|
April
03, 2006
Libertarian
Commentary on the News, 26 March to 1 April 2006 - View from the
High Hills
By now, one of last week's stories has, hopefully, been understood by
all my readers to be an April Fool's story: the UN is not mandating "Universal
Time" but in fact, the various state governments ARE (for most of
us except in Arizona [but NOT that part in Dinetah (the Navajo Reservation)]
and that little piece of Indiana forcing us to change our clocks an hour
forward for Daylight Savings Time; and in 2007, this mandatory messing
of government with our clocks will be a federally mandated change several
weeks earlier - in the name of saving energy, of course (which is close
behind "for the children" and "national security"
as excuses for stupid government tricks).
Today is
also officially the end of my (annual?) campaign to instill good character
in all of us lovers of liberty. Three months - thirteen weeks - is usually
enough: even the Boy Scout Law only has thirteen traits. So today's theme
is "in other words."
Since Mama
Liberty is moving, here is a short selection of the most interesting news
articles this week:
Campaign
2006: Democrats pledge to "eliminate"
Osama
Cincinnati Enquirer
"Congressional Democrats promise to 'eliminate' Osama bin Laden and
ensure a 'responsible redeployment of U.S. forces' from Iraq in 2006 in
an election-year national security policy statement. In the position paper
to be announced Wednesday, Democrats say they will double the number of
special forces and add more spies, which they suggest will increase the
chances of finding al-Qaida's elusive leader. They do not set a deadline
for when all of the 132,000 American troops now in Iraq should be withdrawn."
(03/28/06)
In other
words, vote for us - we'll be meaner and nastier and more aggressive and
more the international cop than the pitiful gang you've got in the White
House and Congress now.
Home Front:
CA: 500,000 pack LA streets to protest
immigration bills
Los Angeles Times
"A crowd estimated by police at more than 500,000 boisterously
marched in Los Angeles on Saturday to protest federal legislation that
would crack down on undocumented immigrants, penalize those who help them
and build a security wall along the U.S.' southern border. Spirited but
peaceful marchers -- ordinary immigrants alongside labor, religious and
civil rights groups -- stretched more than 20 blocks along Spring Street,
Broadway and Main Street to City Hall, tooting kazoos, waving American
flags and chanting, 'Si se puede!' (Yes we can!). Attendance at the demonstration
far surpassed the number of people who protested against the Vietnam War
and Proposition 187, a 1994 state initiative that sought to deny public
benefits to undocumented migrants but was struck down by the courts. Police
said there were no arrests or injuries except for a few cases of exhaustion."
(03/26/06)
In other
words, either people care more about allowing continued open immigration
into the nation than they do about ending the occupation of Iraq. Perhaps
the lead story all week, this clearly orchestrated effort has outshone
all efforts by the so-called peace movement to make a big splash with
protests and demonstrations. These people are clearly better organized
and able to better motivate people than Sheehan and associates. At the
same time, the list of those behind this effort should send chills down
the spines of many people. For one particularly condemning view, visit
www.mexica-movement.org and
see why this group is supporting this sudden splash.
Mama's
Note: Remember that the motivation for many of these "illegals"
is provided by the welfare state, which affects far more people - far
more directly than does the "war" in Iraq. If all those "social
programs," paid for with stolen goods (taxes), were not available,
many of them would not be here. Of course, it would be far easier if the
welfare state had never existed. Destroying it now would be both difficult
and result in a lot of suffering for those who have become dependent on
it - both citizens and those here illegally. The idea that this can be
resolved merely by passing more laws illustrates the fact that our government
doesn't have a clue.
Home Front/Stoopid
People Trick: Protests over immigration
bills continue
Detroit Free Press
"Tens of thousands of students walked out of school in California
and other states Monday, waving flags and chanting slogans in a second
week of protests against legislation to crack down on illegal immigrants.
In Washington, D.C., 100 demonstrators wore handcuffs at the Capitol to
protest a bill that would make it a felony to be in this country illegally
and would make it a crime to dispense aid to the nation's 11 million illegal
immigrants." (03/27/06)
In other
words, the organizations that got this together apparently know their
stuff, and can motivate students, unlike the antiwar movement. The "11
million" number is disputed: some claim the number is as high as
20 million, and frequent travel through the Southwest and Rocky Mountain
states makes it hard to dispute the higher number. And by the way, do
these kids really understand or care, or is just about an excuse to cut
classes? Reports are mixed, even from the students themselves.
Stupid
Guvmint Trick: Democrats
Hail Michigan for Boosting Its Minimum Wage
CNSNews.com
The Democrat Party is praising Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for
signing a bill that increases the state's minimum wage. The governor "stood
up for working families throughout Michigan," the Democrat National
Committee said. But the Detroit News noted that it was the Republican-controlled
Michigan Legislature that passed the minimum wage bill...
In other
words, you can blame BOTH of them for yet another nail in the coffin of
the Michigan economy. Politics in an election year.
Stupid
Govmint Tricks: Afghan court drops
Christian convert case
Cincinnati Enquirer
"A court on Sunday dismissed the case against an Afghan man facing
possible execution for converting from Islam to Christianity, officials
said, paving the way for his release. The move eased pressure from the
West but raised the dilemma of protecting Abdul Rahman after his release
as Islamic clerics have called for him to be killed. One official said
freedom might come as soon as Monday for Rahman, who became a Christian
in the 1990s while working for an aid group in neighboring Pakistan."
(03/26/06)
In other
words, the pressure MAY have worked - but private "justice"
is still a possibility.
Stupid
People Tricks: CA: Married lawyer sues
eHarmony
San Francisco Chronicle
"A man separated from his wife but not quite divorced is suing
the popular online matchmaker eHarmony for refusing to help him find a
date. John Claassen, a 36-year-old lawyer from Emeryville, filed a lawsuit
in Alameda County Superior Court alleging eHarmony abridged his civil
rights by refusing to match him up. He said the company, which has an
'unmarried only' policy, broke state law by discriminating against him
based on his marital status. Claassen, who is seeking $12,000 in civil
penalties, said Monday he expects his divorce to be official in about
two months, but that he shouldn't have to wait until then to use eHarmony.
It should be up to would-be dates to decide whether to pass him over because
he is technically still married, he said." (03/27/06)
In other
words, the business isn't supposed to be able to decide whom they wish
to do business with. Sorry, but I can't do anything but support the right
of the business to do what it wishes - especially to refuse to have anything
to do with this wanna-be two-timer.
Mideast
Tarbabies: Israel:
Kadima wins plurality in elections
International Herald Tribune [France]
"Kadima, the new centrist party committed to another unilateral
pullout from the occupied West Bank, prepared Wednesday to form a coalition
after it emerged as the strongest party in parliamentary elections. Talks
on the new government are to begin Sunday. Kadima's leader, Ehud Olmert,
will become prime minister, but his support has proven tepid, and he will
find it harder than expected to impose his agenda on a larger coalition.
Kadima, founded in November by Ariel Sharon when he broke with the Likud
Party, won the most seats in the Israeli Knesset, or Parliament. But with
99.7 percent of the vote counted Wednesday morning, Kadima is expected
to win only 28 seats, fewer than pre-election polls had suggested."
(03/29/06)
In other
words, the appeasers (or according to some, those who want to "divorce"
the Palestinians) won, and will get their chance to do what Brits, Americans,
Likud, Labour, and a host of others have failed to do - bring peace to
the area.
Right to
Defend Ourselves (RKBA): AK:
"Stand Your Ground" bill passes Alaska Senate
KTVA News
"Alaska is a step closer to allowing citizens to use deadly force
against muggers, carjackers, sexual assailants and others. The state Senate
today voted 17-to-2 in favor of Senate Bill 200. The measure expands the
state's 'castle law' which currently allows a person to use whatever force
is necessary to protect their home. The bill allows the use of deadly
force outside the home under certain circumstances. Sponsor and North
Pole Republican Gene Therriault says a person must be able to prove they
reasonably believed such action was necessary for self defense. Similar
laws have been passed in Florida, Indiana and South Dakota. More than
a dozen other states have legislation pending. The bill now goes to the
House." (03/27/06)
In other
words, another state to join the three mentioned, and Mississippi: see
article below. Great!!! It would be nice if good fads like this were more
common.
RKBA: AL:
Supporters try again to pass deadly force bill in House
Al.com
"One of the most vigorously debated issues in the Alabama Legislature
this session will be back on the agenda Tuesday as the House attempts
to give final passage to a bill to expand the instances where a person
can kill someone to protect a home or vehicle. The Alabama House and Senate
have previously passed different versions of the legislation that removes
language from current law that says a resident should not use deadly force
during a break-in if he or she can 'avoid using force with complete safety.'
The legislation was recommended by the National Rifle Association. It
gives a person who uses deadly force while protecting his home immunity
from lawsuits, but it does say a person must feel threatened before using
deadly force." (03/27/06)
In other
words, it does not appear that Alabama's legis-gators are going to go
along in this fad.
RKBA: CO:
Homeowner
shoots mom's crazed ex-boyfriend
Craig Daily Press
"A domestic dispute Sunday evening left a Moffat County man dead,
shot in the chest by his ex-girlfriend's son in an incident police say
was justifiable self-defense. Craig Police say Mario Vigil, 60, of Moffat
County, broke into a home in the 800 block of Washington Street armed
with a .30-30-caliber rifle. The homeowner, whose name has not been released,
grabbed a shotgun, shot Vigil once in the chest, and hid in a bedroom
with his 9-year-old son, according to a statement from police. The gunshot
wounded Vigil but did not stop him, according to police. Vigil shot through
the door of the room the homeowner was hiding in and tried to break down
the door, according to police. The homeowner grabbed another gun, a .30-06-caliber
rifle, and shot Vigil through the door, striking him in the hip, according
to police. When police arrived, they found Vigil dead, lying on the floor
outside the bedroom, according to the statement. The homeowner and his
son were still hiding in the bedroom, according to police." (03/27/06)
In other
words, the guy had at least three chances to decide what he was doing
was stupid. Craig is NOT a big city, even by Western Slope Colorado standards,
and this is shaking the town, but it appears to be clearly justified self
defense of the most desperate kind.
RKBA: DeLay
Appeals Suspension of Gun License
ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA CNS NEWS.com
Rep. Tom Delay is fighting to regain his concealed handgun permit after
it was suspended because of his indictment on felony charges. A justice
of the peace suspended DeLay's license in January after the former majority
leader was indicted last year. A judge dismissed a conspiracy charge,
but Delay still faces a felony charge of money laundering. Under state
law, the Texas Department of Public Safety can suspend a handgun license
if its holder has been charged with certain misdemeanors or higher.
In other
words, there is no "presumed innocent" even for a powerful person
like this. Should ANY professional politician have a gun? Good discussion
question, but assuming that they should, this sounds like a raw deal for
him and anyone else in this situation, AND unconstitutional. If he were
being charged with shooting someone, or threatening someone (personally,
I mean, not as a Congrus-krittur), it MIGHT be justified, but not this.
RKBA: MS:
Governor signs no-retreat law
Eyewitness News
"Governor Haley Barbour has signed into law a bill that expands
[recognition of] a person's right to claim self-defense against intruders
to an individual's car, business and the vicinity of the business. The
bill takes effect July first. It also provides that the person would not
have to retreat before using deadly force. Under current law, a person
can claim self-defense against intruders in their home. Under the bill,
it would be presumed that a person who used deadly force acted prudently
and therefore would be immune from civil liability. The bill prohibits
civilians from claiming self-defense if deadly force is used against a
law officer. " [Editor's note: Remember Corey Maye, the guy on
death row in MS ... sentenced to death by lethal injection for killing
a night time intruder who turned out to be a police officer? - MLS] [additional
Editor's note: Yeah, but cops are SPECIAL, right? - TLK] (03/28/06)
In other
words, this state joins the fad, but with a very disturbing quirk, as
Mary Lou and Tom point out.
Right to
Kill?: Oglala Sioux president mulls
opening Planned Parenthood clinic
Rapid City Weekly News
Cecelia Fire Thunder says sovereignty would overrule abortion ban.
The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe has floated the idea of opening
a Planned Parenthood clinic on tribal land and performing abortions there
despite a state law banning most abortions.
In other
words, she isn't content to let the wasichu (white people) kill off her
people, she wants them to do it to themselves more and more. The following
story shows her ridiculous reasoning.
Right to
Kill?: Oglala Prez
wants to kill their own babies
Native Times (story originally appeared in Rapid City Weekly News)
The President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation,
Cecilia Fire Thunder, was incensed. A former nurse and healthcare giver,
she was very angry that a state body made up mostly of white males would
make such a stupid law against women. "To me, it is now a question
of sovereignty," she said to me last week. "I will personally
establish a Planned Parenthood clinic on my own land which is within the
boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation where the State of South Dakota
has absolutely no jurisdiction." Strong words from a very strong
lady. I [Tim Giago] hope Ms. Fire Thunder challenges Gov. Rounds and the
state legislators on this law that is an affront to all independent women."
In other
words, even if "white males" are trying to save lives, their
very nature means their action is abhorrent. And "sovereignty"
means it is okay for Oglalas to kill each other as long as majority rules.
And apparently, Tim Giago, who claims to be both pro-Indian and pro-freedom,
is willing, in this case, to be neither. Another comment on this matter
of interest in bashing the mainstream media. The original story appeared
in the Weekly News on Wednesday, and it was not even reported by the local
ABC radio/TV affiliate until the following Monday - apparently until after
they got the word on how to spin it. And how did they? In favor of baby-killing,
of course.
Tech: Brain
cells fused with computer chip
Fox News/Live Science
"The line between living organisms and machines has just become
a whole lot blurrier. European researchers have developed 'neuro-chips'
in which living brain cells and silicon circuits are coupled together.
The achievement could one day enable the creation of sophisticated neural
prostheses to treat neurological disorders or the development of organic
computers that crunch numbers using living neurons. To create the neuro-chip,
researchers squeezed more than 16,000 electronic transistors and hundreds
of capacitors onto a silicon chip just 1 millimeter square in size."
(03/28/06)
In other
words, all those cyber-punk science fiction novels might be a bit closer
to reality. There are clearly a good many GOOD things that can be done
with this, BUT the potential for evil (robotized slaves, anyone?) is also
great.
Tech:
SpaceX rocket explodes during launch
CNet
"The first attempt by privately-owned Space Exploration Technologies
or SpaceX to launch a low-cost rocket ended in a [sic] explosion Saturday.
The flight of the 70-foot, two-stage Falcon 1 rocket from a U.S. base
on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean's Marshall Islands lasted
only about a minute." (03/27/06)
In other
words, try, try again. I do hope that SpaceX does not give up!
Theft By
Government: Town
steals golf course
NewsMax
John Wilson, a 20-year member of Long Island's 175-acre Deepdale Golf
Club, established in 1955, is mad as h*** that the nearby exclusive village
of North Hills, N.Y., wants to seize the venerable club through eminent
domain -- not for a road or a public hospital, but to use as its own community
golf course.
In other
words, morality is decided by democratic vote. And the difference between
this and what King Ahab did in stealing his neighbor's vineyard? Oh, he
was a MONARCH and therefore because of WHO he was, it is wrong; this is
a "democratically elected" town board, and obviously, morality
is whatever a "legitimate" government wants it to be.
World Wars:
More than a million French protest
law
Detroit Free Press
"More than 1 million people poured into the streets across France
and strikers disrupted air, rail and bus travel Tuesday -- even shutting
down the Eiffel Tower -- in the largest nationwide protest over a youth
labor law. Scattered violence erupted in Paris, and riot police used water
cannons and tear gas to disperse several thousand youths who pelted them
with stones and bottles after an otherwise peaceful march. More than 240
people were arrested." (03/28/06)
In other
words, new week - new riot. Of course, with a rumored 25% unemployment
rate (and another 25% government employees who apparently have a "liberal"
leave policy - they can take off whenever they want to), there are lots
of people to go out and strike and more. Are we seeing the future of the
US if we keep following the French example?
Nathan
Barton is writing from his secret bunker complex on the eastern slopes
of the Paha Sapa, swilling Doctor Pepper (and gallons of water each day,
milady) and plotting to reelect Gaius Julius Caesar dictator of the Republic
- or was that Senator Palpatine? Granville James Corbin? W? Q?
Be sure
to visit my blog, Liberty's
Outpost.
Special
Feature! Add your signature to the NEW
Declaration of Independence
By Robert Greenslade
Several
people have asked about buying Gadsden Flags (the rattlesnake "Don't
Tread on Me flags used by the June 23d Movement and other Property Rights
Organizations: you
can get them for $10.00 plus shipping here.
To Read
previous Commentaries, go
to the archives page and click onto the link for the day. The commentaries
are linked from the daily front pages.
Your feedback is always welcome! Please use the form below. If you enter
your email address, the author can respond to your comment. Not all feedback
can be answered personally, of course, but you will find most of it on
the Mailbag page. Please allow at least 48 hours for it to be published.
Thanks for reading The Price of Liberty!
Please
note: Information about readers is never given or sold to anyone
for any purpose. Remember, however, that many people can read and recover
anything posted to web sites or email unless it is carefully encrypted.
MamaLiberty)
Visit the
Rational
Review News Digest
|
