Pointing Out the Obvious

If foreign troops invade and occupy your home, and you fight back, you are not an "insurgent".

"Rules of war" is a ridiculous concept. "War" is all about breaking the rules: killing, stealing, destroying; you know, the things you instinctively understand as "wrong". Obviously, an attacking force doesn't care about following rules of morality, otherwise they would not be invading and killing. And make no mistake, the defenders are under no moral obligation to "respond appropriately" to people who are trying to kill them and destroy their property. Once you invade another country, to demand that your victims play by rules that benefit you is insane.

............................

What We Have Here is a Serious Lack of Imagination

I am becoming more convinced all the time that any objections to a really free society stem from a lack of imagination. For any objection raised, I can see all manner of possible solutions. For any solution, others seem committed to only thinking of endless problems. I have never been accused of being an optimist, either.

Yet I still realize that my own imperfect imagination prevents me from seeing most of the possibilities. I'm not the sharpest member of the species by a long shot. The human mind, and necessity, will in time find solutions beyond my wildest dreams. It always has, and I see no reason to believe the future will be any less innovative.

OK, so I have occasionally been accused of having an overactive imagination, but I don't base any of my scenarios on UFOs landing and changing human nature or altering the laws of the Universe. Nor do I have hope of Sasquatch donning a robe and preaching the word of liberty to adoring masses. Instead, I think people will continue to act in their own best interest, as they always have. My own experiences have taught me that respecting other peoples' rights IS in my own best interest.

It is just frustrating to me that people say "it can't be" when it obviously can, but people will need to stop thinking like they have been trained, by the state, to think. That is probably the first baby-step, but may be the hardest. It is time to let go of the indoctrination and imagine what liberty will look like and how it will work. Because liberty is ALWAYS the best course.

----------------------------

Repeal Prohibition Again (For Real, This Time)

Cops commemorate Prohibition's repeal with call for drug reform

Libertarian Blogging

I am not the only libertarian blogger out there. I do think I am one of the most daring; willing to say the things others think are too controversial. I think I am consistently libertarian in all my views (well, of course I would think that, wouldn't I). Even to the point of having some libertarians disagree for whatever reason. I make no exceptions for the state, which is where I think some others falter. I'm not going to soft-pedal or make it sound sweeter to try to avoid scaring the cattle. A stampede might be just what is needed.

Yet, as I say, as long as we are moving in the same direction I applaud the efforts. If others finally reach their destination and are content to stop reaching for more liberty, I will thank them for their help, bid them "good day", and I will keep striving to go even farther. As long as they do not try to forcibly stop me, I will hold no grudges. We have a long ways to travel before that becomes an issue.

Proclaiming Liberty

The irony of those who, like me, publicly promote liberty is that we give up some of our personal liberty in order to do so.

In many cases our anonymity is gone, even if we think we are protecting it. After all, our true enemies are holding a gun at the heads of our internet providers. I believe that the most any encryption can do is make them spend a little more time unraveling our identities. I hope I am wrong.

Our opinions, which may be highly unpopular, become public. We spend our precious time trying to educate people on this philosophy that we know to be so critically important. Sometimes, this reaps threats of violence. Which may be why so many drop back out of sight after a few years. After all, talking about liberty is pointless if you aren't living it. It is a temptation that is familiar to me, but I think I would find it too difficult to maintain for long. But, you never know.

"Studiously" Avoiding Libertopia

Most objections to a free society (or "Libertopia") are based on roadblocks that are in place because of government, not because of "real people" problems. Either it is "the law", or it is because people have gotten so used to government telling them how to live that their "self-responsibility muscles" have atrophied. Guess what: you aren't going to build them back up again by avoiding responsibility for your own life. At some point you have to grow up and stop being nannied.

People say "it can't work, because of ___". Almost without exception, that which fills in the blank is a problem caused and perpetuated by thinking that "government is the answer and the only solution". It isn't, unless you refuse to see any other solution. Just stop your complaining and think for a few minutes.

Freedom is never safe, but it is always worth the risk. A living death is the alternative. "Safety" is always an illusion; a lie, anyway. I'll take my chances with the truth, thank-you-very-much.

....................................

No New Laws!

There is nothing that can be solved by passing a new "law". Of course, this is something I have believed for a very long time, but it seems more evident every day. Every act of aggression or theft is already illegal. New "laws" only give the state more power or (false) authority to harm people who are not harming anyone else.

I won't obey any new "laws". I refuse to obey a lot of the existing ones already. If it is convenient to obey, and it doesn't interfere with my life in ways I am not willing to live with, I might obey. But don't count on it. I have had enough. Also, don't count on me allowing you to violate my rights. I might let you get away with it if you have me at a disadvantage.

I am determined to be left alone by the state or any other bad guys out there. Just as many others are.

-----------------

Liberty Musings

Freedom isn't free, but it can't be purchased from the state. It can't be found in government or politics. It is not present in government jobs; it is never gained by working for the state in any capacity. This is like looking for life in the grave. Helping the state is in direct opposition to liberty.

Liberty is a free market product. Regulation destroys it, even while claiming to strengthen it. Freedom is purchased with responsibility. It can't be bought with stolen money, even if you call it "taxation". It is found in direct proportion to the liberty you respect in others.

"Safety" is freedom's mortal enemy; its Kryptonite. There can be no compromise between the two mutually exclusive goals. Nor is freedom advanced through punishment. When you try to punish someone, your own liberty takes a direct hit.

Liberty forgives, but never forgets. The enemies of liberty too often attempt to wrap themselves in its cloak, but they are still rotten with the worms and maggots of control and punishment. Their words and actions betray their true spirit. The cloak that they abuse will transform itself into a noose; they would be wise to run from it.

-----------------

Not Anger; Determination

I am often accused of being angry when I try to express my opposing opinions to statist "philosophy". Usually, I am not angry at all. Sometimes I am even amused. The things people try to excuse in support of the state... astoundingly ridiculous!

No, I am rarely angry, but I am almost always determined. Some people mistake determination for anger. There is a difference. Anger leads to rash mistakes. Determination leads to results. Those results may not always be pleasant for all parties involved.

Whether online, or in my daily life, I don't think I will ever stop fighting for real liberty for ALL. It is in my bones. If, somehow, the internet becomes unavailable to free speech, then I will focus my efforts somewhere else. The more the statists try to squelch liberty, or try to redefine it to their advantage, the more determined I become. This is one of those "unintended consequences" we often hear about. I suspect that others may react the same way. If that is the case, the more the state tries to destroy liberty, the more it digs its own grave. I can't wait to spit on the grave at the funeral. I hope to see you there.


............................

Basics of Liberty

It seems most of my writing energy has been going towards commenting on another blog for the past few days. I don't normally spend so much time commenting elsewhere, but this is a very good discussion. The topics don't sound promising at first, dealing as they do with the platform of the LP, but the topic only serves as a foot in the door to discussing real "liberty issues".

Dissecting the Libertarian Party…. Act I

Dissecting the Libertarian Party… Act II

Libertarian Platform Act III

Go, read, think, and comment. I'm sure he would appreciate it. In the comments you will be "treated" (?) to more of my thoughts on the basics of liberty than I have put in writing in quite some time.

Happy Thankful THINKsgiving

It is good to be thankful, but you also need to be "thinkful". Think about the good things in your life and about how you can keep them. Think about the bad things and how those can be fixed. Think about the true value of those around you. Think about how you can advance the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of yourself and your loved ones.

There are a lot of things I am thankful for. Not just today, but everyday. I am sure that the same is probably true for you. So, say "thank you" to those you are thankful to.

And speaking of those I am thankful to: Thank you, dear reader!

................................

Working Through the "Blahs"

It's that time of the year. The depressing time. Less sunlight; heightened expectations; social pressures; no way to blow off steam. And just behind the curtain, I feel the pressure of the growing police-state closing around .... well, around all of us.

So, instead of whining about it, I am trying to think of ways to, not just keep the liberty I have, but to increase the real, tangible liberty in my life.

Part of that is education. I don't necessarily seek out the information (that would be overwhelming and even more depressing), but I remember that which I run across. Absorb and categorize. The technology of the state is fragile, whether they admit it or not. The more they rely on technology, the more an inventive, creative person can defeat them.

Part of the "plan" is preparing my mind-set. This involves "survival mentality". Prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best. Or the "not so bad" at least.

Cleaning my guns usually helps my mood, too.

.............................................

"Great Planetwide State-Out"

I was thinking about the recent "Great American Smoke-Out" and thinking there are better things to focus on. I mean... who is spending their time encouraging people to not smoke for one day? Non-smokers? Other smokers? If you don't want to smoke, don't.

Anyway, I thought it would be great if there were one day a year when we could encourage people to refuse to participate in the state. Just one day to illustrate that it is unnecessary to rely on the state for anything.

On that day, those who work for government in any capacity could stay home. No government services would be used (other than the coercive monopolies that can't be avoided, of course). No taxable purchases would be made. All just for one day. It should be a lot easier than asking smokers to not smoke one day. But then I may be underestimating the addictive powers of the state on some people.

If you like this idea, let's discuss it and come up with a plan.


.........................................

"Calling John Galt"

A new blog that shows a lot of promise. Check it out: Calling John Galt

More on Abortion

Recent discussions have brought this toxic topic to my mind again. I wish I had a concrete answer, backed up by rock solid logic and data, to show you once and for all that abortion is either right or wrong. But I don't. Everything is based upon religion, emotion, or feelings. You can base personal views on those things, but you should never inflict those views, through coercion, on others.

I don't like abortion, but I also understand that advocating or passing "laws" to prohibit it is wrong. "Laws" only provide an excuse to punish people. That adds to this perverted "culture of punishment" that we are already wallowing in. Nothing is made better by this course of action.

If you think abortion is wrong, I challenge you to change peoples' minds with facts, not with scare tactics, emotionalism, or threats. And absolutely not by attacking them with the big stick of the state. That tends to turn rational people against you. If you are right that abortion is morally wrong, two wrongs still DO NOT make a right.

I already do everything I morally can to prevent abortions: Being male, I have never had an abortion. Plus I have never advised anyone to get one unless their life was in serious danger. That is all I can do without sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. A lot of other people and groups would do well to follow my example.

....................................

My Crystal Ball

I write these blog posts ahead of time. Usually a week or so ahead. I could be dead a week before anyone would notice. My blog would go on without me, until the pre-written posts run out, anyway.

That's not the point, though. What amazes me is how many times I start to write about something, and then before it posts, that subject pops up in the news or in my life. It happens over and over again.

Now, if only I could harness this "power"....

-----------------

Calling All Statists

I don't use the term "statist" in an attempt to start a fight, I simply know of no other word to designate those who believe that "government" is a legitimate human activity. Substitute your own word of choice in the title if "statist" offends you.

I would really like to hear from some people who think I am completely wrong. If you really believe that government control is superior to individual liberty, then try to convince me. Don't bother trying to convince me it is possible to balance the two or that government control does not negate individual liberty, because that would be pointless. Although, if that is really what you believe, go ahead and state that for the record. I will not agree with you or believe you, but it is important to know where you stand for the debate.

If you can't make that argument, but know someone else who can and would be interested, send them a link to this post and invite them to speak their mind. I would really like to know where I am wrong, if I am wrong.

.....................................

Prisoners' Rights

A right can be respected or violated, but can not be regulated, licensed, restricted, or limited. At least, not "justly". Not even for those who are incarcerated. (Otherwise it wouldn't be a "right", but only a "privilege". ) That means that when "society" prevents a prisoner from exercising his rights, society is (temporarily?) violating his rights. Is it right? Is it necessary? Is it worth it?

I'm not saying it isn't; I'm just wondering.



**********************

To Bush's Supporters

This letter is not aimed at most of my readers, but only at those who supported Bush through all of his presidency, whether because of "religious" reasons, or because you really enjoy seeing other countries invaded and "those people" killed. Very difficult times are coming. And it is more your fault than the fault of the politicians who will usher in the hard times. You are the ones who keep believing it is OK for a government to control my life. You are the ones who allowed it to go this far and called the dissenters like me "crazy" for speaking up against the abuses.

All of you who supported Bush while he violated the rights and liberties of people you disapprove of have seen your chickens come home to roost. You closed your eyes while he violated his oath of office from the moment of his inauguration and now you will pay the price. All the tools of the expanded presidency are now in the hands of a man who will have no problem targeting you.

It is funny to me, being a libertarian, seeing you wringing your hands in despair now. All the dictatorial powers that Bush stole, with your acquiescence, Obama will now use against you. It was fine for Bush to take these powers as long as he was using them against "the other side", but now you will be Obama's target. How does it feel?

You cry out in anguish that Obama will appoint federal judges who favor gay rights and abortion, yet you thought nothing of Bush appointing federal judges who favored the war on drugs or whatever police-state tool you liked. Bush invaded foreign countries and violated the Constitution. You ignored it or even cheered. You waved your federal flag. Now Obama will have his way with you. Using the weapons that Bush stole and stockpiled in the Oval Office. The weapons of "extraordinary rendition", "the Decider", Gitmo, the "PATRIOT" Act, the Military Commissions Act, etc. All of them will now be aimed at you and your family.

I hope you live to regret your complicity and feel your guilt. And I hope you learned your lesson: It is never OK to meddle in other peoples' lives if they are harming no one else. Never! No human being has the right, under ANY circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, nor to advocate or delegate its initiation. That obviously includes human beings who are running (or working for) the government.

Your support of laws allowing discrimination against certain people based upon victimless behaviors or preferences have made Obama dangerous to all our liberties, just as Bush was. Each president is worse, both personally and politically, than the preceding president. Obama may have skipped us ahead an administration or two, but the historical trend has not really changed.

It is time to acknowledge that government is not a legitimate human activity, but is just large scale theft, murder, kidnapping, extortion.... coercion - force - violent aggression. It is completely wrong in every instance. "Good" cannot be accomplished through evil actions. Stop pretending it can. It is time to withdraw your support completely from the system. Don't give up your freedom to the next parasite who pretends to be on your side in order to get your vote. He is lying too.

I am willing to forgive your part in the coming "interesting times". Please just come to your senses before it is too late.

................................

National Ammo Day is TODAY

Don't forget that today is National Ammo Day. Please buy at least 100 rounds of ammo today. Your chances to do so "legally" may be evaporating soon. Make sure you have enough* if that happens.


*I know, there is no such thing as enough ammo. Try anyway. After the state collapses, you can use the extra for currency.

...................