will see this as a sign of weakness and will rush to impose even more taxation measures. That's just the way these people work. Give them an inch and they want a mile. It's only a few cents, right? It's always a few cents here and there, and then pretty soon it's a whole dollar. Every soda you buy today already has embedded taxes in it that the companies have to pass along to the consumer. Fuel taxes, local, state and federal taxes, payroll taxes and a wide variety of incremental taxes that range from local to the federal levels. The politicians are counting on us not caring about " a few cents more". Well, I care.

You should, too. This taxation will be used to fund government controlled medicine. It doesn't work anywhere else in the world, why would we think that a Chicago politician would be able to do any better than anyone else? I certainly don't want the government controlling and rationing health care. They do a lousy job of it already and are more than partially responsible for most of the problems that we do see in our current system. No thanks. Keep your hands of my health care and my little pleasures in life.

Technorati Tags:
Taxation, Obama, Root Beer, Soda, Libertarian

Happy Patriots Day!

2009-04-18T22:50:00.001-04:00

Today marks the 234th anniversary of the "Shot Heard 'Round The World". The opening salvo of the American War of Independence occurred on April 19th, 1775 . It is also the date of the first battle against gun control. The only difference was that the enemy government then was the British Crown and not our own "American" politicians, (politicians who have actually sworn an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and, by extension, the Bill of Rights). The British sent their standing army of Regulars to seize the arms of the militia at Concord. Too bad for them that the word of their plans had already been spread far and wide. The weapons were already long gone and the militia had been alerted. What came next is history that should never be forgotten. Especially by those who occupy seats of power and would disarm the populace.

About 700 British Army regulars, under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith, were given secret orders to capture and destroy military supplies that were reportedly stored by the Massachusetts militia at Concord. Through effective intelligence gathering, Patriot colonials had received word weeks before the expedition that their supplies might be at risk, and had moved most of them to other locations. They also received details about British plans on the night before the battle, and were able to rapidly notify the area militias of the military movement.

The first shots were fired just as the sun was rising at Lexington. The militia were outnumbered and fell back, and the regulars proceeded on to Concord, where they searched for the supplies. At the North Bridge in Concord, several hundred militiamen fought and defeated three companies of the King's troops. The outnumbered regulars fell back from the Minutemen after a pitched battle in open territory.

More Minutemen arrived soon thereafter and inflicted heavy damage on the regulars as they marched back towards Boston. Upon returning to Lexington, Smith's expedition was rescued by reinforcements under Hugh, Earl Percy. A combined force of about 1,700 men marched back to Boston under heavy fire in a tactical withdrawal and eventually reached the safety of Charlestown. The accumulated militias blockaded the narrow land accesses to Charlestown and Boston, starting the Siege of Boston.

The greatest army in the world was turned away by farmers, shopkeepers, smithy's and other "commoners". We stand today because men with courage and fortitude stood against the powers that be and fought back to defend that most basic of rights. The right to keep and bear arms for defence of self and community. Those who would repeat the folly of the Kings men should remember this and hold it as a solid truth. History does repeat itself when necessary. When diplomacy and politics fail the heroes of Patriots Day will stand as inspiration and example to us all.

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

While we shall be celebrating Patriots Day today, we can rest assured that those within the Washington, D.C. Beltway will not be paying their respects on this day. This is not a day of reverence for them, it is one of fear.

Technorati Tags:
Patriots Day, Gun Control, Revolution, Libertarian

When Seconds Count

2009-04-04T14:07:00.007-04:00

Once again we have a large scale killing in a victim disarmament zone and it is pointed out just why individuals should exercise their natural born right to self defence. In Binghamton, NY a madman named Jiverly Wong (Voong) armed himself with two handguns (not a rifle, as many press sources initially indicated yesterday), and entered an immigrant aid centre and murdered 13 people. He then took his own life. Similar incidents have occurred before and likely will occur again, especially in places where the would be victims are disarmed by politicians and the police. New York state is a vicitm disarmament zone from border to border, denying New Yorkers the basic liberty of self defence at all times.

It is painfully obvious from this, and similar incidents, that the police are worse than useless. They, fearing for their own safety will not act until it is too late. In this case they took over 90 minutes to enter the building where Mr. Wong committed his murders.

The chief defended the time it took officers to go into the building -- an hour to 90 minutes.

"If some crazy lunatic decides to pick up a gun and go someplace and start shooting people, I really don't have the answer how long for us that could prevent anything like that," Zikuski said.

"What I will tell you is that the police did the right thing," he said. "We have procedures and protocols."

Their "procedures and protocols" insure that innocents die while madmen wreak havoc. The only way to insure that this does not happen to you is to exercise your right to defend yourself and those around you, at all times. Maybe you'll break some asinine law crafted by those who would aid and abet murderers, but it most certainly beats the alternative now, doesn't it? Of course you could always play dead, while bleeding from an abdominal wound and then talk to the cops on the phone, while they wait for things to wrap up. I know what I would choose.

Whether you carry "legally" or freely, doesn't matter. What does matter is that you avail yourself of the right at all times. None of the poor souls who were so callously murdered in Binghamton were armed, in fact I would venture to guess that in the course of their "civics" courses their right to defend themselves and others were conveniently overlooked by the instructors. And that's a shame. A greater shame is that people like the Brady Bunch are once again, dancing in the blood of fresh victims to call for the further disarming of Americans and even more will suffer because of their agenda. As we can see, disarming served no-one well in Binghamton and it won't serve any of us either, no matter where we live.

Technorati Tags
Jiverly Voong, Gun Control, Police, News, Libertarian

Government To The Extreme

2009-03-31T13:57:00.004-04:00

What do you call it when the government goes into a business and resets all the salaries for you, even if you already have contractual obligations that you have committed to? It certainly isn't the form of government our Constitution was crafted for. In fact, it sounds downright...hmmm....what's the word I'm looking for? Starts with a C or maybe an F? Oh, well. I'm sure it'll come to me soon enough. Whatever it is, it's certainly being embraced by the Democrat majority in Washington, led by the Spitter in Chief, Barney Frank. They're actually planning on going into private companies and setting the salaries themselves, from top to bottom. The government will now determine what employees should be paid.

But now, in a little-noticed move, the House Financial Services Committee, led by chairman Barney Frank, has approved a measure that would, in some key ways, go beyond the most draconian features of the original AIG bill. The new legislation, the "Pay for Performance Act of 2009," would impose government controls on the pay of all employees -- not just top executives -- of companies that have received a capital investment from the U.S. government. It would, like the tax measure, be retroactive, changing the terms of compensation agreements already in place. And it would give Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner extraordinary power to determine the pay of thousands of employees of American companies.

The purpose of the legislation is to "prohibit unreasonable and excessive compensation and compensation not based on performance standards," according to the bill's language. That includes regular pay, bonuses -- everything -- paid to employees of companies in whom the government has a capital stake, including those that have received funds through the Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The measure is not limited just to those firms that received the largest sums of money, or just to the top 25 or 50 executives of those companies. It applies to all employees of all companies involved, for as long as the government is invested. And it would not only apply going forward, but also retroactively to existing contracts and pay arrangements of institutions that have already received funds.

In addition, the bill gives Geithner the authority to decide what pay is "unreasonable" or "excessive." And it directs the Treasury Department to come up with a method to evaluate "the performance of the individual executive or employee to whom the payment relates."

The bill passed the Financial Services Committee last week, 38 to 22, on a nearly party-line vote. (All Democrats voted for it, and all Republicans, with the exception of Reps. Ed Royce of California and Walter Jones of North Carolina, voted against it.)

Any bets that this abomination passes and gets signed into law by the Great Leader? He's already made steps to take over other industries. It's that kind of world now, not one to be proud of. And these people wonder why guns and ammo are flying off the shelves.

Technorati Tags
Barney Frank, Libertarian, News, Obama

Yet Another Algore Symp Arises

2009-03-24T16:48:00.003-04:00

It never fails to surprise me the lengths to which some of the eco-religious nuts in Western society are willing to go to support their pet causes. From old Blighty comes a new nutcase, Jonathon Porritt who wants to see not so Great Britain's population decimated to Victorian levels. In the name of "sustainability" he wishes to see the population of the British Isles brought down to 30 million.

JONATHON PORRITT, one of Gordon Brown’s leading green advisers, is to warn that Britain must drastically reduce its population if it is to build a sustainable society.

Porritt’s call will come at this week’s annual conference of the Optimum Population Trust (OPT), of which he is patron.

The trust will release research suggesting UK population must be cut to 30m if the country wants to feed itself sustainably.

Porritt said: “Population growth, plus economic growth, is putting the world under terrible pressure.
“Each person in Britain has far more impact on the environment than those in developing countries so cutting our population is one way to reduce that impact.”

Population growth is one of the most politically sensitive environmental problems. The issues it raises, including religion, culture and immigration policy, have proved too toxic for most green groups.

However, Porritt is winning scientific backing. Professor Chris Rapley, director of the Science Museum, will use the OPT conference, to be held at the Royal Statistical Society, to warn that population growth could help derail attempts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

This is what happens when cultists, masquerading as scientists are allowed out of their towers. Despite the fact that there is plenty of food being produced globally he would rather see half the population of the Great Britain lain in the grave, rather then inconvenience the "globe". Who will be the first to line of for Carousel? Should they hold a lottery? Or shall it come from some cultist driven laboratory in the form of a virus unleashed in the name of Gaia?

The West must exterminate itself in the eyes of the neo-Malthusians to make way for the hordes of the third world. Fear the state, but fear the Global Warming cultists even more. They have co-opted the power of the state and are willing to ready the ovens again to suit their agenda. No thanks, Mr. Porritt. I would suggest, tho that if you truly hold to your convictions you take the first logical step and remove yourself from the equation. Lead by example.

Technorati Tags
Global Warming Scam, Malthusians, Al Gore, Genocide

Refund ALL The AIG Bonuses

2009-03-17T16:08:00.004-04:00

There's quite a foofaraw going on right now over the employee bonuses that AIG is contractually obligated to pay out. I must say that they everyone who's received funding from AIG should be obligated to return those funds. Let's start with the politicians in D.C. before we even get to the AIG employees, shall we? If anyone needs to see who is truly responsible for the current misdirection it is none other than Chris Dodd, AIG's #1 recipient of funds and crafter of the bailout. Pshew...what's that smell?

Name Office Total Contributions
Dodd, Chris (D-CT) Senate $103,100
Obama, Barack (D-IL) Senate $101,332
McCain, John (R-AZ) Senate $59,499
Clinton, Hillary (D-NY) Senate $35,965
Baucus, Max (D-MT) Senate $24,750
Romney, Mitt (R) Pres $20,850
Biden, Joseph (D-DE) Senate $19,975
Larson, John B (D-CT) House $19,750
Sununu, John E (R-NH) Senate $18,500
Giuliani, Rudolph W (R) Pres $13,200
Kanjorski, Paul E (D-PA) House $12,000
Durbin, Dick (D-IL) Senate $11,000
Perlmutter, Edwin G (D-CO) House $10,500
Rangel, Charles B (D-NY) House $9,000
Edwards, John (D) Pres $7,850
Corker, Bob (R-TN) Senate $7,400
Smith, Chris (R-NJ) House $6,900
Neal, Richard E (D-MA) House $6,500
Rockefeller, Jay (D-WV) Senate $6,500
Reed, Jack (D-RI) Senate $6,000
Udall, Mark (D-CO) House $5,800
Maffei, Dan (D-NY) House $5,000
Nelson, Bill (D-FL) Senate $5,000
Warner, Mark (D-VA) Senate $5,000

And that's just the folks who took over $5K. Seems like there should be a lot of folks refunding money to AIG, if there weren't so many hypocrits in D.C. Apparently, no-one in D.C. can even stay bought these days. Guess there really isn't any honour or loyalty amongst thieves.

Technorati Tags
AIG, Democrats, Bailout, Libertarian

Just A Reminder

2009-03-08T17:13:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it needs to be said, again and again and again, until some people get it. No-one has said it better than L. Neil Smith.

A libertarian is a person who believes that no one has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force against another human being for any reason whatever; nor will a libertarian advocate the initiation of force, or delegate it to anyone else.

Those who act consistently with this principle are libertarians, whether they realize it or not. Those who fail to act consistently with it are not libertarians, regardless of what they may claim.
— L. Neil Smith

Yes. Libertarians are strong believers in property rights. We believe in self determination. A strong belief in right of self defence is a core belief. But, nowhere will you find a real libertarian who espouses genocide or the wanton destruction of innocents. These are not libertarian principles and they are a deal breaker. If you talk up actions such as these it doesn't matter if you agree with 80 or 90 % of other libertarian values. You. Aren't. A. Libertarian.

The very word is being watered down till it is becoming unrecognizable. People and politicians are calling themselves libertarians, even when it is painfully obvious that they are conservatives or even neo-conservatives. These people are damaging the brand beyond belief and it has to stop. The worst offenders may well be ensconced within the Washington Beltway in the Libertarian Party offices. That particular branch has seemingly been taken over by refugee Republicans or something similar. They certainly don't speak like libertarians and they avoid issues that libertarians are actually concerned with. If this is political expediency then it needs to be abandoned at all levels.

Too many libertarians are concerned with projecting a political image that doesn't frighten the plebs. It's too bad that they have forgotten that libertarianism is, by its very nature, a radical philosophy. Much like the Declaration of Independence was, and is, a radical document written by a radical man. It's time that libertarians started reclaiming their philosophy from the poseurs. It's time to point out that not everyone who says they're a libertarian is. If we don't stop the rot then the damage will be fatal. It may not be too late, but time is running short. It's time to call out the pretenders.

UPDATE: I meant to add a link to this in the main body yesterday, but it just didn't make it. Even the founder of the LP thinks it may be too late to save it.

Technorati Tags
Libertarian, Nerf Libertarians

The Opening Salvo

2009-02-26T09:51:00.008-05:00

Well, it's official now. Attorney General Eric Holder has officially announced the Obama regimes intention to the re-institute the expired "Assault Weapons Ban". Not because there is any rise in use of semi-automatic rifles in crimes in the U.S.. Nope, he wants it re-instituted because Mexico is falling apart under the strain of the failed War On Drugs.

The Obama administration will seek to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 during the Bush administration, Attorney General Eric Holder said today. "As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons," Holder told reporters.

Holder said that putting the ban back in place would not only be a positive move by the United States, it would help cut down on the flow of guns going across the border into Mexico, which is struggling with heavy violence among drug cartels along the border.

"I think that will have a positive impact in Mexico, at a minimum." Holder said at a news conference on the arrest of more than 700 people in a drug enforcement crackdown on Mexican drug cartels operating in the U.S.

Mr. Holder and Mr. Obama wish to further the infringement of our rights because a neighbouring country is falling apart. Because violence along the border is escalating and is already spilling over that border, they wish to disarm the very people who may need semi-automatic rifles for protection.

The Obama administration had best pay heed to the words of those out in the real world. Folks aren't going to take disarmament well and there will likely be repercussions. Hopefully, those repercussions will be at the ballot box and not in the streets. Firearms sales of semi-autos are already at an all time high, in anticipation of just such an announcement from the Obama administration. What do these bureaucrats think the reaction will be should they manage to pass another useless firearms ban? Sad to say, but these people are so stupid that they cannot even see beyond their own noses where this issue is concerned. They'd best get new glasses that let them see reality, rather than the world they exist in inside the Beltway.

I wonder if the NRA is regretting not opposing Eric Holders nomination now? Or are they still suffering from Beltway Blindness? And what will the response be from the Libertarian Party? Will they actually join in the fray for once?

For more on this join the discussion over at David Codrea's Examiner column. No doubt there will be lots to be said there and at Digg. This is just the warning shot, the battle is still to come.

Technorati Tags:
2nd Amendment, Eric Holder, Assault Weapons Ban, Obama, News, Libertarian, Mexico, Guns, Drug War

UPDATE: Nancy Pelosi weighs in and denies any push to reenact the AWB. Of course her lips were moving and we all know what that means.

Attorney General Eric Holder raised the prospect Wednesday that the administration would push to bring back the ban. But Pelosi (D-Calif.) indicated on Thursday that he never talked to her. The Speaker gave a flat “no” when asked if she had talked to administration officials about the ban.

“On that score, I think we need to enforce the laws we have right now,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference.

Bailout Redux

2009-02-15T16:21:00.003-05:00

With a deadline looming for their restructuring plans GM is waving the bankruptcy flag again.

General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), nearing a Tuesday deadline to present a viability plan to the U.S. government, is considering as one option a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that would create a new company, the Wall Street Journal said in its Saturday edition.

"One plan includes a Chapter 11 filing that would assemble all of GM's viable assets, including some U.S. brands and international operations, into a new company," the newspaper said. "The undesirable assets would be liquidated or sold under protection of a bankruptcy court. Contracts with bondholders, unions, dealers and suppliers would also be reworked."

Citing "people familiar with the matter," the story said that GM could also ask for additional government funds to stave off a bankruptcy filing.

Considering that the UAW just walked out on their talks with GM, my guess is that they'll head back to Capitol Hill for another feeding session at the trough. I don't think that the Beltway Boys and Girls are going to let them declare bankruptcy. After all, "something has to be done" is their mantra these days. It would be nice if they'd just back away and let the market work out the way it's supposed to. This country has bankruptcy laws for a reason, let's let them work this time around, instead of throwing more taxpayer dollars at the problem and piling on the debt. And, while we're at it let's obey the Constitution limits that are supposedly in place. I can't find anything in it that says the government is authorised to bail out failed companies with money they took from us.

Technorati Tags:
News, Libertarian, GM, Bailout

Rushing To Disaster

2009-02-13T12:35:00.004-05:00

So, both houses of Congress are set to vote on their "stimulus" package. Too bad they're going to vote on something that none of them have freakin' bothered to read! Or will have the time to read.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) predicted on Thursday that none of his Senate colleagues would "have the chance" to read the entire final version of the $790-billion stimulus bill before the bill comes up for a final vote in Congress.

“No, I don’t think anyone will have the chance to [read the entire bill],” Lautenberg told CNSNews.com.

The final bill, crafted by a House-Senate conference committee, was posted on the Website of the House Appropriations Committe late Thurday in two PDF files.

The first PDF was 424 pages long and the second PDF was 575 pages long, making the total bill 999 pages long. The House is expected to vote on this 999-page bill Friday, and the Senate either later Friday or Saturday. [Editor's note: The first PDF, as posted on the House Appropriations Committee website as of 8:20 AM Friday morning, had grown by 72 pages to 496 pages, increasing the length of the total document to 1,071 pages.]

Of the several senators that CNSNews.com interviewed on Thursday, only Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) claimed to have read the entire bill--and he was speaking of the preliminary version that had been approved by the Senate, not the final 999-page version that the House-Senate conference committee was still haggling over on Thursday afternoon.

When CNSNews.com asked members of both parties on Capitol Hill on Thursday whether they had read the full, final bill, not one member could say, "Yes."

Why the rush? Well, as is being reported by Drudge, it's all because of Nacy Pelosi and a planned Europe junket to Italy and other parts, so she can receive an award from the Italians.

Rep. John Culberson, TX claims the "stimulus" bill must be urgently voted on today -- because Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leaving at 6:00 PM for an 8 day trip to Europe!

Culberson made the charge on Houston's KSEV radio.

Pelosi is hoping to lead a delegation to Europe; there's a meeting with the Pope and an award from an Italian legislative group.

Calls to Pelosi's spokesman went unreturned.

In the rushing, Democrats have now broken their promise to have the public see the $790 billion bill for 48 hours before any vote.

They, those people who are going to rush to vote on this measure, are going to throw us into the fire of debt for political gain. It's not like this "stimulus" is going to actually work. Quite the opposite, in fact. This will do more damage to our economy than doing nothing would. Even though it is unlikely to work in any substantive way, give your Congressional "representatives" a call or an email on this. Demand that they not vote until the bill has been read and understood. And then vote no. We, and our children cannot afford this bill.

Technorati Tags:
News, Politics, Stimulus, Obama, Libertarian

American Lenin

2009-02-12T13:27:00.003-05:00

In "honour" of Lincoln's Birthday, an article by L. Neil Smith on the tyrant.

It's harder and harder these days to tell a liberal from a conservative -- given the former category's increasingly blatant hostility toward the First Amendment, and the latter's prissy new disdain for the Second Amendment -- but it's still easy to tell a liberal from a libertarian.

Just ask about either Amendment.

If what you get back is a spirited defense of the ideas of this country's Founding Fathers, what you've got is a libertarian. By shameful default, libertarians have become America's last and only reliable stewards of the Bill of Rights.

But if -- and this usually seems a bit more difficult to most people -- you'd like to know whether an individual is a libertarian or a conservative, ask about Abraham Lincoln.

Suppose a woman -- with plenty of personal faults herself, let that be stipulated -- desired to leave her husband: partly because he made a regular practice, in order to go out and get drunk, of stealing money she had earned herself by raising chickens or taking in laundry; and partly because he'd already demonstrated a proclivity for domestic violence the first time she'd complained about his stealing.

Now, when he stood in the doorway and beat her to a bloody pulp to keep her home, would we memorialize him as a hero? Or would we treat him like a dangerous lunatic who should be locked up, if for no other reason, then for trying to maintain the appearance of a relationship where there wasn't a relationship any more? What value, we would ask, does he find in continuing to possess her in an involuntary association, when her heart and mind had left him long ago?

History tells us that Lincoln was a politically ambitious lawyer who eagerly prostituted himself to northern industrialists who were unwilling to pay world prices for their raw materials and who, rather than practice real capitalism, enlisted brute government force -- "sell to us at our price or pay a fine that'll put you out of business" -- for dealing with uncooperative southern suppliers. That's what a tariff's all about. In support of this "noble principle", when southerners demonstrated what amounted to no more than token resistance, Lincoln permitted an internal war to begin that butchered more Americans than all of this country's foreign wars -- before or afterward -- rolled into one.

Lincoln saw the introduction of total war on the American continent -- indiscriminate mass slaughter and destruction without regard to age, gender, or combat status of the victims -- and oversaw the systematic shelling and burning of entire cities for strategic and tactical purposes. For the same purposes, Lincoln declared, rather late in the war, that black slaves were now free in the south -- where he had no effective jurisdiction -- while declaring at the same time, somewhat more quietly but for the record nonetheless, that if maintaining slavery could have won his war for him, he'd have done that, instead.

More at the source.

Hopefully, we'll never see his like again.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, Lincoln, Politics

Government Health Care Is Here

2009-02-10T13:19:00.006-05:00

Well, the Senate has passed Obama's spending bill, along with the tons of pork. It won't do any good, in the short or long term, but that's seemingly neither here nor there. Hidden amongst the hundreds of unread pages in this disaster is something much worse than all that spending. The politicians and Obama have managed to place a national health care scheme into this bill (.pdf). One in which the government, (not you and your physician) will determine what therapy you should receive. Thousands of people will be sentenced to death by the governments health "care" Tsar and their bureaucracy.

The bill’s health rules will affect “every individual in the United States” (445, 454, 479). Your medical treatments will be tracked electronically by a federal system. Having electronic medical records at your fingertips, easily transferred to a hospital, is beneficial. It will help avoid duplicate tests and errors.

But the bill goes further. One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446). These provisions in the stimulus bill are virtually identical to what Daschle prescribed in his 2008 book, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” According to Daschle, doctors have to give up autonomy and “learn to operate less like solo practitioners.”

Keeping doctors informed of the newest medical findings is important, but enforcing uniformity goes too far.

New Penalties

Hospitals and doctors that are not “meaningful users” of the new system will face penalties. “Meaningful user” isn’t defined in the bill. That will be left to the HHS secretary, who will be empowered to impose “more stringent measures of meaningful use over time” (511, 518, 540-541)

The worlds best health care system just became a thing of the past, unless people can somehow persuade their politicians to yank this abomination from the bill, which the Senate and House will have to agree to. Do not expect Indiana's Evan Bayh to object to this, (he voted yes). He's a strong proponent of bigger, more intrusive government, like Mr. Obama. "Universal health care" is here.

Don't get sick in the future. Unless you want some government employee deciding your health care options for you.

Technorati Tags:
News, Stimulus, Universal Health Care, Obama

Indiana Is A Failure. Thank Goodness!

2009-02-06T17:13:00.006-05:00

The Brady Bunch has posted their ratings for 2008 and Indiana is an abysmal failure when it comes to infringing on the rights of the people who live there.

Now if we can only work on getting rid of their partial ratings we'll be a lot better off. I must say that I am rather pleased with the results, although I think Indiana is capable of a great big zero next year if we really try. The state needs to be stripped of the ability to keep records of gun sales and cities and towns need to rescind local ordinances that infringe on the right to carry in many locations.

We also need Vermont or Alaska style carry laws that would do away with the current permit system and return Indiana to a Constitutional position on firearms and self defence. Alaska scored a 4 out of 100, surely the Hoosier state can do better than Alaska? It's certainly something for libertarians to get behind. Let's be the biggest losers in the country next year!

Technorati Tags:
Guns, News, Gun Control, Libertarian, Indiana

Clear And Present Danger?

2009-02-05T13:09:00.005-05:00

So, it appears that our Glorious Leader truly wants his "stimulus package" to go through, no matter how pork laden it is. He's even gone out of his way to address the issue in the Washington Post with an article on it which is filled with scaremongering. That's a big play to make this early in his tenure.

Because each day we wait to begin the work of turning our economy around, more people lose their jobs, their savings and their homes. And if nothing is done, this recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.

The only problem is that his bill is laden with pork to the tune of a trillion dollars and more is being added every minute. Millions for the arts, billions for failed education policies and billions for projects that are nothing more than long ignored earmarks. And it will all be for naught as this is highly unlikely to work as he would have it. The only job growth we will see will be in the area of government and socialism, cancerous growths we can do without.

I would say that you should contact your Senators, (as I did) and demand that they vote No on this boondoggle. Unfortunately, it is likely to make no difference in how they will vote. They no longer care what you think and will either vote a party line or vote against what the majority of their constituents demand. Representative government has become a myth, one which we cling to in vain hope.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Politics, News, Stimulus

Repent Soda Sinners!

2009-01-31T12:42:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the governor of Massachusetts thinks that those of us who like to consume a few "empty calories" via a Root Beer or Soda are sinners and in need of additional taxation. It's yet another, in a long line of attempts at behaviour modification by the powers that be to encourage us to act and consume the way they wish us to. At the same time these nanny staters want to fill their coffers by taxing the population segment that they wish to modify.

When Governor Deval Patrick proposed a 5 percent premium on sugary treats this week, his administration presented it as a sin tax with a bonus: Imposing such a levy, a briefing paper pledged, "is a critical first step in discouraging the consumption of these empty calories."

Thankfully, I am not a resident of Taxachusettes, nor am I likely to ever be, but the innocent people who like a good Soda, or one of the excellent regional Root Beers have to bear the burden of these nonsensical do-gooders. Enough is enough, isn't it? Once upon a time there were some Bostonians who had the courage to protest a tax increase on their beverage of choice. Where are those people now? If you won't protest a 5% tax on your Soda or Root Beer then what will you speak out against? Very little, it seems.

Technorati Tags:
Taxation, Root Beer, Soda, Massachusetts

The Newer Deal

2009-01-28T16:22:00.007-05:00

"Never let a serious crisis go to waste. What I mean by that is it's an opportunity to do things you couldn't do before." - White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel

So starts the Wall Street Journal article on the newly crafted spending bill, excuse me, "stimulus package" created by the Obama administration and his Democrat allies on the Hill. This new package (.pdf) is anything but a stimulus for the economy. What it really is, is pork and more pork, piled on top of spending with a bare minimum of tax cuts.

There's $1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn't turned a profit in 40 years; $2 billion for child-care subsidies; $50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts; $400 million for global-warming research and another $2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects. There's even $650 million on top of the billions already doled out to pay for digital TV conversion coupons.

In selling the plan, President Obama has said this bill will make "dramatic investments to revive our flagging economy." Well, you be the judge. Some $30 billion, or less than 5% of the spending in the bill, is for fixing bridges or other highway projects. There's another $40 billion for broadband and electric grid development, airports and clean water projects that are arguably worthwhile priorities.

This package provides $.12 of every dollar for anything that could reasonably be stimulating to the economy. The rest is favouritism and pork. And we, along with our children, will be the ones paying for this boondoggle. That's not including all the amendments getting tacked on, either. 206 by the Houses deadline. The Senate hasn't even had their chance to balloon this monstrosity by adding their own personal touches.

This package is worse than the previous one and will have no effect on the ailing economy. the majority of the spending won't even take effect until 2011. That's unlikely to help anyone who needs aid, not that the government is actually capable of doing anything substantive in that area.
As the Houses perennial gadfly points out...

This bill delivers an additional debt burden of $6,700 to every American man, woman and child.

There is a lot of stimulus and growth in this bill – that is, of government. Nothing in this bill stimulates the freedom and prosperity of the American people.

All we shall accrue from Mr. Obama's plan is less liberty, more debt and a jump in the size of an already cancerous government. We owe it to ourselves and our children to oppose this in whatever manner we can. As usual, "some people" are late to the party. Maybe they'll show up before Mr. Obama signs it into law. So, it's all up to us, as usual.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, Obama, Stimulus Package, Pork

Another Brick In The Wall

2009-01-27T10:30:00.009-05:00

So, President Obama has his hand picked people going through the process of gaining their positions of power and one of the most important of them is a bad one. A really bad one.

Eric Holder, Obama’s nominee for attorney general, is hostile to civil liberties. He has previously expressed veiled support for using the misnamed “Fairness Doctrine” to squelch “conservative critiques” and “conservative media,” such as Fox News (which Holder believes is anything but “Fair and Balanced,” contrary to its slogan). The “Fairness Doctrine” is designed to shut down conservative Talk Radio.

Holder also has advocated hate-crimes legislation to prosecute people whom state prosecutors refuse to prosecute because of a lack of evidence. To justify broadening federal hate-crimes law, he cited three examples where state prosecutors refused to prosecute, citing a lack of evidence. In each, a federal jury acquitted the accused, finding them not guilty.

This doesn't even touch on his naked hatred of the 2nd Amendment and gun owners. This man is the worst of all possible worlds for libertarians and, especially for gun owners and yet there has been almost no opposition to his taking the reins at DoJ. Senator John Barrasso, (R-Wyoming) is seemingly the only one standing on his principles and opposing the nomination of Holder.

One question we do need to be asking is who else stands in opposition to this man? It's certain that the Libertarian Party doesn't. They're remarkably silent on the issue. The same cannot be said of their former Presidential candidate, Bob Barr. He has come out fully in favour of the man (.pdf) who sent armed marauders to kidnap Elian Gonzalez and who freed Puerto Rican terrorists at the behest of Bill Clinton. As things go in the LP Bob Barr speaks for the party. This means that the LP, by extension and the words of their chosen spokesperson supports placing this man in power. Silence is support.

The LP, now dominated by "pragmatists" and neo-Libertarians, stands in direct opposition to libertarian aims and goals. The time has come for them to repudiate the Republican in their midst who now acts as the face and mouth of the party. What has the LP become that they lend their tacit support to a man such as Holder? Who will stand to answer for their spokesman? No-one. Like Pilate they wash their hands and turn away. If the Libertarian Party won't stand in opposition to bad politicians then who will?

(Hat Tip to David Codrea for doing the yeoman's work)

UPDATE: Looks like the LP is playing catch up. Better late than never, I guess. Of course they didn't bother to mention any of his other egregious faults. Looks like they're falling down in the research department.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, Holder, Obama, 2nd Amendment, Bob Barr

They Ran

2009-01-24T10:41:00.003-05:00

Once again, a deranged murderer has struck on the campus of Virginia Tech. Just like last time there was no police response until after the murderer was done. Va Tech is still a victim disarmament zone, disallowing the carrying of firearms by law abiding adults.

They were sitting at a table having coffee at the Au Bon Pain cafe in the Graduate Life Center when the disturbance began shortly after 7 p.m.

Witnesses told police there was no sign of an argument between the two before the attack, Flinchum said.

Seven people -- customers and Au Bon Pain staff -- saw the attack and fled the restaurant. Two people called 911.

Flinchum said, as far as he knows, no one tried to intervene in the attack. He declined to answer questions about whether Haiyang yelled anything before or during the atttack.

Is this what we have come to? A maniac decapitates an innocent woman and everyone flees, not even attempting to render assistance. It's a sad and sick society that we live in where people flee rather than attempt to help a person in dire need. Perhaps this time Va Tech will listen and learn and remove their restrictions on basic self defence. I won't hold my breath, tho. Va Tech, and their policy, is just a symptom. The issue is really one of a sick society which has dedicated itself to willing disarmament and thrown away the concepts of self defence and responsibility. We have either become a nation of cowards or children, unwilling to do the necessary things.

Technorati Tags:
Virginia Tech, 2nd Amendment, Cowardice

All Hail The King

2009-01-20T10:33:00.003-05:00

Well, the day of anointing is upon and the teeming masses have gathered in the Beltway cesspool to witness the investiture of the 44th Great Leader. While he and his followers will spend the day celebrating his ascension to the throne, (aided in this by the media who are even now broadcasting the event non-stop over the airwaves), others, such as myself will try to avoid the event. Well, I guess we can let them have their day, since we could hardly stop the even, in any case.

Instead we can look to tomorrow, when the latest in rulers will truly begin to flex his political muscles and begin to inflict his agenda, (and that of his cohorts) upon us. It's already starting, to tell the truth. Gun control advocates have taken an early start and begun their latest assault upon our right to self defence. The supporters of socialism have already begun crafting their newest deficit busting "bailout" and releasing the remaining monies from the last one, in hopes of having it ready to be signed and enacted by Mr. Obama as soon as he ascends to the throne.

Lest we forget the Chosen Ones words during, and after the campaign, a "national service" bill has already been introduced by the Great and Powerful Ted. It's certainly far reaching, too! Moreso than the original crafted by the LightBringer.

The plan is aimed at encouraging volunteerism, from kindergarten-aged children to retirees. Employers would be eligible for tax breaks if they allow employees to take paid time off for full-time national service, while retirees would be eligible for "Encore Fellowships" subsidizing public service work.

Of course, if certain people have their way he'll have a great deal of time in which to pursue these goals. One of his fellows in Congress would like nothing better than to see the repeal of the 22nd Amendment in order to make his rule permanent. Ah, the Left....you can always count on them to go the extra mile.

Yep, We're in for some serious Hope and Change over the next few years. I don't see much Hope for Change to less government and more respect for the rights of the individual, tho. That's an unlikely scenario given the stage that's being set for us. I sure hope libertarian folk are ready for what's coming.

Tutto nello Stato, niente al di fuori dello Stato, nulla contro lo Stato

Guess we'll have to get used to it.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Inaguration, Kennedy, Libertarian

The Gun Show Phenomenon

2009-01-11T10:37:00.006-05:00

Well, as is my wont I ventured out yesterday to the Indy 1500 Gun and Knife Show. What a surprise it was, too. The crowds were amazing. Easily 3-4 times the usual number of people were visiting the show. I've never seen it so crowded. Apparently, Mr. Obama's election has inspired numerous people to exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights. The prices reflected a sellers market, too. Ammo that I would have normally bought was up $50 more per case than the last time I purchased. Why? Well, from my discussions with the sellers it boiled down to one thing. They didn't know if they'd be able to restock their supplies of ammo for certain calibres. The fear of gun and ammo bans is palpable in the market.

Many of the sellers have also raised the prices on their EBR's and other "evil" rifles to match. Handguns seem to be maintaining their prices, altho a few of the regulars have added a buck or two, here and there. All in all it's seemingly a good time to be doing business in the firearms market. For the moment, at any rate. In the future many of these folks could well find themselves out of business and that's why they're trying to move their existing inventory. No sense in getting stuck with something you'll never be allowed to sell.

The folks buying were a mixed bag, too. Lots of first time buyers and many more women according to the sellers at the show. All motivated by an uncertain future where Mr. Obama and the new regime are concerned. Even I laid in a couple of necessary things that are likely to come under any future ban from the incoming regime.

All is not gloom and doom on this front, tho. I managed to meet a few fellow bloggers at the show, as well. All of whom run well known and popular blogs in the 2nd Amendment community. Mike Vanderboegh was there, promoting the Sypsey Street Irregulars and his upcoming book, "Absolved". David Codrea, from War On Guns slogged his way through the snow from Ohio to attend. Mike H from "What McAuliffe Said" was in attendance, as well. The Western Rifle Shooters main man was also there. So many notable gun bloggers in one place must have generated more than the normal ATF reports, it was practically a convention. It was certainly nice to finally meet so many of the people whom I read on a daily basis and who do such a good job of keeping folks informed and motivated. I do look forward to the next time and hope they all have safe trips home.

Technorati Tags:
Indianapolis, Gun Show,2nd Amendment, Guns, Obama, Gun Bans

It's A New Year, But The Same Old Nanny State

2009-01-03T17:24:00.003-05:00

Her Majesties subjects can look forward to many things in the future. Constant surveillance, national ID's, even tagging the elderly. One thing they certainly didn't count on, (but should have, given the proclivities of their government) was the outlawing of foods that some statist nanny thinks they shouldn't eat.

High-fat pies, pizzas and ready-meals could be banned from shops if a major anti-obesity campaign fails to stop people getting fatter.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw warned obesity is rising so fast that it could threaten the lives of nine out of 10 children by middle age.

Launching a £275million drive to create healthier lifestyles yesterday, he said the situation is so critical outlawing unhealthy food could be the next drastic step.

He said: “If this three-year campaign does not succeed, we don’t rule out regulating in future.”

He added at current trends obesity would cost the nation £50 billion by 2050 – half the current annual NHS budget – from more heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

And Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum said putting legal limits on the amount of fat, salt and sugar in food was the only answer.

He said: “We have a food industry which is unregulated, which is putting too much fat, too much salt, too much sugar in.

“Unless you get the food to the right quality you are going to have a continuation of the problem.” The main target would be foods that currently have a red warning disc such as pork pies, Cornish pasties, cheesecake, doughnuts and pizzas.

The laws would give the makers strict limits on how much fat, salt and sugar they could include – or even ban them from the shelves.

They even use the same arguments there that nanny's here in the U.S. do. They speak of the costs to their state sponsored medical system. That's the same speech the anti's use here. We can certainly expect the same treatment here once the coming regime enacts socialised medical "care".

Technorati Tags
Food, Libertarian, Nanny State

Bill Of Rights Day

2008-12-15T08:57:00.007-05:00

That time of year has rolled around once again. Today finds us looking at another Bill of Rights Day. This is a day which should be celebrated, but it won't be. It's a day when we should reflect on our individual liberties, but most will pay it no mind. Only a few of us out here in the aether of the blogosphere will even pay it homage, by mentioning it in a post or raising a glass to it.

It's rather difficult for most to work up the enthusiasm for a celebration of the document which theoretically reins in the powers of the government where our liberties are concerned. This grand old document has seen constant abuse and degradation at the hands of politicians, (both large and small), as well as the robed denizens of the courts. It's a wonder that anyone even deigns to mention it any more. Oh, sure. The press, that chosen class who strive daily in their task to tell us what we should think of certain issues, will occasionally mention their First Amendment Rights and the numerous violations of said right, but then they'll just turn around and call for the one of the other Enumerated Rights to be violated. All in the best interest of their readers, of course. Don't even get them started on the 2nd Amendment, unless you want to see wet panties and hanky wringing.

Today should be celebrated with great fanfare, fireworks and expressions of the very liberties enshrined in the venerable old document. Tonight the talking heads will appear on televisions across the nation and speak of many things. Their newly elected saviour, the economy, redistribution of wealth and myriad other topics. Nary a one will even mention that today is Bill of Rights Day. Well, I guess it's up to the rest of us to haul the weight. We'll mention it. Again and again. Until people are tired of it. Perhaps we'll mention Bill of Rights Enforcement and sound the call, now and again for the highest law of the land to be upheld without doubt or obfuscation, on a daily basis. Shoot, maybe they'd even deign to teach it in the government schools again.

Regardless of all of that, today is a day when we can take a few moments, at least, and honour the memory of those Founders who called for a Bill of Rights and then drafted it. To pay homage to the document itself and the principles it holds forth and to, once again, hold onto it dearly and do our best to see that it is upheld as it was intended to be upheld. As an inviolable shield betwixt the leviathan of government and ourselves. The BoR is not a limit on our Rights, regardless of what the politicians and their judges would have us believe.

Let us today ignore the petty tyrants and their bastard understandings of the truths of the Bill of Rights and hold our own celebrations, private or public. Let us refuse to be cowed by diffidence, ennui and the powers that be and stand proudly. Let us take a few moments of our day and re-read that Bill, refresh our current memory and validate that which we hold to be true. That we are sovereign individuals and we all possess Rights enumerated or not. Let us take a moment to remember that government has no Rights. Only the individual. And, regardless of what you may be told they may not be taken from you. You may only surrender them. Take a moment to reaffirm that you shall never surrender those Rights and will strive to enforce them when, where and how you wish. And, please take a few minutes and read it to your children. They need it just as much as we do, if not more.

Happy Bill of Rights Day.

Update: Needless to say, there are others out there writing on the subject, none quite so well as Mr. Vin Suprynowicz. Take a few minutes and read his writing on the subject. He does a great job, on this as well as many other subjects.

Technorati Tags:
Bill of Rights Day, Bill of Rights, Libertarian, Liberty

The Kings Largess

2008-12-12T13:41:00.003-05:00

Just when we thought the tax slaves in the US would catch a break, after the Senate refused to acquiesce to the demands of the Big 3, comes late breaking word that King George may just go ahead and grant them the money anyway. Here we have yet another sign that the Republic is, if not dead, dying. The representatives of the people spoke, after hearing from the masses that there should be no further bailouts and now it looks as if the royal treasury will be tapped anyway to feed the rapacious unions that have successfully run the auto industry into the ground.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under mounting pressure to act, the Bush administration said Friday it was ready to step in and prevent the U.S. auto industry from collapsing after the Senate refused to pass a rescue bill endorsed by the White House and congressional Democrats. The most obvious source of help was the Wall Street bailout fund.
"The current weakened state of the economy is such that it could not withstand a body blow like a disorderly bankruptcy in the auto industry," White House press secretary Dana Perino said.
Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin said, "Because Congress failed to act, we will stand ready to prevent an imminent failure until Congress reconvenes and acts to address the long-term viability of the industry."

It is not the place of the Imperial Presidency or Congress to save every failing company. The airlines were allowed to fall into bankruptcy and restructure. They've managed to come out just fine. Allowing the market to work is what we want, not more debt piled atop the trillions of debt already accrued.

What will it take till the powers that be realise that the mechanisms are in place to insure an orderly restructuring of the auto industry? It's called bankruptcy and, if it's allowed to work the auto industry will be better off than if they are nationalised. His Majesty the King needs to be reminded that he works for "We The People", not for industry or special interests or unions. Especially, unions. This country threw off the yoke of one king. We did not do so in order to be saddled with another. George Bush said, in the past, that he believed in the free market. It's long past the time he stepped up and put words into action. Or inaction, as the case may be.

Technorati Tags:
Bailout, Politics, George Bush, Big 3

A Good Start To Every Day

2008-12-09T10:15:00.006-05:00

They say that a good breakfast is the best way to start the day. I have a better recommendation, tho. Good news came this morning from Indiana's next door neighbour, Illinois. It looks like their ~~criminal in chief~~ governor has managed to go and get himself arrested by the Feds.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges of conspiring to get financial benefits through his authority to appoint a U.S. senator to fill the vacancy left by Barack Obama's election as president.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Mr. Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field. In return for state assistance, Mr. Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired.

Mr. Blagojevich also was charged with using his authority as governor in an attempt to squeeze out campaign contributions.

Mr. Blagojevich's chief of staff, John Harris, also was arrested.

Federal agents were in Mr. Blagojevich's office in the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago on Tuesday morning.

Imagine my complete and utter lack of surprise. What are the odds that a Chicago, Illinois politician is corrupt? What are the odds that any politician is corrupt? Pretty good, all in all, wouldn't you say? The fact that its Blagojevich makes this all the more delicious, if only for his anti-2nd Amendment stances. One can only wish that the powers that be would add the charge of violation of oath of office to the list of charges.

This makes 2 in a row for Illinois, given that their last governor is still behind bars for essentially the same crimes as Illinois' latest ruler. Maybe the people there will get lucky and they'll replace him with nobody. Naw, no-one could get that lucky. This is a good start, tho. Maybe we could make a new policy and arrest at least one politician per day? I'd be happy to provide a list of people to be removed from office and placed behind bars. Of course, it would clear out most of the Democrats in the House and Senate from the top down. Then we could get to work on the Republicans. Hmmm...maybe we could make the job so risky that no-one would want to do it. Ah, well. A guy has to have a dream.

Wonder what the Lightbringer will have to say about this, considering it was his seat that the governor was trying to sell? I also can't help but wonder what, if anything, he might have had to do with this and how he'll spin it to grab credit? We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

Technorati Tags:
Politics, Blagojevich, Libertarian, Illinois

Goodbye To Forry

2008-12-05T17:31:00.003-05:00

Forest Ackerman has died at the age of 91. Those of us who have long been Science Fiction and Horror fans remember Forry from our youth when he was highly active in the genre. He helped bring us expansive series like Ace's "Perry Rhodan" and Famous Monsters of Filmland amongst many things. I always looked forward to the latest installment of Perry or Monsters when I was younger and Forry never failed to provide. His dedication to the genre introduced no small number of us to space opera and the classic monsters of Hollywood. We owed Forry an unpayable debt for that.

Forry will be sorely missed. There were very few people like him and even fewer that could hold a candle to his achievements. The world is diminished by his loss. I'll certainly miss him.

Technorati Tags:
Science Fiction, Forrest J. Ackerman

Coming Clean

2008-12-04T17:04:00.003-05:00

At last one of the legions of Obama followers has decided to come clean where their anti-2nd Amendment/Victim Disarmament is concerned.

Nobody can accuse Obama of campaigning dishonestly on the issue of gun control. The nation's first modern urban president repeatedly explained that his understanding of the Second Amendment included the need for restrictions aimed at reducing gun violence, especially in the cities. In a sign that he intended to win on the issue by shooting straight with voters, he even mentioned his gun-control agenda during his Denver acceptance speech, challenging the idea that gun control was a third rail that guaranteed defeat in states like Ohio and Virginia.
As codified in his urban policy platform, Obama consistently advocated for increasing law enforcement's ability to trace guns by reinstituting tracking legislation repealed by the Bush administration; closing the famous "gun show loophole" that allows gun buyers to avoid background checks; mandating additional safety features on U.S.-manufactured guns; and resurrecting the expired ban on assault weapons and making it permanent.

Now, all of us gun owners already knew the score and had mentioned it more than once, but it's always nice to be validated. This guy even goes so far as to point out the personae dramatica in the upcoming drama.

Not only do Obama and Biden have strong gun control records, the incoming attorney general is a one-man gun control lobby unto himself. As deputy A.G. in the Clinton administration, Eric Holder advocated federal licensing requirements for handguns, a three-day waiting period on some gun sales and rationing handgun sales to no more than one per month. More recently, he signed an amicus brief in support of the District of Columbia's handgun ban when it came before the Supreme Court. The conservative site newsmax.com calls Holder a "gun control nightmare."

It's too bad that things are likely to become rather nasty when this issue does rear its ugly head. Oh, well. That's why they call it the law of unintended consequences.

Technorati Tags:
Guns, 2nd Amendment, Obama, Libertarian

Just Say No

2008-12-03T12:45:00.005-05:00

As a parent I am often faced with the onerous task of telling my children no, for one reason or another. It's sometimes a necessity that all parents are familiar with, because we wish to preserve the lives and limbs of our charges. What surprises me these days is that so many of the people in Washington, (many of whom are parents) forget to say no when "adults" show up at their doors after engaging in behaviours that have led them to ruin. I doubt many of us would say yes to an alcoholic or drug addict when they asked for a fix, so why do politicians "have" to say yes when companies addicted to bad habits come begging for a fix from the "lender of last resort"?

The latest to put out the begging bowl are the "Big Three" auto makers from Detroit. This is not the newest of stories, since they were just there a couple of weeks ago. What is new is that they are now asking for much more money than before.

The heads of struggling auto giants General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler reappeared on the Hill yesterday to make their case anew. This time, they came more prepared. The most ambitious business plan proposed was by General Motors, the world's largest auto company, currently teetering on the verge of collapse. It set out a plan to recapture revenue through deep cuts—including slashing 20 percent of its jobs, shutting nine factories, and trying to reduce pay through talks with the United Automobile Workers union.

Along with a more structured plan, however, the Big 3 also had an even bigger request: $34 billion in loans, compared with the $25 billion they'd asked for two weeks ago.

Talk about chutzpah.No doubt the Democrats and their buddies across the aisle are more than willing to add them to the $8.5 trillion dollar plan, after all what's a few measly billion when we're already in the trillions, right? Well, the time has come to just say no.

It might sound cruel and the repercussions may be grave, but the precedent a bailout would set would be vastly worse. Despite Nancy Pelosi's cries that bankruptcy is not an option, the facts speak louder than her political grandstanding. This country cannot afford to continue bailing out companies in distress, unless we wish to end up like Zimbabwe or the Weimar Republic. Allowing the Big 3 to file bankruptcy is the only solution sane people can accept. It worked for the airlines, it will certainly work for Detroit. Continuing to throw money at things will not make the situation better, (as we have seen with the banks and their "lending crisis").

The American auto industry has been, and will continue to be hampered by government, not aided. Any funds that come from the Congress will be attended by more stringent regulations, defacto nationalisation and an acceptance of fraudulent environmental rules that will insure the continued failure to compete. There is no aid to be found in Washington. At least bankruptcy will allow them to be rid of the onerous UAW contracts weighting them down and will allow them the time to restructure in a rational manner. If one of them cannot find its way back to solvency, then so be it. That's the harsh reality of a free market.

Ford could make their way back in time. They already offer a host of vehicles in their overseas markets which are soundly embraced by countries that always have gasoline over $5 a gallon. For some reason they have refused to embrace the same strategies for their US customers, as they do for their European and Asian bases. How many Americans would buy a car that got more than 65 MPG? I bet it would be a rather high number. Ford makes just such a vehicle, the Ford Fiesta Econetic, rated as a winning "green car". Too bad that the US government, and their global warming fascists, make it so hard to sell a clean diesel in this country that Ford can't or won't, sell it here. Even with artificially inflated diesel prices the car would save a driver loads of money in the long run. And, unlike hybrids, it's not a scam where cleanliness is concerned. Making vehicles like this is what would turn the tables for Detroit, not the bogus plans they are presenting to the Beltway Boys. No matter what plans they put forth, it will be too little.

It's time for the Washington crew to start saying no. Yes, the impact on Detroit and other auto states will be considerable. Indiana has something like 60,000 auto industry related jobs that would no doubt be affected. It would be a serious blow to the state government, which is already facing an unemployment insurance insolvency and the taxpayers, who would undoubtedly be called upon to foot the inevitable tax increases, but saying yes to any further bailouts would be much worse in the long run. We have to stop adding to the debt. Especially with the states now lining up for their slice of the bailout pie. It has to stop somewhere, let it begin here.

Technorati Tags:
Bailout, Detroit, Politics, Libertarian, Debt, Automakers

Co-Opted

2008-11-25T14:07:00.006-05:00

There are few things in this world I dislike more than being mistaken for something you're not. Well, that's something that has happened to some Indiana libertarian bloggers. The "conservatives" out there have begun a new aggregator called NetRightNation.com and have sent their spiders out into the web to return lists of blogs which somehow meet their criteria as "conservatives". Well, 'lo and behold their spiders must cast a rather wide net for they have scooped up a few libertarians in their mix. Mike Kole, (certainly not a conservative) is listed, as is former candidate Eric Schansberg and at least one county party website. I guess the new pundits on the Right don't pay lots of attention to the things they gather into their midst. Of course these libertarians will likely be accused of being infiltrators when the truth comes out at last. If you can't educate them head on then perhaps this is a viable alternative, after all if they don't even know what they are how are they going to know what we are? Best of luck to you guys!

UnCivil Defence wasn't included in their list, I don't know whether to be insulted or proud. LOL. On second thought, I'll go with the latter.

Technorati Tags:
Libertarian, Politics, NetRightNation

A Ticking Time Bomb

2008-11-21T10:02:00.005-05:00

From the "there's no difference between Republicans and Democrats" school of thought comes this little piece of legislation. A renewal of the "Assault Weapons Ban". Introduced by a group of East Coast "Republicans".

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Assault Weapons Ban Reauthorization Act of 2008’.

SEC. 2. RESTRICTION ON MANUFACTURE, TRANSFER, AND POSSESSION OF CERTAIN SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPONS.

(a) RESTRICTION- Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding after subsection (u) the following:
‘(v)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon.
‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the possession or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise lawfully possessed under Federal law on the date of the enactment of this subsection.
‘(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
‘(A) any of the firearms, or replicas or duplicates of the firearms, specified in appendix A to this section, as such firearms were manufactured on October 1, 1993;
‘(B) any firearm that--
‘(i) is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
‘(ii) has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
‘(iii) is an antique firearm;
‘(C) any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than 5 rounds of ammunition; or
‘(D) any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than 5 rounds of ammunition in a fixed or detachable magazine.

The ~~traitorous bastards~~ Republicrats were even so kind as to attach an appendix of allowed weaponry for the proletariat. How kind of them. And making mere possession a crime, (also opening the door for mass seizures) was a masterstroke.

I have little doubt that the incoming Democrats will be more than eager to help this bill to progress and will be more than willing to amend it in order to make it more "effective" and passable. The 10 year sunset provision will be stricken (we already know this via the Obama website) in order to make the ban permanent. No doubt there will be many added amendments to bring mere possession into the fold, as well. Registration will no doubt play a large role in the Democratically amended bill.

Did these idiots really think that they were doing something to protect the rights of people? Where's that Republican "small government" gun rights support? Do they really think that an Obama administration won't pass this? Of course not, these people are counting on it. These people are gun banners, one and all and will work hand in hand with Obama to reinstate, permanently, a gun ban.

Just goes to show that there are no differences between the two sides of the Boot On Your Neck Party, even when one side or the other pretends there is.

(Hat tip to MontanaIceWeasel)

Technorati Tags:
2nd Amendment, Gun Rights, Republicans, Republicans

Change You Can Count On

2008-11-09T11:36:00.002-05:00

It seems as if the Ministry of Truth in the new Obama regime has decided to retruth their Change.gov site, since everyone discovered their plans for us. As of today all that remains of their proposed agenda is this.

The Agenda

President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden have developed innovative approaches to challenge the status quo in Washington and to bring about the kind of change America needs.

The Obama Administration has a comprehensive and detailed agenda to carry out its policies. The principal priorities of the Obama Administration include: a plan to revive the economy, to fix our health care, education, and social security systems, to define a clear path to energy independence, to end the war in Iraq responsibly and finish our mission in Afghanistan, and to work with our allies to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, among many other domestic and foreign policy objectives.

Who, other than the Obama regime puts up a website, tears it down and memory holes it in the course of a couple of days? No-one who intends to tell the truth.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Agenda, Libertarian

Down The Hole

2008-11-08T10:49:00.006-05:00

The memory hole, that is.
What a difference a day makes, eh? Apparently Team Obama keeps a sharp eye on their opposition these days. It seems that they saw the many commentaries on their new plans for involuntary servitude and decided to attempt to memory hole them. Here is what was posted yesterday.

The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation’s challenges. President-Elect Obama will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and will create a new Classroom Corps to help teachers in underserved schools, as well as a new Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by developing a plan to require 50 hours of community service in middle school and high school and 100 hours of community service in college every year. Obama will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

And here is what they have now replaced it with, after seeing that people were paying attention to them. Of course the so-called "mainstream media" wasn't paying attention, nor will they.

The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation’s challenges. President-Elect Obama will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and will create a new Classroom Corps to help teachers in underserved schools, as well as a new Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by setting a goal that all middle school and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year and by developing a plan so that all college students who conduct 100 hours of community service receive a universal and fully refundable tax credit ensuring that the first $4,000 of their college education is completely free. Obama will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

Notice the differences? They've carefully wiped out the Great Leaders "requirement" for service. Not that it won't be a requirement once they enact their plans for the children and youth of this country after they are entrenched. Thankfully, there are people out there paying attention to them and the internet makes it difficult to send their words away easily. We know what they have planned, no matter what they would have us think and we are going to pay attention. If this is what we can expect from the new leftist regime then things may be worse than we surmised.

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Memory Hole, Slavery, Libertarian

The Shape Of Things To Come

2008-11-07T12:30:00.003-05:00

Well, the election is over and all we have to do now is wait to see what The Anointed One plans to do to us once he begins his reign. Fortunately, he has made it a great deal easier for us to find out what his plans are. On the governments dime, no less. Let's take a look, shall we?

Gun owners can look forward to new and "interesting" times.

Address Gun Violence in Cities: As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.

Suffice it to say, gun owners are going to be targeted because they have or wish to have firearms that others perceive as more dangerous than other common types of firearms. We can also look forward to having a nanny looking over our shoulder to insure that we make our firearms as safe as some hoplophobe wishes.

Small businesses are going to take multiple hits, as well. Not only will they be taxed at greater levels they'll be forced to pay more for jobs than those jobs are worth. This will also serve to increase unemployment among youth and the elderly.

Increase the Minimum Wage: As president, Obama will raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011 and index it to inflation so full-time workers can earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing – things so many people take for granted.

He also plans to give preference to urban dwellers over suburban and rural folks. Go figure that a Chicago machine politician thinks that no-one actually matters outside of the cities.

Create a White House Office on Urban Policy: Obama and Biden will create a White House Office of Urban Policy to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. The Director of Urban Policy will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.

He plans on fully funding programs such as No Child Left Behind. It's ironic that NCLB is in a section called "Do No Harm", huh?

Do No Harm: Barack Obama and Joe Biden do not support imposing unfunded mandates on states and localities. They strongly support providing necessary funding for programs such as No Child Left Behind.

He also plans on raping the oil companies. That would be the same companies which have a profit margin of only 8-10%. This is sure to do wonders for the economy and the price of gas. He actually has the audacity to say this will revitalise the economy.

Enact a Windfall Profits Tax to Provide a $1,000 Emergency Energy Rebate to American Families:Barack Obama and Joe Biden will enact a windfall profits tax on excessive oil company profits to give American families an immediate $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families pay rising bills. This relief would be a down payment on the Obama-Biden long-term plan to provide middle-class families with at least $1,000 per year in permanent tax relief.

Lest we forget the unions in this country, Obama plans to strengthen their grasp on businesses.

Ensure Freedom to Unionize: Obama and Biden believe that workers should have the freedom to choose whether to join a union without harassment or intimidation from their employers. Obama cosponsored and is strong advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act, a bipartisan effort to assure that workers can exercise their right to organize. He will continue to fight for EFCA's passage and sign it into law.

The EFCA sounds nice, huh? Of course it also means that employees may be approached anywhere at anytime by union members in "signature drives" and does away with the secret ballot. Intimidation by unions is a hallmark of this legislation.

And, lest you thought the first black president was any different when it came to the issue of involuntary servitude.

The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation’s challenges. President-Elect Obama will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and will create a new Classroom Corps to help teachers in underserved schools, as well as a new Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by developing a plan to require 50 hours of community service in middle school and high school and 100 hours of community service in college every year. Obama will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

Yep, he's going after your kids. Don't you just love it? These are are only a few of the myriad things he has planned for us during his reign. Trillions of dollars in spending, an explosion of cancerous governmental growth, the degradation of capitalism and your rights. These and so many other things are in store for us after his inauguration in January. I urge you to take a look at his "agenda" and prepare yourself as well as you can for what is to come. If you haven't purchased a firearm yet, the time is rapidly approaching when you had best do so. It's not going to be nice and it is certainly going to be a bad thing where liberty is concerned. This country will likely never recover from Obama's reign. What a sad day for us all.

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Obama, Politics, Things To Come, Libertarian, Guns, Economy

The Day After

2008-11-05T14:23:00.003-05:00

Regardless of who might have won the race, this seems fitting. The fact that the worst of the runners won makes it even more so.

As for Bob Barr, maybe the LP will pull its head out of its nether regions and send you and your cronies packing now. You couldn't even beat Ralph Nader for crying out loud. Get lost, the cause of liberty is ill served by your ilk. You fooled people once, hopefully they'll choose a real libertarian next go round. Not that it really matters.

Libertarian, Election 2008

Just One More Reason

2008-11-01T20:32:00.009-04:00

As if any sane person needed further proof that Obama had ill intentions towards gun owners and, especially those who have Concealed Carry Permits here's his own words as indictment. He'd love nothing more than telling the people of Indiana that they were not able to carry weapons for self defence. He'd willingly turn the entire country into Chicago. The only problem with this is that most of us would just ignore his rules and hope that police would, too. He'd willingly shred the 10th and 9th Amendments. Did anyone expect less of him? While I plan on voting for NOTA, Obama is clearly the most dangerous candidate out there, especially where gun owners are concerned. His own words, presented here, prove it once again. His lies concerning the 2nd Amendment and his "support of it ring hollow and false to any but the fanatic.

Hat Tip to War on Guns

Technorati Tags:
Obama, Gun Control, Libertarian, Politics, Election 2008

The Tactics Of Fear

2008-10-20T12:21:00.004-04:00

So, Joe Biden goes out onto the campaign trail and opens his face hole in a way that's guaranteed to make folks pay attention. Unfortunately, I think he's garnered the wrong type of attention.

"Mark my words," the Democratic vice presidential nominee warned at the second of his two Seattle fundraisers Sunday. "It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy."

"I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate," Biden said to Emerald City supporters, mentioning the Middle East and Russia as possibilities. "And he's gonna need help. And the kind of help he's gonna need is, he's gonna need you - not financially to help him - we're gonna need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him. Because it's not gonna be apparent initially, it's not gonna be apparent that we're right."

This sounds suspiciously like something that people have accused the current regime in power of doing. Engineering a crisis to consolidate power and the plebes. This type of speech is not likely to engender any type of confidence in anyone with even a moderate IQ. What type of crisis would need grass roots, local support? Does Comrade Obama intend to enact his final solution where guns are concerned? Perhaps, he'll take the decision to finally go after gunowners and will need his Brownshirts to aid them? Turning in your gun owning neighbours would certainly require local level help and no financial help. Maybe he'll choose to go into Iran or Pakistan and will need to fill the ranks of the military. The only way to do that is to embrace the Democrat ideal of the draft. They're the only ones who've been talking about it and it certainly fits into their "national service" schemes.

What crisis would an Obama regime engineer? There are so many to choose from that the mind boggles. Unfortunately, the Obama fanatics are likely to follow whereever their glorious leader chooses to take them. Fear and lemmings go together well and, unfortunately all too many people will get caught up in the stampede. What set of rights shall we have to sacrifice on the altar of this mans cult of personality in order to fulfill Mr. Biden's prophecy? How many people will his prophetic maunderings get killed this time around and what, exactly do they have planned for us, (beyond a full scale and rapid decent into socialism)? And where will the Obama inspired press be where this story is concerned? Prepping the memory hole, no doubt.

So what is this? A threat. A "prophecy". One which they will likely attempt to make self-fulfilling.

Technorati Tags:
Biden, Obama, Politics, Libertarian