Are All Presidents Mad-Men?

I often wonder if all who seek to become president are mad. I know it seems that most of them, perhaps all of them, behave as though they are completely insane once they take office. I observe the disconnect with reality that is displayed when presidents speak to reporters (themselves not known, as a group, to be very rational). It is truly astounding what presidents think we will believe when they say it. "Tell a lie often enough and it will become accepted as the truth." Playing with the lives of humans as if they are chess pieces to be used in the deadly games of government. Sane humans do not do this. The disregard to human life is enough to make the most infamous serial-murderers look compassionate. The political process weeds out those of us who are not willing to compromise our principles and lie ourselves into the good graces of the voters. Maybe this is why it is so hard for a person of the libertarian persuasion to get elected; we are too sane. Or, it is more likely that we are not "mad" in the right way.

Expectation of Justice

When a person is accused of a crime, that person should be able to have some expectation that they will get justice in front of the jury. Remove this expectation and the entire justice system will collapse, as well it should.

The courts are not interested in justice; only convictions, and have skewed the system in their favor. Corrupt judges who refuse to inform jurors of their right and duty, under the law and backed up by a thousand-year-old legal tradition, to judge the legitimacy of the law, as well as the facts of the case, undermine this expectation. "Justice" does not mean "punishment". It means what is right will be done.

If you have been arrested for consciously deciding to violate a law which you believe to be counterfeit, the jurors deciding your fate have the right to judge for themselves if your view has any merit. Ed Brown and Hollis Wayne Fincher were denied even this minimal amount of justice. It does not matter whether or not they actually broke any law at this point; what matters is that the government kept critical information from the jury in order to assure a guilty verdict. This is jury tampering of the highest degree. Remove "justice" from the "criminal justice system" and what are you left with?

The REAL State of the Union

At the request of Conservative President 2008 I prepared my own State of the Union address. Here it is:

America, through world-wide meddling by the US government, has made enemies all over the globe. The US government does not, or at least should not, represent America. America is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; The Highest Law of the Land. The US government is a bureaucracy which serves only its own interests to the detriment of America.

More terrorists devoted to killing Americans are created every day in countries all over the world by the US government's policies of nation-building and "peace-keeping". Who can blame them? Imagine if the roles were reversed. Remember how America felt when nineteen Arab terrorists killed almost 3000 Americans (if the government line is true)? Now imagine that instead of that horrible, singular act, a foreign army had invaded our shores and began moving through all of our towns, killing, raping, and maiming along the way. You would vow to avenge the deaths of your neighbors and brothers, sisters, father and mother til the last breath of life were gone from your body. How do you think they feel with US troops parading through their hometowns? We must bring the troops home, safe, alive, now.

The economy is a mess. Government statistics hide the true cost of inflation, which is really simply the cost of not backing our money with precious metal. The Federal Reserve needs to be abolished to bring value back to your money, and the IRS must be banished to leave that money in the hands of its rightful owners.

America is a country suffering in a vast wasteland of "law pollution" where every little issue brings forth a new law. The Supreme Court, back when it still had a shred of honor, ruled that any law which was out of line of the Constitution and Bill of Rights was null and void and was not really a law, and that no one had any obligation to obey such a law. I call this a "counterfeit law". The law pollution needs to be cleaned up. Crimes such as murder, theft, rape, kidnapping, and fraud are real crimes. There is no debate here. Victimless "crimes" need to be done away with, and the political prisoners held for violating them need to be given back their lives.

Some Americans rail against "illegal" immigrants while studiously ignoring why the "problem individuals" come here. Welfare handouts are not only bringing in human parasites from abroad, but raising up a generation of the same here. Handouts are never the way to build a person. Stop offering them and the people who choose to come here will come for all the right reasons; the same reasons most of your ancestors and mine chose to make America their home.

Much is made of the shift to a Democratic-controlled Congress, but this is merely "smoke and mirrors" as there is no longer enough difference between Democrat and Republican to matter. Both sides believe they have the authority and wisdom to control the personal, private affairs of others. Both sides pursue the same policies only shifting emphasis from year to year. Both sides are complicit in the destruction of liberty under the pretense of saving "us" from one phantom or another.

I believe there is hope. More and more Americans are recognizing the harm that the US government is doing using American interests as an excuse. Even out-of-control police officers across the country are having the light of attention shined on their abuses. The murders they commit are being noticed more and more. Fewer people believe the official government story on .... anything. There is hope. Freedom will win.

News Flash: All "New" Laws Null and Void!

In the manner of the US federal government, I have unilaterally decided that all laws passed since the original Constitution and Bill of Rights are now null and void.

I hear the masses of oppressed productive Americans breathing a sigh of relief. "But wait" I hear you say. "What about laws which deal with things that didn't exist in the late 18th century?" Don't worry about them; I won't. There are plenty of hazards that existed in that quaint era for you to get your knickers in a knot over. Swords and muskets existed back then, so you will be required to obey every single sword or musket control law in the Constitution. Sorry, but that is just how it must be. You will also be responsible for obeying all the environmental regulations that the Constitution applies to your horses' exhaust-pipes. You must apply the definition of the words that were in common usage at the time they were written, and not "go soft" by using more modern "kinder, gentler" translations. And don't worry, the .0001% of the US government that will still exist under the new rules will be enforcing the Highest Law of the Land from now on, since they will be freed from enforcing the ridiculously silly edicts they have been wasting their time with for the past couple of centuries.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled hallucination.

Freedom on Trial

Here is an article from The Libertarian Enterprise about Ed Brown and his situation.

"Why I Support Ed Brown" by Kat Kanning

I haven't been commenting on this situation primarily because everyone should know by now that I think that all taxes are completely, inexcusably wrong and that drawing attention to yourself is suicide. I hope for a good outcome, but I don't expect it. The "Ed Brown Standoff" is no longer really about Ed Brown and whether or not he is a nice guy. It is now about whether or not you support the criminal-justice system as it is, or if you think it has become a travesty.

This and other recent high-profile trials where the defendants were not allowed to argue that the "laws" that had been violated were illegitimate demonstrate a severe shortcoming in our broken criminal-justice system. The parasitic government sets all the terms so the outcome is almost predetermined. As Darrell Anderson of Simple Liberty said recently, "What parasite in his or her right mind would allow the host to dictate the terms of existence?" Not the one which controls the US courts, obviously.

The only nice way to fight this is to become a fully informed juror. The next time Freedom is on trial, disregard the judge's infantile demands and find in favor of liberty, not tyranny.

L. Neil Smith on "Gun Rights"

He says it better than I could.

Emotional Inertia

In our quest for real, meaningful change, I think that a form of "emotional inertia" is what holds us back. I was originally going to call it "mental inertia" but I don't think it involves our rational minds. Stay with me and I will get around to the political implications here.

Imagine that you always thought that rhinoceros were the size of a donkey. On a safari you run into one and discover that it is much larger than you thought. Unless you have some emotional investment in your previous belief, you will easily adjust to your new information.

On the other hand, if you have always believed that the federal government is like a kindly grandfather; watching out for you and only wanting what is best for you, you are not likely to shift your view no matter how much evidence is presented to the contrary. You will always rationalize the evil that the government does. "Those people deserved it." or "There are a few bad apples, but most of them are only in it to help." You have too much of your emotional life bound up in your worldview to relinquish it easily. You may have friends and family who have a job that you would begin to see as immoral if you looked at it rationally.

Can emotional inertia be overcome? Yes, but it isn't easy. Mostly it will only come from within. I can't argue or debate you into changing your view. What I can do is live my life freely. Live by what I know is right. I will not initiate force or fraud against anyone. I will stick to my guns. I can't force you to be free. If you want to join me, I will welcome you.

Innocents Betrayed

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the film Innocents Betrayed put out by JPFO. This movie explores the links between victim disarmament (erroneously known as "gun control") and genocide. I highly recommend it. They now offer it as a download for $5.00. If you look quickly, you can see a photo of me in the film, and I am listed in the photo credits. I am the mountainman in the black & white photo that flashes past rather quickly during a montage illustrating modern American life.

Liberty for All

There have been some incredibly good articles in "Liberty For All" recently. Here is a selection of some that struck a nerve with me.

Child support.

Out of the Mouths of Wolves...

Responsibility.

So Easy to Believe the Lie.

Most of these were originally published a few years ago, but they are just as relevent now as when they were written, which is why Liberty For All republished them.

Last Call for "Time's Up" Flags

Tomorrow, Friday January 19, 2007 will be the last call for "Time's Up" flags on eBay for a while. Get them while you can!

The Elite and Their Enablers

Why isn't there more disenchantment with government? I think it is because too many people feel they would be nothing without the big guns of government backing them up. If you are "in" with the tyrant, you have privileges that the serfs don't have. You can get away with using guns that are forbidden to the rest of us. You get to engage in blatantly criminal behavior such as kicking in doors and shooting dads and grandmothers.

Even if you do not wield the iron fist there are reasons you might want to keep the status quo. If you have been granted a license that gives you a special status, you don't want everyone to realize that a "license" is only as meaningful as the body that grants it. If you are with the IRS you can take glee in stripping the flesh off of those who dare to point out your nakedness. If you are with the BATFE you can stalk, imprison, and murder those who simply own the same types of firearms that you feel should be yours alone. Small souls seek to punish.

Then there are also those who rely on a government handout. They studiously ignore the fact that the money is stolen from other people. Perhaps they justify it because they "paid in all those years".

If you fear freedom, real freedom, examine your reasons. Do you fear the loss of your privilege? Are you afraid of "the unwashed masses"? Does being forced to compete on the free market without the state threatening everyone into submission scare you? Stop belittling and ridiculing liberty. If you don't want freedom, get out of the way of those of us who intend to live free.

Rigging the "Game"

Did you sign the Constitution? I didn't. I am not that old. Were you asked when you reached the governmental "age of consent" if you wished to be subjected to rule by the US (or any) government? Me neither.

Isn't it ironic that "we" are told we must obey the governmental edicts imposed by "our" representatives (who, at best, are only representing a small majority of voters) while they are allowed to interpret the rules to mean whatever is convenient for them?

I have no problem with a government existing as long as it does not violate anyone's rights. Once it does, it becomes coercive. I do not consent to coercion.

Government is the only power allowed to define the rules of the game. They do not do so in favor of individual liberty. Is it any wonder that governments historically get bigger and more evil until they topple?

United (Police) States of America

Think about it. The government keeps clamping down with tighter and tighter controls on us ordinary people. We are numbered and tracked in almost everything we do. Anything remotely against the current governmental "view" of things has been labelled "terrorism". We live in Police State USA and are charged for the privilege, through taxation; being subjected to all the above abuses, and expected to thank the authoritards for "protecting" us.

State-worshippers see nothing wrong with this system. They seem to think it is a good idea. After all, it is for our own good. No, wait; it is "for the children". We must not put American ideals above their false god of safety.

Paraphrasing Princess Leia: The more they tighten their grip, the more people will slip through their fingers. Yet, according to the reigning Emperors and Darths, it is our fault if things don't work out. We should willingly give up our lives as pawns of the Empire. Good luck, tyrants. This is still America!

Am I More Palatable Now?

For those of you who want a more "political" looking candidate McManigal, I offer this picture of me.

2008 Presidential Election blog

Another blog has mentioned me. The writer of the 2008 Presidential Election blog doesn't particularly seem to agree with me, but here is what he said:

Libertarian Party Leader

Kent McManigal (Is this guy serious? I hope NOT)

This one was tough. Kent did not lead in both polls, but when averaged between the too, he was the leader. I googled him and he is listed well. He makes a lot of crazy statements on his site that make it apparent he is not serious about being president. He has a blog and a website that describes him as anti-government with plans to have his massive inauguration party/meet up on the White House lawn where he will burn Social Security cards and put the White House up for bid to sell. He has listed Andrew Wiegand as his running mate. I listed Kent only because he was ahead in the polls.

I really don't see the big deal. I am not a threat to anyone. If you prefer to live a less-than-free life, I can't stop you, nor would I even try. You don't like parties or bonfires? Stay home then. You like your Social Security cards and IRS papers? Keep them for nostalgia. I think the White House would make a lovely museum to remind Americans what can happen if government is not kept in a pinch-collar on a very short leash.

Fincher Railroaded

Hollis Wayne Fincher has been railroaded. What else would you call it? I don't wish to get into another debate on the right to own weapons (if you wish to rehash it, look at my earlier blogs and comments), but I do want to comment on the Hollis Wayne Fincher guilty verdict. Of course he was convicted. How could he not be when the judge tampered with the jury to make certain they would convict him? He was not allowed to use the defense that he has the individual right, as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, to "bear arms".

Suppose that next year congress passes a law outlawing certain books. You take a moral stand that the law is wrong, and publicly announce that you will continue to own and read, perhaps even publish, those "illegal" books. Being arrested for owning a Bible or an encyclopedia and not being allowed to argue that the "law" you are being charged with violating is illegitimate almost guarantees you will be found guilty. Unless the jury is made up of very strong people who resisted the judge's instructions to simply decide if you had indeed broken the law. Counterfeit "laws" should not be obeyed. Regardless of your stand on the right to bear arms, if you are not allowed to use the government's highest law in your defense, then what has become of America?

Free Wayne!

Communists

What is a "communist"? It is someone who ascribes to the system of communism, which Dictionary.com defines as "a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state."

I could never be a communist since I do not believe in a "common good". However, depending on your religious beliefs, you might not want to toss it out so quickly. The early Christians were communists. Acts 4:34-35 says:

"Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold. And laid them down at the apostles' feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

Note that this was an entirely voluntary form of communism; not the state enforced Marxism that is generally meant by the word "communism" today. Still, I could not live this way, since I view the fruits of your labors as yours alone to do with as you wish. If, however, you choose to put it in a common account, to be used "for the greater good", that is your business and not mine.

Overwhelmed

Somedays it seems like the police state is overwhelming us. You read about cases like Cory Maye, Hollis Wayne Fincher, Kathryn Johnston, Sean Bell, Peyton Strickland, and Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, and it just feels that "they" have us outnumbered. There is hope, though. At least these stories are not being totally ignored. Even the average American is hearing about some of these people. Perhaps a few of them are beginning to see the United States for what it is: a grave threat to America. Don't forget any of these victims of US tyranny.

Remember your duty to use the power of the jury box to judge the legitimacy of the law that someone is being accused of violating; if the law is nonsense or if you believe it is unconstitutional, then find the defendant not-guilty. Regardless of what the judge tells you to do. It is your right and duty, and has been for around a thousand years. No corrupt puppet of the police state can order you to do otherwise. Support and practice jury nullification.

Political Teens Blog

A new blog, The Political Teens Campaign, has been started for all of you politically minded teens out there. It was started by Daniel Myers of the Politics One blog. I think it is a great idea and wish Daniel the best of luck.

No-Excuses

I like the little blurb about me on The Next Prez's Friday Top Five this week:

5. Kent McManigal (steady) -- Still holding down the fort for libertarians from the L. Neil Smith no-excuses corner of the party.