Those who want you to doubt that anarchy (self-ownership and individual responsibility) is the best, most moral, and ethical way to live among others are asking you to accept that theft, aggression, superstition, and slavery are better.
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Sunday, January 01, 2023
Humans must mature past politics
Happy New Year, and an iguana story
For the "New" Year I thought I'd just tell you a true story.
Many years ago a friend from work had an iguana. The iguana lived on a tabletop, with his basking lamp, heat rock, water bowl, and food. He never roamed far from those amenities. I had admired his set-up during visits and he seemed content.
But during the Christmas season one year, he disappeared. She and her husband looked for him everywhere. For many weeks. Eventually, she gave up and decided he was gone for good.
Then, sometime in February she excitedly told me she'd found him, and he was healthy.
My first question was, where was he all this time?
She explained that she was tossing out her Christmas tree and after it was lying in the yard, he came crawling out of the branches,
What? She still had her tree up in February? Well, yes. She said she just hadn't gotten around to taking it down.
Obviously, she didn't have cats!
Happy New Year, and remember, others are probably procrastinating more than you are... on something.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
"Winning" by changing the topic
So many times I see someone start off by making (or responding to) a claim and then changing the topic midstream so that it looks like they won if you're not paying close attention.
I pick on Scott Adams a lot and I'll do it again. I see him do this sleight of hand very frequently. He did it again a couple of days ago. As I've said before, when he's right he's right. When he's wrong it's generally because he's a government supremacist. Providing cover for political criminals in various ways. Like this latest example.
He posted a poll asking "How many of you believe some group of elites or leftists or someone important wants to reduce the population of Earth?"
In his livestream, he later claimed the right answer is "That's nuts".
Of course, it depends on how you define "elites", what you consider to be their "groups", who you think is "important", and what you mean by "wants", etc. It requires a lot of assumptions. I mean, you could consider the Georgia Guidestones to have been a clear piece of evidence; a confession. But I bet he'd brush that away with claims it wasn't the "wants" of a group of important elites or something, since it doesn't conform to his beliefs.
I was not on the "Yes" side, but had chosen the third path (which he claimed was the wrongest answer)...until I heard his explanation as to why "No" (or, as he framed it: "That's nuts") is the "right" answer. His explanation was flawed and he changed the topic so he could "win" which made me realize he was wrong. I change my answer to "Yes" ("I believe it").
What he did, midstream, was to change it from a question strictly about reducing the population to a question of economics. He said the elites understand that for economies to work, the population has to grow. They want more and more people to rob ("tax"), sell to, and, employ. This is a tangent to his original question. I saw the sleight of hand, though.
Many of the "elites" are communists (or commie-lite), thus showing they are economically illiterate. Plus, the economy isn't their motivation; "saving the planet" is.
Yes, smart people know a good economy and advanced technology are a net good for the environment, but all my life I've seen people argue the opposite: that everyone needs to live a primitive life, without "unnatural" technology, for the good of the planet.
I love primal and primitive things. I'm not so ignorant as to believe it's better for the planet. I know how it would be a disaster.
He's not the only one who does this trick. It happens a lot. I've probably done it (unintentionally) myself. A claim is made, and instead of addressing that claim, someone comes in and makes a counter-claim that is off-topic, but looks relevant if you weren't paying close attention, then claims a "win" based on this irrelevant point. Sometimes it's so predictable you can almost see it coming-- in fact, I've pre-written responses, just to have them ready when someone inevitably does it.
Friday, December 30, 2022
"Here, let me do it for you"
Nothing is so enticing as watching someone making an obvious mistake over and over again. The temptation to take over is just about overwhelming.
On my phone I've seen ads for puzzle games where the ad shows someone attempting, and failing, to solve puzzles that look simple. I'll bet the ads are effective-- I find myself aching to show them how it's done. I'm not going to download their game, but I'd be willing to bet a lot of people do, just to solve it "the right way" and end the frustration of watching someone fail over and over.
I've experienced the same effect in real life. If I see a person fumbling with (what I believe is) a simple task, it takes all my willpower to not intervene and do it for them. Maybe they'd even appreciate my help. But until or unless they ask, as long as it's not a life-and-death situation, I've realized it's probably not my place. No one learns if someone else always does it for them-- so you're not really doing them a favor in the long run.
The same goes for people making really bad arguments online. Maybe that's really the best they can do with what they believe to be true. Or, maybe they are just trying to bait you into an argument-- sometimes you have to assume they can't actually believe what they are saying. Stop and think before diving in. If you want to come to someone's defense-- and it seems they'd appreciate your help-- go ahead. You're not going to convince the person making the bad argument, though. If that's your motivation you'd be better off scrolling past.
Don't become a victim of your own helpful instincts by "helping" where you're not really helping.
Thursday, December 29, 2022
An improvement or a failure?
One thing I did less of in the past year was posting things I thought, but that I knew would create problems if I said them. Is this an improvement or a failure on my part? You should have seen how many things I started writing, but then deleted.
I didn't do it perfectly-- I still posted some thoughts I probably should have kept to myself. At least, judging by the responses.
On the other hand, I'm not really sure that was an improvement.
I hate the idea that there are thoughts people keep to themselves to avoid conflict, but I get it. Sometimes I don't feel like dealing with angry responses. Is this how evil ideas are allowed to spread and become something "everyone knows"; people don't feel like speaking out against them because of the response from those who want to push the ideas?
Does this make me complicit, just to make things easier for myself? Is this something I should continue to strive to do more of or something I should try to stop doing? I don't know.
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
A good holiday
Just checking in to say I've had a good Christmas. Lots of time with the extended family, delicious food (and lots of it), games, gifts, and laughs. The tree is already down because...cats.
I hope yours has been good, too. I'll be back tomorrow with my latest ENMN column. Til then...
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Sunday, December 25, 2022
US caught up in 'cold civil war'
Friday, December 23, 2022
The FBI lies (as usual)
The FBI is, and always has been, a criminal gang. That's not a conspiracy theory, and the unfortunate thing is that their gang hasn't yet been abolished.
They commit actual ethical violations by their very existence-- including with their firearms purchase background checks. Their gang isn't even allowed to exist under the Constitution (if you care about that).
No one needs to discredit them. Their actions have already done that completely, which is why they are known as "the Feral Baby Incinerators".
If this screenshot is a real quote from the FBI, it just heaps more shame upon them. Giving the public a teaser of the evil routinely committed by the FBI is not "misinformation". This is just another FBI lie.
Thursday, December 22, 2022
A mite nippy
Much of the country is bracing for a wintery blast. Here on the Llano Estacado, we aren't expecting any precipitation (no, of course not), just high winds (not unusual) and frigid temperatures.
I spent an hour or so this morning making sure I'm prepared. It didn't take much. Mostly I just made things easier for myself to avoid having to do much outside for the next couple of days.
I also worked on getting things ready for the porch cats to be as comfortable as possible. I've done what I can; the rest is up to them.
I kind of enjoy getting ready for interesting weather. Or other natural events. It could be a personality flaw.
I noticed when I lived in Colorado the coldest week of winter was almost always the week of Christmas. I'll see what the rest of this winter holds. I'd like to place an order for some decent amounts of snow at some point. Send any you don't want to me.
I hope you are ready for whatever this weather system will bring to your area. Always be prepared for the grid to fail, even on boring days, but especially on days when nature is planning to make things difficult for the oblividiots. But since you and I aren't that kind of person, we'll be fine. Responsibility and preparedness rule.
Stay cozy.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Twelve years squandered in gov-schooling
The older I get, the more useless I think my gov-school experience was. The educational things I learned (things I still retain that are useful) are things I would have learned on my own. The rest probably weren't important for me to know long enough to pass a test.
The socialization aspect was almost entirely negative, as well.
Outside of school, I could choose who I associated with. In school, I was forced to be around those who only saw me as someone to hurt. This isn't necessary and is abusive-- especially if fighting back isn't allowed. Which it isn't, and wasn't when I was in school, either. I got detention for fighting back at some attackers. They got suspended, so they got a vacation. I got the extra punishment of still being forced to be in gov-school and having to stay late every day for three days. My parents thought I got the better end of it; I didn't.
One of the most common justifications for the horrible experience of gov-schooling that I've heard all my life (from those who know school doesn't educate adequately, but still think it's "important") boils down to "Abuse kids when they're young so that they won't be caught off-guard by the abuse they'll experience later in life". Force teens to lose the fight against their biological clocks and circadian rhythm by getting up dangerously early (for them) so they'll be ready to get up early later in life, when it's not so difficult or harmful. It's insane.
I value education, probably more than most fans of gov-schooling ever could. But schooling isn't it.
Yes, education happens in gov-school because it will happen in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. And I did have a couple of good teachers along the way-- one whose influence you see every day (even though he would probably be disappointed that I didn't "make something of myself").
I know I was different. I wanted to know-- about nearly everything. I didn't care about sports, social stuff, cars, celebrities, popular culture, or popularity. (I probably should have cared a little more about more of those for social reasons-- just so I didn't seem so alien.) I cared about sciency stuff, which is why I loved libraries and doing experiments for myself-- finding answers to my questions by doing experiments that weren't spelled out in a textbook with the expected results (that millions of gov-school inmates had either gotten or not for decades).
I still feel bad for people who don't have that kind of curiosity... and I don't really understand how they don't. Although, I have watched as gov-school has killed the desire to know in some people. I guess I was lucky to keep my curiosity.
I know some people enjoy school. Some people enjoy being whipped. I'm not going to judge; just don't force those who don't want it to be part of it. Don't force others to pay for it, either. Nothing is that important.
Both of my sisters were a better fit in gov-school. They were social and popular and don't understand why anyone would think those institutions are harmful and should be abolished. Both are statists, of course. One has made a career of teaching, and one of her daughters is on a similar path (and is w0ke due to the university's brainwashing).
My opinions on kinderprison-- gov-schooling-- are unpopular in my family. All of whom almost worship schools and many of whom are current or former gov-school employees or administrators. Even they can admit, in unguarded moments, that gov-schools are a failure, but they can't let go.
I can, and I did.
Monday, December 19, 2022
Fighting (Christmas tree) entropy
I waited late this year to put up a Christmas tree. Because, cats. I'm hoping the tree makes it until next Sunday, because...cats.
Even as I was putting up the tree, a couple of cats were doing their best to destroy it. The two youngest-- not a surprise. So far Whiskers (a year and a half old) is more enthusiastic about the War on Christmas (Tree) than Kirby (8 1/2 months old). But maybe Kirby just has yet to discover the joys of destruction.
The older cats simply like to admire the tree and nap under it-- which is a good way to get trampled by the youngsters.
A Christmas tree in this house is a lesson in entropy. Every day, several times per day, I have to fix the damage to keep the tree looking sort of good. But by the time I take the tree down it always looks a bit worn and tired.
Liberty also has to be renewed continually. It never wears out as long as you keep exercising it, but the people who value liberty do get worn down by the constant struggle to keep the bad guys out of the branches.
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Libertarians aren't splitting vote
Performance or principles?
In recent days I've had more than one person accuse me of "performing" for attention. Spouting libertarian ideas I can't actually believe. Ideas I "know" could never work in the real world. In other words, virtue signaling.
It would be interesting to see one of these accusers actually talk to people who know me in real life and see if I'm expressing values or ideas that I don't believe and don't live.
It's a useful reality check, though.
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Saturday, December 17, 2022
Don't be greedy, there's enough for everyone
Enough what? Hypocrisy.
The very same people now shrieking over those who doxxed "free speech absolutist" Elon Musk getting banned have been having conniptions for weeks (or months) because Musk wouldn't ban those they hate. And these are the same goons who wanted everyone they didn't like to be banned for one nonsensical reason or another.
So, hypocrisy? Sure. But it's not only Elon Musk wallowing in a pool of it.
I'm opposed to banning anyone for any reason, but I can understand the argument for it (I just don't agree). But if you've been advocating banning some people I'm not going to take you seriously when you are upset that someone else has been banned. You look like (and likely are) a fool.
Friday, December 16, 2022
Not government's job
It is not government's job to keep you safe.
Even if you could change reality and make it government's job, it is utterly incapable of doing this. Any attempt will harm your safety and destroy liberty.
Military adventurism, done with the excuse of making the world "safer" makes you less safe. It endangers you in very real ways.
Anti-gun rules, always "for safety", have the opposite effect.
All the Covid policies eroded your safety.
The TSA is a gang of terrorists infesting airports-- and lusting to expand their terrorism to all other modes of transport if given half a chance. Is it safe to allow yourself to be naked-scanned and groped? Not really.
Police, "laws", prohibition-- ALL of it makes you much less safe.
Complete safety isn't an option. Never, under any circumstance. Striving for total safety, especially if you are using government, is counterproductive.
Besides, liberty is the greatest good. Imaginary safety-- or even real safety, if that were possible-- doesn't come close.
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Scott Adams-- "narrative poisoning"
Recently, Scott Adams has been discussing what he calls "narrative poisoning". This is what he calls it when those you listen to have poisoned your mind by presenting a skewed one-sided narrative-- such as those who were honestly persuaded by their biased information sources to fear Trump as a Hitler, or to see January 6th as an "insurrection".
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Loyal to his enemy to the end
An older casual acquaintance of mine died Sunday night. Just days after being put on hospice. He was a Vietnam veteran and apparently had suffered a lot of damage from Agent Orange-- at least that's what he blamed for all his health trouble. The past couple of years were especially rough on him.
Some things made it worse than it had to be. The government directly poisoned him and then the VA subjected him to decades of government (socialized) "healthcare".
In spite of this, he was totally pro-military and pro-government to the end. He only objected to those institutions not being run the way he would have preferred. He had a flagpole in his front yard with Holy Pole Quilt and a POW-MIA flag lit by floodlights at night, being saluted by plywood soldier silhouettes.
I see this as a clear example of Stockholm Syndrome. Maybe you'd rather call it patriotism. RIP Jim.
Monday, December 12, 2022
Expect pushback
One thing that people seem to have a hard time learning (or remembering) is that if you push someone too hard or too far you shouldn't be surprised when they push back. Because they will.
Look at the current political situation-- it's all pushback, from every side against whoever pushed them too much. Those who feel they've had their rights or their "freedom" limited are pushing back in political ways.
If you treat some people as "less than", don't be surprised when they fight back. Whether their feelings on the matter are justified or not, they'll use their victimhood to gain political power and then use that power against you because of what you've done to them in the past.
But, if they go too far with their pushback, they shouldn't be surprised when they get pushed back yet again. It's not a pendulum; it's being actively shoved from side to side.
Left-Statist Twitter users are angry that Twitter has started fact-checking them now, along with their opposition. But they were perfectly fine with Twitter actively censoring anyone who wasn't a Left-Statist under the old management. In fact, they denied it was even happening and laughed at anyone who said it was. The situation has changed. They thought they were special and above accountability. They don't like it at all when the shoes are on both feet.
What they call the promotion of "hate speech" (no such thing), "white supremacy", and the Republican Party is simply a slight shift back toward the middle. They are so far Left-Statist that even slowing the plunge toward their side looks to them like a hard turn to the other side. This Red Queen has to run as fast as she can toward the Left to stay in the ever-moving "center". Enough is enough. Unhitch from them and let them run off into the ocean and drown. There's no appeasing them. There's not even any reason to push them-- they'll do it to themselves. Just wait them out.
If Musk ever does end up pushing them too hard (for real, not in their fevered hallucinations) they will push back, justifiably so. Hopefully, as long as they are only imagining a push they won't be able to do any lasting damage. But hallucinations are powerful in those without a foundation of worthwhile principles. So I wouldn't say they have no chance.
If only people would stop trying to govern everyone else. It's OK to share the world with people who have different values-- and I'm speaking to all sides here. What's not OK is trying to legislate other people into slavery that you imagine would be good for you. If you do this, expect pushback. You probably won't enjoy it.
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