If anyone can help, and wants to help, with my medical bills and especially with the dental work I am needing now, please either donate or share this with people who might. It's my GoFundMe page.
Added: I get more of any contributions if they come through Paypal (PayPal.Me/Dullhawk).
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Sunday, May 29, 2016
When we disagree, somebody is wrong (it might be me)
If I don't agree with you, I'm going to think you are wrong. That's pretty much what not agreeing with you means.
If I thought I was wrong, I wouldn't disagree with you- not for long. I'd change my mind and then I'd agree with you.
So, yeah, obviously if we disagree I pretty much have to believe you are the one who is wrong. That's just the only way that can work.
So, yeah, obviously if we disagree I pretty much have to believe you are the one who is wrong. That's just the only way that can work.
If it matters that I think you are wrong, use reason to change my mind and get me to agree with you, or use reason to see that you were wrong and change your mind. (Here's a hint, though: not all opinions are equally valid, even if we really want to believe them).
Don't appeal to your feelings or emotion, because that may make me feel bad, but it will do nothing to make me think you are right.
Getting angry about any of this is pointless. Don't get angry, get convincing.
Don't appeal to your feelings or emotion, because that may make me feel bad, but it will do nothing to make me think you are right.
Getting angry about any of this is pointless. Don't get angry, get convincing.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
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Saturday, May 28, 2016
At times like this...
... I suspect I took the wrong path.
I should have dedicated myself to making money above all else. Because at times like this, money seems to be all that matters. I screwed up.
I need to fix it.
I could stop giving away any of my writing for free, and put it all on Patreon or by subscription only, but I suspect that those who would pay to read what I write, already do. I may try it though, because I've got to do something.
Household income dropped to almost nothing for about four months, and due to Unfortunate Truth #3, even that amount was cut substantially.
I have two critical things that I need vast amounts of money for in the immediate future, one dental and one house-related, and GoFundMe just isn't working (apparently you need to be an injured "hero" like a veteran or cop, or a dying child, for GoFundMe to work- I'm none of those, nor would I want to be). I have past medical bills that have been sent to collection agencies, and I have more expenses (such as car repairs) that I know are coming. The money just isn't there.
I see how "easy" the money comes for all my family who work in government, and I understand why they refuse to see that working for The State in any capacity is unethical. When you have a choice between being in my financial position and being in theirs, I can see how ethics can be an inconvenient annoyance to be ignored at all cost, and how morals can be plastic and molded to fit the situation. I sometimes wish it were that easy for me. I realize that not everyone who is doing well financially has a government, or otherwise unethical, job. Just the majority of the ones I know personally.
Asking readers to pay for writing doesn't seem to work. The same people keep being the ones who pony up, and even mentioning money in a blog post- as I often end up doing- makes me feel sick. And from comments I have received, I know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
I know I am not the only one having this trouble. I see so many friends on the edge of financial disaster, and more fall over that edge every day. That only makes me wish I had even more money, because I desperately want to help them- and I know they would do the same for me if only their situation were better. But here we are.
I have obligations that prevent me from taking most "normal" jobs. I need to be able to continue taking care of my daughter, after all. I won't relegate her to "latchkey kid" status. But "taking care" of her also requires money, not just my physical presence and support. Finding some way to bring in more money, while being able to do what I have to do, seems hopeless. I won't do "MLM", and I lose money as a salesman every time I get myself into that sort of thing. I certainly can't afford that again.
If I try anything in the Black Market (or even the Gray Market), I will not have support of anyone in my house. It could easily result in me not even having a house.
I'm about at the end of my rope, though.
A few years ago I had a friend who made money with everything he touched. He never could understand why some people (such as myself) had trouble making money. He said it was so easy... but he could never explain it. He said the way to make money is "you just make money". I did notice that he started out every new venture with a lot of money, put it to work, and then made lots more, and I wonder how he would have done starting from nothing, without the connections he had. But, being nice, I never questioned him about that, nor would I have wanted to see him in that position if it would have meant him failing. I am not one of those people who wants to see others fail just because I do.
I apologize for the negative tone of this post. I couldn't sleep with all this weighing on me and got up to write this. It was probably yet another mistake. But now you know.
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I should have dedicated myself to making money above all else. Because at times like this, money seems to be all that matters. I screwed up.
I need to fix it.
I could stop giving away any of my writing for free, and put it all on Patreon or by subscription only, but I suspect that those who would pay to read what I write, already do. I may try it though, because I've got to do something.
Household income dropped to almost nothing for about four months, and due to Unfortunate Truth #3, even that amount was cut substantially.
I have two critical things that I need vast amounts of money for in the immediate future, one dental and one house-related, and GoFundMe just isn't working (apparently you need to be an injured "hero" like a veteran or cop, or a dying child, for GoFundMe to work- I'm none of those, nor would I want to be). I have past medical bills that have been sent to collection agencies, and I have more expenses (such as car repairs) that I know are coming. The money just isn't there.
I see how "easy" the money comes for all my family who work in government, and I understand why they refuse to see that working for The State in any capacity is unethical. When you have a choice between being in my financial position and being in theirs, I can see how ethics can be an inconvenient annoyance to be ignored at all cost, and how morals can be plastic and molded to fit the situation. I sometimes wish it were that easy for me. I realize that not everyone who is doing well financially has a government, or otherwise unethical, job. Just the majority of the ones I know personally.
Asking readers to pay for writing doesn't seem to work. The same people keep being the ones who pony up, and even mentioning money in a blog post- as I often end up doing- makes me feel sick. And from comments I have received, I know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
I know I am not the only one having this trouble. I see so many friends on the edge of financial disaster, and more fall over that edge every day. That only makes me wish I had even more money, because I desperately want to help them- and I know they would do the same for me if only their situation were better. But here we are.
I have obligations that prevent me from taking most "normal" jobs. I need to be able to continue taking care of my daughter, after all. I won't relegate her to "latchkey kid" status. But "taking care" of her also requires money, not just my physical presence and support. Finding some way to bring in more money, while being able to do what I have to do, seems hopeless. I won't do "MLM", and I lose money as a salesman every time I get myself into that sort of thing. I certainly can't afford that again.
If I try anything in the Black Market (or even the Gray Market), I will not have support of anyone in my house. It could easily result in me not even having a house.
I'm about at the end of my rope, though.
A few years ago I had a friend who made money with everything he touched. He never could understand why some people (such as myself) had trouble making money. He said it was so easy... but he could never explain it. He said the way to make money is "you just make money". I did notice that he started out every new venture with a lot of money, put it to work, and then made lots more, and I wonder how he would have done starting from nothing, without the connections he had. But, being nice, I never questioned him about that, nor would I have wanted to see him in that position if it would have meant him failing. I am not one of those people who wants to see others fail just because I do.
I apologize for the negative tone of this post. I couldn't sleep with all this weighing on me and got up to write this. It was probably yet another mistake. But now you know.
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Thursday, May 26, 2016
An upsetting truth
It happened again. And therein lies a lesson: If you say something someone doesn't want to hear, they will get upset.
It doesn't matter if it's the truth, an opinion, or a lie. All that matters is that they don't want to hear it.
Of course, often the truth will make them strike out the worst, because a flawed opinion or a lie can easily be countered with truth, but the only thing a person upset by the truth can do is... well, something crazy.
If the truth is that your heroes are individuals committing deeply evil acts, you need to let go of your heroes, not get upset at the truth. And that truth is upsetting to many people.
It doesn't matter if it's the truth, an opinion, or a lie. All that matters is that they don't want to hear it.
Of course, often the truth will make them strike out the worst, because a flawed opinion or a lie can easily be countered with truth, but the only thing a person upset by the truth can do is... well, something crazy.
If the truth is that your heroes are individuals committing deeply evil acts, you need to let go of your heroes, not get upset at the truth. And that truth is upsetting to many people.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Choosing your designated mugger
(A Patreon/subscriber-only post)
If you were to think of "the town drunk", you probably have someone in mind. If that person died, would you want to help choose the next one? Or might you think the position is expendable?
What about those who do real harm? There are all sorts of violators in your town- you probably know some of their names. Does the individual violator's identity matter, or is their aggression or property violation the critical part? What if you were asked to help choose the town mugger, or rapist, or murderer, or child molester? (Subscribe to read the rest)
If you were to think of "the town drunk", you probably have someone in mind. If that person died, would you want to help choose the next one? Or might you think the position is expendable?
What about those who do real harm? There are all sorts of violators in your town- you probably know some of their names. Does the individual violator's identity matter, or is their aggression or property violation the critical part? What if you were asked to help choose the town mugger, or rapist, or murderer, or child molester? (Subscribe to read the rest)
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Arbitrary rules
Arbitrary rules are OK for games, but destructive for life.
I mean, really, there is no rational reason to "Pass Go- collect $200". It makes the game work in a consistent way, but the rule, at its foundation, is arbitrary. And no one will force you to play if you don't like the rules.
"Speed limit- 60 MPH" is also an arbitrary rule. A rule you might be murdered for ignoring. Traveling at 59 MPH is in no way more ethical than traveling at 61 MPH. It isn't wrong to simply "speed". The rule is arbitrary in every way. However, you really have no ability to opt out, since the bullies who claim the roads are going to steal from you to pay for the roads and to hire their highwaymen to patrol and rob travelers whether you consent or not.
Saying alcohol is "legal" (sort of, under certain circumstances) and Cannabis is "illegal" is completely arbitrary. You can also be murdered for breaking that counterfeit rule.
I don't mind arbitrary rules that I can opt out of. But I despise ridiculous arbitrary rules it's possible to be murdered over. And, of course, all "laws" are enforced by death. The State's arbitrary rules are evil. Enforcing them is always wrong.
I mean, really, there is no rational reason to "Pass Go- collect $200". It makes the game work in a consistent way, but the rule, at its foundation, is arbitrary. And no one will force you to play if you don't like the rules.
"Speed limit- 60 MPH" is also an arbitrary rule. A rule you might be murdered for ignoring. Traveling at 59 MPH is in no way more ethical than traveling at 61 MPH. It isn't wrong to simply "speed". The rule is arbitrary in every way. However, you really have no ability to opt out, since the bullies who claim the roads are going to steal from you to pay for the roads and to hire their highwaymen to patrol and rob travelers whether you consent or not.
Saying alcohol is "legal" (sort of, under certain circumstances) and Cannabis is "illegal" is completely arbitrary. You can also be murdered for breaking that counterfeit rule.
I don't mind arbitrary rules that I can opt out of. But I despise ridiculous arbitrary rules it's possible to be murdered over. And, of course, all "laws" are enforced by death. The State's arbitrary rules are evil. Enforcing them is always wrong.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Making laws much like littering
(My Clovis News Journal column for April 22, 2016)
I always try to leave my surroundings a little better than I find them. If I see a problem needing to be fixed, I do my best to fix it.
Sometimes leaving the world better means picking up litter, or hooking a loose seat back on a swing for the kids.
Other times there's not much I can personally do and I have to be content pointing out the mess so others can help. Such as when encouraging people to stop littering the world with "laws".
I see laws the same way I see other litter: as clear evidence irresponsible people have been here and left their mark. They toss their trash on everyone else without the slightest hint of awareness of what they have done. Or, in the case of laws, even suffering the delusion they are doing something useful.
While it's easy to walk around and pick up paper and plastic litter, it is harder to put "laws" in their place. Too many people want to leave them where they lie, and get offended if you suggest there's a problem with an obvious solution.
Since I can't physically pick up a law and toss it in the burn barrel, what can I do? I can point out the mess to others so they won't step in it; I don't comfort those who pollute the world with laws, and I don't support those who insist on enforcing them. This helpfulness comes with risk.
Of course, I have cut myself on other forms of litter too. Anything worth doing carries risk.
One thing I haven't experienced yet is having someone see me picking up litter, then running up to knock the trash out of my hand and attack me for what I am doing. This is very different than the reaction when you become aware and concerned about law pollution. Stockholm Syndrome is deeply rooted where laws are concerned.
If you make up a law which must be enforced, you can be sure it isn't a real law. No law is necessary to give you the right to defend yourself or others from attackers or thieves, nor to demand restitution. But, without a law backing them, few would get away with stopping travelers for going a little faster than some arbitrary rule allows, and taking money from them. There are only two kinds of laws; the harmful and the unnecessary. Which of those do you pollute our world with?
I always try to leave my surroundings a little better than I find them. If I see a problem needing to be fixed, I do my best to fix it.
Sometimes leaving the world better means picking up litter, or hooking a loose seat back on a swing for the kids.
Other times there's not much I can personally do and I have to be content pointing out the mess so others can help. Such as when encouraging people to stop littering the world with "laws".
I see laws the same way I see other litter: as clear evidence irresponsible people have been here and left their mark. They toss their trash on everyone else without the slightest hint of awareness of what they have done. Or, in the case of laws, even suffering the delusion they are doing something useful.
While it's easy to walk around and pick up paper and plastic litter, it is harder to put "laws" in their place. Too many people want to leave them where they lie, and get offended if you suggest there's a problem with an obvious solution.
Since I can't physically pick up a law and toss it in the burn barrel, what can I do? I can point out the mess to others so they won't step in it; I don't comfort those who pollute the world with laws, and I don't support those who insist on enforcing them. This helpfulness comes with risk.
Of course, I have cut myself on other forms of litter too. Anything worth doing carries risk.
One thing I haven't experienced yet is having someone see me picking up litter, then running up to knock the trash out of my hand and attack me for what I am doing. This is very different than the reaction when you become aware and concerned about law pollution. Stockholm Syndrome is deeply rooted where laws are concerned.
If you make up a law which must be enforced, you can be sure it isn't a real law. No law is necessary to give you the right to defend yourself or others from attackers or thieves, nor to demand restitution. But, without a law backing them, few would get away with stopping travelers for going a little faster than some arbitrary rule allows, and taking money from them. There are only two kinds of laws; the harmful and the unnecessary. Which of those do you pollute our world with?
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
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No time like the present (PINNED- new posts below this one)
If you have never supported this blog financially, this would be a great time to start. Or to make a one-time offering.
There have been lots of unfortunate financial things going on in recent months- I'll spare you the details.
Please check out the options for support over to the right
, and if you feel this blog has been of any value to you, please consider trading value for value.
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There have been lots of unfortunate financial things going on in recent months- I'll spare you the details.
Please check out the options for support over to the right
, and if you feel this blog has been of any value to you, please consider trading value for value..
Get the message? This is what they are saying
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| This IS what they are telling you. |
This is all I see, just about everywhere I go. Except that often there is no image, just an poster-sized page of small print citing the Texas law that justifies and legalizes their anti-social behavior.
And it is like a slap in my face.
I am almost tempted to have a bunch of stickers like this printed up and stick them over every anti-liberty bigot's "no guns" sign I see. No, I won't because of property rights, but I am so sick of not being welcome anywhere in this region, it is seriously disgusting.
There is now one exception, which I have been rewarding with my business since they quietly removed their "no liberty allowed" signage a while back. Too bad they are so expensive and don't stock everything I need.
Apparently, from what others have told me, other stores owned by the same companies in other places welcome guns... but not around here. Nope. Almost every door you approach has a anti-rights sign posted.
On the other hand, this is something I'd like to see, but have about given up on, in this extremely anti-gun area of Texas/New Mexico:
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| Wouldn't it be nice to matter? |
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Monday, May 23, 2016
Restroom dramatists
This is how I see the "issue".
Yes, your opinion may differ. That's your business. Make a video laying out your position and link to it in the comments if you feel strongly about it.
Yes, your opinion may differ. That's your business. Make a video laying out your position and link to it in the comments if you feel strongly about it.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
The Endorsement
I am proud to make my official endorsement for 2016.
Drum roll, please...
I endorse....
You.
Who were you expecting?
Only YOU can run your own life. Even if you are an incompetent idiot, you will still do a better job running your own life than some government employee. Only YOU really have your own best interests at heart (even if you screw up), and only YOU know the circumstances of your life and the situation you find yourself in.
I whole-heartedly, without reservation, endorse you.
And there you have it.
So, make it count.
Drum roll, please...
I endorse....
You.
Who were you expecting?
Only YOU can run your own life. Even if you are an incompetent idiot, you will still do a better job running your own life than some government employee. Only YOU really have your own best interests at heart (even if you screw up), and only YOU know the circumstances of your life and the situation you find yourself in.
I whole-heartedly, without reservation, endorse you.
And there you have it.
So, make it count.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Clash of the Lowly things
Believe it or not, sometimes a cop shoots a person who deserves to be shot. That isn't the majority of the cases, but it does happen.
Am I supposed to get worked up about it, one way or another?
When a cop shoots a freelance bad guy- a thief caught in the act or an aggressor during an attack- I don't necessarily feel the good guys "won". I feel the same way I feel when a freelance bad guy shoots a cop. It's just a clash of vermin. Bad guy vs. bad guy. Not my circus, not my monkeys.
For all I care they can wipe each other off the face of the planet; the rest of us would be better off. I just always hope no innocent people get hurt in the crossfire between the warring vermin. There are some people you are simply better off staying far away from. Cops are among them.
#CopsAreScum
Am I supposed to get worked up about it, one way or another?
When a cop shoots a freelance bad guy- a thief caught in the act or an aggressor during an attack- I don't necessarily feel the good guys "won". I feel the same way I feel when a freelance bad guy shoots a cop. It's just a clash of vermin. Bad guy vs. bad guy. Not my circus, not my monkeys.
For all I care they can wipe each other off the face of the planet; the rest of us would be better off. I just always hope no innocent people get hurt in the crossfire between the warring vermin. There are some people you are simply better off staying far away from. Cops are among them.
#CopsAreScum
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And don't forget to check back tomorrow to see who I am endorsing in 2016.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
My endorsement coming soon
I know you've been holding your breath!
Watch for a major announcement on this blog Monday, as I make my official 2016 endorsement.
Watch for a major announcement on this blog Monday, as I make my official 2016 endorsement.
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Please consider: If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
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Friday, May 20, 2016
Feel the freedom?
Had to take a non-elective trip to the Big City for medical stuff today, and I don't think I have ever seen so many ScumCars on the highway in my life.
There was a state trooper every few miles- half of them stopped and committing acts of enforcement against people. In one case a couple of them had ganged up on one traveler and were on the phone, probably seeking more molesters to come for back up.
Boy, I feel so protected I need to scrape the freedom off my skin with a cheese grater.
#CopsAreScum
There was a state trooper every few miles- half of them stopped and committing acts of enforcement against people. In one case a couple of them had ganged up on one traveler and were on the phone, probably seeking more molesters to come for back up.
Boy, I feel so protected I need to scrape the freedom off my skin with a cheese grater.
#CopsAreScum
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Please: If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Acquire skills!
If you have the right skills you can survive naked in the wilderness, at least until you can make your own clothes and tools to make things easier.
I do not yet have enough skills. I'm not even sure how to define "enough" when it comes to skills.
But every skill you learn will make it easier. Every skill will also make some "thing" unnecessary.
I love looking through "sportsman's" catalogs, especially at their camping gear. But so often I look at things and think "why would anyone buy that when it's so unnecessary".
It's usually because they are missing skills that would make it unnecessary.
It doesn't mean you have to then stop using tools you can buy. Nothing makes you value modern firemaking tools more than learning the skills to do without them. And the same goes for the value of a good knife, and shoes.
Learn skills to make as much unnecessary as possible. Then you can still get the stuff you want, but you won't need it.
I do not yet have enough skills. I'm not even sure how to define "enough" when it comes to skills.
But every skill you learn will make it easier. Every skill will also make some "thing" unnecessary.
I love looking through "sportsman's" catalogs, especially at their camping gear. But so often I look at things and think "why would anyone buy that when it's so unnecessary".
It's usually because they are missing skills that would make it unnecessary.
It doesn't mean you have to then stop using tools you can buy. Nothing makes you value modern firemaking tools more than learning the skills to do without them. And the same goes for the value of a good knife, and shoes.
Learn skills to make as much unnecessary as possible. Then you can still get the stuff you want, but you won't need it.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Scum shirt
In case you still believe I'm crazy when I state that cops are scum, just look at this shirt:
It is a cop shirt. It is said to be a very popular design.
I suppose police state enthusiasts may believe it is funny. They apparently believe everyone violated by cops "deserves it".
I see no humor in it. In fact, to me it is about as funny as a shirt showing a Nazi concentration camp with the words "May I interest you in a shower?" emblazoned on the image.
It is certainly NOT the shirt of a good guy, but that of a cowardly bully with delusions of "authority".
I suppose police state enthusiasts may believe it is funny. They apparently believe everyone violated by cops "deserves it".
I see no humor in it. In fact, to me it is about as funny as a shirt showing a Nazi concentration camp with the words "May I interest you in a shower?" emblazoned on the image.
It is certainly NOT the shirt of a good guy, but that of a cowardly bully with delusions of "authority".
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Theft by any other name still theft
(My Clovis News Journal column for April 15, 2016)
What do you call the act of taking property under threat of doing something unpleasant to any victim who refuses to comply? Obviously it is theft.
What do most people call an identical act when committed by government employees? Taxation.
Why the hypocrisy? Giving an act a new name doesn't change its nature. Taxation is theft.
Of course, I have heard some taxation apologists claim your money isn't yours at all- it all belongs to government and you should be grateful they allow you to keep any of it. What couldn't be justified under such an absurd belief system?
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. got it backwards when he asserted taxation is the price we pay for a civilized society. In truth a civilized society is what we often manage to create in spite of taxation. Allowing taxation to continue limits how civilized a society can be.
Some people eventually come to terms with the truth that taxation is theft, but still find ways to excuse it. They believe society can't function without taxation.
If you want something not popular enough to be voluntarily funded, you need to let it go. If your idea is good, why would you need to force people to go along, threatening them with prison- or worse- if they'd rather opt out?
If something is wanted or needed, it will happen without robbing your neighbors. It is wrong to force people to pay for things they won't fund voluntarily, and it is evil to force them to finance things they oppose. Things like war, prohibition, government schools, abortions, welfare, and government agencies such as the BATFE which are criminal by their very existence.
Is a parking lot mugging justified if the mugger promises to spend a portion of the money on things you need? Or if he is using the plunder to feed orphans and widows? What if the mugger promises to hire strongmen to patrol the neighborhood to prevent any other muggers from operating in his territory?
If you keep money safely hidden from the mugger in your shoe, have you committed mugging evasion? Do you owe the mugger?
Theft is theft even if you really want to use the money for something good. Taxation is theft even if it pays your salary. Theft doesn't magically become OK if you give a percentage of it back to your victims. And taxation is theft even if you can't imagine living without it.
This would be an excellent time to subscribe or donate; income in this household is way down and expenses the past couple of months are way up. Of course, you take care of you and yours first. Only donate or subscribe if you can afford it, and IF you believe you get value from my scribblings and occasional videos. Follow the arrow to the options.
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What do you call the act of taking property under threat of doing something unpleasant to any victim who refuses to comply? Obviously it is theft.
What do most people call an identical act when committed by government employees? Taxation.
Why the hypocrisy? Giving an act a new name doesn't change its nature. Taxation is theft.
Of course, I have heard some taxation apologists claim your money isn't yours at all- it all belongs to government and you should be grateful they allow you to keep any of it. What couldn't be justified under such an absurd belief system?
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. got it backwards when he asserted taxation is the price we pay for a civilized society. In truth a civilized society is what we often manage to create in spite of taxation. Allowing taxation to continue limits how civilized a society can be.
Some people eventually come to terms with the truth that taxation is theft, but still find ways to excuse it. They believe society can't function without taxation.
If you want something not popular enough to be voluntarily funded, you need to let it go. If your idea is good, why would you need to force people to go along, threatening them with prison- or worse- if they'd rather opt out?
If something is wanted or needed, it will happen without robbing your neighbors. It is wrong to force people to pay for things they won't fund voluntarily, and it is evil to force them to finance things they oppose. Things like war, prohibition, government schools, abortions, welfare, and government agencies such as the BATFE which are criminal by their very existence.
Is a parking lot mugging justified if the mugger promises to spend a portion of the money on things you need? Or if he is using the plunder to feed orphans and widows? What if the mugger promises to hire strongmen to patrol the neighborhood to prevent any other muggers from operating in his territory?
If you keep money safely hidden from the mugger in your shoe, have you committed mugging evasion? Do you owe the mugger?
Theft is theft even if you really want to use the money for something good. Taxation is theft even if it pays your salary. Theft doesn't magically become OK if you give a percentage of it back to your victims. And taxation is theft even if you can't imagine living without it.
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This would be an excellent time to subscribe or donate; income in this household is way down and expenses the past couple of months are way up. Of course, you take care of you and yours first. Only donate or subscribe if you can afford it, and IF you believe you get value from my scribblings and occasional videos. Follow the arrow to the options.
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Being nice to violators
How nice should you be to murderers, rapists, and thieves? How nice should you be to their friends and family who support and approve of their nasty deeds? What if they have all been carefully brainwashed for a lifetime to not see their acts as murder, rape, or theft?
Does this excuse them and obligate you to overlook what they do? To be nice to them?
This is the exact situation with those who work for government.
It doesn't matter if you are talking about a kindergarten teacher, the janitor who mops the courthouse, or the cop who murders a jaywalker who he claims appeared to have a gun.
If you work for government in any capacity, you are doing wrong. You are harming rightful liberty. Do you still expect your victims to be nice about it?
I understand those who say they are undermining the State from the inside. And maybe this occasionally does some good. I also understand they need to not be noticed as infiltrators so as to not be kicked out. But if you put on the uniform and hang out with the bad guys, you must expect to be shot as an enemy. It's a hazard you knew and accepted when you chose that path, and it's no one else's responsibility to coddle bad guys just because you may be in their midst of your own free will.
I'm not talking about "collateral damage", but someone actively taking part in living undercover as a bad guy, even if you are trying to destroy them. If this is what you are really doing, and you can live this life without doing any harm, I hope you avoid getting caught up in it. And, I'm just talking about whether people should be nice to the bad guys, not about defense.
If you are one of the bad guys, I'm probably not going to be nice to you. Nor should you expect me to. You can whine or make up "laws" to try to force me to act like you want, but that just shows how bad and weak you really are. Good luck with that.
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If you have never supported this blog financially, this would be a great time to start. Or to make a one-time offering. There have been lots of unfortunate financial things going on in recent months- I'll spare you the details- but I am in need.
Please check out the options for support over to the right, and if you feel this blog has been of any value to you, please consider trading value for value.
Monday, May 16, 2016
The feds are not the biggest danger to your guns
The right to own and to carry weapons- including, but not limited to, guns- is a natural human right. It exists everywhere at all times, in spite of what governments may say, just because you were born human. There is no legitimate or ethical way to restrict or ration this right. None at all.
This means the Second Amendment couldn't have created that right. It will still exist even if the Second Amendment is abolished. The right existed long before the first government was dreamed up, and it will still exist millennia after the last government has collapsed in upon itself.
People worry a lot about the feds making up new anti-gun "laws", but almost all those laws end up being enforced by their accomplices in local law enforcement. Law enforcement is always breaking the law by doing so.
"Just doing my job" and "I don't make the laws, I just enforce them" doesn't cut it. Those excuses didn't work in Nuremberg and they won't work in America.
Every time you read in the sheriff's report about someone being arrested on "illegal weapon" or "illegal carry" charges you are seeing how evil the local law enforcers are. I realize it may be an easy way to arrest someone who couldn't easily be arrested otherwise. It is still wrong. It is committing a wrong openly and then announcing it. It is arrogant and disgusting.
Who needs to worry about the feds with local bullies doing their dirty work for them?
I don't "believe in" the Constitution. It either created the problem we now live in or did nothing to prevent it. But many of those who recognize the evil of anti-gun "laws" still claim to support the Constitution, while also supporting those who violate it.
Enforcing any anti-gun law is a serious crime, if the Constitution means anything. It is a serious violation of natural human rights even if the Constitution is irrelevant. There is no justification for it. You can tell how much a person cares about liberty (and how much they respect the Constitution) by how supportive he is of those individuals who enforce gun laws. There's a term for those who enforce anti-gun "laws": domestic enemies.
The really awful thing is that while private property owners have the right to tell visitors to not bring guns onto their property (even if it exposes them as cowardly vermin), government has no such right, and is in fact specifically prohibited from doing so, by the document they point to as giving them the "authority" to exist. Yes, this means the "no guns" sign at the post office or at the government "public" school is a serious crime; not the rightful act of ignoring that sign.
But statists want to try to have it both ways. It never works like that and never will.
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This means the Second Amendment couldn't have created that right. It will still exist even if the Second Amendment is abolished. The right existed long before the first government was dreamed up, and it will still exist millennia after the last government has collapsed in upon itself.
People worry a lot about the feds making up new anti-gun "laws", but almost all those laws end up being enforced by their accomplices in local law enforcement. Law enforcement is always breaking the law by doing so.
"Just doing my job" and "I don't make the laws, I just enforce them" doesn't cut it. Those excuses didn't work in Nuremberg and they won't work in America.
Every time you read in the sheriff's report about someone being arrested on "illegal weapon" or "illegal carry" charges you are seeing how evil the local law enforcers are. I realize it may be an easy way to arrest someone who couldn't easily be arrested otherwise. It is still wrong. It is committing a wrong openly and then announcing it. It is arrogant and disgusting.
Who needs to worry about the feds with local bullies doing their dirty work for them?
I don't "believe in" the Constitution. It either created the problem we now live in or did nothing to prevent it. But many of those who recognize the evil of anti-gun "laws" still claim to support the Constitution, while also supporting those who violate it.
Enforcing any anti-gun law is a serious crime, if the Constitution means anything. It is a serious violation of natural human rights even if the Constitution is irrelevant. There is no justification for it. You can tell how much a person cares about liberty (and how much they respect the Constitution) by how supportive he is of those individuals who enforce gun laws. There's a term for those who enforce anti-gun "laws": domestic enemies.
The really awful thing is that while private property owners have the right to tell visitors to not bring guns onto their property (even if it exposes them as cowardly vermin), government has no such right, and is in fact specifically prohibited from doing so, by the document they point to as giving them the "authority" to exist. Yes, this means the "no guns" sign at the post office or at the government "public" school is a serious crime; not the rightful act of ignoring that sign.
But statists want to try to have it both ways. It never works like that and never will.
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
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Sunday, May 15, 2016
You will be violated. Your move.
People are going to do things to you they have no right to do. They will violate you. It's just life.
A few of these bad guys won't even bother trying to justify their acts, but most will.
Most of the justifiers will claim they possess a magical quality they'll call "authority", and will claim this quality can turn evil into good when they use it.
They are liars, of course.
But most people will buy it, because in their minds "authority" is permission to do bad things. Things they know they shouldn't do, but will somehow believe are OK as long as you have "authority". Yes, it is just that dumb.
All that stuff is beside the point. The point is, what are you going to do about it? What will you let the violators get away with?
A few of these bad guys won't even bother trying to justify their acts, but most will.
Most of the justifiers will claim they possess a magical quality they'll call "authority", and will claim this quality can turn evil into good when they use it.
They are liars, of course.
But most people will buy it, because in their minds "authority" is permission to do bad things. Things they know they shouldn't do, but will somehow believe are OK as long as you have "authority". Yes, it is just that dumb.
All that stuff is beside the point. The point is, what are you going to do about it? What will you let the violators get away with?
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If you get any value from my labors, consider rewarding me with your financial support. This blog is in its 10th year now. If you believe I have contributed anything to the conversation regarding liberty during these ten years, and believe I have more to contribute, help me stay online.
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