Potential Allies or Tinfoil Hatters?

A couple of years ago I had a friend who would talk with me about his displeasure with the governmental status quo just about anytime we got to talk. I trusted him and thought he sounded pretty reasonable. He had told me he had been diagnosed as "paranoid/schizophrenic", but that he really wasn't. My only early warning was when he mentioned that he had an "alien implant". I thought he was joking, and didn't think more of it. Until "the incident".

He had loaned me, without prompting, some money to use to help a family that we both knew. I used it to buy food for them. The next day he asked what I had spent the money on and I told him. He seemed a little agitated. I still had the receipt and I offered it to him. We talked and he started claiming I had tricked him into loaning me the money. I was a little shocked as it had been his idea. Then the real fireworks began. He started saying that I was controlling his mind through his "implant" and that I was a "Martian". I told him that I was pretty certain I was human. He said "Why would you say that? Are you not positive?" I said I was, and he said "That is just what a Martian would say". He became more and more upset. He was talking about being in Army Intelligence back in the early '70s, and that he was still "in", but it was a secret. The more he spoke, the more unreal his claims became. He claimed to be killing people "in high government positions" with mental feedback through his implant. He asked me to kidnap him and a girl he wanted, and take them somewhere they couldn't be tracked. He spoke of the significance of his name and his initials. He said he couldn't "claim to be God". He was getting extremely angry, too. He began pounding his fist on the table and his face was very red. I was trying to just get him calmed down at this point, but everything I did he saw as me trying to use my "Martian thought-control powers" to manipulate him. He did eventually calm down and I got out without harm. I immediately called and warned the girl he wanted me to kidnap with him. He mentioned blowing my head off to mutual friends a few times, but no one else ever saw his bizarre behavior, and downplayed it.

I learned a valuable lesson from this: Not everyone who seems to be in agreement with you, is really on your side. Don't divulge too much too soon. Sometimes you can get a shock even after knowing someone for a few years. Also, beware my awesome "mind control powers".

Capital Punishment

Capital punishment is nothing but revenge institutionalized. It is dead wrong; no pun intended. Now, before I get accused of being a bleeding heart, I will tell you; if you are being attacked, you have the absolute right to fight back in any way you need to in order to end the attack. I would even support your decision to use deadly force to stop vandalism or theft in almost all cases, since property crimes are stealing your life and security. Death at the hands of the victim or a rescuing hero at the scene of the crime is a fair outcome for someone who has decided to initiate force. However, once the criminal leaves the scene, there will always be some doubt, somewhere, as to guilt.

No government anywhere is so pure that it should be trusted with the authority to decide to kill someone as punishment. Once a person is caught and charged with a crime, all the government cares about is conviction. The fact that many defendants are found "not guilty", despite the best efforts of the jury-tampering judges, shows that the system can still work. However, no jury is above being influenced by a judge or prosecutor who is looking to advance his career by being seen as "tough on crime". If a defendant is found guilty of a "capital" crime, send him to prison for life and let those who believe in his innocence, or his family, pay for his upkeep.

Governments lie. They manufacture evidence, intimidate witnesses, play on some people's "authority worship", and set-up innocent people who dare to stand against their edicts. Show me a perfect, just government that I would trust with the power of life and death, and I will show you a government that has no desire for revenge.

Environmentalism

When I was younger, I was an enthusiastic environmentalist. I drove an electric car. I tried to convince my family that pesticides were worse than the "pests" they were used against. I almost fought with people whom I saw littering. I may have even thought more environmental regulations would be a good thing, but my mind can't force itself to even accept that possibility anymore, and I honestly can't remember if I ever thought that way.

I still hate to see the destruction and pollution of the natural world, but I have come to understand that laws are not the best way to "save the planet". I don't litter, and if you want to see me freak out, throw some trash out the car window while I am riding with you. In most cases, I will absolutely refuse to use pesticides of any kind, unless I am sure that the pests are a much greater health risk than the chemicals are (which is true in some cases). When I have owned a piece of property, I have spent a lot of time cleaning up trash that others have left behind, and repairing other kinds of damage that I find. This is not to say that I do not alter the land to suit my purposes, because I do. I just try to do it in a way that I find more appealing; which usually means in a way that appears more natural.

I don't know if humans are causing, or if they are even capable of causing, global climate change. The global climate is much more complicated than media-heads can grasp. I do know that I dislike waste and destruction. Handing over control of our environment to the most wasteful, destructive force the planet has ever endured (government) is not the way to save anything. Most environmental laws have zero to do with helping the environment and everything to do with controlling your life, stealing your property rights, and making you dependent on government.

The environmental mindset of government was witnessed years ago when some "ivory smugglers" were caught. In order to "save the elephants", ivory had been tightly controlled. Some government now had "confiscated" tons of a precious material. How could they have destroyed the market for ivory and put the poachers out of business? (Not that I believe they should, just as a thought experiment) They could have released all that ivory into the market and caused a glut, sending the prices down and making it less profitable to kill elephants. What did the governments actually do? They burned the ivory*. There, in a nutshell, is how governments think they will save the planet.

I believe that people will take care of the environment when it is in their best interest to do so; financially, aesthetically, and whatever else may motivate them. Lead by example and show people how it helps them to keep a clean, healthy planet and they will find real solutions.

*Update: It's now 2013, and it's STILL happening!  Idiots!

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Is America Ready to Be Free?

Are YOU ready to be free? What about your family? How about your friends, neighbors, or co-workers? Is America, in general, ready for freedom? I don't think so. I wish it were. Freedom is expensive. It costs a lot in terms of responsibility. Slavery costs even more, but the cost is hidden because you can blame all your problems on the "master" when you are a slave. This makes it easier if you would rather complain than DO something. If being free became important to even a tenth of Americans, we would free America from the clutches of the United States in short order. There would be massive rejections and refusals of permits, licenses, and taxes. Cops and the military would walk out in defiance of their "superiors" and of the counterfeit edicts they are expected to kill Americans to uphold. Politicians and bureaucrats could spend all day screaming about this "law" or that "phantom-of-the-week" and we would ignore them or laugh in their puffy, red faces. If America were ready to be free, we would be free today. Our task is to make people realize that they deserve to be free. This is the way to get there from here. Once enough of us want to live in liberty, we will.

Working "Within the System"

I frequently hear people discussing options for getting America back on track to being the free country that it was supposed to be. They speak of "working within the system" to accomplish this. They talk of voting for pro-liberty candidates (but then usually vote for Democrats or Republicans instead). They advocate using the jury box, but it is difficult for a free-thinker to sneak onto a jury. They blog, write letters to editors, and agitate for liberty in a thousand ways. I am all for that. We have been doing this for years as the authoritarians throw freedoms away like yesterday's dead goldfish. The dirty secret is that, if you read the Declaration of Independence you will see that the founders of America recognized that revolution, underground or open, is also within the system. It is enshrined in the writings of the minds that gave us our system. This is the reason they forbid government the authority to pass gun laws. This is not a pleasant option, but only a last resort. It is not possible for government to legitimately "outlaw" this option, either, however they might wish to do so. The only thing they can do is to punish those who choose to exercise this part of the system. It is simple desperation on their part, and exposes their refusal to stay within the bounds established for government.

Article on Personal Freedom (and Happiness)

Here is a great article about taking responsibility for your own freedom and happiness.

Personal Freedom by Retta Fontana

Not Going Away Yet

News of my departure from the presidential race is premature. My point was mainly that I feel I need to do something stupenously ridiculous in order to draw attention to my campaign since reasonable measures do not seem to be working.

The main reson I decided to run (back in November 2004) was my frustration over the electoral loss of Micheal Badnarik. Never before had I been so excited over a candidate for any office as I was by him. He is actually intelligent, reasonable, kind, humerous, and shared my views so well that I had no reservations whatsoever endorsing him for president. I even called Colorado LP delgates for him to see if they would vote for him. (Not a single one of them would state anything one way or another, even if I did get ahold of them. It was like trying to talk to Congresscritters and get a straight answer) Back when I started my campaign, I had in mind that if Badnarik decided to run again, I would drop out and endorse him again. I would also step aside for an L. Neil Smith candidacy. Other than that, I would probably not endorse anyone, but would support any candidate who was truly working for liberty as I envision it.

Don't get too excited yet, though. I am still here, and am really no threat to anyone. I don't mind giving ideas to other campaigns, either, if you wish to adopt my views as your own.

Merry Christmas

I wish all my readers and all the other candidates a very merry Christmas, a wonderful winter solstice, a joyous Yule, a happy Hanukkah, a kickin' Kwanzaa, a grievance-lite Festivus, and a cozy "get-ready-to-hunker-down-for-winter"! Let's light some bonfires of Liberty in the coming year!

So, How Do We Fix It?

What would I do to "fix" America? I would force the government to stay within the bounds of the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. I would eliminate every agency, bureaucracy, program, "entitlement", cabinet position, or post in the government that is not in absolute, complete and strict compliance with those documents, as written, not as "interpreted". The Supreme Court's "authority" to judge "Constitutionality" must be challenged and eliminated. No more weasel-words will be permitted when judging whether something is Constitutional or not. If the average, government-educated person on the street can see that a given government law or agency does not specifically have a Constitutional mandate to exist, then it is gone. A president will not have that kind of authority, so it is up to Americans to demand this action, and not be appeased in any lesser way. People need to be shown that it is really in their best interest to rein in government instead of continuing to allow it to overreach its authority. This is something that a president can do. I would blog and speak at every opportunity reminding Americans that they run America; the US government does not. I would remind them of their duty to refuse to convict, through jury nullification, defendants who have been arrested for violating counterfeit laws. I, as president, would encourage every American to own and to carry, any type of weapon they see fit, in any way they choose, anywhere they desire, in any way they wish, without seeking anyone's approval. And I would give immediate presidential pardons to anyone in the criminal "justice system" whose only "crime" is violating one of these abhorrent victim disarmament "laws". I would also hand out pardons for drug offenses, tax abstainers, and anyone else who I feel is a victim of "law pollution" in America.

Small "Time's Up" Flags

In addition to my regular 3 by 5 foot "Time's Up" flags, I now have small stick flags that measure 4 by 6 inches. The quality is lower, but so is the price. You can check them out here.

Publicity Stunt!

I have recently been having doubts as to whether there is any point in continuing my campaign. I hand out lots of cards and have conversations with people who seem to be genuinely interested in what I have to say. Yet this translates into almost no visits to my blog. The apathy is deafening. Perhaps I should pull a giant publicity stunt. Picture this scenario: Me, Kent McManigal, wearing only a breechcloth while standing atop the torch of the Statue of Liberty and waving a bright yellow "Time's Up" flag while shouting "Freedom!" at the top of my lungs. OK, so it will never happen even if I managed to overcome my fear of (man-made) heights. Still, it would get attention. When I got out of the hospital's psychiatric ward, I could see if it generated blog hits. Short of this, I am depending on you; my readers, supporters, detractors or whatever to get the word out about my campaign. If you think there is any value in continuing this effort, help me out.

America: Freedom to Fascism

Last night I watched America: Freedom to Fascism. It is a very powerful film. I highly recommend that you see it as soon as possible if you haven't yet. I got it through Netflix. I feel it is a good movie for several reasons: it shows the contempt that the IRS (and by extension, the entire US government) feels towards Americans in general, the folly of turning away from real money in favor of fiat IOUs, and it explains the dangers facing us in the very near future if we do not take steps to derail the national ID card and ID chips. I doubt it will change your mind about much since I assume that most readers of my blog are already aware of these issues, but it will give you the intellectual ammunition to fight against the authoritarians more effectively. Don't be fooled, though. Government will never admit to being the criminal force. Stand up to them and they will do whatever they feel it will take to bring you to your knees. It is a good thing there are so many of us.

Don't Take the Law Into Your Own Hands?

Why not? Probably because it is filthy and might make you sick. If the law is just, why should we depend on enforcers to use it? They are not special. Well, not in a good way. One country which is suffering high crime rates is South Africa. South Africans have had enough. The enforcers there don't wish to see their special status threatened, so they try to dissuade people from taking control. South African enforcers don't like to be seen as a dangerous anachronism. Neither do the ones in America. The problem is that since we have long ignored our duty to live free of aggression, the professional enforcers have taken it upon themselves to force us to live under their rule, and they are making a royal mess out of America. We do not need them, and never did. Take back your power and duty to keep the peace. Wrest it from the desperate clutches of the counterfeit enforcers who wield their counterfeit laws against the real rulers of America: you and me.

We are the Abolitionists

For those of you who have balked at embracing the term "anarchist" for myself and other rational government doubters, here is an article for you: "Call Me an Abolitionist, Please" by Glen Allport. I could get onboard with this term.

The Ruling Class

If you choose to accept a job with the government, whether it is as a politician, an "enforcer", or as a bureaucrat, you are choosing a life of subservience. Every cop on the street or President in the White House is at a lower social position than any burned out addict in a cheap motel room. Politicians, "enforcers", and bureaucrats have chosen a life of servanthood. "Public servants" is not something we hear as much today because government wishes we would forget that they are accountable to us. Most Americans seem to have forgotten quite nicely. Government is not the "overlords" or the ruling class that they pretend to be. They work for the people. The problems happen when they begin to act as though they are the rulers and we do not quickly put out that flame of tyranny. If you choose a life of servanthood, do not get uppity with your superiors in "the private sector", but recognize that you are vastly outranked by the very people you show contempt for with every edict you inflict or tasering you commit.

Politically Irrelevant Stuff

There are a lot of times that I begin to write a blog only to realize that what I am writing about is completely irrelevant to my campaign. I have a lot of opinions. Some of them matter in the political world, but a lot of them do not. Some things are just a distraction from the real issues facing America. My realization that victim disarmament is a murderous policy that only a corrupt government would implement, or that taxation is debasing our society by financing it through theft are critical points to know about me and my views. My opinions about TV shows, religion, or even to a large extent, other candidates, do not matter. I will attempt to keep such opinions to myself, and if I happen to "slip", I will not mind if you remind me.

Helping Others

Charity, not welfare. It is a simple concept. Welfare costs the recipient more than they get in return in the form of dependency, loss of privacy and dignity, and unfortunate government entanglements. In case you haven't noticed, the government believes it has authority to know every tiny detail of your personal, private life. When you accept government "help", it believes it really owns you. In a way, perhaps it does. The power to feed is the power to starve. Private charity, on the other hand, asks nothing in return for its help. You should be willing to give your time or money to spread the assistance at a later date, when you are able. That is a very fair trade. If it were me, I would also stay away from "private" charities that receive anything from government. Some allow government oversight, report to government agencies, or require government papers to prove you are "legal". Stay away from these false angels.

The Next Prez

There is a small mention of me over at The Next Prez. Look down at the Friday Top Five, Mid-December Edition. under Libertarians. Thanks for the votes I have gotten in their poll. I really do appreciate it.

"HONK IF YOU HAVE FREEDOM"

I was driving around yesterday and saw, standing on a street corner, a guy with a large cardboard sign. The sign read: "HONK IF YOU HAVE FREEDOM". (The irony of the situation is that he was probably risking cop harrassment or even arrest by peaceably standing there with his sign. This is what is left of our freedom.) I stopped and gave him one of my cards, and told him that I am running for president, and freedom is all I am about. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and did not have time to stop and talk, plus he was talking to a girl and I didn't wish to interrupt him. If he reads this blog, I hope he gets in touch with me. I don't know which side of the freedom fence he is on. Does he think we are free and want to see how many people agree with him? Does he recognize that we have sat by and watched government outlaw freedom and promote wars to kill off liberty? A few people who were passing did honk their car horns. I felt they must have misread the sign at first. Perhaps they thought it said "love freedom". Then I thought again. Most Americans do still think they are free. It is a sad fact, but they have been told that they are free for so long, even as freedom dies before their eyes, that they actually believe it. Freedom means being able to do absolutely anything you want as long as it does not harm or defraud anyone else. Anything less is not freedom, but a ghost of freedoms lost.

Bill of Rights Day: December 15th is Today!!

Today, December 15th is Bill of Rights Day. Read the Bill of Rights and See a vision of what living in a "Bill of Rights Culture" would mean for us all..

After the Constitution was written it had to be accepted by the states. They wouldn't adopt it without a guarantee that the federal government would be strictly limited in its authority. This is what the Bill of Rights was written to do. It is a package deal. No Bill of Rights; no Constitution. No Constitution; no authority for a federal government. As you read over the ten amendments consider whether the US government has left any of them unbroken. Perhaps the Third Amendment hasn't been commonly violated, but every single one of the other nine has been (and is daily being) violated by a government which is out of control. The Bill of Rights was written in common (for that era) language so that the common person on the street would know and understand what was being guaranteed. Do not let government sympathizers fool you into believing that lawyers or judges must tell you what the Bill of Rights means. They lie to you to protect their power.

Go out today and exercise some or all of your rights that are guaranteed. And hope you don't get arrested!

Nigerian Scams and Taxation

I have recently gotten one of those "Nigerian Scam Letters" in my email. You know the ones. These scammers have a lot in common with government. The scammers offer you something (a lot of money) if you will trust them with your bank account information. A tempting offer to many people. If you give your information to them, you get your account cleaned out. If they trick you into actually traveling to Africa to meet them, you may just vanish along with your money. These people have no illusions. They know what they are doing is stealing. On the other hand, governments pretend that they are our benefactors when they steal our money through taxes. They promise to give it back through "benefits", programs, or "entitlements" that only drain our life-blood in the long run. The main difference that I see is that the scammers depend on our greed or gullibility to rob or kill their victims, while government orders our compliance through threats and much bigger guns. Go along with their scam or die. So even though we recognize taxiation for the scam it is, most Americans comply through fear of imprisonment or death.

Gene Chapman's Audioblog

Gene Chapman has invited me to be on his audioblog again. While I appreciate the invitation, I think I am going to decline this time. I can't really see how it will help advance my campaign. Plus, I think I sound like Bullwinkle.

If Wishes Were Facts

Do you ever hear something that you just really want to be true, whether it is or not? I know I do. Things like the US government causing 9/11. It would justify my suspicions and my dislike for the feddies so neatly if it could be proved that they either did it or knew it was planned and did nothing to stop it, knowing that it would give them an excuse for outlawing liberty in America. I know all the arguments about "it had to be a controlled demolition" and all that; and that all the air defenses were shut down in the eastern US that morning. Sometimes, though, my tinfoil beanie doesn't fit too well. Do I think the US government would do something like that? Yes; if they thought it would "help" them, and that they could be sure they wouldn't be caught. I honestly don't know whether the government had any complicity in 9/11 (other than angering most of the rest of the world with their meddling).

I wanted the Y2K thing to put a serious kink into modern, computer-reliant society, too. It isn't that I wish for bad things to happen. I want people to wake up and realize that unquestioning loyalty to governments, and dependence on machines, and other things like that can be a real danger if it is allowed to continue without critical thought. If you live under a government that is 100% good, then worship it however you see fit. If you depend on a computer for you income, entertainment, companionship, and very existance, and you are 100% sure it will never fail you, then don't worry about learning more primitive life-skills.

Humans like a good conspiracy. Most of us also like scary movies. We enjoy the things that go bump in the night. We love magic and miracles. We all want to have that Special Knowledge or Secret. But the truth is the truth. You and I must accept it just as it is whether we like it or not, and whether it fits in with your particular mythology or not.

Justice? Maybe Not.

Well, the murder charges against the cop got dropped. Read about the "reason".

Chance for Justice for Peyton's Murderers?

Maybe there is a chance for justice in the murder of Peyton Strickland. Or at least a little justice. All of the cops involved should be facing murder charges. I would dearly love to see JackBoot Cpl. Christopher Long held accountable for his heinous crime, though I am afraid there will only be a slap on the wrist. We, as Americans and as reasonable humans, should never let government thugs escape responsibility for destructive behavior. Cops and guns are a deadly combination.

On Lying to Government

I was raised to always tell the truth, though I have often fallen short of that goal. I don't even like lying to save someone's feelings from being hurt. So what I am about to tell you may come as a shock. I think it is more moral to lie to government agents and bureaucrats than it is to be truthful with them. If you had lived in Nazi Germany, would you have lied to protect hiding jews? It was illegal and dangerous to do so. Would you feel guilty if you got mugged and hid the fact that you have $20 in your shoe? Are you obligated to reveal it to the mugger so he can take it? Only a fool would say "yes". If you consent to a relationship you have an obligation to be totally open with the other party. We are not obligated to be truthful in a coercive "relationship" such as between you and government or a freelance mugger. It is only a matter of degree to distinguish protecting hidden jews from lying to an IRS agent about your neighbor's off-the-books garage business. It may be a matter of survival to him.

Who Protects Our Rights? We Do.

Here is a link to a very good article by John Silveira.

Price of Gas

I was asking someone Saturday what the most important political issue for them was. He answered "the high price of gasoline!". That came as a surprise for me, since this person is a rather interesting outlaw/criminal (no offense meant). OK then, here is my take on gasoline prices. Adjusted for inflation (see my blog on ecomonics), gas prices have not gone up too much. If you were to eliminate the road taxes on it, the price would go down dramatically. Then get rid of the taxes on its production and transportation, and the price drops again. Then get the government out of the way of innovation in vehicle design and new fuels, and competition would likely reduce the price even more. Here is an article that explains the issue much better than I could. "One Dollar Gas" Read it and remember it when buying fuel.

L. Neil's Roadmap to Freedom Part Three

Here is the third part of the article from The Libertarian Enterprise that I linked to last week. L. Neil Smith's Back to Basics: Part Three Notice especially the idea of your real wealth quadrupling out from under authoritarianism.

Economics

All of the following is just my take on it and, since I am not an economist, it may be utter nonsense. All "economics" is simply a trade. Each side trades in such a way that they feel like they came out slightly ahead or at least even. Relative values fluctuate. One conch shell will vary in relative value compared to one rabbit. In years or places where rabbits are scarce, it may take many conch shells to trade for a rabbit and make the rabbit owner feel OK about the trade. If, on the other hand, you are far from the sea shore and you really want a conch shell to make a musical instrument or some jewelry from, you might be willing to trade several rabbits for one shell. In most areas dirt or rocks will not be worth much in trade value because it is easy to simply bend over and pick some up. Gold and silver retain good trade value because they are not abundant anywhere, they are pretty and shiny, they are useful for making jewelry and electronics, and they are just about universally recognized as having value. US dollars, also known as Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs) are getting more and more common as the "money supply" gets increased. A dollar is no longer tied to a set amount of silver or gold to establish a true value. The Federal Reserve can print as many of the paper notes as they want, without having anything of value to back them up. This makes the relative value of FRNs go down. So you must trade more FRNs for what you want to have. Many people blame the stores for this and the government calls it "inflation". All it really is is the principle of fair trades that has always been around. You must trade more and more FRNs to get a fair trade for the person with the actual product. No, an ounce of gold or silver will not always buy the exact same number of rabbits or conch shells. Relative values will still fluctuate, depending on the supply or need for each. But you are not at the mercy of someone, somewhere, deciding to mix up a huge batch of gold in the kitchen to trade for your rare conch shell. If that were the case, gold would soon be as worthless as slips of paper with green printing.

"Compliance Is Not Freedom" by Stefan Molyneux

"If you fail to file a tax return, you are not immediately dragged before a kangaroo court, and shot after a speedy and Stalin-esque trial. That takes time.) Rather, you will get a letter – often a rather polite one – asking if there may be some kind of problem. If you do not respond to this letter, very little will happen.

For a while, anyway."

Read the rest here.

Driver's License = National ID

Do you have a driver's license? Why do you believe the government has the authority to number and track you and control your travels? The licenses have very little to do with your abilities to handle a vehicle anymore. They are simply your national ID. They have become the "papers" in the Nazi demand of "Your papers, please!" Now with the new requirements implemented by the feds, it really is your national ID in all but name. There are now national standards that the states must follow or lose a bit of their place at the federal teat. The government thinks it has the authority to tell you what you must do in order to "legally" travel in America. Just try to live without one of these citizen permits today, even if you never "drive". It can be done, but you will be regarded as a trouble-maker. I have known a few people who refused to be "permitted" to drive. They were in no way a danger to anyone but the authority of the government. Still want to have a driver's license? You might as well have a number tattooed on your head.

If safety were the real issue, there are better ways to administer licensing. Insurance companies have the biggest stake in driver safety. Let each of them have their own testing requirements in order to get their coverage. Good drivers would get a discount (off an already lower price because of the government-mandated insurance scam being ended). This would be much more fair, cheaper, and without the privacy and rights violations inherent in the current system.

Banning Unhealthy Behaviors

Smoking bans and bans on "trans fats" keep making the news. Call the proponents "nannies" or "health nazis" or your epithet of choice. What makes the joy-vampires think they have the authority to control your life? These bans are ridiculous. Smoking is bad for your health. Too much fat is also bad. Nobody denies that. Counterfeit laws, however, are even worse for your health and for the health of America. If you wish to prohibit unhealthy behaviors, then why not ban a person's choice to not own or know how to use a gun? That is a very unhealthy decision. Ban anything that shortens life. Pet owners live longer, heathier lives. Should we ban the choice to not own a pet? Married people live longer. Ban bachelorhood? Stress shortens life, so should everyone be drugged into bliss?

I do not smoke. I do not have a "right" to never breathe smoke. If I don't like to eat at a restaurant where the owner allows smoking, I have the right to go elsewhere. I do not have the authority (and neither does any government, anywhere) to tell the restaurant owner what he can or cannot allow in his business. (Yes, I realize that opens other issues as well. And it should) A much wiser man than me has suggested that non-smokers carry a pipe with them to display at any state-mandated smoke-free venue where a smoker is being harrassed to show support. You don't have to smoke it or even have tobacco, just let the anti-liberty trolls see it. I suppose that you could also carry a donut into the no-fat zones.

Help Me Get the Word Out

I need your help promoting my candidacy. Since I do not accept donations I need my supporters to do a lot more work than the average candidate. This doesn't necessarily involve spending any money. One big way to help is to engage in "guerilla marketing" techniques. Write the address for my campaign website ( KentForLiberty.com ) on public property (on paper money, in chalk on sidewalks, on scraps of paper that you "accidentally" leave in public places, in the dirt on the backs of your cars, whatever.) Please respect private property, though. Make up business cards that you can give out or leave lying around. Send your friends who might be interested links to this blog or my campaign page. If you have a blog of your own, mention my campaign and link to me. Contact me to let me know what you are doing. I am trying to keep abreast of things. You can also visit my CafePress Shop where I am selling "Kent for President in 2008" bumper stickers and other items. If you have a "Time's Up" flag or other item, tell people what it represents and direct them to my blog.

"Time's Up" Flags Still Available

Don't forget your "Time's Up" flags. The new ebay listing is here.

See the pics at my earlier blog announcements.

Peyton Strickland: Death by Cop

Peyton Strickland, a college student who was 18 years old, was murdered by cops Friday, December 1st. He may have committed an armed robbery. Or perhaps he didn't. He will never get to face his accusers in a trial and have a jury decide his fate, because the cops, with a warrant (so they claim) went to his house, kicked in the door as he was opening it, and shot him to death. He may have been armed with a video game controller. They killed his dog as well. This is becoming standard operating procedure in America. Cops are now enforcers, judges, jurors, and executioners. And apparently, most of the citizens see nothing wrong with this as long as it is not their own door getting kicked in; their own dog being shot; their own kitten being stomped; and their own life being brought to a violent conclusion by "Law-Enforcement-Only Ammunition".

I have no clue whether this kid robbed someone. I did not know him personally. What I do know is this is not the way America is supposed to be. Remember "innocent until proved guilty"? The United States is stomping America into the ground as fast as it can. Remember the Vicky Weavers, Kathryn Johnstons, and Peyton Stricklands that are piling up in our burgeoning police state.

Bill of Rights Day: December 15th

December 15th is Bill of Rights Day. Read the Bill of Rights.

After the Constitution was written it had to be accepted by the states. They wouldn't adopt it without a guarantee that the federal government would be strictly limited in its authority. This is what the Bill of Rights was written to do. It is a package deal. No Bill of Rights; no Constitution. No Constitution; no authority for a federal government. As you read over the ten amendments consider whether the US government has left any of them unbroken. Perhaps the Third Amendment hasn't been commonly violated, but every single one of the other nine has been (and is daily being) violated by a government which is out of control. The Bill of Rights was written in common (for that era) language so that the common person on the street would know and understand what was being guaranteed. Do not let government sympathizers fool you into believing that lawyers or judges must tell you what the Bill of Rights means. They lie to you to protect their power.

You have ten days to prepare. Find a way to celebrate the day in your local area. Write a letter to the editor. Make copies of the Bill of Rights and hand them out. Exercise some or all of your rights that are guaranteed (and see how quickly "our" criminal government labels you a "terrorist"). I had a friend who would talk about the Bill of Rights very often. His "thanks" was having the local sheriff slam him against a wall and threaten him to stop talking about "that Constitution and Bill of Rights garbage". Perhaps you will get a different response, or maybe you will discover which side of the Law your local bad(ge) guys are on.

My Christmas Wish List

I wish the government would release Wayne Fincher, apologize to him and make the government agents (who have so seriously molested him) pay him back for his lost time and property directly from their own pockets.

I wish that the cops who murdered Kathryn Johnston would be fired and spend the rest of their lives educating the public about the stupidity of the drug war, and the foolishness of allowing cops to be armed and militarized, from their jail cells.

I wish that all of America would wake up Christmas morning and realize that we don't really need government, because we are perfectly capable of living up to our potential and running our own lives without robbing and murdering each other, and of dealing with the few who can't control themselves.

I wish I could afford to send a "Time's Up" flag to every person who wants one, free of charge, so that authoritarians would see a sea of those flags flying from poles all across the country.

I wish that no peaceful, honest person would need to fear government on any level ever again. There would no longer be "paperwork violations", or any bully agancies tying to make lives difficult and confusing.

I wish I had a huge expanse of land all around me where I could explore (and shoot) without any danger of trespassing. Oh, and if it had a cave where I could live sometimes that would be wonderful!

And, finally, whatever you call the winter holiday you choose to celebrate, I wish you and your loved ones the best times ever.

L. Neil's Roadmap to Freedom

L. Neil Smith is writing a series of articles in The Libertarian Enterprise detailing what he sees as the way for America to get to the freedom that we need so badly. Please read "Back to Basics, part 1" and "Part Two".

Worth Dying For?

Someone known to me only as "Mr. Dare" recently had something profound to say in response to the question "Is anything worth dying for?"

"The only things worth dying for are the things you couldn't live without if you lost them. Liberty, Loved Ones, Principals of Self Respect. These can not be replaced or substituted with lesser values and still suffer a man to continue living."

I couldn't agree more. This is a question that has crossed my mind. I think that one day it may be more than just a mental exercise. I feel that there are more things worth living for than dying for, fortunately. I hope it stays that way.

The "Time's Up" flag

We have all seen the wonderful old Gadsden Flag with the coiled rattlesnake proclaiming "DONT TREAD ON ME". For hundreds of years it has warned enemies of freedom that we should not be provoked. For those same "hundreds of years" we have tolerated crimes by government without striking back, with a few notable exceptions. After all these years of being poked with the stick of government and stomped with jackboots, the snake has had enough. That is why I designed the "Time's Up" flag. I came up with the design while relaxing near Albuquerque, New Mexico this summer. It is the new flag of the resistance. I have "Time's Up" flags and merchandise available from eBay and CafePress. Show your support of liberty. These are not just for supporters of my campaign, but for everyone who knows that "Time's Up!"

Welcome to December

I want to thank everyone for their votes on The Next Prez poll. I came in second behind Steve Kubby (congrats Steve!). Feel free to continue to vote for me in future months, although I don't think I will be sending out reminders. I was curious how well I could do if I really pushed the issue, and I was pleasantly surprised. I appreciate the good response.

Also: Thanks for the good response I am getting on the "Time's Up" flags. I am grateful for the kind words and the enthusiasm that has been expressed over the design. I will re-post my earlier blog about it later. I apologize for the expense of the flags, but I was not able to have them made in a large enough quantity to really get the price down (and still keep the quality up). Remember that "Time's Up" flags are not just for supporters of my campaign, but for everyone who wants to tell government that we warned them "DONT TREAD ON ME" for over two-hundred years to no avail. Time's up!

Last Poll Reminder

Here is the last reminder about the online poll at The Next Prez. About halfway down the page on the right side is the Libertarian Poll. You can vote for me or the candidate of your choice there. After November ends, I will leave you alone about this. Thanks.

Social Security

Imagine a little scenario with me. A mugger whom you cannot avoid nor fight back against takes your money for years, then one day says "I have preyed on you long enough. I gave all that money to the needy. Now in your old age I will give you a few dollars every month. Ignore the fact that the money I give you will be stolen from new victims." Do you accept the money from him? This is what the governmental ponzi scheme known as "Social Security" does. It also conditions people to believe that they are entitled to government handouts, just as every other form of welfare does. For generations now, America has been devouring its young. All on the false claim of "taking care of the elderly". The harsh reality is that Social Security is theft. It is an unsustainable scheme that will collapse on the retired Americans who have been tricked into depending on its handouts. Redistribution of wealth is a socialist contrivance. There is no Social Security bank account where all of your "contributions" are deposited, earning interest until the government begins refunding your money to you. No, your stolen money was given to other people long ago. Just because it has been stolen from you for years, does not make it OK for you to accept the laundered money. I do not ever wish to be a thief's "kept man". Social Security, along with its associated tracking number, must be eliminated. It will be painful for some, just as cancer surgery is, but in order to save America's life, it is necessary. Glossing over the truth does no one any good.

"Time's Up" Flags Now Available

I now have a supply of my "Time's Up" Flags available for purchase. They are high quality flags made by Annin & Co. They measure 3' by 5' and have headers and grommets for hanging. They are digitally printed and made for indoor or outdoor use. They are better than I had hoped. The cost is $60.00 each delivered. Email me at dullhawk@hotmail.com if you are interested in one.

The Danger of Militarized Cops Goes Mainstream

Here is a very interesting article from Popular Mechanics: SWAT Overkill: The Danger of a Paramilitary Police Force

Perhaps America is becoming aware of the dangers. We can only hope.

Kent McManigal: The Silly Candidate

I will admit that sometimes I feel a bit silly running for president. I have no war-chest of funds for campaigning. I don't even accept donations. I am not a famous activist or celebrity. I haven't staged theatrical protests (although I really enjoyed reading about the "V in DC" events). I do not play politics the way I have been told is necessary in order to be elected. By which, I mean I have not toned down my libertarian views. Not even most of my own family would vote for me, since they are textbook examples of the religious-right. Will I win? No. But if I abandoned my principles in order to win, even I would not vote for myself, and would be disgusted at anyone who did vote for me. We do not need more politicians. We have a vast overabundance of that breed now. That is why I stay in the race. I still believe that of all the choices out there, I am the one who could straighten out the mess the best. I would not spare government programs that I may like if they fall outside Constitutional authority. There are no sacred governmental cows to me. I may be called a "utopian dreamer" for this. I don't believe in Utopia. I do believe in (and live in) a growing Distopia. I aim to stop it. What will you do?

The DOJ is Watching

I have noticed that the Department of Justice (a laughable name) is checking on blogs that mention "Wayne Fincher". My blog has gotten "hits" from computers at the DOJ twice that I know of since his kidnapping by the feds. It makes me wonder why. Are they testing the waters to see if anyone notices that they are railroading an innocent man? Are they compiling lists for their next kidnappings? Are they simply curious as to what is being said about the case? Or perhaps an automated program visits websites that mention their latest victim in order to intimidate vocal critics into silence. I can't say for certain that it will not work. I have not been tested, so I do not know how I will measure up. If I am taken down, more will rise up in my place. If I am silenced, others will begin to speak. I think it shows that the government is uncomfortable with its actions being watched. I know I have done nothing wrong, but the thugs of the BATFE can't say the same. They have been shown time and again rigging tests in order to get a conviction. Remember, according to them, a shoestring is a machine gun. In this time of government surveilance, we need to be especially thorough in watching the watchers. We still outnumber them, and we are the good guys.

Drug Warriors & Gun Confiscators: Stand Down

As horrible as these murder-by-cop incidents are, keep in mind that this is an inevitable result of the drug war, the gun war, and whatever other culture/morality wars the government declares on America. These murders will continue unless the murderers are told to "stand down". America, it is time to tell them to "stand down!" permanently.

More "Murder By Cop"

If I see a gang of armed, agressive people coming at me; guns drawn, I will not automatically assume that they are cops upholding "justice and liberty for all", or "securing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". I will assume that they are freelance criminals out to cause mayhem and death. Would you make a different assumption? I don't know a lot about the case of Sean Bell yet, but with this and similar cases I see the same scenario played out repeatedly in the news. Cops high on "authority", not in uniform, begin an attack on a regular person. When the person sees himself or herself being attacked by armed people of unknown intent, they try to fight back. The victim dies in the resultant one-sided shootout. Then the official cover-up begins, with the eager tail-wagging media spreading the official story far and wide. A badge carries with it a higher standard of behavior and a higher cost for misusing that authority. Guns and badges are a deadly combination.

The Virtual Campaign

In this presidential campaign, I have somewhat insulated myself from the madness. I haven't yet gone out on big "meet the voters" type events. Mainly because there hasn't been a big demand for me to do so. Also funds are severely limited, so I will save my traveling for when it is necessary. So for now my campaign remains mainly virtual. This doesn't mean I do not interact with the public. If you have questions or comments, let me know.

To once again state my reasons for running for president: I want to be president because I don't like the direction America is headed. I see that Republicans and Democrats actually don't work against one another, but both head toward a police state as fast as they can without alerting most Americans to what they are doing. I want to stop this trend. I want to return the Costitution and Bill of Rights to their legitimate place as the highest law in the land; implemented as written, not as "interpreted". I want to reduce the impact of government in our lives. If you do not commit a real crime, government would be completely out of your life. People should not fear their government; governments should fear their people. If government employees overstep their authority, they would be held accountable in accordance with the principle that more authority carries more responsibility. FBI snipers who murder would not be able to slide off into anonymity. ATF agents who burn churches would face juries of fully informed jurors. Ninja-suited cops who kick in doors in the middle of the night, warrant or not, would face the same consequenses as any other armed intruder. These acts would not be tolerated during my administration, but they happen every day in this and former US administrations. There is no statute of limitation on murder. State sponsored murderers should always remember that fact. Current corrupt administrations may continue to protect them. A possible future Constitutional administration will hunt their kind down to hand out cold justice.

Avoiding Mistakes When "Ruling"

Here is a lighter entry than normal. If I were running for "Evil Overlord" instead of president, here is a handy reference that I could use to avoid some common mistakes. Enjoy.

Peter's Evil Overlord List

Government Still Out of Control

The recent murder-by-cop of Kathryn Johnston and the arrest (kidnapping) of Hollis Wayne Fincher are just two examples of government out of control. Make no mistake, government should be controlled. Tightly controlled. If you don't think the government agents plant whatever evidence they require to "justify" their murders and kidnappings, then you just are not paying attention. Then, when they get caught, the government wants to use the money stolen from the productive Americans to pay for their defense. Either that, or the "authorities" keep repeating the magic words "We found the shooting to be justified" or "we were following up on a tip" or some other nonsense and the people quickily forget about the victims. I do not believe in capital punishment except at the scene of the crime, at the hands of the intended victim or a rescuer, but the murderers of Kathryn Johnston should never again be free in society to hurt anyone else. "If it saves only one life...." I would rather she had become another Cory Maye than a martyr, but the reality is that anyone defending their home is a hero. The insanely evil "War on Drugs" and "War on Guns" keep piling up the bodies. When will it stop? When we make it stop. It is time to end the madness.

"American Indians"

We all remember the Pilgrims and Indians from the Thanksgiving stories of our childhood. I always identified much more with the natives than I did with the pilgrims. I have never been very pilgrim-like. And before anyone gets upset at my use of the name "indian" when I refer to the aboriginal North American people, I do realize that is a poor name. Such are the perils of common usage. Regardless of what I call them, I have great respect for all of their cultures, even if I disagree with some specifics. No one can justify what the US government did to them in the name of progress. On a forum I am a member of, someone posting as FreedomMonkey made this remark about the power of government to destroy a culture: "it took less than two generations to take some of the fiercest individualists on this continent (the Lakota, Cheyenne, etc.) and break them down and domesticate them. Kill the leaders, destroy any oustanding individuals, take their children away, destroy their traditions and make them utterly dependent upon socialist handouts and gov't bureaucrats." I agree. It always saddens me to see the old photographs of the indian children with their "white man" haircuts and clothes being taught to be "civilized" at some "indian school". I don't want any do-gooders interfering with my culture,and I do not want any do-gooders interfering with anyone else's culture either. Live (by the ZAP) and let live. Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Ninety-Two Year-Old Woman Murdered

A ninety-two year-old woman has been murdered in Atlanta. She lived in a high-crime area and when a gang started trying to break into her home of 17 years, she began shooting at them. She hit 3 of them, but not fatally, before they kicked in the door and murdered her in cold blood. These murderers usually wear badges while they commit their atrocities. This is just business as usual for "our noble drug-warriors". Murdering Americans to keep Americans safe. Is this what we want America to be? It is time to take the power away from the armed murderers of the DEA and local militarized narcotics agencies. The report on CNN Headline News made a big deal about the fact that the murderers were "alert" at the hospital. Who cares? They killed a woman. The "authorities" call the shooting "justified" because she shot at them first. If they had been obeying America's highest laws (the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) in the first place, she would not have needed to shoot at them. I only wish she had been a better shot with a more effective weapon.

Prejudices; Old and New

Back when I erroneously thought of myself as a conservative I held racist views and beliefs. I never really thought about it other than feeling it was required. After all, it is obvious that the races are different, and that means one must be better, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Then there was the conservative requirement to dislike or even hate homosexuals, although some claimed to only hate the homosexuality, but to love the "sinner". It didn't look that way to me. I have seen the destruction of this deviant mindset within my own family.
After waking up to my own "libertarianism" I realized that my only enemies are those who actively try to enslave me or those who sit aside and pretend that all is well while governments the world over try to crush individual liberty. People are not defined by their skin color, their religion, or their sexuality. They are defined by their actions. Behave as a friend and I will treat you as a friend. Not everyone is a friend, however. Those who work to implement the US police state have declared war on me, my friends, and my family. This has led to a new prejudice in me. Anyone who wears the badge of government in any form is assumed to be an enemy until or unless he or she proves otherwise. I suppose it is unfortunate and possibly wrong for me to feel this way, but look who is forcing the fight. I do not ask for this. All I ask for myself and others is freedom from coercion. Government refuses to play nice.

Freedom is a Threat to the US

Attorney Criminal - or is it General? - Alberto Gonzales says that those of us who are aware that he is destroying freedom are a grave threat to US security. Isn't that funny. The security interests of the US are counter to the interests of American freedom. Which one is more important? Which one should win out? Once again this demonstrates that the United States is the greatest danger America has ever faced. When a federal judge actually has the courage to declare a federal program unconstitutional we should all pay attention. Federal judges are not known for their ability to understand the Constitution where it puts limits on governmental power. It seems to confuse them in those instances. Sleezy Gonzales sees "liberty" as only applicable if it fits his view of "civic responsibility" and federal government security. Who among us is a "civic"? There is only personal responsibility. Where interests of the state and the individual clash, the individual must prevail. Everything is based on the individual; the building block of society.

Answer to Gene Chapman

Recently presidential candidate Gene Chapman commented on this blog that I was only stating libertarian ideology and not proposing any laws. He believes this will hurt me in any debates I participate in. I answered that the reason is what I have stated on my campaign page: I will not be advocating any new laws; only the repeal of existing counterfeit "laws". I wrote this as a campaign pledge over two years ago and I stand by it. If you are looking for someone who will advance a law for you, find another candidate. America is drowning in laws. A law never solved any problem, but laws have definately made many problems immeasureably worse. I am not calling for the abolition of all laws; only the ones which do not prohibit actual force or fraud. Laws against such things as murder, rape, theft, and kidnapping would obviously remain while victimless "crimes" would no longer be crimes. Only after all the legal pollution is cleaned up would I even consider any new law. Even then, the only law I can think of that I would like to see would be one putting teeth in the Bill of Rights and calling for specific penalties for any government employee at any level who infringes on Rights. Rights as written in the Bill of Rights, not as misinterpreted by the courts.

Why Do (most) Christians Support US Government?

One group of people who continue to disappoint me with their support and approval of the emerging US police state is Christians. (If this observation does not apply to you, then please understand that I am not speaking of you and your beliefs) You would think that any group based on the life and teachings of Jesus would recognize that the US government is way off track. Perhaps they do realize it. The main argument I have heard is that "God put our leaders where they are so it is His will. We must support our leaders." That is a load of nonsense. By that standard, it would be immoral to oppose Hitler or any other mass-murdering tyrant who comes to power. The other empty point that I hear made is that "Our government is the best government possible on Earth. Only a monarchy, with God as king, is better." Have the courage to work towards something better here and now. Don't accept a steaming dung heap just because you are not capable of visualizing anything better. I never read anywhere in the Bible where it stated that "Lo, establish amongst thyselves a Constitutional republic. Forsake all other forms of government until that day in which thy sleepeth." Even if that imaginary verse existed, we the people have not forsaken the Constitutional republic, but our corrupt, power hungry "leaders" have. You know that the government no longer feels bound by the limits of the Constitution or Bill of Rights. Don't support G.W. because he claims to be a Christian, either. You will know him by his fruit. This Bush bears the fruits of torture, wars of aggression, lies, and hate. What does that fruit say about him, spiritually? In Luke 22:36 while Jesus was waiting to be arrested, he told his disciples: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Read the entire passage to see for yourself that this is not taken out of context. He was telling his disciples to arm themselves against the enforcing arm of the government. This is the act of a rebel. When the government has "gone rogue" it is no longer moral or right to simply submit to them. You must choose your own path of resistance, though. Resistance to tyranny is God's will.

Patriotism 101

What is "patriotism"? "America, Love it or leave it!"? "Brave men and women have died so you can sleep in peace"? Frantic flag-waving? Are you patriotic while reciting the (socialist) Pledge of Allegiance (with its original Nazi salute)? Does it involve shouting down anyone who loves America more than they love the United States government? Or is real patriotism the ability to love the country, while at the same time seeing how badly off-track the US government has gone. Real patriotism seeks to honor and enforce the documents that actually define what America is, and what it stands for. America is not the flag. America is not the web of illegitimate "laws". America is not the President, Congress, courts, or soldiers. America is the ideas enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. To a patriot, these documents are the template used to recognize America. This is my brand of patriotism. I love America. I want the best for everyone who lives here. I grieve for the pseudo-patriots who have forgotten what America is, and instead blindly worship an out-of-control police-state government. These people will not ever see the truth. Their "patriotism" would have been approved by King George back when the real patriots were plotting to overthrow the tyrant. This safe patriotism is fine with the Tyrannocrats who attempt to enslave us today. "Tell the people they are free often enough, and they will believe they are free". Yes, you are free to do whatever the government permits you to do. Is this the kind of freedom you desire? Even loyal party members in Soviet Russia had that brand of freedom. I want more. I deserve more. You deserve more.

Remember Hollis Wayne Fincher

When government targets people for arrest or persecution, do you speak out or do you think to yourself "they must have done something to deserve this"? The recent case of Hollis Wayne Fincher should make anyone who loves and honors America furious. The criminals infesting government are working on a campaign against him. They will soon be planting evidence (government operatives show a preference for child pornography for this purpose) to sway public opinion, if they haven't already, so watch for the "revelation". The Second Amendment clearly states that the government has ZERO authority to regulate weapons. Zero. Passing, or enforcing even the most innocuous gun "law" is treason. It would not matter one tiny bit if Fincher had built an arsenal of fully automatic firearms and sold them from the back of his truck in the Wal-Mart parking lot (No, this isn't what he is being accused of) because for the government to try to enforce a counterfeit gun "law" is illegal. Pass a gun law; become a criminal. Kill someone while enforcing a gun "law"; become a murderer. There are no illegal guns; only illegal gun laws.

Michael Moore's Promise

Michael Moore has written a letter to "disheartened conservatives". He pledges to let conservatives reap the rewards of the socialist paradise that he and the Democratic arm of the National Tyrannocrat Party intend to implement (at government gunpoint) on America. How nice of him. Some conservatives might even embrace their golden cage if they can remind themselves that as long as "their guys" were in power, they headed blindly toward the exact same goals. Libertarians will never be appeased by promises of "universal healthcare" or of being "allowed" to keep our hunting rifles. Only a fool would fall for his verbal flatulence, or think that Americans will. Will he and his ilk respect our libertarian beliefs? Does he erroneously think we want him to balance our checkbooks? He promises not to spend our grandchildren's money. Good. Stop stealing it to pay for government programs and maybe we will believe you. Taxation is theft. Gun "laws" are treason. Separate your government from our lives or we may, in self defense, force you back into the sewer which spawned you, along with all your empty promises.

Money

Do you ever wonder why things keep going up in price?

The government and their collaborators in the media blame "inflation". They claim it is because greedy companies keep raising the prices. Now do you want to know the real reason prices go up? They don't. The US dollar just keeps losing value.

Back when the US dollar was guaranteed with silver, it kept its value. The Constitution defines a dollar as a certain weight of silver. Four hundred and twelve and a half grains of 90% silver to be exact. The Federal Reserve Bank (which is not federal, not a reserve, and not a bank) has stolen "dollars" from America and substituted Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs) which we are now legally forced to accept. These are only worth anything because the US government says they are. Compared to the real dollar of pre-1913, the FRN is now worth about 4 cents.

This is reflected in prices, which are shown in "dollars" but are really in FRNs, appearing to rise, through "inflation". Look at the Silver Dollar. Once upon a time, it was made of 90% silver, weighed about an ounce, and would trade 1:1 for a FRN paper dollar.

Now you can still get them, but although they say "one dollar" on them, they cost between $14 and $20 FRNs each (as of November 14, 2006 at 6:02PM Eastern time. I checked a few different places). Plus, if you deposit one into your bank account, you will only get credit for ONE dollar.

I am not a monetary expert, but it is plain to see that the US government, along with the Federal Reserve is stealing the value of America. Trade all the FRNs you can afford to part with for REAL money in the form of gold and silver, and start today. You will be glad you did.

The Freedom to be Wrong

This is one of the hardest things for many people to accept: that freedom necessarily includes the freedom to be wrong. When you see someone making a mistake it is natural to want to rescue them. This is what makes humans humane. Parents usually learn that if they always save their kids from getting hurt by a mistake, the kids keep making the same mistake over and over. They do not learn from being warned. Many authoritarians believe that they are controlling us for our own good. They don't see the harm that comes from not dealing with the consequences of our own decisions and actions. Libertarians recognize that people only learn from their own mistakes. We can give advice, and even reach out to those who have fallen, but to forbid someone the freedom to live as they see fit and make their own mistakes in order to learn is to demand that people remain infantile. Be a true friend; not a coddler.

False Libertarians

Through the years I have met many people who claim that they are libertarians. Of these, a sizeable percentage turn out to be false libertarians. What they really mean is that they like to watch porn and use drugs. Yes, libertarians will support their right to do that. The problem is that these phonies also may live on welfare and think nothing of writing a hot check now and then. They call the cops at the drop of a hat when someone annoys them. They blame government for their own failures. This is not libertarian behaviour at all. Libertarianism is about self responsibility. It is summed up in the Zero Aggression Principle, which states: "No human being has the right, under ANY circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, nor to advocate or delegate its initiation." Fraud is economic initiation of force. False libertarians do not usually even know of the ZAP, much less live by it. If you think you can "do anything you want" but not pay the consequences, you are not a libertarian. You are a criminal or an authoritarian (but I repeat myself).

National Ammo Day/Week

Once again it is National Ammo Day/Week; the ammunition Buycott. Everyone should go out and buy at least 100 rounds of ammo before November 19, 2006. This is an annual event, so mark your calendars. Isn't this much more fun than boycotting something?

ATF: American Terrorist Front

The out of control, illegal gang known as the BATFE has arrested another innocent man and gone into smear campaign mode. Hollis "Wayne" Fincher was arrested for possessing "illegal guns". Read about this case on United States vs. Fincher.

The cowardly NRA has spoken out in support of this state terrorism, stating that it and its 4 million members support the "Project Safe Neighborhoods" program that led to the arrest. As a disgruntled NRA life member, I wrote to them:

"I do not in any way shape or form support "Project Safe Neighborhoods" as has been stated on my behalf as a member in relation to the Hollis Fincher arrest. It is an abomination against the Constitution as is "Project Exile". Please do not make blanket statements unless you are stating that all gun "laws" are counterfeit. Victim disarmament can not be tolerated."

I will wait and see if or how they respond.

Rights vs. Authority

People, individual humans, have "rights". Government has only "authority". Rights trump authority every time. It is like a game of "rock, paper, scissors" where "rights" will always win. Government can't even play. Government authority is a big, fancy ice sculpture trying to stand against the flamethrower of individual rights. Since rights are absolute, two or more people (such as government) have no more rights than one person. This may not be a popular view, but it is the correct one. People have been conditioned to think that government, through its authority, "gives" us rights, but this is backwards. We, as individuals, give government authority. Since the authority comes from the people, the people can take it away. Our rights do not come from government, so government cannot take them away. Once you realize the hierarchy of rights and authority, government becomes less scary, and begins to lose power over your life. Which is exactly what government doesn't want.

Wiretaps

I have been watching and participating in an online discussion of minarachy vs. anarchy. The minarchist is overly concerned (from my perspective) with what to do about cybercriminals who (he believes) will not be easily caught and punished in an anarchy.

Perhaps in a ZAP compliant anarchy (a ZAParchy?) wiretaps and similar shady "law enforcement" techniques would still be used. There would be no governmental "authority" for such nonsense, though. If the investigators are caught, they could be punished for overzealous persuit of the bad guy. I think I could even embrace this in today's US. Wiretap all you want, read my emails, or whatever, but if you get caught doing it, you will go to jail even if I am guilty of some crime that you uncover. It might cool some of the police state infringements we are subjected to everyday.

What Do You Love?

What do you love? Do you want the freedom to enjoy more of whatever it is? What if others don't approve of your love? For some it is guns. For others it is the high they get from mind altering substances; or it is music, books, pets, cars, gardens, photography, or...? As long as you do not violate anyone else's rights while you enjoy yourself, it is no one's business. Government gets in the way of almost all of those "loves" in one way or another. Either through regulation or outright prohibition. Remember the line from the Declaration of Independence about governments being established to secure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"? This is exactly what it was describing. Seeking our bliss without harming anyone else. When government gets in the way of our pursuit of happiness, it has gone rogue and overstepped its authority. When government gets in the way of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" it is the right and responsibility of the people to bring government back in line or to wipe the governmental slate clean and start over. Read the Declaration of Independence if you don't believe me. Also read the list of complaints against King George and see how many the current George, along with his army of Tyrannocrats, has also committed.

Government Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Here is the official US government position on your rights: Rights of the People. Notice Chapter 5. The US government can't afford to state a position on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. If they flat-out state that there is no Right to Keep and Bear Arms, they know they face an armed revolution. If they admit that the Second Amendment means what it plainly says, they will be admitting that every victim disarmament scheme that has ever been perpetrated on America is illegal, and therefore null and void. So, they are probably trying to find the right weasel-words to keep the essay from saying anything at all. It does not matter. You and I do not need the US government (or any employees thereof) to tell us what the Bill of Rights means. It was written for anyone to understand. The lie is that you need it "interpreted" by legal scholars. You do not. The authors wrote it for everyone. That includes YOU.

Election Results: America Loses, Again

Having seen some of this year's crop of political advertisements and the clowns who were asking for our votes, I don't know what to think. Can voters be this mindless? These ads are such an obvious diversion from the true issues that I find it hard to believe they are not seen as buffoonery. "Candidate A" is against this and that. "Candidate 1" is against that and this. They ignore the clear fact that they are both against liberty. Smoke, mirrors, slight-of-hand, holograms, "Hey, look over there", and other tactics hide the true agenda that these treasonous monsters are pushing on us. They promise to steal from someone else to finance giving YOU something, but you too are a "someone else" to somebody. We, the productive humans of Earth, need to put these political parasites on notice that we are watching them, and we do not find their abuses amusing. We are not fooled by their lies and distractions. Any "laws" limiting, regulating, licensing, rationing, or downplaying rights are disgustingly wrong. Politicians, enforcers, and bureaucrats need to be held personally accountable for the evil they do to us. For the rest of their pathetic little lives. Voting against them is not enough.

Vote if You Must

But please, vote for NO INCUMBENTS. Vote for the Libertarian if there is one, even a LINO Libertarian; one of the honorable "third parties" if not. If there is no Libertarian on the ticket, remember that "None of the Above" is better than a Tyrannocrat (R) or (D). Or, just write "Kent McManigal" in for everything. Maybe you would rather participate in This Campaign instead. Don't fall for the "If you don't vote, you can't complain" lie.

Personal Responsibility (Again)

The worst feedback I get is when I mention "personal responsibility". Do people fear it, or do they believe they will be held responsible, yet others will not? Do most people feel that they themselves are honorable, but no one else is? Universally, people reach out to those who promise to control others through victim disarmament, drug prohibition, cruel moral codes, and other forms of slavery. They reject those of us who tell them to take responsibility for their own lives, and stop worrying about what other people choose to do with their lives. The busy-bodies cry out "But what about X or Z?" Who will stop that from happening? Who will punish the guilty?". In many cases "X" and "Z" are not a violation of the Zero Aggression Principle and should not be forbidden in the first place. In other cases, without statism tying your hands, you would be able to stop it on your own. Morally and without violating anyone's rights. I would prefer to live in a society which is founded on personal responsibility, and teaches that actions have consequences, rather than a "punishment state" where the only thing holding back the flood of chaos and mayhem is the threat of armed assault by the bad(ge) guys.

Remember, Today

Remember, remember, the fifth of November.... And watch V for Vendetta today.

We Can't All be Right, But.......

It's amazing to me that all the political ads I see are saying things that are completely contradictory, yet both sides of the national Tyrannocrat Party (Republicans and Democrats) think they are right, and obviously believe that viewers/voters will agree with them. In my heart and mind I know I am right. Unfortunately, I suppose they feel they are right, too. Why is it this way? We can't all be right, but they can both be wrong. Each arm of the Tyrannocrat party advocates theft, and promises victimizing some segments of the population slightly more than other segments. The ads are nothing but promises of kickbacks. They promise you that they will steal from me to pay you, and they promise me that they will steal from you to pay me. I do not want your money. Don't promise to give me kickbacks for my vote. It doesn't work that way. If you vote for a candidate according to his promise of "entitlements", "government programs" or "benefits" you are merely choosing a warlord to do your stealing for you. If this is your motivation, do us all a favor and stay home on election day.

Devoured by Government

Have you ever watched a snake eat?

As it swallows its prey whole, the jaw stretches wide open. The bottom jaw separates at the chin so that each half can work somewhat independently. Then one side will slide forward a ways, then pull backwards while the other half slides forward. The snake's teeth are backwards curving so that the prey will only move in one direction; down the snake's throat.

This is similar to our situation.

The Democrats are the left jaw and the Republicans are the right. Bureaucracy and counterfeit "laws" are the top jaw, pressing down on us. Any evidence that they are not all part of the same snake's mouth is an illusion. First one party gets into office and slides forward, then waits when the other party gains control.

It is a dance of death for us, the prey. Slowly, inexorably leading straight down into the belly of the beast.

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Frontiers Beyond the Reach of Tyrants

I think that a lot of government sympathizers feel the way they do because they believe there are some projects too large for individuals (or non-governmental groups of individuals) to undertake. The space programs come to mind. To my way of thinking, government has bungled space programs terribly, trapping us on earth for the foreseeable future. I think if government had stayed out of it, and also not regulated the exploration of space to death, we would probably have large numbers of humans living off-world now. Government representatives went to the moon almost 40 years ago .... and then dropped the ball. Would private space companies have done this? Not unless it proved to be a waste of effort. I don't think space exploration is a waste of effort. Humans need a frontier. This is the first time in human history that we don't have a frontier that ordinary people can escape to. No place remains out of the reach of government. Make no mistake, that is what frontiers are all about, even if the foolish settlers usually rush to set up a new government to molest them. Today, even if the average person sells everything they own, they will not have enough money for an orbital trip; no one to fly them other than government; and no destination is available. This is a condition that cannot continue. There are places on earth that could be frontiers, if government were banished. That isn't likely. Space is the only option that is left for those of us who don't buy into the lie that we "need government".

Are You "Anti-anti" or "Pro-pro"?

Does everyone need to be "anti-" something? I notice that so many people seem to get their identity by what they oppose. Why not embrace a positive instead of only condemning a negative? I am not "anti-government"; I am promoting individual liberty and responsibility. That covers about all of it. Murder, kidnapping, theft, rape, assault, and fraud, are all violations of individual liberty, and rejections of individual responsibility, whether committed by free-lance or governmental villians.

Next Prez Poll

There is an online poll at The Next Prez that you can vote in. About halfway down the page on the right side is the Libertarian Poll. You can vote for me or the candidate of your choice there. Thanks.

Small World?

It is amazing and frustrating to me that just as technology has gotten our planet more connected, the xenophobes in government are doing all they can to alienate us from the rest of the world. I think it is good to trade with other countries. It is good for people to travel and experience other cultures. That is often the best way to appreciate your own culture. Free exchange of ideas and ideals is good for humanity. What is good for people is not too good for government, though. Each government must convince its subjects that their country is the best there is, otherwise the people might decide to make some changes. Change rarely bodes well for rulers. Blind fools often say idiotic things like "Love it or Leave it!" Wiser voices say "Love it and Keep Improving it!" It is often said by government sympathizers that "America is the best, most free, country on Earth." Perhaps, but there is always room for improvement. Imagine you are standing in a bed of fire ants. While looking east you see a crater filled with lava. You should be very grateful that you are not in the lava. If you only look toward the east, you might truly believe that your situation is the best that there can be. All the while, west of you, is a green meadow filled with Twinkies and butterflies (or your pleasures of choice). If you are surrounded by a chorus of voices telling you that your fire ant bed is the best place there is, and that you are utopian or stupid for thinking that there might be a better life, you may believe it. But if you travel, or talk to other people, you will be less likely to buy into the propoganda. At times, even reading fiction can open your eyes to better possibilities. It is in government's best interest to demonize other cultures to create phantom enemies, or to magnify real ones. Ignorance is government's tool. Therefore government tries to keep the world big and scary, and builds walls and fences to keep you in your place.

A Sighting: Tales From the Dark Side of My Mind

"I stepped outside and noticed a bright light in the sky. Suddenly in the underbrush, I saw tiny bipedal creatures kicking aside the leaf litter as if looking for something. They did not seem concerned that I was there, watching them. I observed them for a minute or more, before a passing car caught my attention. When I looked back, the creatures had vanished. Similar events have happened in my presence frequently."

Sounds like a UFO sighting with live "ETs" observed, doesn't it? Well, maybe. Depending on whether the story teller is trying to be totally honest, or is trying to deceive without exactly lying. The above story can be completely true, while still being misleading. If the observer stepped outside during the day (bright light = sun) saw a couple of robins looking for worms (bipedal creatures = robins) which flew away after being startled by a passing car, then the tale would technically be true.

This is what government does when it tells us how great the economy is; how gun "laws" saved lives; why this new law or order will not destroy liberty. Politicians can be technically telling the "truth" while still being as deceitful as is humanly possible. Then, too, government often just lies.

"I'm From the Government! BOO! You're Dead!"

Want to be really scary this Halloween? Dress up as Government. Drinking the life-blood of the productive people of the world. Clothed in the blood of the 200 million or so victims of 20th century government. This is the very real horror we face. This isn't "government gone wrong" but a logical progression of the very principle of government. Government doing what government is designed to do. Government, and state worshippers, believe that force is the way to get things done. When someone disagrees with government edicts, the force escalates until someone is killed. Sometimes government ghouls, I mean "agents", are killed "in the line of duty", but the individuals who only wish to live free of coercion almost always fall. Now, with the laws which government has seen fit to inflict upon us in the past few weeks, we have lost the "privilige" of facing our accusers and knowing what "law" we are accused of breaking, if the government decides we disagree with them (because then we can be declared "enemy combatants"); the President, as Decision-ator, can take over the national guard if the citizens of a state protest his administration's policies. (As President, I solemnly swear I would never do this, and would overturn this provision.) The rule of law (the Constitution and Bill of Rights) has been driven from the US with pitchforks and torches. The zombies of government are after your brain. Defy them. Think.

The Coming Election

I will now make a prediction: Democrats will win big in elections all across America. Freedom will continue to suffer at the hands of tyrants. The US police state will continue to grow like a cancer. More people will have their lives destroyed by the insane War on Drugs. More people will die on the altar of Victim Disarmament. In other words, there will be no real difference. I am amazed that anyone still believes that there is any substantial difference between the different branches of the national authoritarian party. One cow pie; different sides! Liberty infringements that are squealed about by the "out of power" branch, are happily used when they get "into power". It is simply a ratcheting of the noose around the throat of liberty. What does it matter if the torturer has a (R) or a (D) after their name in the press? Trying to control the lives of others is wrong. Why is that such a difficult idea to understand? Is tyranny such a basic driving force of human nature that few can see it? I hope not. The time will come when the tyrants are made to pay for their occupation of American territory. At that time, will the defenders of liberty show the mercy that is lacking in the US government now?

Thinking or Obeying? Be a Human!

It seems to me that people today find thinking for themselves to be very difficult at best. We are accustomed to others (whom we think of as "superiors") telling us what to do and think. The authoritarians in power like it this way, as it is easier to control populations who wait to be instructed. Some of this behavior-modification (perhaps most of it) gets ingrained during the humanity-crushing years spent in the government indoctrination centers that we are told to call "schools". Then we move on to "jobs" which are usually a poor substitute for a meaningful trade. There we are subject to the whims of bosses who, in many cases, reach their intellectual limit by standing upright. It is no wonder that voters continue voting for the cretins who insist that they know what is best for us. News Flash!: No one knows, or can know, what is best for you as an individual except for you. Unless of course you are mentally compromised in some way. The goal of compromising your intellect is what many politicians and bureaucrats strive for each and every day. "You are not highly trained enough to defend yourself. Let us send experts to save you after you have been victimized. Our body-bags are the industry's finest." Or: "You are not smart enough to know which medications are best for you. Even if this one helps you, with no side effects, we don't like it. It sends the wrong message. Take this expensive one that you will need us to help you pay for. Never mind the horrible side effects. They will only help you welcome death." Yes, I am exagerating, but not by as much as you may think. I have faith that if you stop accepting what the authorities tell you as truth, you will be able to discern the truth for yourself. The truth can be ugly, but ugly or beautiful, it is still the truth. Wishful thinking will not change it, but thoughtful action can.

Weird Al vs. The RIAA

Weird Al Yankovic has a good commentary on the tyrants of the recording industry on his site. Plus it is hilarious!

Listen to: "Don't Download This Song" And have a nice day!

Voting

Does voting make a difference? Is voting even morally right? Is voting "mob rule" or initiation of force? If 99 people vote to violate the rights of one person, is the vote right? Is "democracy" three wolves and a sheep voting on what's for dinner? If you don't vote, do you have a right to complain about the result? If you do vote, are you obligated to go along with the result even if you are on the losing side?

I will admit that this is the one area where my opinions change regularly. This makes me think that perhaps we are asking the wrong questions. Voting results from the feeling that it is right and necessary to have a government, and that the only fair way to do so is to vote on what that government will do. I think this is a mistaken premise. If every person in the world, except for one, wanted to violate the rights of that last one, it would not be any more morally right for them to do so, than it would be for the one to violate the rights of the rest of humanity. Rights are not cumulative nor divisible. They are not subject to "regulation" or rationing. Rights are absolute for everyone, everywhere, at every time, regardless of what government would like us to believe. Voting and government are violations of our basic human rights. The Covenant of Unanimous Consent avoids these human rights abuses.

If, though, you still feel the need to vote (perhaps in self-defense), please do not vote for any incumbents, and only vote for candidates and issues that will shrink the scope and reach of government. Whenever you can, vote for the Libertarian candidate instead of either of the authoritarian candidates. Vote to legalize marijuana if you get the chance. Vote against any government-empowering issues. Never vote for a tax. As much as possible, vote against the police state. At least until it is possible to end the abomination of government once and for all.

"Hope" for the Future

I have mentioned it before, but I will again. You really need to read the book "Hope" by L. Neil Smith and Aaron Zelman. It is a very good book and is a blueprint for what a President should be, and should do. It is MY blueprint for my presidency. I am not one for drama or showmanship. I know what must be done, and I am willing to work towards that goal. I know that the Bill of Rights must be enforced, and that it is a package deal; you cannot pick and choose among the Amendments and only enforce the ones you like. The Constitution was only ratified after the Bill of Rights was promised. Ignore one Amendment and the entire deal is off. If the deal is off, then the US government is no longer the legitimate government of America. If it then tries to force itself on America, it has become a terrorist group occupying our land. The only Amendment in the Bill of Rights that has not been violated by the US government(yet)is the Third Amendment; the one forbidding troops in our homes. A libertarian president like the book's Alexander Hope (or like Kent McManigal) would understand and act on this chilling knowledge.

Will the "Right Law" Save Us?

Why is it that many people, when confronted by problems, tend to look to government to "fix" things? I think it is because we have been conditioned to think this way. Whenever I hear a report of some newly discovered, or recently exhumed, problem, I notice that the first comments seem to be "what laws can be passed to stop this?" This is the kind of immature thinking that has given us the legal pollution we are choking under today. Laws do not fix anything, but instead, make the problem worse. Living by the Zero Aggression Principle, or even the Golden Rule, would give us the liberty we need to form a better society. All other laws are just noise. It all comes down to personal responsibility and self governing. Without the two of them, no law will ever help us in any way.

Conspiracy Theories

Did the US feds destroy the World Trade Center? Was the Oklahoma City bombing an inside job? The fact that anyone even considers such ideas shows that Americans have lost faith in The US government. With good reason. Just because the US had motive and means to carry out these attacks, and that they are also the ones in charge of investigating the crimes (so they could fabricate any evidence they need) does not mean they are actually guilty. The real conspiracy that has damaged America is what has happened since then. It is not even a secret conspiracy. Government at all levels has declared war on freedom. Vast governmental resources have been co-opted to demonize liberty in every way possible. Brainwashed people now believe that "patriotism" means unthinking loyalty to the US government instead of loyalty to the Constitution and Bill of Rights, which are, at the very core, what America is. Police and other enforcers all over the country are being trained that if anyone speaks of these founding documents of America, then they are potential terrorists. Do you realize how backwards this is? Americans who honor America are now defined as terrorists by the very agents and bureaucrats who kill and destroy in order to impose a nazi-style police state on us? The real terrorists are calling patriots "terrorists". George Orwell would nod knowingly.