Drugged Drivers

I know of someone who is suffering from injuries received in a car wreck a year ago. The driver of the other car was at fault, and was on drugs. Now my friend will probably suffer pain from nerve damage for the rest of her life, and need powerful pain medications in order to function. This fact has made her question her libertarian opinion as to drug prohibition.

I can understand her thoughts. No one wants impaired drivers careening into them out of nowhere. On the other hand, driving while impaired or even distracted is already illegal, and yet things like this still happen. The current War on Drugs destroys freedom on a massive scale and yet doesn't prevent things like this from happening, so what can we do? Is there a real solution? Or do we simply accept that tragedies will always happen as a part of life?

Memorial Day: Remembering Our Past, Considering Our Future.

JPFO ALERT:

Memorial Day: Remembering Our Past, Considering Our Future.

Each year on Memorial Day, JPFO reminds our readers to honor those who died in America's wars. We mourn for them and we thank them.

But we also remind you that as the United States becomes more like the brutal police states we once fought, we must mourn as well for the loss of our freedoms. We mourn the loss of the great promise that once was America -- now betrayed by politicians, bureaucrats, thuggish enforcers, and uncaring citizens.

We've been heavily advertising our new documentary The Gang because it showcases the BATFE as a supreme example of this betrayal. Corrupt, inept thugs enforce not just unconstitutional laws but arbitrary bureau "policies" against honest citizens. And no one speaks up ... because they could be next.

Recently, the television show "Boston Legal" aired an episode entitled "Stick It". You can read a summary at http://www.boston-legal.org/19-stickit/ep19-stickit.shtml . More importantly, you can watch the video (or read a transcript) of a closing argument by one of the show's characters (scroll down to "Alan Shore's Closing Argument").

This speech is probably one of the most eloquent, timely, and terrifying recitations of the dark turn our country has taken over the last few decades. It concludes with the statement, "I know we are all afraid, but the Bill of Rights -- we have to live up to that. We simply must."

Indeed.

On this sad holiday, we urge you to take a moment to consider not only what we've lost, but why and how we've lost it. Consider, too, how we might get it back. There are 100 million gun owners in this country, and only 2300 agents. So why are we putting up with this treachery?

We can start by abolishing the BATFE and all federal control and regulation of firearms. Ultimately, though, we must attain a Bill of Rights Culture.Let's make it happen.

- The Liberty Crew

PS: The day after JPFO aired our "Talkin' to America" interview with Ryan Horsley, owner of Red's Trading Post, he was visited by THREE BATFE agents, including an area supervisor. Read Ryan's update at www.jpfo.org/redsupdate2.htm . Yet another example of the BATFE's vindictive actions against honest American gun owners. By allowing this activity, we are allowing the deaths of our fallen soldiers to be in vain.

Mr. Wood

A few blogs ago, I mentioned the high school teacher who was instrumental in teaching me to think critically about what I was being "fed". Mr. Bill Wood taught Physics, Chemistry, and a "special" class. After spending two years in his classes, he is to blame for a lot of who I am. I would skip other classes to sit in the library and read; but I never skipped his classes. That was the only class time, since first grade when I learned to read, where I learned anything important.

During my high school years there was a big creationism uproar occurring statewide. He even testified in the court case. He encouraged us to look at the issue critically from all sides. He never hid his opinion, but had his students on both sides attempt to defend our own position coherently during discussion. He also led us in a study of advertising and the ways it influences our thoughts. I was always dreadfully bad at math, but he often gave me credit for being the only person in his physics class who understood the concepts being discussed. Even if I never got through a calculation without an error during the entire year. The main thing I remember from all his classes was this: while other teachers told us what to think, he emphasized how to think.

I heard through hearsay that he quit teaching within a couple years of my graduation. The politics of the "education system" are an obstacle to education, screening out the best teachers. Just another reason for the separation of school and state. Mr. Wood was the best teacher I ever had.

When I think of him I feel that he would be disappointed in me today. After all, I never made anything of myself. He would have told me I could do better.

Permits: The All-American Bribe

America; land of the free... as long as your pay your bribe to the right agency to get official permission to practice your freedom. Only, in this case, the corrupt bribe-takers are so morally vacant that they actually keep a record of their criminality! The bribes have been institutionalized and codified.

Want to add a room to your house? Get a building permit that not only gives your "permission" to do the work, but gives "implied consent" to the local government to tell you how you can build it, and allows them to trespass to "inspect" the work (and maybe just snoop a little while they are there). Wish to carry a gun for self defense? Apply for a permit that puts you into a database of criminals for government to keep a wary eye on. A permit that can be denied or revoked on a whim and can be used to track you when it is decided that common folk no longer "need" to own guns. Want to drive your car? That entails a whole stack of permits if your wish to have official sanction. Once again, by getting their permits and trying to work within the system, they claim you have given implied consent to go along with all the anti-American garbage that the authorities commit. Things like "safety" check-points, seatbelt laws, and DUI (known as "drunk driving" back when it really was about being drunk while driving) laws that have become meaningless by their pettiness.

Freedom-by-permit is not freedom at all. It is slavery. It is "freedom if you can afford to pay for it". Be an outlaw and take your freedom without begging permission from any government thug.

"Continuity of Government"

Leave it to the parasites of government to think that they are so important and their job so critical, that even if some event destroys all of the productive people in America, the government MUST survive! That is like preserving the disease organisms after the host is dead. Take the most useless sector of the population, and the one thing we can all do completely without, and make certain it survives. After disasters, people who sit and wait for the government to rescue them frequently die. What makes anyone think it would be different next time? What "job" does government do that would still be "necessary" if the rest of the population was dead? I mean, really, who would be left to care? Other than those disease organisms who call themselves "government". Plus, those who would be left after such an event would most likely be the people who are least reliant on government bail-outs, and also the least compliant with government orders. Do the authoritards think it will impress China that America will still have a government rattling its sabres after doomsday? Unfortunately, they probably do.

Good Idea vs. Compulsion

There are a lot of things I think are good ideas for liberty-seekers to get involved with. Things like jury duty and gun ownership. There are other things that I think are just a good idea for anyone like wearing a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet. There is a difference between "thinking it is a good idea" and making it mandatory. Only government can destroy a good idea that way.

Although I believe that jury duty is the best weapon we have to peacefully stop the US police state in its tracks, I would never encourage making it compulsory to serve. Who does that benefit? If you have 12 disgruntled jurors sitting there daydreaming about strangling the people responsible for their captivity is justice likely? I think not!

Or how about guns? I think that owning them and knowing how to use them is a very intelligent thing to do. If someone has no interest in having one or learning to safely handle one, then that person would be happier, and so would I, if he just didn't bother with it. I have gone shooting with one person that I refused to shoot with ever again after seeing his disregard for basic safety rules. He then joined the military and left the area.

I am the first person to insist that everyone in my car wear a seat belt. Yet, whenever I see those "Click it or ticket" propaganda ads on TV, I want to never wear one again. It is smart to wear a seat belt, but it is incomprehensibly evil to require it by "law".

Government can take a perfectly good idea, and by passing counterfeit "laws" make it into a reprehensible compulsion.

Dissonance

I have heard that stress is caused by an internal conflict. Such as being put into a situation where the biological "right thing to do" is fight or flight, but the "socially expected thing to do" is to stand there and tolerate some authoritard giving you ridiculous orders. I had my own way of dealing with this while trapped in the government indoctrination centers called "school": I daydreamed a lot. After I learned to read, school didn't teach me anything of any value until high school, when I was fortunate enough to have a teacher for a couple of years who taught his students to think critically about what we were told. He is probably to blame for a lot of who I am now. That is another item for another day.

Back to the current thoughts. I already live in Libertopia in my mind, so when I am confronted by the stupidity of the authoritarian dystopia surrounding me, the dissonance causes a lot of stress to my system. I know how I should respond to a given situation, but the societal realities mean I would be punished violently by the "law". We are expected, and "legally" required, to sit down and shut up and by all means, don't bother the noble authorities by making a scene. So, I put up with a lot of nonsense that no one in a free society would ever be forced to tolerate quietly. I am sure the same thing applies to you.


This goes back to my post on "enjoying what liberty we have left" from a few days ago. Enjoy what freedoms you have left, and the ones you can probably get away with. After all, "They can't control us all".

What Do They Want?

There are people I run into online, who although they frequent the "libertarian" or "quasi-anarchist" websites, and align themselves with the freedom seekers, they don't seem to agree with "us" on much of anything. Try as I might, I honestly can't see that these people are looking for any type of "freedom". So, what is it they are really wanting?

Maybe I am looking at this the wrong way. Perhaps I should be glad that they have enough interest to try to hang out with libertarians (I have heard we can be difficult to get along with). I can't stop wondering about their motives, though. Are they there to try to start arguments; to sow discord? Are they there under mistaken impressions? Do they believe they can show the rest of us the "error of our ways" by shining the light of authoritarianistic thought on our ideas? Maybe they are a single-issue libertarian and just want to be left alone to smoke crack, but have no interest in allowing anyone else their own brand of liberty.

Whatever is going on, I get the distinct impression that they just don't get it. When possible, I do not engage them in a heated debate. Tempers flare quickly and that helps no one. I try to mostly ignore these folks in the hope that they will absorb, by constant exposure, some inkling of what "liberty" really means. Who knows, maybe one day they will rise up to be exactly the person the world needs to stand up for liberty.

Blood-Thirsty Americans

I am disturbed by how blood-thirsty otherwise normal people around me seem to have become. They celebrate the deaths of foreigners, and seem happy to send more troops to kill and terrorize them.

Maybe the real reason Americans seem so anxious to slaughter people, guilty and innocent alike, overseas is a frustration over what is going on closer to home. Perhaps, like me, a lot of people are seriously frustrated with the US police state that is ratcheting its controls tighter around us. Since they see no way to fight the monsters and win, they take their frustrations out on foreigners that the government encourages them to hate. The anger has to go somewhere, so they choose a safe, officially sanctioned target.

I don't want to consider the alternative: that people have become fans of genocide, torture, and terrorism, as long as "the home team" is doing the dirty deeds. If that is the case, we have already lost the "War on Terror"; it has adopted us as its favorite child.

A Libertarian, Ron Paul, and Hitlery

My dream presidential ballot would offer the choices of the Libertarian candidate (whosoever that may be), Ron Paul as the Republican, and Hillary Klinton as the Democratic/National Socialistic (Natso) choice.

In my view, this would be an impossible election for freedom to lose, in the long run. Any Libertarian would be better than anyone else. Ron Paul would be better than anyone other than me (in my oh-so-humble opinion, LOL), and with Hitlery elected, the gloves would be off and we could get down to the business of "The War of Independence II". No, I don't want all-out war, but I feel it is probably inevitable now. America is already at war with the US, most people just don't realize it yet.

Begin working hard to promote one of these candidates in order that this election can be the most entertaining election imaginable. After all, isn't that what politics is really about?

My Credo

Claire Wolfe is attempting to write a credo for herself. I am not sure I need one, but decided it would be a good mental exercise. So, here goes my attempt for a credo of my own:

On my honor as a human being, I will give zero respect for, or obedience to, counterfeit "laws" or systems of belief, present or future. I do not, nor have I ever, consented to be subject to the whims of the criminal collective known as "government". I will strive to avoid aggression, but will defend myself and others in whatever way I see fit against all attacks. I will seek to live as free in my body as I already envision in my mind.

At least that is how it stands for now; to be modified if the mood seizes me or I get a better idea at some later time.

Enjoy the Fossils of Liberty

Don't get trapped by the thought that you can't enjoy some freedom if you do not have total freedom. Setting goals is admirable. Knowing what Libertopia would look like is good; maybe even essential. How can you strive for something if you can't even picture what it is you want? But refusing to enjoy what freedom you have now, simply because Libertopia is not yet a reality, is very bad and self defeating. This is a pattern I fall into a lot.

I despise the very concept of "government". I utterly despise the existence of its armed enforcing apparatus; the cops. This does not mean I personally despise every government employee or cop I have ever met. Some of them are obviously OK people. They are absolutely dead wrong in what they are supporting with their time and their lives, but they honestly may not see it that way.

I need to relax about some things. I need to get on with the business of living free. I need to simply ignore those "laws" that I know are counterfeit, and not stress over it. If I get punished for living as I see fit, as long as I do not initiate force or fraud on anyone else, then I am not the one in the wrong, even if I am in jail. If there are some "laws" that I can live with, even comply with, knowing that they are wrong, then I should not worry about it. Choose your battles, as they say. "Getting away with" things under the watchful eye of the Malevolent Empire can even be fun. Think of it as a game. Become a Simon Jester. Thumb your nose at them (or flip them off) behind their backs.

I think some people see me as an angry anti-government loon. I am not angry, even if I come across that way sometimes. I hate injustice, especially when disguised as a "law", or cloaked with a flag. Certain situations do make me angry. These are often the ones I end up writing about. Things that don't arouse passion in me get short shrift. This is too bad. Rather than "anti-government", I am pro-liberty. Government is the opposite of liberty. Government is anti-me. Whether or not I am a loon... who knows. Do crazy people know they are crazy? I doubt it; that is part of what makes them crazy.

I will not stop promoting my vision of Libertopia, even while I quietly enjoy the fossils of liberty I still find in America. If by my rambling screeds, I inspire someone else to throw off some governmental shackles, then his victory will also help make the environment a bit more liberty-friendly for me as well. A victory for one is a victory for all. Victories, small though they may be, add up. I will rejoice in every small increase of liberty, even while I demand real, complete, lasting liberty for everyone everywhere. It is the only way I know.

Cops, Cops, Cops

Many people seem to think I am too hard on cops. I hold cops to a higher standard than I hold anyone else to (except politicians) because they have a greater power to destroy innocent lives, and get away with it. I have said many times that a badge and a gun are a dangerous combination. That being said, I do recognize that there are shades of gray. No cop, or anyone else, is all good or all bad. Some are better than others, and some are far worse.

With cops I have made a couple of personal observations that may or may not be correct. First, the shorter the cop's hair; the more hardline "I don't make the rules; I just enforce them" antifreedom he is. (I have yet to find an exception to this observation.) Secondly, it seems most older cops are less draconian that most younger cops. I personally believe this is a result of the current training protocols. "Us vs. Them"; "Thin blue line", "Busting ours; Saving yours", and all of that crock of .... ahem, nonsense.

If a cop enforces a few counterfeit "implied consent" type "laws", while avoiding most of the harshest rights violations, I suppose he is not as bad as the murderers who killed Kathryn Johnston (and countless others). I would still not recommend turning your back on him. Never trust a scorpion; they are what they are.

Media Ignores Ron Paul. It's a Start...

I read a lot of complaints that the mainstream media is trying to ignore Ron Paul. Going so far as not putting him in some polls that include everyone else. That obviously is not fair. To mention the other candidates while ignoring Ron Paul is dishonest.

In order to return to the fairness that you MediaHeads pretend to have, I suggest a way to pay restitution: Please ignore the rest of the candidates as well. It would be better. Imagine a Presidential race that was completely ignored by the media. It boggles the mind. All information would only be gotten by those with enough interest in the outcome to search, on their own, without being spoon fed what Big Media and Big Government want them to believe. The simple-minded authoritarian worshippers would probably forget there was even an election coming. The election just might actually go to the best person instead of the anointed one. That would be completely different.

Why Do I Keep Harping on "Guns"?

I really don't like to concentrate on one subject too much. You can't tell that from my blog, though. Time after time I keep returning to the subject of "guns". Why is that? Because I have always believed that someone's opinion on gun ownership is what tells you how they truly feel about you. L. Neil Smith explains it better. He compares the issue to an X-Ray. It lets you see right into any politician's rancid core.

The Write (In) Choice

Even though I have stopped campaigning, I still offer myself as a write in candidate for President. You can think of it as a protest vote, or use me as a threat to get your party back in line with what you want from your candidate. I probably have exactly the same chance of being elected this way as I did by actively campaigning. This simply moves the burden of promoting my ideas back onto you again.

Keep spreading the word, and I will keep agitating and blogging.

One Good Cop

Show me one good, honest cop who has never violated anyone's humanity by enforcing a counterfeit "law". Show me one who has never arrested anyone for putting any chemical into their own body. A cop who has never arrested anyone for carrying a gun peacefully, regardless of what local or national "laws" may dictate. Show me a cop who has never once given a speeding ticket or a ticket for not using a seatbelt. Or just show me a cop who will pledge to, from this day forward, live by the Zero Aggression Principle in his daily life and on the job. Then, and only then, will I believe that it is possible to be a good, honest person, and be a cop.

George Orwell Saw It Coming

The terrorists in government have redefined "terrorism" to mean "anyone who opposes them and their agenda". According to the US government's new definition, America was founded on terrorism by terrorists like George Washington, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, and Thomas Jefferson.

This webpage has been around for a while; I have seen it before. Apparently the goons at The Department of Homeland Stupidity quickly took down their similar site when it was exposed recently. To keep this one (from the Pennsylvania authoritards) from similarly disappearing, I printed it and then scanned it and posted the resulting picture here.

I would bet that every state has an almost identical page; all received from DHS originally. We need to show everyone that the values that America was founded upon are now labelled as "terrorism" by the US Federal Government, and by the state governments as well. Maybe this will cause some of the authoritarian-lovers to recognize who they are now supporting. I won't hold my breath.

Notice that they also fear the Gadsden "DONT TREAD ON ME" flag as a symbol of domestic terrorists. Everything is turned on its head by these traitors. "Newspeak" is here.

You Can't Go Back....

I have often felt, and I have heard others express this, too, that it would sometimes be nice to be able to go back to being a "sheeple". To be like the oblivious masses of humanity who are able to look at the flag flying over the courthouse and have the simple-minded "America: love it or leave it" kind of attitudes that so many of the "patriotic" people out there have. The kind who can ignore the US government torturing "other people". The kind who can pretend that Wayne Fincher really did do something bad, or that Kathryn Johnston shouldn't have shot back at those "fine young officers" who were violently invading her home in the course of the hideous "War on Drugs". The kind who can pretend that "it is for our own good", whatever that happens to be.

For the sake of my family and friends I have tried many times in the past to "just go along to get along". The problem is that government and those who work tirelessly to prop it up are a ravenous dragon, seeking to devour and destroy all individuality and rational thought. They demand an almost religious devotion to their evil causes. You must submit to their numbering and tracking or you will be ground up and used as fertilizer for those who do embrace the wyrm.
In many cases, to acknowledge the true situation is to have family and friends think of you as a malcontent, or a nut-case. It can lead to a lonely existence, as it is very hard to find another of the same awareness with whom to share your life. Yet to turn away from the truth is to live a lie. How does that make your life any better or more livable? Could you "fake it" for the rest of your life? Could you truly change your world-view and accept the status quo?

Unfortunately (or fortunately?), once you "take the red pill" there is no turning back. You can try to ignore it; you can try to deny it; but the truth will keep slapping you in the face. It won't leave me alone. How about you?

Just Another Anarchist/Libertarian Blog

One reason I held onto my Presidential campaign longer than I probably should have was the realization that without my campaign, this blog and my website would become "just another anarchist/libertarian ranting on the internet". And who needs another one of those?

Now that I have abandoned my campaign, I intend to keep my blog going, and keep updating my website. "Why?" you may ask. Because I still have something to say. I still have the same things to say that I did before, it just may not be as important now that I am not "running" (if it was ever important before).

I still feel that there is no candidate who adequately shares my views and could therefore "represent" me. I would prefer to see a Libertarian elected. If I had to choose one of the Demopublicans, I would of course choose Ron Paul. Fortunately, I don't have to choose anyone or anything. Neither do you.

KentForLiberty.com Updates

The post-campaign KentForLiberty.com updates are coming along nicely. Check it out again and see what changes I have made.

Stupid, Evil and/or Insane

If New York Congresscritter Carolyn McCarthy were a smart (or nice) person she would have channeled her grief over her husband's death at the hands of a murderer into making certain that people like her husband would never again be left defenseless in the face of aggression because of some evil victim disarmament law. Instead she chose the path of blind reactionism that leads straight to more massacres. She feverishly works to guarantee that it will happen again. Is that stupid? Is it evil? Or, is it insane?

Stupid, evil, insane, or a combination of all three. That is how L. Neil Smith characterizes people like her. I tend to agree. Since political power is a result of being backed up by the guns of government, people like her who are stupid, evil and/or insane use their guns to take away our guns. If they can try to deny gun ownership to those of us they deem to be "mentally ill", then they should give up their positions of power for the same reason.

Prohibit Guns to the "Mentally Ill"?

You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway why I oppose forbidding guns to those judged "mentally ill". Mainly it is because I do not trust those who get to decide who is mentally ill, and what constitutes a mental illness. By their hoplophobic reasoning, anyone who desires to own a gun or does not bow to their "authority" is mentally ill. The simple desire to own a gun could easily become the excuse to deny the right.

Violent people, mentally ill or not, would be culled from society by their intended victims if government meddling were to stop. The only way to be truly safe from predators is to protect the absolute right of everyone to own and to carry any type of weapon they want, any where they go, in any way they see fit; openly or concealed. That way when a person who is truly mentally ill decides to go on a killing spree, it will be ended quickly by the fully free people around him. Just as it should be.

Rights and Government Whims

Rights do not come and go at the whim of government; they cannot be legislated away. People in Great Britain still have the right to own and to carry any weapon they wish, but their government does not recognize that right. Do you think that you have only those rights that the government that currently occupies your land "allows"? Absolutely not. Under the most oppressive regimes, the right to live is not even recognized, but I doubt anyone would side with the government in that case. Everyone can clearly see that such a government is acting outside its legitimate authority. It is the same if your current government refuses to admit that you have the right to use any medications that you wish; or to own and carry the most effective means of defending your life; or if it tries to require paperwork for going about your daily business. These governments are also stepping outside their proper authority. We are simply so accustomed to this violation of our basic human rights that most of us don't see these acts for what they are: tyranny.

Don't allow governments to ration your liberty to you in small doses. Take what is yours.

Checks and Balances

Did you learn in school the concept of "checks and balances" as it relates to the government? Do schools even pretend to teach that anymore? Historically the President was supposed to be kept under control by the courts and the Congress. The Congress was supposed to be reined in by the courts and the President. The courts were supposed to be restrained by the President and the Congress. What has gone wrong? The three branches of the government are supposed to be working against one another, but they have now joined forces against the average American.

I think what has happened is that they have forged an "alliance of criminals". If they all gang up on the innocents, they can share the spoils. Together they can take more than they could working separately. The Congress passes counterfeit "laws"; the president signs them; and then the courts, if forced to do so, uphold their "Constitutionality". America loses and the government gets more power to enslave.

They think they have won, but they forgot the final "check and balance": The people of America, where the only legitimate authority lies.

These criminals are forgetting that they are operating under our authority. We are under our rights and obligations to bring them back in line with the highest law of the land by any means necessary. By "outlawing" our basic human rights, by ignoring our petitions, by rigging the system to favor them and their cronies, they declared war on America in the name of the United States. We, the people of America, have the authority. We let the government borrow it on our behalf, but the second they began misusing it, it was forfeited back to us. Now they are nothing but a gang of usurpers and tyrants. They need to pack their bags and vacate the country peacefully so that Americans can fix the mess these miscreants have spent over 200 years making.

If I Were Sheriff....

Yesterday someone named Matt suggested I would make a good sheriff. I kinda like that idea, although I don't think I will be seeking that office either. I am through with the whole "campaigning" thing. That doesn't mean you can't draft me.

In my mind a good sheriff is like a barrier between the people he serves and the government at large surrounding them. He would be the main "legal" protection between the criminal elements, both government and freelance, and the people.

Since I care very little (OK, not at all, actually) about whether something is legal or not, but only if it is right, and have no experience in such matters, I would be an interesting sheriff. Do sheriffs take an oath to "uphold the Constitution"? I could take that oath seriously. But if I was supposed to "uphold" counterfeit "laws", well.... that wouldn't go too far before I got forcibly removed from office.

If I were ever to become a sheriff I would:

-Publicly announce that everyone in my jurisdiction was hereby automatically authorized to carry a gun, openly or concealed, without any further permits necessary. I'd deputize every person in the county if it became necessary.

-Warn any municipal police agencies that if their officers were caught harassing any peaceful people and enforcing any counterfeit "laws", I would arrest those officers. I would also ban the use of tasers by police.

- Announce that any feds who want to take any enforcement actions in my county would be required to come to me for permission first, and leave their body armor, weapons, and government issued picture ID in my possession until they leave the area, or face arrest.

- Wear my six-gun, hat, boots, and duster everywhere. Just because it would be cool.

Any towns in Wyoming interested in recruiting me? I happen to be free now.

The End of the Trail

After a lot of thought I have decided to end my campaign. Last night while trying to delete spam comments, I accidentally deleted most of the content on the Boston Tea Party's website. That was the last straw for me. I appreciate all the encouragement and support I have received in the past two and a half years. I apologize to anyone who is disappointed that I have withdrawn. I will probably keep blogging, and plan to change KentForLiberty into something other than a campaign site. I have come to realize that we will never get government back in line with the Constitution or with what is right by using methods approved and "allowed" by that same rogue government.

Liberty... or Death? America.... or US FedGov?

"Give me liberty or give me death!" Strong words from a strong man named Patrick Henry. But there is more to him than just this quote. Here is a good article about him from Ryan McMaken. Read it and think about what Mr. Henry would do in today's "Occupied America". Which side would he be on: the side of the US police state, or the side of America?

Kathryn Johnston's Murderers Escape Justice

The drug-thugs (Gregg Junnier, Jason Smith, Arthur Tesler, and every other cop or police department co-conspirator in the drug war) who murdered Kathryn Johnston, and then tried to frame her, have gotten minor slaps on the wrist in denial of the seriousness of the crimes they committed. The "police" department that created these monsters has not been punished at all. Justice rolls over in her grave yet again.

In Search of the Second Amendment

I recently bought the documentary In Search of the Second Amendment. I found it very educational and entertaining. There are a few technical audio problems that are a little annoying, but the research that went in to the making of this video is obvious.

It isn't stated in the video, but I came away with the distinct impression that the Second Amendment actually protects two rights instead of only one. Just as the First Amendment prohibits government infringements of five separate rights, the Second Amendment protects the right to form a militia and it protects the right to own and to carry weapons.

Just remember, the Bill of Rights grants no rights, but instead prohibits government interference with the rights you were born possessing.

At $24.95 In Search of the Second Amendment is a good deal and it gives you the legal ammunition to use against massacre-enablers in this time of knee-jerk legislation.

Gazing into the Mirror

I have been spending the past week or two examining whether I have anything to offer. I am still not sure. I hear a lot of "I would support you if you would ____ ". Fill in the blank with whatever you think may fit. It seems that people are eager to get behind candidates who are flashy, polished, and/or are good at public speaking. I am none of those things. I am not even particularly shocking or profane. I am decidedly uncomfortable with interviews. I can't fill large expanses of minutes talking about myself or my views. I don't have anything to say that I haven't said dozens (or hundreds) of times before, and I begin to feel foolish repeating myself. I have an elderly relative who asks me who I am every five minutes (or less) when I am around her. Sometimes it seems the same in this campaign.

I do know the shape of the future that I want to see for my children and their children. I just don't see that this road leads there.

US Department of Misery

The primary function of government seems to be to ensure that no one enjoys themselves, unless of course, the proper licenses are acquired first. There are people like this all around us. They gravitate towards particularly rigid religions or government positions. Call them wet-blankets, party-poopers, buzz kills, cold showers, whatever, they have only one purpose: to try to make certain everyone is as miserable as they are or more so.

Usually these people are powerless. They can gossip about you or look down their noses and sniff at your "childishness". They can get angry because your idea of "fun" is different than theirs and they fear it. Who cares? Let them gnash their teeth in frustration.

The true destructive nature of their fractured personalities comes out when they get into government. Then it is all-out warfare on pleasure. They are usually willing to "allow" you to have fun, if you pay them for the privilege first, and stay within insanely well-defined limits. Have you noticed how many enjoyable things are now "licensed" or require permits? The few pleasures left that are not, are vilified and railed against by these joy vampires. If they can find a way to regulate or prohibit it, they will.

The point of all this is that one of the best ways to thumb your nose (or raise a middle finger salute) to government is to go out and enjoy yourself today. So do it. They will resent you for it.

Sarah Brady Wants to Profit From Massacre

I got yet another email begging for money from Sarah Brady and her "mass murderer fan-club". She wants a dollar for every innocent victim of the Virginia Tech massacre. Nice. Here is a response to her:

The Virginia Tech massacre was a rousing success for a gun free zone. It did exactly what it was designed to do, or did you not notice that no one was able to fight back? They were all disarmed just as you want. They all died like the good little victims you want us all to be. So why are you whining? You got exactly what you have been clamoring for.

People like me want to be able to fight back and to kill the next mass murderer before he completes his "mission". We believe that human life is valuable and worth defending. Cho broke laws against murder 32 times; what makes you believe he would have abandoned his plans if there were more laws against what he did? He targeted a "gun free zone". He knew no one would be armed. That is why he targeted a school that requires its students and faculty to submit; to lie down and die when attacked. What would have happened if even one of the students he encountered had been sensible enough to break the rules and take responsibility for his own safety? If someone (other than a badged "officer") had stopped the rampage, would you want that person arrested? That is the end result of your perverted policies. You would rather see people dead than fighting back. You are disgusting in the extreme.

People like you celebrate mass murder as a means toward the end of disarming us all and making everyone into another dead body for you to dance on while you beg for more blood-money. Congratulations, your ideas have killed again.

If "our leaders" really wanted to end the killing zones, they would remove all legal prohibitions of armed self-defense. They don't, and neither do you and your organization. Shame on you for the blood on your hands. It won't wash off, and we will never forget how you have worked to empower the mass murderers.

Reading "Liberty" or Living It?

Which is more important: reading other people's ideas about liberty or asserting your own liberty? Obviously living a life of liberty is vastly more important than merely reading what other people have to say about the subject. You can read my blog every day, but unless it inspires you to take your own life by the rudder and steer into free waters I have wasted my time writing these words. You can study the words of Thomas Jefferson or any of the old libertarians from history and still live as a slave. I read things everyday that have been written about liberty. Historical observations and current events. I often get ideas that way. Sometimes I am inspired to do something to expand my own freedom. Other times I file the thoughts away until they are needed.

Freedom isn't an armchair (or computer chair) "activity". You must live it for it to exist. It is often said that you "have only those rights you are willing to exercise". So use the ideas that you have absorbed from others, and get up and have a good liberty workout today.

The REAL Jury Duty: the Duty of a Juror

The duty of a juror is to protect his community; both from dangerous criminals and from dangerous laws. The jury is the highest authority in the courtroom; towering above the judge. Judges don't like for the juries to recognize the pecking order, so they try to frighten jurors into complying with their demands. Judges lie and tell jurors to only consider the facts of the case, which is only half- the weaker half, of the jury's historical duty. You hold the power of jury nullification of counterfeit "laws". It is an awesome power and responsibility and one that causes judges (and corrupt government at every level) to tremble in fear. The time to understand the power and authority of the jury is before you get called for jury duty. If you find yourself sitting on a jury, remember: if the law that was violated is counterfeit (attempts to regulate something other than initiated, actual force or fraud) you must find the defendant innocent, even if you don't like the person. Even if you are sure the person is a scum who has committed real crimes in the past and probably will again. That will be dealt with at a later date. Your bigger responsibility at that point is to protect your neighbors from a "law" that has much greater potential for harm that any two-bit thug could ever hope to have. Then you can go on to warn your neighbors of your suspicions about the defendant.

Become acquainted with the Fully Informed Jury Association and go to www.fija.org to read more about the job of a juror.

Email Warnings

Do you get those forwarded emails warning you about the latest crime fad? Like the cellphone cameras taking pictures of your credit card numbers, or notes stuck to your car windows to make you get out so your car can be stolen. So do I. Well, there are other warnings that should be taken to heart. Such as:

Warning! Proven tactic to steal your money.... Criminals from the IRS are posing as legitimate agents of the government and are threatening and intimidating your employer into stealing a large portion of your paycheck to hand over to them! They do this through the use of the "Social Security Number" which they trick innocent victims into applying for.

Or:

New threat-----> Control freaks wearing badges or holding public office are tricking people into applying for permission to defend themselves! They do this by making up fake laws, laws which they have no authority to make, saying that they will arrest you for carrying the best means of defense with you where you are most likely to need it. Once you are helpless they are free to impose any crippling punishment they wish on you or to steal other things from you. Remember: No one ever takes away your means of self defense to help you.

Warnings like these would actually be useful.

Washington County Militia HQ Fire

The headquarters of the Militia of Washington County was damaged by fire Friday. Hollis Wayne Fincher, who was kidnapped by government agents and is currently being held illegally on counterfeit charges of owning "illegal guns" was the militia's lieutenant commander. He is currently awaiting his sentencing. It is too bad that the organization which will be investigating the fire is connected to the organization that probably burned the building. I doubt we will ever know the truth about who or what started the fire.

Cycle of Government

In this mixed up world there is a cycle of destruction tightly connected to government: the Virginia Tech massacre will bring more gun control, which will directly cause more murders; poverty empowers more welfare which causes more poverty; government backs liberty into a corner and chaos erupts bringing with it more government; REAL ID will cause more subtle terrorists which will cause government to clamor for more tracking methods on its subjects. The pace of this cycle has risen to a frenzy in today's world.

I suspect, and hope I am right about this, that liberty can also be a cycle. The more freedom you assert, the more it grows. The less you allow government or its ignorant enablers to control your life, the more responsible you become, and the less you rely on "the system" to give you support and validation.

We all live in the 21st century. A century marked so far by out-of-control government across the globe. There are things we cannot avoid simply because of where and when we exist. Government records used to track us and measure our "legitimacy" may not be avoidable, but they are fallible and sensitive to errors. Encourage and exploit those failings. The electronic eyes of Big Brother watch our every move, but as Big Brother (AKA Big BOTHER) gets more dependent on those eyes, the weaker he becomes in reality. Eyes can be poked out. Magicians routinely trick the eye. You can resist and strike blows against the encroaching tyranny in thousands of ways that don't alert the Beast to your true loyalties. Added to the pin pricks of millions of others we can be as annoying as a swarm of biting gnats.

More government will cause more liberty warriors, which will undoubtedly cause more government. Being a centralized edifice, government will collapse when it grows beyond what its foundation can support. It is only a matter of time; it is heading in that direction with or without our help. For once I say give government whatever help you can.

Bradford Wiles Writes Again

Bradford Wiles, the Virginia Tech student who was asking for a change in policy that would have allowed him and other responsible students and teachers to be armed at school writes again, this time aimed at "Bloody Larry" Hincker, the enabler who cheered the disarmament policy that allowed the massacre to occur on the V.T. campus. "Bloody Larry" had ridiculed Wiles' earlier letter, calling him names for wanting the means of self defense on campus.

Politics-Free America

My article, A Deep Breath of Freedom, seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people. It seems to me that a great many of us know what freedom is, individually, and are striving to have more of it in our lives. That is a good thing.

I have been touched by the personal stories sent to me telling how my story inspired people to go out and simply "be free" for a time, or relating to me a time when the writer felt the freedom that I tried to describe.

There is some graffiti on a wall above a local speed trap that says "Die! Coppers!" ... Wait, wrong one... it says "Freedom is doing anything YOU want". That is true as far as it goes, but it is missing the spirit of true freedom which is doing anything you want as long as you don't violate the rights of anyone else. We can't be free if we are being violated from every direction by everyone else living their own version of half-freedom. That is no different than where we find ourselves in America today; being violated at every turn by government-gone-berserk.

I want to have the freedom to never worry about politics. A politics-free America. As long as I don't run the risk of being bulldozed into a police state, I would not think about it at all. I have no desire to "rule over" anyone. Let's see how enlightened in this area the other presidential candidates are. Ask them.

The Right to Not Bear Arms

Everyone knows by now my unwavering commitment to the absolute right of anyone and everyone to own any type and number of guns they want. There is another side to that coin that I haven't discussed.

There have been places in the past such as Kennesaw, Georgia which have passed laws requiring households to keep firearms for defense. While this would reduce crime (and actually has), it is as evil a counterfeit "law" as any gun ban dreamed up in Washington DC. Government has zero authority to make "laws" concerning guns. Neither for nor against.

While I believe strongly that each and every person is responsible for their own defense and the defense of their family and to some extent, their community, if you do not wish to own, carry, or use a gun or any other defensive tool, that is strictly your business. I will defend your right to be wrong.

If your house is burning down and you refuse to use a fire extinguisher, I may think you are mad, but I will respect your right to sit and watch your home burn. Unless there is someone trapped inside. Then you had better stay out of the way. Your right to allow your home to burn because of your distaste for the tools of fire-defense just ran counter to my responsibility to help an innocent victim.

It is the same with guns. You have an inalienable right to NOT bear arms if that is your wish. Just remember that you have no right to try to disarm any other peaceable human on this or any other planet, not through force or "law". Shirk your responsibility if you must, but stay out of the way of those of us who accept our responsibilities. Don't be proud that your actions (or lack of them) add to the body count in places like malls, schools, and office buildings where criminal empowerment policies attempt to keep the reasonable people helpless and disarmed.

My Article in Strike the Root

The writing project I was working on has been published in Strike the Root: A Deep Breath of Freedom by Kent McManigal. I hope you like it.

Happy Patriots' Day: 4-19

4-19

Today, April 19th, is Patriots' Day. It is the anniversary of strikes against tyranny such as "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It is also a day which has seen tyranny strike back, with the Branch Davidian Massacre, and the United States (on this date in 1933) abandoning the gold standard . One tragic event on "4-19" which has never been untangled, and probably never will be, is the Oklahoma City bombing, seen by some as retaliation for the Davidian massacre, by others as domestic terrorism, and still others as a US government Reichstag Fire.

"Patriot" has become a bad word in modern America. It means "someone who loves freedom and is willing to stand up for it, against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Since so many of those "domestic enemies" now hold positions in government, patriots are seen as a danger to their plans. They should reject their treason and become patriots themselves.

Make April 19, 2007 mean something. Be a patriot today.

A Day to Reflect

After the events of the past couple of days I need a break. I need to take a breath and look around calmly. Today I will live free. I will not hide from the authoritarians in government, but I will also not bow to them. I will not worry about the mass-murder fan-club known as The Brady Campaign, nor any of the other groups or mouthpieces who lurk in the shadows, waiting to feed off of events like this. I will ignore them. I will grieve for the victims of Virginia Tech's rules; a policy which allowed a sociopath to kill unopposed. I pledge to myself to always stay prepared to act in defense of myself and my community. I will nurture the mindset, not of a victim, but of a free man. A free human responsible for my own life and safety. A free man who willingly takes on the responsibility to silently look out for those blissfully unaware people around me, not out of some sense of superiority, but from the desire to live in a world where civility remains the norm. That is the thing to remember: civility is the norm. Events like massacres get our attention because they are rare. Heroes rise up in every instance of tragedy, just like Liviu Librescu, a Jewish professor at Virginia Tech who gave his life to save the students in his room. It is a shame he was unarmed at the demand of the school and therefore not able to end the rampage completely, but he did what he could with what he had. That is all we can do. Do what you can with what you have, and make certain you have what it takes. In your mind, in your heart, and in your hand.

Call to Arms: Lessons From Virginia Tech

I will probably get reamed for what I am about to say. I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. This is life advice. This is a plea for you, for all of us, to return to being human. Break the "law", please! Carry the means of self defense with you every day, everywhere you go. Be a blessing to society at large and refuse to go along with victim disarmament schemes. Protect the weak in your community by being ready, willing, able, and ARMED. If someone like "Massacre-enabler Larry" belittles and ridicules your desire to take responsibility for your own safety, call his betrayal of human values what it is. Even on private property, what is inside your clothing is not anyone else's business as long as it is not radioactive or contagious. If you don't have the fortitude to ignore inhuman "laws" and policies, go somewhere else. If the cheerleaders for mass murder try to dance in the blood of the latest victims of their policies and call for even more of the same, proclaim far and wide who and what they really are. When the mainstream mass-media start parroting calls for more victim disarmament, don't let them go unchallenged. But mainly: stay armed.

Permission to Murder at Virginia Tech

Here is a letter (from August 31, 2006) I was pointed to from the War on Guns blog that shows that at least one student at Virginia Tech was intelligent enough to recognize the need for self defense. And then here is a rebuttal from Larry Hincker, the associate vice president for university relations at Virginia Tech; the man who sent out the invitation to murder that was accepted yesterday. Well, Larry, will you face the responsibility you share in this massacre or will you wring the blood out of your welcome mat and continue to offer up unarmed victims for the next mass murderer? Will you continue to praise Virginia Tech's "very sound policy preventing" guns on campus? We see the results of that policy very clearly today, don't we?

More Disarmed Victims

As news of the Virginia Tech murders begins circulating let's look back at this article from January 21, 2006: Gun bill gets shot down by panel, particularly these two quotes:

A bill that would have given college students and employees the right to
carry handguns on campus died with nary a shot being fired in the General
Assembly.

and:

Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was
defeated. "I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General
Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students, faculty and
visitors feel safe on our campus."

Yep. I'm sure the dead victims felt good knowing that they died to uphold a disarmament zone for the safety of Virginia's politicians and other murderers.

I Hate it When That Happens....

I hate when I make people mad or annoyed. Especially when I do it by accident, such as when my meaning is not clearly understood in a blog entry. (Or sometimes when it IS clearly understood.) When that happens, I go back and read and re-read my blog to see if I made a mistake or if I seem to be saying something that I didn't mean to say. If so, I will apologize, write a retraction, or try to make it right however I can. If after all the re-reading, I still can't figure out why someone reacted the way they did, it really bothers me.

This happened with my previous blog entry about "Tax Day". Someone whom I really respect wrote and seemed very upset, thinking that I had called anyone who pays taxes a "perverted uncivilized cretin". I still don't believe that is what I said. I think that anyone who imposes, enforces, collects, or lives off of taxes fits that description, but not people who feel they are forced to pay taxes. They are the victims of armed governmental extortion.

I guess I need to clarify. What I was meaning was that in a free world, there would be no coercive taxation. If a government is allowed to exist, its financing would have to be strictly voluntary. Anyone who chose to try to set up and finance a government under those circumstances would be evil, and anyone who voluntarily chose to give money to help fund the effort would be evil as well. Obviously this is not the world we currently live in, but is instead a fanciful, fairytale world.

I believe that true civilized life is only possible in the absence of governmental coercion and oppression. Therefore people who would wish to reimpose government on the rest of humanity would be working towards a less civilized condition and would be "uncivilized" in my estimation. Anyone who feels that they own another person is acting against nature and is therefore "perverted" by definition. Government is the way those who feel that they own the rest of us join together to enforce their views.

As I hope you can see, it is those who make the evil choice to steal and control that I have the disagreement with; not those who are forced to live under the corrupt regimes that exist in most of the world. I would be calling myself a "perverted uncivilized cretin" were that the case.

My Writing Project and Other Stuff

For the past few days I have been working on another writing project which has been taking most of my time. I wasn't ignoring my blog. Well, maybe a little. I am finished with the project now, and if it gets published I will link to it here.

Now that you are here anyway: go vote for me in some polls, please. Thank you!

Presidential Election '08

PoliticsOne poll

I updated the links on the side of my blog with some good websites I think you might enjoy. Check them out.

Tax Day

I know that this year the IRS and its enablers have moved "Tax Day" to the 17th, but today, on April 15th, the historically enshrined day of federally sanctioned armed robbery, theft-by-receiving, extortion, and various immoral acts of governance, I thought I would say a little about it.

Taxation is theft. Taxes are money taken from the unwilling, by threats of force by the cohorts of the ones who are allowed to set the rules, and given to those who wish to control every aspect of our lives and imprison or kill those of us who refuse to play along. The only morally justifiable level of taxation is "zero percent" on everything and every action and in every situation.

If you wish to have a government, and wish to finance its atrocities; make a case for financial support, and go out and collect voluntary contributions from like-minded cretins. Don't threaten those of us who recognize you and your government as an abomination and refuse to contribute. Go off and play your perverted game amongst yourselves and leave civilized, non-coercive people alone. You will be healthier for your wisdom in this matter.

What's the "Big Idea"?

Sometimes blogging is so frustrating. I was on my errand this morning when a brilliant idea for a blog struck me. I was turning it over in my mind when I had to pull to the side to let an ambulance pass. Then I saw that it was headed towards the house of someone I know. I didn't see if that is where it went or not... it might have been next door. Anyway, when I got to the computer, my brilliant idea was gone. Evaporated. I have tried to remember for the last few hours to no avail.

Has "The Big Liberty Idea" vanished in the rush of daily life in this same way? Perhaps the kernel of the idea that would have made us all throw off the chains of oppression was just forming in someone's mind once, and then in a moment of distraction, it was gone.

Take the time to daydream a little everyday. Maybe "The Big Liberty Idea" will come to you. If not, you will still have spent some valuable time inside your own mind. That is a good thing.

What Freedom Means to Me

"Freedom" is not having to think about government, its rules, or its enforcers. It is being able to pursue happiness however you want as long as you do not harm anyone else. Government harms others so the practice of governing is not a "right" and is antithetical to freedom.

Governments are established (it has been said) in order to secure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No other reason. If government is not doing its job, it should be fired.

Has the government, at any level, enriched your life today? Has it protected your individual liberty in a concrete way today? Has government gotten out of the way and allowed you to pursue happiness? Or has government and its minions endangered your life by filling our land with badged highwaymen hopped up on "authority" and adrenaline, and forced you to be disarmed for freelance criminals to prey on? Has government taken anyone you know prisoner for the simple act of owning or using something in a non-aggressive way that the government does not approve of? Does government forbid you to do the things that bring joy to your heart, and fill your life with meaning, simply because the majority of lawmakers do not understand your interests? If you have experienced government doing any of these things, in direct violation of its charter to exist, then you have first-hand knowledge of why government must be brought back in line with the laws that apply to it, or if it resists, be abolished. The rules were clear. Government is established for A, B, &C, yet government does -A, -B, & -C. That adds up to zero. Zero government, with individual responsibility, is what freedom means to me.

In Defense of Violence

The Zero Aggression Principle states: "No human being has the right, under ANY circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, nor to advocate or delegate its initiation". "Initiate", as in "start it". Even very young children recognize the clear difference. "He started it" is often the cry for justice from their lips. Violence when used in self defense is not the same as violence used to hurt an innocent person. Initiated force (offensive violence or aggression) is wrong; reactive force (defensive violence) is just and good. A moral individual will recognize the difference even while governments refuse to. This is one reason (out of many) the D.A.R.E. program is so evil; in its blanket condemnation of all violence, it does not differentiate initiated force with self defense force. That is because the authoritards only think that they can properly use violence; against us.

The blind rejection of self defensive violence has left our society crippled with crime and government. Evil individuals and governments will never learn to behave themselves if there are no painful or fatal consequences for their crimes. We must reintroduce the predators among us to fear. Violence in the form of self defence must be encouraged and rewarded, and people whom governments demonize for using self defense must be supported by all lovers of liberty.

"Top Ten Reasons Why an Anarchist is Your Best Friend" by Retta Fontana

I have linked to the writings of Retta Fontana once before, but here is another excellent piece on anarchists: They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

I was called a "hippy anarchist" on one website. A black powder shooter group I used to hang out with had bumper stickers that said: "I am NOT a hippy! I am a well-groomed MountainMan". Maybe we are hippies; with guns. In any case, I am an anarchist. Read Retta's piece and see why.

Donations? - I Need Your Feedback

I am having an ethical crisis that I need some input on. Some people feel that I should accept donations. I have very strong feelings against this for a couple of reasons. I want this to be the first truly grass-roots campaign. I want my supporters to be my campaign staff. I have asked you, my supporters, to spend your time and/or money however you see fit on this campaign. Some people feel I am handicapping my campaign with this stance.

One of the very first promises I made was to not accept monetary donations. I don't want to break a promise. Not without a compelling reason, and not without the consensus of my supporters that it would be the right thing to do. If you think I am wrong to refuse donations, tell me so, and explain why you think I should accept them. I have thought long and hard about this and can't seem to find an answer on my own.

I have two reasons for not accepting donations. The reporting regulations are one reason. The other reason is that I hear people complaining about how donations corrupt the candidates with influence, so I thought that if I refused donations, I could avoid any appearance of "political favor-ism". I didn't think it would be a divisive issue. I can't really imagine that there are that many people itching to donate money to me anyway.

The only reason I have not yet filed with the FEC is that I don't have a "campaign committee" (and the required bank account) or a treasurer or a "guardian of records". Since I wasn't planning on accepting donations, I wasn't too concerned with the FEC. Now it appears that in order to continue the campaign I will need to file. The FEC seems to have no option for "does not accept donations". That really lets you know what the "game" is all about, doesn't it.

Anyway, I have promised to think about accepting donations if enough people really think it is important for me to do so. Please let me know what you think, either in a comment here or in an email to dullhawk@hotmail.com .

Thank you.

Conservative President 2008 Interview

Conservative President 2008 asked me four questions recently. Here is the interview:

Libertarian McManigal Q&A

Thank You LPHQ Staff

I would like to thank the Libertarian Party HQ staff for publishing the interview with me in the recent issue of LP News. Your recognition of my campaign is very important to me.

I have not yet changed my position on accepting campaign donations for myself, but I would be glad to participate in Liberty Decides '08 to raise funds for the LP and their eventual nominee. I feel it is important to build the LP so that it can be an effective counterbalance to the authoritarian parties which get most of the public's attention. The people of America need to know they have a choice. The LP is fundamentally different enough, not being just another flavor of authoritarianism, that it can serve as a polar opposite to "politics as usual" which disgusts so many people. We should all help in any way we can.

The War on Guns: Guest Editorial: You Can't Repeal the Law of Unintended Consequences

The War on Guns: Guest Editorial: You Can't Repeal the Law of Unintended Consequences

Washington DC's Gun Ban

I apologize for needing to talk about gun "laws" again. The tyrants keep making it necessary.

The rulers of Washington DC, like any hive of villains, think it is a good idea to keep honest people disarmed against their predations. As I have pointed out in the past, only crooked politicians and freelance criminals fear guns in the hands of ordinary people. No one who wishes to disarm you does it for your benefit, but for their own, so that they are empowered to do things to you that you would not permit them to do if you had the means to effectively defend yourself. "Gun control" is the act of predators taking preemptive steps to protect themselves. That is why it is called "victim disarmament".

Now a court, with an uncharacteristic act of self betrayal, has declared that the Washington DC "laws" against gun ownership are unconstitutional (that means "illegal" in case you missed that chapter in the civics book). It makes me wonder why the court did that. Of course the DC villains will appeal the ruling; they must; it is a matter of life and death to them. The court knew they would, too. I believe that they are thinking that in the long run, this ruling will help them get rid of that "pesky Second Amendment" once and for all. I don't know how yet.

Perhaps the Supreme Court will decide to look at the case. If they do, there are a couple of things that could happen. They could say that the right to bear arms is an individual right, but of course the gun ban doesn't violate that in any way since (...insert twisted justification of your choice here...). They could rule that the right to keep and bear arms is a collective right and so only applies to "militias" controlled by the villains themselves. I don't think the Supremes will have the integrity to rule against the villains who want to keep DC helpless. As long as "judges" work for the government and are paid by the government, it is in their self interest to side with the government. (I propose that in cases where the government is involved, judges only get paid when they rule against government interests. But that is another issue.)

The entire concept of "collective rights" is absurd. A right is something that is held within an individual. Like a life. For poetic purposes, sometimes a culture is said to have a life, but to be killed off, it must be killed one individual at a time. A right is the same way. Just as with a life, a right must be individual to have any meaning at all.

Gun Laws Equal Death

Here is a good article from WorldNetDaily, "How gun control trades life for death". The irony to me is that WorldNetDaily conservatives would imprison people who do not bow to the "law". They also worship the Law Enforcement Jackals who would murder us for carrying the means for defending the defenseless. Make no mistake: Victim Disarmament is murder. Under the dishonest euphemism of "gun control" it brings only death and destruction to the innocent. The monsters who propose or enforce these "laws" are guilty of empowering the murderers. Real thinking, feeling, caring humans do not require defenselessness from others nor do they allow themselves to be disarmed. They will strike back at any thug who tries. No honest police officer will ever arrest or harass anyone who is simply violating any gun "law". If they do, they are only a common thug.

"Me Libertarians"

In talking to people about politics, I have noticed a thing I will call "me libertarians" Almost everyone I talk to fits into this group to one extent or another. These are the people who want to be treated as they would be in a libertarian society, yet they want to control others with the authoritarian "iron grip". I may be wrong, but I think this is because they feel that they are personally trustworthy and capable of running their own lives, while everyone else is not.

Where does this idea come from? From government. Who is it that pits the races against one another, and has a stake in keeping our society from becoming "color-blind"? Who attempts to cause strife between men and women using "family law" and favoritism in the divorce courts? Who makes an issue of sexual orientation while most of us don't even notice "who is what"? Who implements policies that favor one group to the detriment of another group? Who makes it OK, and encourages, for smokers, gun owners, and certain religious groups to be treated as third-class citizens? Government.

Americans are better than that. Remember who the real enemy is, and don't be distracted by the red flags government pins on the other guy. Refuse to check the "race" box when you fill out forms. It doesn't matter and would never be asked except by a racist. If someone who you are not sexually attracted to shows an interest in you, you can respond without over-reacting. No matter what gender the person may be. Just because they are interested in you, it doesn't threaten you in any way. Don't cooperate when the government and its mass-media lapdogs try to demonize a segment of the population.

Don't delegate your responsibilities to government or its thugs. Remember that no one, especially not government, has the right to initiate force or fraud against you and don't take it if they do. As Robert A. Heinlein said: "An armed society is a polite society".

Remember, a libertarian is not someone who takes liberties; but is someone who gives liberties. Don't be a "me libertarian". Spread the responsibility and the freedom. Give the other guy the benefit of the doubt. I'll bet he or she will strive to meet your expectations.

"When cops turn into thugs" by J.D. Tuccille

Here is a good blog about a rare case where bad(ge) guys are held accountable for their crimes.

Updates on KentForLiberty.com

If you haven't visited KentForLiberty.com in a while, I invite you to see the changes I have made. My "Political Hierarchy Chart" now has its own page, along with an updated description. I am constantly tweaking the site, sometimes to the detriment of my blog. I have added links to several other things as well.

Interview on Presidential Election '08

Here is a short interview I did for the Presidential Election '08 Blog.

McManigal Quoted in Article about "Survivalist"

In a recent case in California a man was arrested after guns and ammunition (and food and water) were found stored in his burning house. An online request was made for information about "survivalism". I spoke to the reporter in order to balance what I was afraid would be a one-sided response. The "law" enforcement spokescritters had already had their say, casting aspersions on the man who was universally viewed as a good neighbor. Here is the article: Link

Plus, also read this by Vin Suprynowicz.

My Purpose in Blogging

It has been pointed out to me that I am stubborn, and have an attitude that "I am right and you are wrong". I really don't know anyone who doesn't have that attitude. That is human nature. Each of us sees things from our own unique perspective. If I didn't think I was right, I wouldn't write anything down for anyone to read. What would be the point? I would just read what others had written and I would keep my opinions to myself.

The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to think, but to tell you what I think so you can make an informed decision as to whether to support my candidacy or not. As a libertarian, I would never force my opinions on you; that is what separates libertarians from all other political persuasions. Do you want a candidate who is afraid to tell you what he believes? I have reasons for believing as I do. Whether they are good enough reasons for you to accept is not my call; it is yours. I attempt to lay out my positions, my beliefs, and my reasoning for you to see. If you think I am loony, ignore me. If you think I am mistaken, correct me. If you think I am right, let me know.

Dangers of Being Armed or Unarmed

Anytime one goes out in public, and many times when you think you are safe in your own home, you are in danger of being victimized by a criminal.

Many people (many more than gun-haters know) take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the public at large, by carrying a weapon. The chance of being victimized on any particular day is very small. Of course, it does happen without warning and you should always be prepared.

On the other hand, the chance of being stopped and victimized by a cop who is willing to enforce victim disarmament laws, having your weapon discovered, and being arrested or killed grows larger each and every day that those counterfeit "laws" stay "on the books".

You can avoid that danger by abdicating your responsibility and walking around unarmed.

Or you can beg permission from the "government" to be allowed to carry a weapon. Subject to their whims, restrictions, fees, and inclusion in criminal databases, of course.

Either of these options robs you of your humanity in a real way, since it is an admission that you belong to the state. Unfortunately, the danger from cops is probably getting greater than the danger of being victimized by freelance criminals. It makes the decision more difficult.

Who is a bigger danger: freelance criminals or cops? I wish I had the answer.

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The Political Hierarchy Chart

This chart was designed to show the relationships between the various political philosophies. As you pass from freedom at the top, through apathy in the middle, down to the Authoritarians (those who wish to control or punish others) on the bottom, you pass through all of the ways that people relate to one another. You can find a larger version of it on my website, too.

The Philosopher Candidate

Recently, in a private email, someone referred to me as "the philosopher candidate". At first I didn't know how to take that. To me a philosopher has always been someone who just sits around and thinks instead of actually doing anything. But then, being the philosopher that I am, I sat and thought about it.

I suppose I am a philosopher. A philosopher of libertarianism; of individual liberty and responsibility. I do think about these things a lot, even when I am doing mundane chores. Especially when I am doing mundane chores. In my mind I weigh the ins and outs of actions and reactions. I try to imagine a truly free world and what it would mean to the future of humanity. To each individual who has been freed to live his or her life to its full potential; free of coercion. The implications excite me, as I hope you can tell by reading this blog.

America has had presidents who were warriors, businessmen, an actor, farmers, teachers, a lot of lawyers, an inventor, and myriad other things in their "before President" lives. Why shouldn't there be a philosopher in that mix? And if a philosopher is an honorable thing to be, why shouldn't that philosopher candidate, that Philosopher President, be me?

JPFO Third Party Gun Poll

Here is a good poll from JPFO. They ask whether you would vote for the candidate of a pro-gun third party (you know what I am banking on). Please go vote on both of their questions.

School Vouchers

I keep getting questions about whether I support school vouchers. I do not. In my view it is a non-issue since there should be no "public money" in the equation. I don't support using stolen (tax) money for education at all. Government needs to get out of the business of indoctrinating our children into being good little "citizens" and factory cogs. It isn't much better to have government dictating how, where, and in what way the same money is to be used in "private schools" (which cease to be truly private as soon as they accept the money from government).

I believe all education should be private education, and that property taxation must be ended. Take the money that was previously stolen for the public schools and use it to fund your children's education, if that is what you wish to do. You will get more brains for your buck that way. Or, if you have the desire and the ability, educate your children in your own home. I would also suggest sharing the task with others in your neighborhood. Each teaching what they know best, and what they enjoy.

Teachers, the good ones, would make more money and be more appreciated in a free market system of education than they can even dream of now. They wouldn't need to waste their time, and the time of the students, by dealing with kids who don't want to be there but are held captive by the state's compulsory education laws. It isn't a good learning environment to be held prisoner.

Forge of the Elders

I'll take a little time here to try to help L. Neil Smith sell all of the copies of his book Forge of the Elders. I have just ordered my copy. He is willing to make a deal with his fans. Let's take him up on it.

Do the Right Thing

"Always do the right thing" ..... It seems an easy enough idea. There are times, though, that "the right thing" is a little more elusive. Especially when dealing with people who are scared of life. How can you free them, which is the right thing to do, when they hang on to their chains so tightly?

People, at least some of them, are frightened by "terrorists". They truly want someone else to take the responsibility to keep them safe. They do not realize that the risks have been greatly exaggerated by a government desperate to keep them frightened into submission. Some others think that without the government; federal, state or local; educating their children we will become a nation of imbeciles. Look around you and decide for yourself how effective state education has been. There is also a fear that without the safety net of welfare; call it Social Security or some other euphemism if you wish, we will all drown in a sea of poverty. How can it be wrong to control your own financial destiny instead of letting professional thieves do it?

I know that I would be better off if government were smaller and weaker, and I strongly suspect that you would be too. Yet there is so much uncertainty and fear. How do you do the right thing when so many are truly afraid of freedom? How can we reassure people that doom is not the result of getting government out of their lives, but the result of allowing it to control them?

Hardyville

If you would like to read some good, freedom oriented fiction, head on over to Backwoods Home's website and read the Hardyville stories by Claire Wolfe. Also, if you have a business to promote (or if you want to buy a little ad for my campaign), this is a good place to advertise. Just tell them it is because of Claire.

Politics One Blog TalkRadio

I am scheduled to be on the Politics One Blog TalkRadio show today (Monday March 26, 2007) at 6:00PM Eastern Government Time. Tune in and listen to the show.

Politics One Poll

If anyone would be so kind, could you go to Politics One blog and vote for me in the Libertarian Party poll? It is on the right side; the seventh poll down. It is the bright yellow one. Thanks so much!

The Libertarian Enterprise

As I have done in the past, I will do again today. I ask you to go read today's issue of The Libertarian Enterprise. L. Neil Smith has a particulaly good article today on exposing the Victim Disarmament crowd for what they really are. There is also a good article on The Sunset Pledge. I also have an article in there. Just relax, read it, and have a nice day!

Calling All NRA Members and Gun Owners

I have been sticking my neck out for you. Now I am asking for a favor in return. I am asking all gun owners and NRA members to ask the NRA to endorse or acknowledge my candidacy. At least for a while. It would be a show of good faith toward gun owners on their part, and they would still have time to switch their endorsement to the Republican candidate later.

Look at my position on gun rights. You will not find a candidate in any party who is willing to go out on a limb for gun owners as far as I have. I do not falter on gun rights. It is an issue I am passionate about; unlike the lukewarm positions the candidates they have historically endorsed have held. I would welcome the support of the NRA and would view it as a sign that they are finally willing to accept a true pro-gun candidate. How about the rest of you gun owners?

"Cleared of Wrongdoing"

I don't know about you, but I am ready to see some criminal cops get punished for their crimes. Here is a video showing one such Bad(ge) Guy using pepper spray on a girl who he thinks shortchanged him. I have said before that badges and guns are a deadly combination. I'll expand that. Cops have shown repeatedly that they can't be trusted with tasers. I guess these vermin can't be trusted with pepper spray either. Or hands or teeth. If you or I did what this cop does on video, we would go to jail. But this assailant is "cleared of any wrongdoing". Of course he is. They can't have one of us commoners defying the lords and masters, can they? What it comes down to is this: don't speak to cops, ever. Don't do business with them. Record them on video whenever you can. Shine a light on their crimes. Until they turn from their oppressive ways they should be shunned. Resist the occupying forces in any way you can. They are the criminals here; never forget that.

Updated Blog "Labels"

I have gone through all of my old blog posts and added "labels" to everything. I hope this makes it easier for you to find information that you may be looking for. I also fixed a few links, and corrected a few typographical errors. I didn't change any content or anything else; I am still the anarcho-libertarian Presidential candidate. Just trying to be helpful.

Government

Government. It was a bad idea from the start. Maybe it sounded good at first to someone. Statists have had 5 or 6 thousand years to try to find a way to make their precious idea work. They've had their fun; enslaving, killing, raping, taxing, controlling; and all the while telling everyone how lucky we are to have them "protecting" us from ourselves. Telling us how much worse it would be without them and their kind holding back the wolves of "anarchy". Guess what... we ain't buyin' it no more. Time's up. It failed. It's over. Let it go. Get over it and move on. Get out of the way of those of us who want to progress away from dictators, tyrants, and bureaucrats. Let someone else have a try at something better this time. Set up your own little dictatorship in the privacy of your own home if you can't live without controlling someone. After all, we understand that what you do in private isn't any of our business unless you hurt someone. If you do hurt someone and they fight back, we won't punish them for daring to have and use tools of defense against you. No, we will congratulate them and thank them for ridding the world of a dangerous parasite.

Take Action - Do Something!

Is "doing something" so important that it doesn't matter if what you are doing is wrong? I think a lot of America's (and the rest of the world's) current mess of law pollution comes from the mistaken idea that it is always important to "do something", even if the situation isn't fully understood. Something bad happens and then the cry rises to do something so that the same thing won't happen again. So legislators pass a new law in response. It doesn't matter that most new laws cause more problems than they solve, or that they are invariably counterfeit "laws" to begin with. No, what matters to the masses of humanity is that something was done. So now we are smothering under hundreds of years of laws passed in order to be seen as taking action in a crisis (imagined or real).

It is time to take action again. This time, though, we have had time to consider what we are doing. It is time to sweep away the counterfeit "laws" that threaten our liberty and our country. It is time to take action to make certain that any laws that are allowed to stand have a basis in punishing initiated force or fraud only. It is time to remove from positions of power or influence those who seek to control our lives. The time has come to take action.

The Tale of the Thief

A father, let's call him Steve, needs money to feed his children. He won't ask for help, because he believes no one would help him anyway. He won't go earn money because he needs the money today. He only wants to get money for food. That is a noble cause, right? He goes to sit in the park to think about his problems. As Steve sits there thinking, a person we'll call Ernie walks past, stuffing his wallet back into his pocket, an ATM receipt in his hand. Steve gets an idea. He walks up behind the stranger and taps him on the shoulder.

Steve: "Excuse me sir."

Ernie: "Yes?"

S: "You must give me some of your money"

E: "I don't think so"

S: "Yes, you are required to. I wrote a essay about it", he lies. "Besides, I am not asking for ALL of your money."

E: "Go get a job, you bum". He turns to leave.

S: "If you don't give me some of your money, my friends out there behind the bushes will shoot you. Then we will look through your wallet and find out where you live and go to your house to get the rest of what you owe us."

E (looking nervously around): "Um. Okay. Here". Hands over some money.

S: "Thank you for voluntarily complying. See you tomorrow"

Steve the father, emboldened by his success, goes up to stranger after stranger and starts the same routine, this time adding "Of course I have the authority to do this. I don't need to show you the whole essay I wrote, or explain it to you. You wouldn't accept it anyway. I can prove I have the authority to do this because I have a history of success when confronted about my actions. Pay or I will be forced to make an example of you so that fewer will resist me. If you try to avoid paying by hiding money in your shoe or by burying it somewhere I will destroy you so completely that no one will dare question my methods again."

Steve becomes a wealthy man. Few dare to stand up to him, because, true to his word in this regard, anyone who resists is destroyed as an example to the rest of us.

The Hostile Legal Landscape

Following up on my thoughts on "laws", I will say I believe there is a huge distinction between "legal" and "right". I am not a lawyer so I do not pretend to have any expertise in legal matters. What some may call "simplistic", I think of as "cutting through the crap". I also believe that the "law" has lost most of its relevance to "right and wrong" precisely because it has become so convoluted and self-contradictory that it requires legal scholars to decipher.

In my view, laws should be easily understood by the average person in a particular culture. "Average" means that person would probably seem rather dull-witted to most people who concern themselves with "legal matters". If a law requires panels of judges or law-firms to interpret and rule upon, then it is too complicated to be useful in day-to-day life. I have had lawyers admit to me that they have very little understanding of laws outside of their direct area of expertise. How then could a government expect you and I to understand the laws which they expect us to obey to the letter? I don't think that most of these "laws" were put in place in order to destroy our lives; most were probably proposed with good intentions, but I do think that has been the unintended consequence that has come out of it. Plus, in the case of "laws" which attempt to regulate something other than actual initiation of force or fraud, they have no ethical standing to begin with. They are "counterfeit" just as surely as if I were to run dollar bills off my home printer. Having the appearance of legitimacy does not make something legitimate. "Legalese" does not make a "law" legitimate.

Someone made the comment to me that my simplistic views on "laws" can't work in today's society because we no longer live in the 13 original colonies, but in 50 states with a multitude of jurisdictions. Perhaps. I believe that the more people you try to apply the "law" to, the less specific it must be. This could be called the "simplest common denominator" legal theory. You can't declare that all people must be 5'6" tall and weight 200 pounds. Human variances make such declarations absurd. You must accept that people are different, and have different values. As long as they do not aggress against others or defraud them in any way, you must leave them alone to live their lives as they see fit. Doctors have a principal precept which states "First, do no harm". If it is your intention to write, pass, or enforce laws, you should make the exact same pledge: "First, do no harm".

As I have said many times in the past, I don't care if you pass laws from sun up to sun down "legalizing" some criminal action such as taxation or "no-knock raids". A "law" will never make those things right. The claim that I am incorrect for thinking this way is a symptom of how far from free our society has fallen.