Politics depends on blind spots

(My Eastern New Mexico News column for July 13, 2022)

Everyone has blind spots. Especially when it comes to politics. In fact, I'd say politics is made up of blind spots knitted together with wishful thinking, expressed through legislation designed to violate people you don't like.

Conservatives generally love the Constitution. They have a blind spot when it comes to unconstitutionally controlling people's movement. They obsess over "immigration" and are willing to toss the Constitution aside for this issue. It's almost a universal conservative trait, now, but this wasn't always the case.

Liberals, progressives, or whatever they are calling themselves today, generally love bodily autonomy, at least concerning abortion. They don't feel the same when someone makes the choice to defend their bodily autonomy with a firearm, or chooses to not have injections forced into them. It's a blind spot that almost defines their ideology.

Politics depends on blind spots for its very existence. Without them, it would shrivel away in the burning white light of truth.

The thing with blind spots is that you can easily see them in others, or in other groups, but you can't usually see them in yourself without help.

If someone points out what they think is a blind spot you have, you'd better take notice. They might be right and they might be wrong, but wouldn't you rather figure it out?

Often, the answer is "no".

I've spent my life trying to find and eliminate my own blind spots. People have been enthusiastic to point them out to me. It's how I went from being a conservative, to being a constitutionalist, to being libertarian. Every blind spot I discovered led me toward a greater respect for liberty. It never swung the other direction-- or hasn't yet.

I owe thanks to the people who helped me along the way. Many times they were right. Often, though, people imagine blind spots where they don't exist, based on seeing their biases through their own blind spots.

If someone looks at the color you've called "blue" and tells you it's orange, take another look, comparing it to examples of blue, orange, and other colors. If you still see it's blue, you aren't obligated to say you agree it's orange just because someone tells you it is and calls it your blind spot. If you can logically explain yourself-- to shine light where someone else thinks you have a blind spot-- it may indicate the blind spot is theirs.

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The statists' sandcastle of lies

I first noticed the over-reliance on lies demonstrated by anti-gun bigots. There is just nothing they can say to advocate for their side that isn't lies built on lies topped with lies. 

It's no different if it's disgusting individuals like Joe Biden, Bob'O'Rourke, or Shannon Watts, or their criminal organizations like Moms Demand Slavery or the BATFEces gang. Lies, lies, and more lies by liars who need to lie to justify their existence. The truth is a strange concept to them, and they treat it as a mortal enemy... because it is.

Recently though I've come to notice that all statism is exactly the same.

Statism depends on lies. Advocates create a foundation of lies, then build a sandcastle of lies on top of that, then top it off with little flags of lies.

Of course, all the anti-gun bigots called out above are also statists relying on lies; government-supremacist liars. But even "nice" statists who pretend to be "the reasonable adult"-- while they condescendingly pat you on the head-- are leaning on lies. Without their sandcastle of lies, they have nothing. Nothing. They would just flounder in the void with nothing to hold on to.

I was going to list specific examples, but there's no point. The list would be all-inclusive: ALL statism is the same. If it justifies government supremacy, it is built on lies. If it justifies any limit on liberty, it relies on lies. If it carves out exceptions, those exceptions are lies. Every government agency or bureau requires lies to justify its existence. Every piece of legislation is nothing without the lies it pretends are truth. "Taxation", border control/"immigration", anti-gun rules, prohibition. "vice laws", "national security", "law enforcement", etc., etc., etc. It's all a lie.

It's no different if it is "Right-statism" or "Left-statism"-- it's still a web of lies. If you respect truth and reject lies, you'll naturally gravitate away from statism. All of it.

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Economics lesson for political criminals

Inflation is a rate of increase. Until that rate is zero or negative, there's still inflation and inflation is still a problem. 

It's not "zero inflation" if the rate of increase stays constant. 

It's not "zero inflation" if the rate of increase is a little less than it was before-- as long as it's still inflating more than zero or a negative rate.

Inflation isn't "normal" or just how things are. It signifies bad choices made by political criminals who interfered in the market by counterfeiting money. It's a consequence of bad policy when no policy should be imposed.

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An improvement

This is the new sign put up today by the school across the car path from my house. I approve. 

This replaces, or is in addition to, the signs at every door saying the same thing.

The only thing I'd like more would be an "out of business" sign on the chained doors, but I'll take it.

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The Secret of Success

Work really hard and/or really smart (find the perfect balance of the two) in the right way, on the right thing (unknowable), at just the right time (unknowable), and have lots of luck.

There you have it. You're welcome. Now go forth and prosper.

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Trust the FBI?

The gang that creates "terror" plots so it can foil them and pat itself on the back (and say it needs a bigger budget) can also (and probably will) plant whatever "evidence" it wants to find during a raid.
Abolish the FBI.

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My WiFi router died last night. So posting will be more inconvenient until it is replaced (which will happen when/if I can afford one). Not sure I'll miss any posts after tomorrow's newspaper column, but if I do, don't be surprised.

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If everyone acted like you...

How would the world be if everyone acted exactly like you act? The "why" of their motivations don't matter, just how they actually act. They could be doing the same thing for completely different reasons.

If everyone littered the same amount as you, would the world be clean, buried under a thick layer of trash, or somewhere in between?

If everyone wanted government to make up or enforce legislation "only" to the same extent as you do, would the world be free or an authoritarian prison?

Pick anything you do. If everyone did the same sort of thing, at the same amount you do, what would the world be like? If that sounds like a good world, congratulations! You must be doing things right. If it's not a world you'd want for your grandchildren, think about what you could do differently.

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See all sides, but don't fall for them

I believe I can see all sides of any issue. I could argue for or against anything. (Not that I would, except in my own mind, because why clutter an issue unnecessarily?)

Maybe it's a bad sample, but no one I know in person seems to be able to do this. Not even a little. No matter how I try to get them to even explain what "the other side" would argue, they can't seem to do it. Which I find interesting.

However, being able to argue (or articulate) the other side isn't the same as buying what they are selling. Once I've reached a conclusion I'm not going to change my mind until (or unless) some new data comes in (which has happened many times over the years). Rehashing the same points I've already incorporated into my decision isn't going to change anything. And irrelevant data doesn't count. If it's an ethical principle, showing me how "dangerous" it could be if misused is irrelevant to my decision. Danger only figures in if I'm trying to decide whether to jump off of something.

If there's nothing new to add, you're wasting your time discussing it.

Of course, that goes for me trying to convince the other side, too. 

So, trying to convince the other side out of something they've already decided is probably pointless. The best you can do is to show all the information to anyone watching (who hasn't already decided) so they might make a better-informed choice.

Unless, as has been postulated, we all believe first, and then look for data that supports what we already believe. If that's the case, why discuss anything important with anyone, ever? You may as well spend all your time gossiping about people, or talking about what "The News" wants you to talk about. That seems to be the popular choice anyway.

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The help I've gotten so far has taken some of the pressure off.
Thanks to those of you who've helped!

Preparation can ease your anxiety

(My Eastern New Mexico News column for July 6, 2022)

If you are worried about the next few years, I can relate. Supply chain problems, inflation, the ongoing drought, and the possibility of political violence seem like they are closing in on us. An effective way to defeat the worry is to take charge of your life. Be responsible for your own well-being. Don't wait to be rescued.

You'll always feel worse about things you think you can't control. So, take control and do what you can, and you'll put your energy to better use than you would by worrying.

Stock up on things you'll need later, now, before the prices get higher. If they aren't available in stores at the moment, stay alert and buy them when you see them. Give local sellers a chance first, but if it doesn't look as though they'll be able to get what you need, try an online source.

Canned food is a good place to start. Dry rice and beans-- as long as you have the water to prepare them-- are items every house should store against hard times.

Please stock up on water, both to drink and cook with, and for cleaning and sanitation. You can never have enough.

Don't forget medical supplies, including medicines. Health-endangering prescription rules make it hard to stock up on essential medications, but this is something to take into consideration before it becomes an emergency.

If things improve on their own, having extra food, water, and health supplies isn't going to hurt you any. If things get worse, though, they'll be worth more than gold.

Political violence looks like it may soon become a bigger threat. Americans have irreconcilable differences, and it shows.

I would recommend you stay away from big cities to avoid the worst threat of political violence. Sometimes you can't avoid them, but get in, get done, and get out. The less time spent there, the better.

I have neighbors I know I can depend on, and I would do what I can to support them, too. I have neighbors I don't know well enough, and that's my fault. It's something I need to correct. You need to build community where you live. Community, as opposed to its opposite-- government, is essential for survival.

Doing useful things will help you feel better about the future. You'll feel more capable and competent. It's more than a feeling-- you'll be making it real.

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Is this an "assault post"?

"Assault weapon" is a lie. Yes, there is such a thing as an assault rifle, but that's an entirely different thing with a real definition. An "assault weapon" doesn't have a set definition; it just "is" whatever the anti-gun bigots want it to be today. Usually whatever they feel like they can get away with banning right now. (They probably want to ban ALL guns, but will take what they can get now and try for more later.)

I guess in their eyes something is an "assault weapon" if it is more effective than the base model. Or scarier, for some subjective reason.

By that type of... "reasoning"... an "assault book" could be a computer or a religious book. Or a science book. Or something by Claire Wolfe or L. Neil Smith. Scary!
Motorcycles might be "assault bikes". Or maybe a regular bike --if it has cards in the spokes and flame decals-- would qualify.
"Assault baths"? Showers. "They didn't have showers in 1776, so you don't need them today!"

Idjits.

Those who use the term "assault weapons", other than when making fun of ignorant anti-gun bigots, are too dumb to have their opinions listened to. You can be warned by the lies they tell, though, so you know how they plan to enslave you. That way you can be ready to resist, not to comply.

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Respect the truth, not the speaker

It doesn't matter how horrible someone is, or how much I usually disagree with them: The truth is the truth no matter who says it.

This is something it seems most of the population simply can't comprehend. And they'll punish you for agreeing with truth uttered by someone they don't like.

It's best if you ignore "the masses" at that point. The truth doesn't turn into a lie just because you don't like the person who said it. Even if everything else they've ever said was a lie.

If Trump warned European politicians about becoming too dependent on Russian energy, or if Alex Jones answers an antagonistic question in court about elite pedophiles by mentioning Jeffrey Epstein, you don't have to like or agree with either of them to enjoy the truth of their statements. 

I've found myself agreeing with politicians and criminals (and just ordinary nasty people) of every sort over the years. Sometimes when people forward those emails full of quotes I can hardly believe the truthful things some monsters have said-- but if they actually said them (not to be assumed, for sure), the source doesn't affect the trueness.

There's a cost to ignoring the truth, no matter who it comes from.

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GVE warn of MVE

I can't help but be amused every time the FBI (or some other terrorist group associated with the US Feral Government) leaks another "domestic threat" page (page 1, page 2). I've seen several over the years, and they are all ridiculous.

 

Now their "concern" [sic] is "Militia Violent Extremism (MVE)". I wonder if that has anything to do with the recent SCROTUM... uh, SCOTUS opinion on the Second Amendment. Maybe the dipsticks of the Feral Baby Incinerators are laying some groundwork for future terror plots they have in the works.

If anyone is a problem, it's government. Many of those listed on the latest sheet as "MVE" are problems only when they act like government-- and precisely due to their fawning over statist ideology. They are really GVE (Government-Supremacist Violent Extremists).

The FBI is a laughingstock. It is still dangerous, of course, but it's not something to respect or fear. Just take reasonable precautions and don't do dumb things. Don't cooperate or associate with them and don't let yourself get pulled into any of their terrorist plots. You'll probably be fine.

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"I'd hate to live in fear like you do!"

Crime isn't much of a concern to me. I don't feel vulnerable. I don't live in fear of it. I never have.

Yes, I know crime exists. I know it can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. I've seen it happen. 

I think government employees are a much bigger danger than freelance crime. Plus, you aren't "allowed" to defend yourself from them-- because they run the courts. 

In both cases, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of being violated. Nothing is a guarantee. Life doesn't come with guarantees against bad things happening, and anyone who acts like it does is lying.

Anti-gun bigots would have you believe that gun owners are consumed with fear. Really? I've never seen it. Certainly never experienced it. The only things I'm afraid of are things a tool and preparation can't defend me from. But it fits their agenda of lies, so they are going to keep saying it.

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Cat'Rona

A (human) member of the household came down with a multiple-test-confirmed case of The 'Rona about a week ago. It's the government lab gift that keeps on giving.

By last Thursday I knew I was coming down with something. But, other than a mild fever, some vague aches, and some intestinal "events", I've not really felt bad. I don't feel well, but I don't feel sick-- if that's not too confusing.

Then, one of the cats, Ghost, got sick at nearly the same time I did, and he has not done as well. Did he catch Covid?

His symptoms seem to have mirrored mine-- as far as I can tell without him describing how he feels in English. Mainly he has stopped eating; no matter what I offer, he usually has no interest in even sniffing it. Which might indicate he has lost his sense of taste or smell. (I didn't.) Or, maybe he just feels too bad to eat. He has snacked here and there-- just a nibble. In most cases, he soon threw up anything he did eat. He has always wanted to eat the cheap food I give the porch cats, so I "accidentally" left it where he could get to it a couple of days ago, and I think he did eat a bit, and kept it down. But I tried that again the next day and he wasn't interested. I guess the novelty was gone.

He does seem to be slowly recovering now, but still isn't interested in food. He isn't hiding all day anymore, which is an improvement.

At least, with the humans, this virus (if that's what I have) keeps getting weaker. Who cares if every variant is more contagious as long as they keep getting weaker? I just hope Ghost recovers soon.

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Sunny is at the vet for tooth extraction surgery today.

Court taking small correct steps

(My Eastern New Mexico News column for June 29, 2022)

To those of you who are mad at the Supreme Court over two of its most recent rulings, let me agree with you. To a point.

I also agree-- to a point-- with those who celebrate those rulings.

I don't consider the Supreme Court to be credible, and haven't for years. Not since I recovered from the brainwashing I endured as an inmate in "public" schools.

The Supreme Court stole for themselves the power to be the final say on what the Constitution means back in 1803-- this power wasn't theirs to exercise, but belonged to the people. They didn't like this state of affairs so they changed things so they'd have more power. The public was fooled into going along.

Sometimes the Court gets things partly right, even under these conditions.

The Supreme Court was correct to strike down the illegal New York state regulations on concealed carry licensing, but then carved out too much breathing room for tyranny. The Constitution doesn't allow any restrictions, or even any government oversight, on gun ownership or possession. The Court wasn't honest on this point. They still support the imaginary political authority of politicians-- and their stormtroopers in legislation enforcement-- to do things they are clearly forbidden to do. The excuse that they've done similar things for a long time doesn't hold water. Historical rights violations are still rights violations and need to end immediately.

Political criminals screaming about "gun safety" and vulgar reasoning ("common sense") are lying for effect.

Then the Court's overturning of Roe v Wade doesn't mean what so many seem to believe. The government was, nowhere in the Constitution, directed to allow abortions, nor empowered to prohibit them. The document is silent on abortions, as it is on most things which don't (or shouldn't) involve government. An earlier court created that "discovery" out of thin air to please their side. Something which isn't addressed in the Constitution must be left up to the individual, but leaving it up to the states may be a small step in the right direction.

I still dislike both sides in the abortion wars more than I can express in polite company. I am not pro-life; I am pro-liberty. Without life, there is no liberty... but you won't miss it and won't care because you're dead. Without liberty, life is a hellscape.

As long as it stays out of your life, government is tolerable. When it meddles, it isn't.

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A ray of happy sunshine, in video form

I tend to focus on whichever liberty concern seems to me to be most under attack at the moment. Right now, this is the natural human right to own and to carry weapons.

I hope it's something else next week, but I won't be surprised if it isn't. 

You've probably seen recent videos of BATFEces criminals flagrantly breaking the law. No, not the one who was illegally photographing every page of the sales records at a gun store, with her personal phone. I'm talking about those thugs going door-to-door demanding to see the resident's guns.

If that bothers you as much as it bothers me, you might enjoy this video as much as I did. Now, I don't support cops, but I do like seeing enforcers pitted against each other-- gang warfare. So, here's how to deal with BATFEces goons at your door. (Let me know if the video gets deleted and I'll try to describe what happened-- I sure hope it doesn't! I can't figure out how to download it from Twitter and can't find it at the original site.)

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They are not your masters

I've seen several pro-gun people saying-- concerning the D.C. house of Reprehensibles' v*te to pass another "assault weapon" [sic] ban-- that they are "v*ting our rights away".

Not at all. 

They are v*ting, ganging up, to violate the natural human rights of the people. Your rights. But the rights won't go away. They won't even change.

Even if this counterfeit bill also passes the Sin-it and becomes legislation, it won't be legitimate. You'll have no obligation whatsoever to comply (liberty carries risk, so be smart).

Let's be honest about what happened. What these worthless skin-sacks actually did was v*te to enslave you to their gang. They v*ted themselves to be your owners and masters. They declared you to be their property to be used as suits them. 

Are you going to take it and let them believe you believe it's true? Or will you declare that you are no one's slave and reject them, their opinions, and their power grab?

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The worst approach

I'm against pollution regardless of whether it changes the climate. 

I'm against murder regardless of the tools used. 

I'm against bigotry regardless of who it targets.

It seems statists aren't able (or willing) to understand any of that. If I don't want government to coercively tax, legislate, and enforce to "fight" things I'm against, I must not really care. If I don't want government to "do" something, they think this means I don't want anything done.

If it is important, a voluntary solution will be found. I'm for cooperation, not the state.

To me, "caring" means you don't destroy human liberty just because there's a problem. That's the worst possible way to "solve" anything.

I'm for liberty, regardless of whether it is safe.

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Rolling out the welcome mat

I saw a video from Austria where a news report from Germany was being read. It said that a German supermarket chain was announcing that it was advising its employees that if things get bad there, and there is looting and stealing, to do nothing. Nothing. Just stand aside and let it happen.

If the report is true-- and I have no insider information that it is-- isn't this just inviting bad people to go rob and loot those stores? Doesn't this place the employees and customers at greater risk? People who will loot and rob are going to be less likely to have any ethical compass-- will they draw the line at robbing and looting? Can you be sure?

I understand that a company might not want to suggest to its employees that they should fight back. Liability and all. But to tell them to just stand by and do nothing? It seems like that is just opening them up for a dangerous situation when looters and thieves hear they've been given permission.

I'd have to quit that job or shop elsewhere.

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It's that time again

 

I find myself needing to ask for donations. 

I understand if you can't, don't want to, or whatever. You owe me nothing. And those who regularly help out should ignore this, anyway.
Otherwise, if you want to, and can, consider subscribing or donating.

Thanks.