Libertarian Commentary on the News, 20 -26 January, 2008

Our right to defend ourselves:
PA: Man won’t be charged for shooting intruder
Times Leader
“Allegheny County prosecutors say they won’t charge a man who shot an intruder at a suburban Pittsburgh apartment. Authorities say 68-year-old James Bodnar told them he shot the man in both legs when he tried to enter Bodnar’s Plum Borough apartment about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 9. Police believe 21-year-old Justin Jones of Auburn, N.Y., thought he was entering his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in the same complex. Police say Bodnar opened the door and showed Jones the gun after Jones tried to kick in the door. Police say Bodnar shot Jones when he still tried to enter.” (01/24/08)

The kid sounds pretty stupid. I hope he is counting his blessings that Mr. Bodnar used his legs and not center-of-mass as his target.

Mama's Note: Oh yeah, just "visiting." I always kick the door down when I go visiting, don't you? Young Jones is mighty lucky he didn't try that at my house. He'd have at least one round of .45 to center mass, even if I missed once or twice.

Our right to defend ourselves:
TN: Homeowner kills burglar
Eyewitness News
“A burglar, caught redhanded breaking into man’s garage, was shot and killed Thursday, January 24, 2008. The incident happened around 2:00 a.m. in the 800 block of Avalon, near Henry Street. Police say the homeowner heard a noise in his garage, and when he confronted the intruder, the man tried to attack. Police say the burglar went after the homeowner with a weedwacker, and the homeowner shot him. Neighbors in the area say they have no sympathy for the burglar.” (01/24/08)

Gee, what cruel neighbors. “No sympathy.” Perhaps because he was attempting assault with a weedwacker? Mama Liberty points out a concern, though: “Hmm, what would be different if the neighbors DID have "sympathy" for the burglar? We are really caught in the coils of the "majority rules" nightmare where opinion can overrule the facts.” Folks, elections don’t determine morality.

Our right to defend ourselves:
SCOTUS sets date for oral argument in gun ban case
NBC 4 News
“The Supreme Court has set a date for hearing arguments in the D.C. gun ban case. Oral arguments will take place March 18 at 10 a.m. The court will examine the District’s 31-year-old ban on handguns, one of the strictest gun-control laws in the nation. A federal appeals court struck down the ban in March as incompatible with the Second Amendment. At issue is whether the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an individual’s right to own guns or instead merely sets forth the collective right of states to maintain militias.” (01/22/08)

It will be fascinating to see what is said, and especially what questions are asked.

Mama's Note: See "It's Time To Break Out The Torches And Pitchforks!" - and look at the previous articles archived on that page for more information. The whole case is bogus because the wrong questions are being asked.

Clement also claims: "Given the unquestionable threat to public safety that unrestricted private firearm possession would entail, various categories of firearm-related regulation are permitted by the 2nd Amendment."

Sorry, Mr. Clement, but the Second Amendment, "properly understood," does not "permit" or authorize the federal government to do anything. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand? The Second Amendment is a denial of power, not a grant of power. It specifically restrains the powers of the federal government concerning the right enumerated in the Amendment. Thus, contrary to Clement's assertion, the Second Amendment does not "permit" or authorize the federal government to impose "reasonable regulations" on anyone's rights.

Our right to defend ourselves:
AL: Resident fights back
WFSA News
“Witnesses say three men kicked down the door to a Montgomery man’s home and only two made it out without being shot. … witnesses reported that three men kicked in the door, attempted to rob the resident and then shot him in the arm. The resident then used a 9mm handgun and shot Mr. Trammer in the neck and leg. The other two suspects fled the scene, one ran out the front door and the other jumped out a window. Trammer was taken to Jackson Hospital where he is in serious but stable condition. Doctors say he may be paralyzed from the neck down.” (01/22/08)

Sad that the two made it out. Notice that though the felons were armed, they still ran when their victim turned out to be armed himself.

Our right to defend ourselves:
FL: Bills would “tighten” concealed carry laws
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“Two bills have been offered in the state Legislature that would make it harder for people in Florida to get or keep licenses to carry guns. In the House, a North Miami lawmaker is proposing to increase the time people have to wait before getting concealed weapon licenses if they’ve pleaded guilty or no contest to felonies but had convictions ‘withheld.’ People given those court breaks would have to wait five, not three, years after serving probation to obtain licenses to carry guns. The bill also increases the wait time from three to five years after conviction for certain crimes involving drugs and alcohol, violence and drunken driving.” (01/22/08)

Exactly what relation do these felonies, especially non-violent felonies, have to do with restricting their right to defend themselves? Is their right of free speech, or worship, or petition, also restricted because of their conviction? Of course not: this is insane and illogical.

Our right to defend ourselves:
TX: Some worried by law that allows [sic] drivers to go armed
Dallas News
“The state’s new castle law has grabbed the spotlight. But some say a lesser-known gun law, which also took effect in September, could have greater consequences. The law allows Texans to carry guns in their cars, even without a concealed handgun license. As long you meet the law’s other requirements — such as not being a gang member, refraining from criminal acts and keeping the gun out of sight — you can pack heat in your glove box. ‘Castle is just kind of yawn,’ said Alice Tripp, legislative director for the Texas State Rifle Association. Texans have always enjoyed robust rights of self-defense. But the gun carrying law ‘is dramatic,’ she said.” [Editor’s note: This has always been the law in SC - MLS] (01/19/08)

And in many other states, Mary Lou. Open carry, in fact: in some states you must have the gun in plain view. This is just another example of how hoploclasts seek to rouse public fear to their advantage.

Our right to defend ourselves:
PA: Man shoots home invader, helps capture another
Times Leader
“A Beaver County man shot an apparent burglar in the head after finding him prowling in his bedroom. Police say 23-year-old Keith McCue shot Gary Brooks as he fled down the steps of the house. Police say 26-year-old Brooks and an accomplice, 41-year-old Kelvin Raines, broke into the McCue house by kicking in the front door. They took a rifle from the living room and headed upstairs. McCue was alerted by his dogs’ barking. He shot Brooks with a handgun he keeps by his bed.” (01/21/08)

So the felons were armed, with their victim’s own weapon, when one was killed. Too bad both didn’t get a chance to get shot by Mr. McCue.

Mama's Note: Another good reason not to leave your firearms laying around unsecured! Keith was mighty lucky, in spite of being armed otherwise. Don't give an intruder the advantage of using your own guns against you!

Our right to defend ourselves:
FL: “Sweetest, kindest gentleman” shoots suspect
Miami Herald
“A white-haired 85-year-old man, rushing to his son’s defense, shot and wounded a would-be car thief Monday morning in Little Havana, Miami police said. The suspect, Norberto Fernandez, 29, had been trying to steal Jorge Jauregui’s white Honda Accord in front of his house, 1368 SW 14th St. Jorge Jauregui, 50, armed with a handgun, ordered Fernandez out of the car, police said. ‘I don’t care,’ responded the alleged thief, according to Miami police spokesman William Moreno. The two engaged in a ‘vicious fight,’ Moreno said. Then his father, Florentino Jauregui, also armed, rushed out of the house and ‘fearing his grandson was being overpowered,’ shot and wounded Fernandez, Moreno said.” (01/21/08)

Enough said. Family member defends his family.

Mama's Note: As some wisecracker said: Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

Our right to defend ourselves:
TX: For gun owners, added protection
Dallas Morning News
“The shootings came fast, a bang-bang-bang cluster of cases starting in early autumn that quickly had police, prosecutors and the media wondering about the sudden impact of Texas’ new castle law. … ‘I think the castle law has more citizens thinking about fighting back, knowing they’re protected from being sued later,’ said Dallas homeowner Dennis Baker. He shot and killed a burglar in October after seeing the man enter the garage where he stored thousands of dollars worth of tools. … Dallas police homicide investigators said they’ve yet to encounter a self-defense situation since the castle law took effect that would have been barred under previous laws.” (01/20/08)

The difference is, of course, is that the debate and the publicity over the castle law made people aware once again that they COULD be armed and COULD defend themselves whereas otherwise they may have been fearful of more trouble than not and let the criminals steal.

Our right to defend ourselves:
VA: “Loophole” bill rejected
Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot
“Families of those killed and wounded during a deranged gunman’s rampage at Virginia Tech implored a legislative panel to close the loophole in state law that allows criminals and the mentally ill to buy firearms at gun shows. The Republican-dominated committee ignored them, voting 13-9 along party lines Friday to kill legislation to require unlicensed sellers at gun shows to run criminal background checks on buyers. Such checks now are required only of federally licensed gun dealers. … Gun-rights advocates who opposed the bill noted that Cho did not buy his weapon at a gun show, and one even suggested gun-control activists were capitalizing on the Virginia Tech tragedy to advance their agenda.” (01/18/08)

Good. An opportunistic grab for power appears to have been defeated.

Our right to defend ourselves::
CO: Teen shoots robbers
Denver Channel
“A Fountain teenager who woke up to the sounds of robbers in his home said that he didn’t hesitate to shoot the men before they took off with his flat screen television. Fountain police spokesman Sgt. Jess Freeman said the suspects are currently hospitalized for treatment of gunshot wounds. … Cody Buckler, 19, said he was asleep at about 11 p.m. Sunday when he heard unfamiliar voices in the living room. He told authorities he overheard someone tell a child in the house that they were a police officer, so Buckler crept down the hall and saw two men who were wearing masks, hats and gloves. Buckler then went back to his bedroom, grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun and shot one of the men as the man carried out Buckler’s flat-screen TV. He then shot the second man as the man came up the stairs toward him. Both men escaped but were apprehended at a nearby hospital by police. They both had semiautomatic handguns, according to police. Buckler’s girlfriend, her young daughter and two other children live in the home.” (01/22/08)

Were they playing cop or were they “rogue” cops? These days, you never know.

Persian front:
US says attacks from armor-piercing bombs down in Iraq [sic]
ABC News
“The U.S. Military worried Sunday about ‘mixed messages’ from Iran, listing a dramatic drop in Iranian-made weapons reaching Iraq but no reduction in the training and financing of Shiite militants. The report card further muddles U.S.-Iranian relations as Washington ratchets up its anti-Tehran rhetoric in the shadow of a recent intelligence report that the Islamic Republic halted a nuclear weapons program four years ago.” (01/20/08)

The mixed nature of the Iranian “messages” is no surprise, and almost certainly intentional – Iran needs uncertainty in the West as it continues to play its games. At the same time, despite the story’s claims about the Bush Administration “ratcheting” up its verbal attacks, I’ve heard considerably less in the last several weeks.

Persian front:
France says new Iran resolution imminent
Belleville News-Democrat
“The U.N. Security Council’s five permanent members and Germany are expected to agree Tuesday on a new resolution to pressure Iran over its nuclear program, a French diplomat said. But a U.S. Official said differences over the issue remain. The senior French diplomat, who briefed reporters Monday on condition that he not be identified by name, said an agreement was very close and should be finalized by the six nation’s foreign ministers at a meeting in Berlin, Germany.” (01/21/08)

Jaw, jaw is still preferable to war, war.

Persian front:
Russian nuclear fuel shipment reaches Iran
MSNBC
“A fourth Russian shipment of nuclear fuel arrived in Iran on Sunday, destined for a power plant being constructed in the southern port of Bushehr, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. The report said 11 tons of fuel arrived at the Bushehr power plant. Iran received its third Russian shipment on Friday.” (01/20/08)

Russia continues to feather its nest with Iran.

Mama's Note: I'm curious why, if Iran is making so much of this stuff, why they would need any from Russia...

Pirates:
MPAA admits bad data used to back frivolous litigation, lobbying
Campus Technology
“Following a report from the Associate Press Tuesday, the Motion Picture Association of America Wednesday formally admitted that it made a blunder in its piracy statistics, which previously blamed college and university students for a whopping 44 percent of all movie industry losses attributable to piracy. It now says that figure is drastically lower than originally thought. But the association isn’t backing down on its stance that the problem remains a ‘profound’ one. … The MPAA’s previously released figures had played a role in legislation that would force or financially pressure (depending on the particular piece of legislation) colleges and universities to deploy technologies to combat piracy on campus. The current 15 percent figure, however, does not necessarily represent students downloading media illegally through campus networks. The downloads could take place anywhere.” (01/23/08)

The “pirates” in these stories are NOT the students and other targeted by the MPAA and RIAA: it is the MPAA and RIAA that have that role: they are lying and threatening the actual thieves AND anyone else they can, in order to take advantage of increasingly Byzantine and immoral copyright laws and increase profits.

Pirates:
Recording industry threatens to sue students
San Francisco Chronicle
“Natalie Miles, a legal studies student at UC Santa Cruz, is getting some unwelcome education in her major. Attorneys representing some of Hollywood’s biggest companies say the 20-year-old illegally made 599 songs available for sharing on a popular online service. For that, she was told in a letter from the recording industry, Miles will be sued in federal court unless she can come up with about $3,000 for a settlement. ‘It’s horrible,’ said Miles, who insists she did nothing wrong and can’t afford to settle. ‘I just don’t think that these people realize that they’re ruining people’s lives.’” (01/22/08)

Of course, the pirates’ definition of “illegally” might not match either legal or moral understandings; as they claim more and more protection from their customers doing anything but listening to the original copy of whatever they thought that they bought.

South Asia front:
US willing to send troops to Pakistan
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
“The Bush administration is willing to send a small number of U.S. combat troops to Pakistan to help fight the insurgency there if Pakistani authorities ask for such help, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday. ‘We remain ready, willing and able to assist the Pakistanis and to partner with them to provide additional training, to conduct joint operations, should they desire to do so,’ Gates told a news conference.” (01/24/08)

This is insane: Pakistan is at very best an ally of convenience, and more than likely to be a major enemy in the next few years. The US canNOT be the world’s policeman, and we should NOT support the Pakis any more than we should support Saudis, Syrians, or Palestinian Arabs.

South Asian front:
Bangladesh: Nine students freed after protests
Agence France-Presse
“Nine Bangladeshi students accused of inciting campus unrest last August were released from jail after hundreds of people staged protests demanding their freedom, police said. The students were arrested in August over nationwide campus violence that left at least one person dead and hundreds injured. ‘Nine students have been released after the government dropped charges,’ jailer Shafiqul Islam said. ‘There are now no more students detained over last August’s unrest.’ Hundreds of supporters garlanded the students, who were released in batches, after they arrived at Dhaka University from jail. Their release followed two days of demonstrations by students calling for their liberty.” (01/23/08)

Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, is a Muslim nation that was split off from India at the end of the Raj. As such, there is no way to tell who was in the right on this, or what the consequences will be.

Space:
Branson unveils SpaceShipTwo
New York Daily News
“It sounds spacey, but British billionaire Richard Branson unveiled a rocket ship Wednesday to take tourists on an out-of-this-world ride. Standing in front of a model of SpaceShipTwo at the American Museum of Natural History, the Virgin Airways founder announced his team will begin conducting suborbital test flights later this year. If all goes well, commercial passengers will be able to go where only astronauts have gone before — but tickets will cost an astronomical $200,000.” (01/24/08)

The Daily News apparently can’t take this news seriously, can they? This will greatly speed up the exploitation of near-earth space, I believe. But I wonder, does the $200K ticket include a carbon offset fee?

Stupid government tricks:
Documents: EPA expected to lose emissions suit
Reuters
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency figured it would lose a lawsuit filed by California if the agency turned down the state’s request to toughen vehicle emissions standards to fight global warming, according to documents released on Wednesday. The suit the documents envisioned was filed on January 2, after the agency rejected a petition by California seeking a waiver from federal law to impose more stringent standards for greenhouse gas emissions from cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles. Fifteen other states were poised to follow California’s lead, if the waiver had been approved.” (01/23/08)

The EPA, given its institutional bias and its political makeup, very likely WANTS to lose this suit, as it has so many others in the past: they chafe at the restrictions Congress places on the regulation of greenhouse gases and welcome the sixteen states’ stupidity.

Stupid government tricks:
Germany: “Theft-proof” police car stolen
Ananova [UK]
“A high tech, theft-proof £75,000 police car was stolen in Berlin — after officers left it unlocked with the key in the ignition. The special BMW, which features high-tech surveillance equipment and sophisticated electronic locks and immobilisers to make it theft proof, was the pride of the Berlin police force.” (01/21/08)

Oh, is this ever poetic justice! As Mama says, this is TOO funny.

Mama's Note: And not a word more about it either. I wonder if they'll ever find it... or even any of the pieces. These cops need to go back to horses. At least the horses can find their own way back to the barn.

Stupid government tricks:
UK: Pantomime gun must be registered
BBC News [UK]
“A Cornish village drama group has had to register a toy gun with the police to comply with health and safety rules. Carnon Downs drama group in Cornwall have also had to keep their plastic cutlasses and wooden swords locked up for the pantomime, Robinson Crusoe. Producers of the show called the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rules ‘farcical.’ A spokesman for the HSE said the rules were designed to make risks ’sensibly managed.’” (01/18/08)

This, on the other hand, SHOULD be a spoof, but ‘tain’t funny, Fibber, not at all. What a stupid waste of time.

Mama's Note: I just wonder what's next... when do the people of the UK (and elsewhere) get orders to have their fingernails pared by "professionals" from the state, just to be sure the risk is "sensibly managed."

Stupid government tricks:
NH: Baby for sale on Craigslist?
Fox News
“Police in Newmarket, N.H. are investigating whether a recent ad on craigslist offering to sell a baby is true or just a hoax. The ad in part reads, My daughter is almost 1-year-old and is driving me nuts … if you have always wanted a child of your own and you either (expletive) or can’t get approved for adoption then this is you, MyFoxBoston.com reported. It continued, I am somewhat flexible on the terms of the lease. If you decide you would like to purchase the child at the end of the lease, all baby cloths and toys that I have are included in the final sale price. The ad was removed within 19 minutes of being published, according to the report.” (01/19/08)

This almost certainly is a joke on someone’s part – much as any parent can sympathize with the frustration that can lead to this. Notice that the story headline is inaccurate; it is only a lease being offered at this time, not an outright purchase. Would a deposit be required?

Mama's Note: We didn't have an internet in those days, of course, but I remember days when I PAID someone to take my boys for a few hours, or let Grandma take one for a week. But let them go forever? Not a chance. :)

Stupid government tricks:
MA: Budget to challenge legislators on casinos
Boston Globe
“In a challenge to lawmakers to accept his plans to expand gambling, Governor Deval L. Patrick will propose using $124 million of the $300 million that he said could be generated from casino licensing fees to cover a local aid shortfall. Leslie Kirwan, the state’s secretary of Administration and Finance, said yesterday that Patrick has decided against a plan to use the entire $300 million to help close a huge budget deficit and pay for some of his expanded programs and initiatives. Patrick will unveil his budget plan for fiscal year 2009 on Wednesday. ‘The governor’s budget will not be balanced with this money,’ Kirwan said in an interview yesterday. She said the $124 million would make up the projected shortfall in the State Lottery, the major source of local aid to already financially strapped cities and towns, and would not be part of the budget’s balance sheet.” (01/20/08)

As I recall, as usual, the casinos were sold to Mass voters as a way of “improving education” but it becomes just another source of revenue.

Stupid government tricks:
CO: Birth control tested on elk herd
Arizona Republic
“A cow elk lay on her side in a meadow ringed by towering, snowy peaks on Friday, rocking back and forth before struggling to her feet. She had just been darted with an anesthetic, injected with an experimental contraceptive and given a test for chronic wasting disease. A second drug to reverse the anesthesia was taking hold, and after a brief wobble, she bounded off to join the rest of the herd. This 15-year-old is one of 120 female elk in Rocky Mountain National Park undergoing similar treatment from researchers who are seeking reliable, multiyear contraception for wildlife and an easier way to detect chronic wasting, a fatal disease that attacks the brain. All will get the chronic wasting test, but half will get a saline solution instead of the contraceptive and will serve as a control group. It will be the first such research conducted on a free-ranging elk herd.” (01/20/08)

It seems to me like a bullet and selling a hunting license would be a whole lot easier, and a whole lot more effective.

Mama's Note: This is insane. The elk herds here in Wyoming and Montana have been decimated by wolves and other problems. It's almost impossible to get an elk tag here. More hunting, (of both elk and wolves) with far fewer restrictions seems a much more intelligent answer than playing with "birth control." This is more environmental BS. They will fight any kind of hunting as hard as they can.

Stupid government tricks:
Lax oversight found at some forensic labs
Arizona Republic
“Charges of negligence and misconduct at some police forensic-evidence labs remain unchecked because of lax oversight allowed by the Justice Department, an internal audit concludes. Critics say the gaps raise questions about the accuracy of DNA evidence used to convict or clear suspects in criminal cases. The audit, released Friday, found that the Justice Department doesn’t require allegations of wrongdoing at state and local police labs to be reported to independent investigators. Moreover, 34 percent of independent investigators charged with overseeing the labs lacked the authority, ability or resources to do so, according to the report issued by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine.” (01/20/08)

And we literally trust life and death in the hands of these people.

Stupid government tricks::
“Stimulus” scam could mean checks by May
Decatur Herald & Review
“With unprecedented speed and cooperation, Congress and the White House forged a deal Thursday to begin rushing tax rebates of $600 to $1,200 to most tax filers by spring, hoping they will spend the money just as quickly and jolt the ailing economy to life. Rebates would be even higher for families with children.” (01/24/08)

This is about as intelligent as the pet-rock fad it so resembles. Doesn’t anyone understand basic economics?

Mama's Note: Even if these people did understand economics - and surely some of them must - you know that sound money or other intelligent market measures simply would not appeal to the "free lunch" desires of so many people. Therefore, it's very unlikely that those kinds of things would be proposed. Politicians sell the "free lunch," not individual responsibility.

Stupid people tricks:
TX: Parents sue hospital after baby’s body sent to cleaners
Fox News
“A couple are suing a hospital after their stillborn baby’s body was sent with dirty laundry to the cleaners. The Huguley Memorial Medical Center of Fort Worth staff took 19 hours to find the missing body, which was unpreserved and by then had been crushed and disfigured, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday. Kourtney McGee of Cleburne went to Huguley in July because she was bleeding in her second trimester, then gave birth to Jacob Dwayne Robinson. Staff told McGee and Milburn ‘Pete’ Robinson of Alvarado, the baby’s father, that the body would be taken the morgue. But when the funeral director arrived, he was told the body could not be found. The baby’s body was not refrigerated when it got to the morgue but instead was sent to a commercial cleaner with the laundry, according to the suit.” [Editor’s note: How long before the cleaners sue, for emotional distress upon opening the laundry-bucket? - SAT] (01/23/08)

Seems like the stupidity is on both sides, here; first, that the problem happened in the first place, the hospital did not take immediate action to satisfy the parents and second, that the lawsuit was filed.

The Afghan front:
Afghanistan: Karzai criticizes Brits for occupation role
Times Online [UK]
“Britain and Afghanistan fell out in spectacular fashion yesterday after President Karzai accused his British allies of bungling the military operation in Helmand and setting back prospects for the area by 18 months. Mr. Karzai, Britain’s key ally in Afghanistan, had little praise for the efforts of the 7,800 British troops deployed in his country. Most are in the restless southern Helmand province, where Britain has invested billions of pounds in trying to defeat the Taleban, bolster central government authority and begin reconstruction.” (01/24/08)

Wonder if Mr. Karzai is eating his Wheaties? Or did he get a spine transplant?

The Afghan front:
Wounded Afghans: Marines fired without cause
MSNBC
“Two Afghan civilians wounded by gunfire from a U.S. Marine special operations unit told a panel investigating the incident Tuesday that they had no weapons and were not attacking the unit’s convoy. An Army investigation concluded last year that up to 19 civilians died in the shootings, but attorneys for two Marine officers involved argue the death toll was lower.” (01/22/08)

I do not envy the investigation panel at all.

The African Front:
Congo: 5.4 million alleged dead as peace deal signed
CNN
“The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and armed groups in the country signed a deal Wednesday to end years of fighting in the country’s east, according to Peter Kessler, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He had no details about the scope of the agreement. The signing ended a more than two-week-long conference between the two sides in the eastern city of Goma.” (01/23/08)

Much as I pray that this really is peace, I don’t think it has much chance of lasting more than a few weeks.

The African Front:
Kenya’s violence chokes flow of goods to the region
Christian Science Monitor
“Looking out his office window at Kenya’s largest port, Mombasa, Wilson Rading counted seven ships waiting to unload. For the director of DFS Express Lines, a small freight logistics company, it was like watching his money sink to the bottom of the harbor. Mombasa is the largest port between South Africa and Egypt and an essential gateway for goods to Kenya and growing inland economies like Uganda, Rwanda, southern Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But the ethnic violence that killed more than 600 people and displaced more than 250,000 in the wake of Kenya’s disputed Dec. 27 presidential election has caused a massive buildup in the harbor. Now, security concerns are delaying the delivery of cargo and fuel across the region, leading to shortages, price hikes, and angry consumers.” (01/24/08)

Some of the downside of civil unrest around the world; many American cities would be far worse off. It may be months before this is back to normal, based on the next story.

The African Front:
Kenyans hacked to death with machetes
Baxter Bulletin
“Several people were beaten and hacked to death with machetes in a Nairobi slum Sunday in renewed ethnic fighting over Kenya’s disputed election, residents said. Elsewhere, police managed to quell more than two days of fierce fighting around a Catholic monastery that killed 22 people and left 200 homes burned in the Rift Valley, 190 miles northwest of the capital Nairobi, officials said.” (01/20/08)

If this can happen even in Kenya, the rest of Africa is toast.

Theft by government:
MN: Land theft case due in court
Pioneer Press
“To make room for 70 acres of housing, offices, parking ramps and retail shops, Jerry Larson is ready to relocate Larson Auto Repair from Eagan’s Cedarview Drive. But he’s holding out for $1 million to do it. That would be the cost, he maintains, of moving his 14-year-old business into a six-bay garage behind the Wal-Mart at Eagan’s Town Centre. Even at that price tag, his new digs would have fewer parking spots and less visibility from the highway. ‘A million dollars is the magic number,’ said Larson, who said city officials have offered him less than half that sum to skedaddle. … Larson isn’t the only holdout in the Cedarvale neighborhood, which Eagan plans to redevelop into a ‘gateway corridor’ of retail, restaurants and housing called Cedar Grove. … Eagan has responded by attempting to acquire the 15 properties by eminent domain — and fast.” (01/23/08)

It isn’t just the theft, it is the corruption that accompanies it: the process of determining the true value (or cost) of the land and relocations is so political that the poor, common guy gets taken to the cleaners twice: one in losing the property and a second time in getting paid significantly less than the true cost.

Theft by government:
ME: Cops try to steal winning lottery ticket
USA Today
“Police in Ellsworth, Maine, are trying to confiscate a drug suspect’s winning lottery ticket because they say it’s the proceeds of a crime. Michael David, 46, was charged with selling an undercover cop four 10-mg methadone pills. He’s accused of pocketing $60 during the sale, and police say he used part of the proceeds to purchase a lottery ticket that was worth $1,000.” (01/22/08)

Forfeiture anyone? Stupid cop trick indeed.

Theft by government:
UK: “Four out of 10 bikers dodge road tax”
Independent [UK]
“The DVLA’s enforcement of road tax for motorcycles risks becoming ‘a complete laughing stock,’ with almost four out of 10 bikers evading the £64-a-year charge, an MPs’ committee warned today. A total of 5 per cent of drivers evaded Vehicle Excise Duty in 2006, costing the taxpayer £214 million, found the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. Avoidance was up from 3.6 per cent in 2005, and brought the level to twice the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency’s 2.5 per cent target, which officials admitted they would not hit. Among motorcyclists evasion soared to 38 per cent from 30 per cent the year before.” [Editor’s note: Of course, it “costs the taxpayer” nothing for another individual not pay a tax - TLK] (01/23/08)

Expect it to get worse as prices rise and the world economy sinks. Dodging the tax is considered to be a response to an immoral action by the government: theft of millions in taxes from drivers.

Theft by government:
Venezuela: Chavez threatens to seize farms
Arizona Republic
“President Hugo Chavez threatened on Sunday to take over farms or milk plants if owners refuse to sell their milk for domestic consumption and instead seek higher profits abroad or from cheese makers. With the country recently facing milk shortages, Chavez said ‘it’s treason’ for farmers to deny milk to Venezuelans while selling it across the border in Colombia or for gourmet cheeses. ‘In that case, the farm must be expropriated,’ Chavez said, adding that the government could also take over milk plants and properties of beef producers. … Addressing his Cabinet, he said: ‘If the army must be brought in, you bring in the army.’” (01/21/08)

Strong words from a thief, eh? “Treason” against what? So much for the leader of the people: his red underwear has soaked pretty much completely through his populist outer clothing.

Mama's Note: And they simply never learn. The more government tries to control the price and productivity, the less is produced and the greater the shortages, increasing the real price and creating a black market - and usually crime to go with it. There are mountains of evidence to prove it is destructive to the whole society, but these tyrants can never let go of the idea that they can somehow make it work out as they wish.

War on some drugs:
CA: Court okays firing of medical marijuana patients
Yahoo! News
“Employers can fire workers who use medical marijuana even if it was legally recommended by a doctor, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday, dealing the state another setback in its standoff with federal law enforcement. The high court upheld a small Sacramento telecommunications company’s firing of a man who flunked a company-ordered drug test. Gary Ross held a medical marijuana card authorizing him to use the drug to treat a back injury sustained while serving in the Air Force. The company, Ragingwire Inc., argued that it rightfully fired Ross because all marijuana use is illegal under federal law, which does not recognize the medical marijuana laws in California and 11 other states. The justices upheld that argument in a 5-2 decision.” [Editor’s note: Right decision, wrong reason; the right reason would be that unless there’s a contract, employer OR employee is free to break off the relationship for ANY reason. Of course it will be a cold day in hell before I buy hosting I believe to be in any way associated with Ragingwire - TLK] (01/24/08)

Tom’s logic is sound. It is still a shame that a company would do this to a worker.

War on some drugs:
VA: Serve sangria, go to jail
Raw Story
“Serving the traditional Spanish beverage of sangria could land you in hot water in the southern state of Virginia, but lawmakers were debating Thursday whether to legalize the tapas bar favorite. ‘We have a code in Virginia that says no distilled spirit may be added to wine or beer prior to a customer’s order,’ Kristy Marshall, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control agency, told AFP. ‘A lot of restaurants like to pre-mix a drink in the morning and have one big batch to serve throughout the day. It’s the pre-mixing that makes it illegal,’ Marshall said.” (01/24/08)

Alcohol laws, like the drug laws, make no sense because they are nothing more than political compromises.

War on some drugs:
OH: Victim of drug thugs tries to rebuild her life
Palladium Item
“A woman wrongly convicted by the federal government with help from a drug informant who lied served 16 months in prison before she was released with no home to return to and a 3-year-old daughter who didn’t recognize her. Defense attorneys say a street-smart but dishonest informant and a federal agent working without oversight manipulated the system to convict Geneva France and dozens of others. ‘They stole the truth,’ France said. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever trust people again. It’s too hard. I don’t know how a human being with a heart could stand up there and lie about another person. They stole part of my life.’ France, 25, was convicted of being a drug courier — a conviction that prosecutors now acknowledge was built on lies. … Federal prosecutors were expected to ask a judge Tuesday or Wednesday to throw out the convictions of 15 men imprisoned in the same tainted investigation, including the case against a man serving 30 years in prison. U.S. District Judge John Adams told attorneys Tuesday that he hopes to have the men out of prison by Feb. 1.” [hat tip - Rex Bell] (01/22/08)

As Mama asked, how many more hundreds of thousands like her are still in jail? And by the way, why does it take so long to release an innocent person?

War on some drugs:
Proposal would exempt churches from “No Smoking” signs
Tennessean
“Lawmakers are considering a proposal to exempt churches from a state law that requires ‘No Smoking’ sings be posted at their entrances. The state’s indoor smoking ban went into effect in October. The ban applies to most indoor businesses and public places and requires that the international ‘No Smoking’ symbol be posted at all entrances. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Dewayne Bunch, a Cleveland Republican. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee next week.” (01/23/08)

An example of a stupid law and incompetent writing of the law.

Mama's Note: Well, gosh... if people are smart enough not to need a sign in front of a church, why do they need one in front of the grocery store or anywhere else? Do they suddenly get smarter when they go to church? The prohibition is insane, and the signs are merely more of the same.

War on some drugs:
Mexico, US step up cooperation in drug thuggery
Christian Science Monitor
“Mexico just keeps getting deadlier. Even as President Felipe Calderon dispatched more than 24,000 military and security forces to pacify areas overrun by drug gangs, the country saw more than 2,500 deaths related to the drug trade in 2007. Mexico has logged important successes, from extraditions to drug seizures, and Mr. Calderon’s administration has been lauded by many observers as the boldest in recent history in the face of organized crime. On Monday, officials announced the arrest of one of Mexico’s top operatives, a suspected leader of the infamous Sinaloa cartel.” (01/22/08)

It is, as predicted, getting worse quickly, and will continue to do so.

War on some drugs:
Smoking 101: Paying middle-schoolers to not light up
CBC News [Canada]
“Canadian smokers and non-smokers in grades five through eight are being offered $5,000 to quit smoking or stay smoke-free throughout their high school years. The group Rewarding Everyone Who Acts Responsibly and Doesn’t Smoke, or R.E.W.A.R.D.S., is unveiling its Canada-wide program in conjunction with National Non-Smoking Week, which begins Sunday. In order to be eligible, students must sign a contract pledging to remain smoke-free at least until graduation. They must also enlist four sponsors who agree to donate a small amount of cash each month to the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. foundation which, in turn, hands the money to the student when they complete Grade 12.” (01/17/08)

About as stupid as paying students to study more, this just provides another way to hook kids on a worse drug than tobacco: dependence on government.

World wars:
Sunken treasure of silver now a court battle
MSNBC
“The playground legal principle ‘Finders keepers, losers weepers’ is being put to the test in an international dispute over what could be the richest sunken treasure ever found: 17 tons of silver coins brought up from a centuries-old shipwreck. A Florida treasure-hunting company, Odyssey Marine Exploration, found the wreck at the bottom of the Atlantic and argues that the age-old law of the high seas entitles the finders to most or all of the booty, said to be worth around $500 million.” (01/24/08)

Funny, how this law has been accepted internationally for many centuries, but now governments can’t accept that they might lose possession of something they lost hundreds of years ago, when big bucks are involved.

World wars:
Army wants to cut war tours to 12 months
Fremont Tribune
“Soldiers’ battlefield tours would be cut from 15 months to 12 months beginning Aug. 1, under a proposal being considered by the Army as part of an effort to reduce the stress on a force battered by more than six years at war. The proposal, recommended by U.S. Army Forces Command, is being reviewed by senior Army and Pentagon leaders, and would be contingent on the changing needs for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.” (01/23/08)

Good.

To contribute to RRND using PayPal or e-gold, see the sidebar of any page at rationalreview.com.

If you prefer tax deductibility, support ISIL and "earmark" your contribution for the support of Freedom News Daily.

And if you'd like to physically ship us checks, money orders, wampum, bullion, Federal Reserve Notes, used bottles that can be returned for deposit refunds, or pieces of toast with images of the Virgin Mary on them that we can auction on eBay, just drop me a line for instructions on how to do that. (Seriously: We're always looking for computer hardware -- if you've got a reasonably recent desktop or laptop that you're looking to unload, let me know).

THANK YOU for your continuing support!

Yours in liberty,
Tom Knapp
Publisher
Rational Review

[Please note: The Price of Liberty is a non-commercial website and does not derive any income from the support of RRND or anything else. ]