Tilting at windmills – what are the results?

Posted on March 6, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

Don Quixote, hero of Miguel de Cervantes’ novel and the much more recent musical, is famed for tilting at windmills, believing them to be (in his senility) monsters with four arms intent on conquest and domination.

Of course, his efforts availed nothing, except to demonstrate his concern for others. But no one was rescued from tyranny or destruction by his efforts against windmills.

Today, we suggest a similar mental problem in many lovers of liberty: in many of those who try to defend freedom. We waste our effort, our resources tilting at windmills and not fighting true evil.

Consider FirstLiberty.org. They tell us: “First Liberty has proven that we can fight and win for religious freedom at the highest court in the land. Through multiple landmark Supreme Court cases, we have set historic legal precedent that protect all people of faith. And the opportunities for impacting our nation’s future are bigger now than ever before. Learn more about the victories that are restoring religious liberty for generations to come!“

The organization recently sent out an email, proclaiming their “Victory!” in one particular case in Tennessee. “We secured a victory for our client Eric Rivera, a first-grade teacher at Antioch College Prep Elementary School who was facing termination over his faith. The school cleared Eric’s record after previously issuing a “final warning letter” and removing him from the classroom after he declined to read materials promoting same-sex marriage. Eric had asked a colleague to read the material as an accommodation of his religious beliefs. The school also agreed to accommodate all teachers and allow them to “ask another employee to read materials objectionable to their faith.””

Now, as far as Mr. Rivera is concerned, yes, there was a victory. Of sorts. He didn’t lose his job. He didn’t have to sully his voice with stating things that (a) violated his conscience, and (b) weren’t true: indeed were propaganda.

But a victory for liberty? For freedom of conscience? For truth? (Remember: “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”) Please. In essence, we submit Mr. Rivera sold out his faith and truth for personal gain: keeping his job.

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Iran, war, and the FedGov (anyone remember the Constitution?)

Posted on March 5, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

Who is right? What did Trump actually do? Whatever he did, TPOL’s bottom line is “A POX ON BOTH THEIR HOUSES!”

Many Democrats, and many libertarian (and Libertarians) have declared that The Donald ordering the attack on Iran last weekend was “unconstitutional” and/or “illegal” or just plain “wrong.” So let us here at TPOL throw some more wood on the fire.

For everyone saying the Limited Military Operation in Iran is “Unconstitutional,” we agree.

The problem is the 1973 War Powers Act. It was designed to curb Nixon’s “Imperial Presidency.” (Look it up.) That act of Congress allows an Executive to (a) commit troops/military action without either (i) a Declaration of War from Congress, or (b) any other sort of “Authority” from Congress; (b) provided the President informs Congress within 48 hours of taking the action, and (b) provided the actions are limited to 60 days without Congressional approval. (Up to 90 days if American troops need more time to ensure their own (relative) safety.)

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Growing fractures in the American population

Posted on March 4, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

The varied reactions in the last 96 hours (as we write this) to the massive attack on Iran by the FedGov and the State of Israel have again revealed the growing divides in American society. Not just but especially in civic and political matters.

This fragmentation is not just growing. The yawning gap in Americans’ opinions and positions also demonstrates the sources of the varying (and opposing) worldviews of our people. Including outright lies, twisted truth, crazy assumptions, and more. We can see it not just in the old parties, with the difference between blue and red States and politics. We see it too in libertarians. We are all over the place.

Even a quick and shallow review of the reactions to the situation published by a wide range of libertarian and mainstream political and media outlets shows this. We have hardened in our positions and in our opinions. And all too often it is misinformation or misunderstanding that separates and hardens our stances on all too many issues. Americans have formed tight cliches based on very specific views and positions, in direct conflict with other groups, and often as an immediate and long-term reactions (and over-reactions) to some perceived belief or attitude. The result? There is less and less cooperation, or even dialogue, between the various groups. Communication fails, and adds to the division. We gang up: “my people” and “you monsters.” And this ganging up reveals both the growing fractures and the realization that we that we are becoming more irrational, more emotional, more condemning of any deviation or differences.

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Surveillence state: time to opt out

Posted on March 3, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

We see it more and more: real ID, the use of biometric facial recognition apps by DHS, USGS, etc., the demand to constantly not just prove our identity, but let various entities use biometric methods to identify us. Those organizations include banks, motels and hotels, airlines, our own employers, and of course, government agencies of all types. It is reported that ICE has more than 200 million individual Americans and immigrants in their databases, used in the field to identify immigrants and others.

At the same time, surveillance cameras are popping up in more and more locations in virtually every community in the States. Traffic cameras can often actually record the operator and other passengers, not just license plates on vehicles. Walking in and out of banks, credit unions, courthouses, even supermarkets and convenience stores, take pictures. And if you use a credit card, debit card, provide ID to a security guard, or enter your “frequent-buyer” number or card, the images of your face can be linked to “your papers.” And no “bitte” or “please” is needed.

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The conundrum of war in the 21st century

Posted on March 2, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

The various news and political talk shows have pretty much responded as expected to the massive naval and air attack by combined American and Israeli forces on the Iranian Islamic Republic this weekend. As have the various national leaders around the world. But in doing so, we find some oddities, and how divided the American people and many around the world are: great joy and absolute horror across a wide range.

With a few exceptions, it seems. For example, although no one is surprised by SC Senator Lindsey Graham’s loud applause and celebration, PA Senator Fetterman (perhaps shocking many) abandoned his fellow Democrats (once again) and praised The Donald and the attack. On the other hand, both KY Senator Rand Paul and Representative Thomas Massie maintained their principled opposition to going to war without a declaration of war. They have joined VA Senator Kaine in pushing for a war powers resolution. We are not surprised to see those who fled from Iran or have family there happy about the attack, just as we expected the hatred demonstrated by Islamists and hatred of The Donald!

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Texas -190 years old

Posted on March 2, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

Just a quick note: the Republic of Texas (well, its modern reincarnation as the 2nd State of Texas) celebrates 190 years today, 02 March 2026. In 1836, Texas pushed against all the odds and declared its independence, after years of trying to rescue the United Mexican States (which was supposed to be a federal republic but had turned into a centralized tyranny).

Texas has been up and down since then, and it took several years and a lot of blood to do things that patriots like Sam Houston needed to be done. As governments go, that original Texian government was better than most. Including the United States of America from at least 1861 on.

Honor the brave men and women who fought for Texas’ liberty, the freedom of her land and people, and will have to do so soon once more. Uphold the values and ideals on which the Republic was founded, even if not all achieved. And pray to the Lord for liberty and peace.

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Another war

Posted on March 1, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

Yesterday’s attack by Israeli and US forces on Iran has within hours expanded to include a dozen different nations.

As usual, we have nowhere near enough information to figure out what is really going on. The claims made by various and sundry (including The Donald and Bibi) seem to be contradictory and are challenged by people in all corners of the political diamond. Not just in Israel and the States, but around the world.

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Real world problems: floods and droughts, hurricanes and blizzards, tornadoes and hail #3 Floods, winds, fires, and hurricanes

Posted on February 28, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

Politics and political troubles, like other forms of war, distract us from real-world problems that can and do harm and even kill us. While many are man-made entirely, others are natural events. Natural? Yes, but influenced and modified (made worse) by humans.

But not necessarily all of them. Despite the screams from various groups, not every weather-related problem or disaster is the fault of humans. Or even of governments.

The last several years, and what seems to be a massive number and size of tornadoes and thunderstorms in many of the States, are an example of that. Massive amounts of precip in Texas and New Mexico from 2024 have been replaced by large areas of drought in 2025, continuing now. Not just in the Southwest, but in much of the nation. In recent months, we have seen amazing winds ripping across large areas of the west: “hurricane-strength” over large areas. In the last few weeks, dryness, dust and winds have caused massive fires in the Southern Great Plains, and truly impressive car and truck pileups, killing and injuring many people and closing highways.

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Legacy – a few thoughts about Ronald Reagan

Posted on February 27, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

It is sometimes a bit of a shock to us here at TPOL to realize it’s been more than 38 years since Reagan left office, and 46 years: almost half a century! since he took office. The man was born 115 years ago!

The changes in these United States and the world in that time are staggering. Mostly for the worse in so many ways. (Not that there are not many good things that have been done and accomplished. Or at least things which can be used for good.)

Reagan’s record, like all American presidents, is very mixed. He did a lot of bad things. He let a lot more bad things take place during his two terms in office. But he was both a good actor and an incredible speaker. And overall, his two terms were very welcome as compared to the great mess in which we Americans found ourselves in the 1970s. Perhaps his greatest flaw was that he did not push more to undo so much that the FedGov did in the 1960s and 1970s.

So, here are a few quotes that point out Mr. Reagan realized things were not good, politically or socially, back then. And still are not today.

Terrifying words (the first graphic, above): As we deal daily with government agencies and organizations that have far too many characteristics of government, we are reminded of this constantly.

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The Wilson Revolution of 1913

Posted on February 26, 2026 by TPOL Nathan

A guest commentary, courtesy of an unknown christian, libertarian artist and writer.

We at TPOL have always viewed Woodrow Wilson as a great enemy of liberty, a “Progressive” who advocated the Administrative State and had many other faults. Unfortunately, he is frequently listed as one of the “great” POTUS because he was such an activist and got us into the Great War.

This graphic explains why we are so critical, as both libertarians and christians:

As the LCI points out, many – indeed most – of our massive problems with government can be traced back to this “mild” college professor; the man who keep us “out of the war” until he didn’t, who helped trigger the misnamed “Spanish Flu” that killed millions, and allowed the rise of Russian Communism. But all these “achievements” are nothing compared to the damage caused by these three feats: the crowning achievements of the so-called Progressive movement. Readers know why we call them Regressives.

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