Day by Day Cartoon- Time's Up

Thanks to Day by Day:

My little flag design sure does get around!  Awesome!

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Liberty, in the real world

I like to handle physical objects. Hats. Guns. Skulls.  Whatever.

I enjoy looking at pictures of things I like, but nothing beats having an interesting item in my hands, turning it over, examining every angle, and feeling the weight of it as I turn it over and feel its texture.  Concepts are good, but I want to feel the reality, even if it is gritty.

So it is with liberty.  I can be free in my mind but I want to grasp liberty in my grubby paws and explore every nook and cranny.  I want to see the dirt and stains and scratches.  I don't expect liberty to be shiny and perfect, but to be real.  I want to live it- flaws and all.

And I will despise anyone who tries to prevent me from experiencing that.  And I may need to defend my life, liberty, and property from thugs and parasites who try to take those things from me.

If you fear or hate liberty or those who love it, just get out of the way and leave us alone and there will be no problem.  Get in our way by initiating force or being a thief and you may not like the consequences you bring upon yourself.  We have seriously had enough.


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Liberty Lines 1-3-2013

(Published in the Farwell TX/Texico NM State Line Tribune  January 3, 2013)

School shootings are, fear-mongering hysteria to the contrary, rare. I have seen the statistics that show your chances of being murdered in one are less than one in two million. Your risk of being killed in a car wreck on the way to school is much higher. You have a higher chance of being killed by a police officer, or of choking to death on a pen cap. Of course, even one murder is too many.

The recent tragedy in Connecticut will result in more anti-gun "laws" being proposed. "Laws" just like the ones that failed to prevent the massacre, and in fact make events like that one more likely. Connecticut has some of the worst- and by that I mean most restrictive- anti-gun "laws" in America. How'd that work out?

There are other meaningless displays that some will propose. Such as lock-downs. The school in Connecticut was "breached" violently. No lock-down prevents that. Lock-downs only increase other risks- risks that are actually more likely to really happen.

I realize no one in government or in the touchy-feelie "we can legislate our way to Utopia crowd" wants to hear it, but the truth is that arming teachers and school employees again is the only thing that can work. It isn't "radical"- it's a return to common sense that seems to have been lost in recent decades. It doesn't even require new "laws"; just the elimination of some very bad ones that are currently enforced.

Fortunately, events like the one in Connecticut will still be highly unlikely even if reasonable measures are passed over in favor of "feel good" security theater. But when the next massacre happens in another of those "gun free zones" take a moment and think about the lives that would have been saved if the decision-makers had listened to me.


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Donations and "Subscriptions"

I just added Paypal buttons for donations and "subscriptions" over there on the left (since the blog redesign in January 2014, they are on the right), under my head.  I realize many people despise Paypal, and I completely understand why.  However, it is still the way most people choose to send me money and I'm not going to be silly and refuse it.

For those of you who hate Paypal but feel a pressing need to send me money, I happily accept silver, gold, and ammo.  If you have other ideas of things to send me, let me know.

Obviously, you can still read the blog whether or not you subscribe.  If you think I give you value that is worth paying for, then I appreciate it.  If I don't- or if you can't afford anything- don't worry about it.

I have also been trying to "get with" Bitcoin- and it is giving me fits.  I'll keep trying, but I have been so busy I have to ration the time I spend on computer projects that don't involve actual writing.

For those of you who have helped support my writings, I thank you sincerely.  You really have no idea how grateful I am.


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Connecticut's Sandy Hook lessons

It has been weeks since the massacre at the Connecticut elementary school.  So many innocent lives lost to one indescribably evil act by a broken individual.  The magnitude of such a tragedy is hard for rational people to comprehend.  Yet, the knee-jerk reaction from the political class is as predictable as sunrise.

It is adding insult to injury to force the individuals of America to withhold our grief because we have to prepare for a second attack.  This time from politicians and their Laws of Mass Destruction.  It is hard to find the time to cry when you know, from the moment of the first news reports, that fundamental human rights which are subject to no government's "laws" will be scapegoated.  Tears must wait until your self defense has been secured.

Doing the same thing that keeps being done and that keeps failing, is not the right way to deal with it.  For a change, let's do the thing that people like me keep suggesting.

A person who is willing to violate the laws against murder will never let a "law" against owning or carrying a gun stop him.  The anti-gun "laws" only disarm the people who have no intention of murdering children.  And, in doing so, those "laws" make the children-your children- less safe.

Politicians- who have had the anti-gun bills written in advance, waiting for such an opportunity to try to rush them into "law"- want you to be afraid.  They count on it.  Fearful people are temporarily willing to give up some liberty for the illusion of safety.  It doesn't work that way.

I am not afraid of random violence. I am resolved to prevent or stop it. I am resolved to refuse to be a sitting duck, or to stand by and watch innocents be attacked. I am resolved to make sure everyone knows the motivations of the people who would wish to take away the tools that allow you and me to say "STOP!" and back it up with action.

Anyone calling for you to be disarmed- anywhere, at any time, for any reason- is not doing it for your sake.  They do not have your best interests in mind.  Instead, the only reason they do it is so that they can do things to you that you would stop if you had the ability.  They do it so that they can keep hurting innocent people and you'll be powerless to prevent it.

Schools are not safer when the good people are disarmed.  That is a deadly myth.  How many more children will be sacrificed on this gory altar?

Instead of making it easier for these evil murderers to do what they want, let's end the insanity of "gun free zones" so that the next attempt will get nipped in the bud. A "gun free zone" is more accurately labeled a "slaughter house".  Only a monster would advocate more of this.

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So many "laws", so little time...

I saw something that mentioned how many new "laws" came into effect with the new year.

Cool!

The more "laws" they pass, the more "laws" I can break.  And the less I worry about each one I break.

When everyone is an outlaw it's not because we are all bad, but because the "laws" are.  I actually find myself smiling about the opportunity to break more of their "laws".  Am I sick or what?


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Respect two-way street

Respect two-way street

(My Clovis News Journal column for November 30, 2012.)

I have noticed a couple of recent letters to the editor calling for respect towards those in political office.

That's all well and good; there needs to be more respect in society, but it needs to be earned. Respect is cheapened when it is not deserved. When it is given unearned to someone who demands it, it is downright worthless.

So should politicians and other government employees be shown respect? Well, sure, the same respect that is due everyone alive is also due to them. But no extra respect is due them simply because of their job.

And respect is a two-way street.

I get really angry at people who show a lack of respect toward waiters or cashiers. Just because they are acting as our servants- working to serve us at that moment- it is no reason to treat them with contempt or indifference. They are still our equals.

As human beings our servants deserve our respect, until the moment they fail to respect those they serve or otherwise do something to lose it.

This is particularly true for those in political office. It seems that they invariably forget they are to be the servants; the hired help.

These chronically ungrateful servants order their masters around. They steal from us and demand to be treated with respect as they do so. They impose and enforce illegitimate "laws" that violate our fundamental human rights. They bark orders and then attack when their orders are not obeyed instantly. Only a fool would keep such a servant employed. No one deserves less respect than this kind of servant.

It is an upside down relationship we see in America today, where the servants have the masters convinced that they are in charge, and through intimidation and draconian enforcement, have scared the majority of the masters into forgetting who serves whom.

As long as we, their bosses, let them get away with it the situation will only get worse.

Don't ever forget: YOU outrank the president. You are the master holding the leash of every Supreme Court justice. Every congressperson, mayor, sheriff, police officer, or government bureaucrat works at your pleasure. They are like the butler and are obligated to do your will- and have zero authority to act as your superior in any situation. Especially when they are repeatedly caught with their fingerprints in your vault, and all over your stolen liberty.

The authority is yours- use it.



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Happy 2013

Do you feel optimistic about the coming year?  Or is rationality getting in the way of your "feelings"?

I'm not sure how I feel or what I think right now.

I think tyranny will get worse for the foreseeable future, but I think they who believe in The State have already lost the game in the long run.  Things may be painful for a while as it all works out.  I intend to make it as pain-free on myself as possible, by never depending on "government" or things others look to "government" to provide.  I will act as though The State is already dead, and has been replaced by the freelance thugs that will probably inhabit the next phase of civilization.  I will fend for myself and try to come to the aid of others doing the same.

I'm less optimistic about my individual circumstances than I am about the trend of future history, but that's not unusual.  I will watch for opportunities to change that around, too.

Happy New Year, and have fun however you choose to celebrate- or not.


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Wrapping up 2012

Another arbitrarily designated year is coming to an end, and the next is about to begin.

I think a solstice or equinox makes a lot more sense for marking the "endginning" of a year- or a birthday if you have no desire to have a shared holiday experience- but whatever works.

I survived 2012... so far.  I didn't change my situation as much as I would like, but I did make small progress.  That's better than just holding my own or going backwards.  And there are some possibilities on the horizon- at least there seem to be.  And I can keep working toward something better.

I am caring less what "laws" surround me.  I am caring less what "authorities" proclaim.  I would like to see liberty explode over the globe, but I'm not holding my breath.  I know liberty isn't important to very many people, but I also know that only those who know it is important matter.

I hope your year was a good one, and I hope the next is better.


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Change needed

I really feel the need to change something in my life.  But I don't know what.

Maybe a new hobby.  Or perhaps revive an old one.  Maybe a "real job".  Maybe a change of scenery.  Or some (positive) adventure.  Maybe all of the above.

I know one thing I wish I could change, but that depends on the actions of another person, so all I can do there is try to not be an obstruction, even as I recognize it is unlikely to happen.

I did fairly well with my last New Year's resolution, so maybe I should make this my new one- if I can figure out what I need.

Suggestions?


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An armed camp? Yes, PLEASE!

“Is this the answer; that America should become an armed camp?” ~ Dianne Feinstein

Obviously the idiot puppetician has never spent time in an armed camp.  

I have.  Many times.  And it was wonderful.  

People were friendly.  Strangers were openly welcomed, without fear.  Disputes were cordial, or at least peaceably resolved.  No one stole from anyone, even though valuables were left unattended.  No one attacked anyone.  Kids ran free and were watched by everyone.  

I could only wish America could return to being an armed camp.  All it would take is a week of such an experience and almost no one- other than thugs like Feinstein and her gang- would ever want to give up such a life ever again.

It just shows what a dishonest, horrible, corrupt, despicable, and evil "person" Dianne Feinstein really is.  How sad for her.

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"If YOUR son went on a killing spree...?"

I have gotten this question, or similar (more literate) examples of this line of thinking on several occasions.  And I don't understand the thought processes that generate it.

"So my question to you Sir Had this been your son who committed an unthinkable and utterly unfathomable crime would you still be ok wil the use of and I quote 'Threat of force'"
(All errors, punctuation or lack thereof, and grammatical lapses in the original.)

And the answer is: YES!

If one of my loved-ones tried to commit an act similar to the one perpetrated by the Sandy Hook murderer, I would want him stopped- with deadly force if necessary- before he managed to harm even one innocent person.  Why is that so difficult for some people to understand?

If a loved-one attempts a massacre of innocents, then I have already lost him anyway.  I want as little harm to come from his actions as possible.  In a case like this, the "least harm" comes with stopping the attacker as soon as possible.  However you have to.  No matter who it is, or "why" the attack was put into action.

For that matter, if I ever went berserk and tried to go on a killing spree, I would hope someone could stop me before I hurt any innocent person.  If I am not innocent and am an immediate threat, then I need to be stopped.  If my son or daughter is not innocent and is carrying out an attack, then they need to be stopped.

My desire for self-preservation, and for the well-being of my loved ones, does not trump my desire for the safety of innocent people.

This is also why I want to see any cop, soldier, drone operator, politician, or bureaucrat dead as soon as they initiate force, or give a credible indication that they intend to do so.  It is why I will NEVER "support the troops" or honor "law enforcement".

No double standards!


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Libertarian values bring peace

Libertarian values bring peace

(My Clovis News Journal column for November 23, 2012)

Being libertarian isn't all fun and games. We are not necessarily the "party crowd" we are sometimes made out to be. While some libertarians are undoubtedly that way, as are many non-libertarians, it certainly isn't a given.

Libertarianism is not about "taking liberties", but about respecting the liberty of others to do as they wish with their own life as long as they are not stealing or attacking.

Many, perhaps most, libertarians have very ordinary personal lives. Some may never shoot or own a gun, may never smoke marijuana regardless of whether or not it is still criminalized, and may have no desire to do anything sexually experimental. Libertarians are not usually "libertines", although we will defend the right to be one- within limits.

Many have very deeply held moral beliefs which are quite familiar and traditional, and while realizing that we have no right to tell others how to live, we know that some choices are not right for us. We accept that we have no right to make those choices for others.

I may have no interest in doing something, but as long as the activity is consensual, I would never dream of stopping you or reporting you to "the authorities". It's simply none of my business. This has nothing to do with a libertarian's personal moral beliefs. Libertarians know enough to not interfere with the non-coercive behavior of others even if, personally, we find it disgusting. No one's personal idea of "immoral" should equal "illegal" nor become an excuse for using any form of coercion, official or private, against people. This is what leads to horrors such as Sharia Law and the War on Politically-Incorrect Drugs.

We understand there is no such thing as "harming society" because apart from individuals, "society" is meaningless, and that if no third party individual is harmed, no one is harmed.

We generally understand that being offended is not the same as being harmed. This is a hard concept for even some libertarians to live.

We libertarians understand the value of minding our own business as long as the behaviors at issue are voluntarily engaged in by all individuals involved. Minding your own business and letting go of the desire to control the lives of others brings peace to your own life and is the truly neighborly way to be.

At its heart, libertarianism is the radical idea that other people are not your property. What could be more self-evident than that?


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Government is imaginary?

I see a few people who make the claim that government isn't real.  It is all in your mind.  And, to an extent, that is true.

The same could be said of "family".  Or "society".  Or the NRA.  Or any group.

There are only individuals.

However, while a group is nothing without individuals, individuals become "more" within the group.  That "more" may be positive or negative.

Seeing yourself as a part of a group can give you courage to do things you would never think of doing on your own.  It might give you the courage to mount an effort to collect coats for poor people, or it might give you the courage to join a middle-of-the-night armed raid on someone's home.

The "collective" has a real-world effect.

It also has an effect on those who are not a part of the group.

It can be discouraging to see individual members of a gang attacking others with no consequences.  It can be discouraging to see what happens to their targets who fight back.  Bad guys find safety in numbers.  And the biggest numbers are found in that coercive, violent gang known as government.

Government doesn't exist apart from bad people willing to do what they believe government is empowered to do- the belief that belonging to government empowers them to do things that are forbidden to non-members- and those individuals, and their beliefs, are a danger to those who find themselves in the cross-hairs.  Ridiculing the existence of government will only get you so far.

While I could fill this blog, every day from now on, with individual examples of evil committed by people who only have the courage to commit the evil because of their membership in The Gang, that would be tiring, and no one would want to read that.  So, the shorthand of referring to the evils of government is useful.

In the end it comes down to individuals initiating force and theft.  But to ignore what motivates them, emboldens them, and helps them escape responsibility is to ignore the elephant in the room. As long as most people see government as a real thing, apart from the interchangeable individuals who make it up, you will keep needing to address that belief.


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Merry Christmas

Or whichever Winter Solstice holiday you prefer to celebrate.

See you tomorrow.

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JPFO's Sandy Hook Index

A lot of very good stuff has been posted on the JPFO site since the Sandy Hook massacre.  They have an index in case you would like to read some of the material.

Sandy Hook Index


(If you wonder why I tag these pro-liberty posts with "NRA", it is to make fun of the NRA for being missing in action, while others carry the weight.)

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The NRA's armed school guard plan

Speaking as a disgruntled NRA life-member, I will say that the NRA's advocacy of placing "armed guards" in schools is nuts.

Let me take a step back: I despise government schools and the entire state "education" system.  It indoctrinates to Statism/socialism instead of educating.  All government schools deserve to be burned, bulldozed, and forgotten.

However, for today they exist and millions of children are compelled to attend them.  As long as this is the reality, the kids need to be protected from attack.

Armed guards are not a good solution.  Especially if they are in uniform of some kind.  A uniform just says "shoot me first and then you are in the clear".

The rational solution is to have anyone who wants to be armed, be armed.  Without any tell-tale outward signs.  Without even the knowledge being shared with "authorities" who are a weak link where the information can be obtained and used.

In other words, it is better to assume that everyone is armed.

I also don't like the uniformed guards because kids shouldn't be trained to think of uniformed goons as being on their side.  Because that is a lie.  Don't let kids become conditioned to seeing a police state surrounding them.

Of course, this goes against the indoctrination goals of government schools- they WANT to train kids to accept a police state, and to obey it.

It just shows that the NRA is a statist organization that is more concerned with supporting armed elites, even when they are the bad guys, than in supporting the fundamental human right to own and to carry any type of weapon a person sees fit, in whatever manner they wish, everywhere they go, without ever asking permission of anyone.  Their perverted support of the military and reavers has given clear indications of that for years.

I oppose the NRA's armed school guard plan.


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That everyone be armed...

The most dangerous situation is not when everyone has a gun- it is when only one person has a gun.  Especially when that one person has ill intent.

When you create a "gun free zone" (a "slaughter house") you reduce the chances that good people will be armed, while doing absolutely nothing to disarm the one bad person.

Idiocy.

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A friend in need of help

I have a good friend who is in desperate need of $500 by Monday.

If everyone would just send her $1, this would be solved.

I don't have any money to help, but I asked for her permission to publicize her need, and she gave it.  So, if you can help- either by sending her some money through Paypal to:

frezframejenn "at" gmail "dot" com

or by spreading the word to others who can help- please do.  As a personal favor to me.

Thank you.

UPDATE:  I really want to thank those of you who have helped her.  She is very grateful, and so am I.  She isn't "out of the woods" yet, so she and her daughter would appreciate not being forgotten, I am sure.


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Fighting anti-liberty bigots

The collectivist anti-liberty bigots are determined to hand us all over to the murderous psychopaths- in the name of "safety".

And those politicians who are said to be on "our side" are weak, cowardly and all-too-willing to compromise "just a little", to appear "reasonable".

Will the final nail be put in the Second Amendment's coffin because of the Sandy Hook massacre?  Or has that coffin been nailed shut for decades, and we are just waiting for them to take the wax corpse off display in the Kremlin and bury it?

It's a fight I never wanted to see, but I will not allow myself and my kids to be sacrificed so that cowards can feel better.  And so that puppeticians can feel more powerful.  And be seen "doing something".

I'll fight because I have to, not because I want to, and not because I declare "war", but because war has been declared against me.


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