Abusing the First Amendment

The First Amendment prohibits the free exercise of, or abridging of the press. The New York Times editor thinks Trump is threatening the press.  He's wrong, and knows his posturing is just more of the same effort to remove Trump from office.

Freedom of the press is like the freedom of speech. There are limits; especially when false information is used to cause intentional harm; such as hollering "fire" in a crowded theater. Using the supposed impartiality of the press to knowingly print falsehoods, or avoid the requirement of insuring a source is accurate, is an intentional abuse of the right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Many in the news media are in outright war against the President. They're using the First Amendment  as a shield, while completely ignoring all other rights guaranteed by the Constitution. It's a seditionist method of undermining the government, and an effort to drastically change the United States without following the methods outlined in the Constitution.

Unfortunately, all in the news media are now suspected of having ulterior motives, which harms the institution. If the media wants change this perspective, it needs to start by censoring those so willing to misuse their position, and keeping all opinions strictly in an editorial section. Until that happens, the media will find less people willing to subscribe to their outlet, diminished revenue, and more suspicion of improper behavior.

Call It What It Is

The news is full of articles about the "deep state". That's a euphemism. The correct term is "sedition", and those involved with such things as "seditionists". There are many sources for the definition, and it's easy to find in any search engine. All definitions describe the works of the deep state, and U.S. code defines the criminality of those involved.

There are many guilty of sedition, including sitting members of Congress that promote ignoring the ruled of law to confront, harass, and cause harm to those that disagree with their policies. Their staffs, and members of agencies help by using their authority to circumvent rights demanded by the Constitution.

The media is also guilty. Not exposing crimes against the United States, and promoting those that continue with the effort to destroy the Constitution, is a form of sedition. When it's shown how the media constantly socializes with many in government, the connection of culpability becomes more apparent.

These actions won't stop until someone is prosecuted. Start with the minions, and watch them expose those using their power to hide their actions. The corruption runs deep, but can be stopped. It's time the purge started, and those involved removed from positions that allow criminal acts without punishment. 

Fading Into Obscurity

A country and western artist made a comment to Rolling Stone magazine against the NRA and gun lobbyists.  While I never heard of Eric Church, I have the feeling his career is in the outside spiral around the bowl of the ceramic throne. I'm thinking he should have paid attention to the warning: Caution, be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear. Dumbassery has infected another performer, and the prognosis is terminal for their career.

Will There Ever Be a Cure?

I read different news sources daily. I guess it's out of curiosity, and an effort to stay informed. Over time, I've noticed a pandemic, which needs a cure. The illness? Dumbassery, which affects even the well educated.

The symptoms can be subtle, but become apparent, when someone affected is forced to logically explain their opinion, or behavior. At that time, they become irrational, their blood pressure rises, and physical restraining may be the only solution for safety of those around the sufferer.

Education is the only cure for dumbassery. Unfortunately, too many educators are severely affected by this condition. This leads to an increase in sufferers of the affliction that causes people to completely lose their ability to reason, or arrive at logical conclusions.

One way to decrease your exposure to dumassery is to avoid any media outlet that uses only a few letters of the alphabet in advertisement, or uses headlines that don't apply to the report being presented. It's an easy task that only requires turning the channel on your television, or refusing to link to the site.

Another way to avoid dumassery is to avoid dumbasses. If you're like most people, you not only find them at your work, a family member may cause constant problems. While avoiding dumbasses may sometimes be hard to do, it's best to do so, since arguments only lead to stress, and removes the hassle of dealing with law enforcement after a justifiable shooting.

Will there ever be a cure of dumbassery? I doubt it, but the numbers of people with this problem can be reduced by being aware of the problem, and educating those not severely affected by the disorder.

In the Near Past

It wasn't that many years ago, when Socialism, and Communism, were considered evil. Why? Because the forms of government demanded the removal of personal liberty, confiscation of personal wealth, and those in power lived as royalty, while the common citizen was treated as property of the state. Those in power were more equal than those without, and if starving a group of people to death was beneficial to the state, it happened; and those that starved were without recourse for rebellion. The government removed firearms as one of the initial necessary actions for the "safety" of the state.

Today? Enough foolish people are embracing these failed forms of government, and even some of the media are part of the following. This is a form of sedition. The Constitution prevents a centralized, all controlling government, and will be further ignored by any entity that believes personal freedom is something to be ignored for the "good" of the state.

I should be amazed at the ignorance of too many people, but I'm not. The steady diet of lies, with subverted facts, left generations without any clue to the evils of Socialism, and Communism. Until the feds are removed from education, the slide downhill will continue. Ignorance only breeds more ignorance. Too many of our supposed educators only teach what the state demands, and are now minions of the state.

Lost in a Sea of Dumb

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said former CIA John Brennan is "Lost in a sea of dumb".  This was his reaction when asked about Brennan's comment about Trumps actions in Helsinki as being "nothing short of treasonous". It's a good comment, but falls short of my low opinion of the man.

Brennan voted for a Communist in the 1976 presidential election, which was his right, but leads me to wonder what type of administration would allow him to run the CIA. That, and how he managed to work his way through security clearances to such a high level of a U.S. intelligence agency. Affiliation of that type, during that time, was regarded as a legal form of sedition, and not accepted by the majority of voters.

I doubt Brennan operated completely without some form of oversight. Even if his actions were only observed by lower members of the CIA, if they contradicted the safety of the U.S., somebody noted the actions, and they are not forgotten. If his actions were obviously the actions of someone operating way above their abilities, they would be noted, and somebody made a mental note. Whether more is known in the future is yet to be seen, but I have my doubts about that happening.

Personally, I think Brennan, and most of the Obama Administration, were hell-bent to reduce the Constitution to something easily manipulated outside the original intent. Without its protections, the U.S. government could be run like the tyrannical governments of China, and other Socialist countries. The power, and wealth, to be accumulated with an unbridled government would lead to a Nirvana for those willing to destroy liberty for personal gain.

Brennan may be lost in a sea of dumb, but he's smart enough to know he's a target. Being so, staying out of the public eye leaves him more vulnerable. Even if he has to make outrageous statements, he'll continue remaining in the short term memory of the public. That gives him some security, but I think the "boogeyman" is out there, and waiting. A man of his low character only deserves whatever happens, and I doubt it will be good for him. Supporting the subjugation of a society demands a severe punishment.

A Thought About Immunity

Some important members of Clinton's entourage were given immunity by the FBI. From what I've read, failing to be candid, or refusing to cooperate, can lead to the removal of the immunity.

What would happen if an honest investigator called them back in, pushed them to refusing to help, removed the immunity, and charged them with a crime? I think it would turn over a cart that needed to be turned over a long time ago.

More Indictments

Rosenstein announceds Muellor indicted 12 Russians for hacking the computers of the Democratic Party.  Considering how serious hacking can be, this appears to be a good thing, but raises a question in my mind: Since the Democrats never allowed access to their computers, how did the FBI ever acquire evidence of hacking?

Time will tell how this works out, but the stench is getting worse in my neck of the woods.

Unpunished Contempt

Eric Holder was held in contempt of Congress, and nothing happened. The same thing is happening with Lisa Page, and I doubt anything will happen. Sessions won't seek an indictment, and even if Page is convicted of contempt, she only faces a maximum fine of $1000 and/or six months in jail. That's a small fee compared to sedition, or treason, which according to her known emails, she deserves to be charged with.

The United States has a ruling class of officials, and bureaucrats, that are free to do what they want, whether legal or not. To add insult to injury, the most crooked are the highest officials in the FBI and the Department of Justice. Until this changes, the ignoring of laws will continue at this level, and the disrespect of laws will increase. This happens in third world countries, and the United States is well along the way of being just that.

Columbo Again

I wrote this story a few years ago. The inspiration was dealing with squirrels in the yard, and how all efforts to do something with them is futile in the long run. You can kill them, trap them, scare them, and think you're making headway; only to find there are more than all your efforts can deal with. 

Anyway, I'm thinking I wrote this short fiction story during a time when the dealings of life were heavy, little things became annoying, and something as insignificant as a bunch of squirrels became the focus of anger. Letting go of the stress was important, and placing it all in perspective was more important. 

Enjoy

                                                                 ***

                                      Me and Columbo

My wife loved her flower garden. That, the birds, and my nemeses: the squirrels. While the birds fascinated me, the squirrels dug in her planters, chewed on things that didn't require their chewing, and I was repairing a bird feeder at least once each year.

We'd sit on the covered patio, when the weather permitted, or in the den, when the weather didn't, and watch, while we drank coffee. The seed feeders were in view, so as the birds accumulated, we could watch as they initially came alone, or later, when they'd feed the hungry fledglings; insisting on being fed, with open mouths and complaining squawks.

After her passing, I tried to keep her flowers, but they reminded me too much of her and the scars that tugged and ached. I realized the sorrow was constant, when I worked the bed, so I tilled it and placed sod.

I left the bird feeders. The birds were like pets; and I relished their antics as they came for their seed. I'd anticipate the migrations, when a grosbeak would pass through to stop for a meal, or I'd glimpse a few indigo buntings on their way to their winter habitat.

I didn't like the squirrels, so I'd sit on the back patio, with a slingshot and scare them away. I'd thought of a pellet rifle, but didn't want to kill anything I didn't plan on eating. The slingshot worked, as long as I was on the porch. When I glimpsed through the window, they'd forage with impunity.

One small squirrel attracted my attention one summer. Young, and without predators, he'd only move away, or hide behind a tree, when I'd send a shot his way. Determined to change his ways, I bought marbles for projectiles. I figured I could change his attitude; especially if I managed to hit my intended target.

One morning, as it remained, after the other squirrels scampered away, I loaded my slingshot, carefully aimed, and sent a marble its way. It immediately fell over and was still.

I had one of those moments, when you say to yourself: "Now, what do I do?" Rising, I went to examine the squirrel. If it wasn't dead, I'd finish it off.

It was laying on its side; blood seeping from around its eye and slowly breathing. I raised my foot to stomp its head, when something told me to stop. Instead of ending its life, I squatted, nudged it with a stick laying by, and examined the squirrel that raised my ire.

After watching for a few minutes, I went to retrieve a box, placed an old towel for a bed, and placed the squirrel in the box. Returning to the patio, I left it on a corner, so it could escape, when it came around.

At dusk, I peeked into the box. The squirrel was still unconscious. No knowing what to do, I soaked some bread in milk, placed a jar lid full of water, and left it for the night in the box, which I moved to an inner corner of the porch. It looked like rain, and I didn't want the squirrel to get wet from the cold autumn rain.

When morning arrived, I made my coffee, looked at the box, and decided I'd probably have to bury the squirrel. Finishing my first cup, I eased onto the patio and glimpsed into the box.

The squirrel was awake; sitting quietly, and looked up as a I peered over the edge. I expected it to panic, but it only gazed at me.

I could tell it's eye was a mess. Now swollen shut, it seeped blood, which stained the fur. Some bread remained on it's mouth, and the lid of water was half empty.

Carefully reaching into the box, I retrieved the jar lid. The squirrel didn't move, so without thinking, I reached over and gently pet it on the shoulder. It moved, which caused me to jerk my hand away, but it didn't panic as I assumed it would.

Felling brave, I reached in again, pet it on the back. It moved, but not away. I spent a few moments gently running my finger on its back. It seemed to comfort it, but not willing to push my luck, I decided to go for some more bread and water.

For the next few days, I tended to my squirrel. I'd give it bread and water, or some pecans I'd bought. It would use the paper towel I'd placed in the corner, so I'd change it twice each day.

The eye remained shut, so I assumed the marble ruined the eye and caused a head injury. The latter became apparent when I turned the box on the side after a week.

The squirrel ventured from the box, but its unsteady gait, wobbling body, and disorientation confirmed the damage was great. It didn't venture far, and after a few minutes away from the box, it would return to its sanctuary.

I decided to call it "Columbo". A cursory glance after I hit it with the marble revealed it was a male, so Columbo was appropriate.

Columbo had no fear of me. I found it surprising, but figured it was a reaction to the only caretaker it had. He'd let me scratch his back, never made any effort to bite, and greedily ate the food I placed, or he ate from my fingers.

Columbo never regained his balance. Efforts to run resulted in a flopping gait, or caused him to fall to his side. He could only creep, or slowly climb. He'd climb into one of the chairs on the patio, and nap during the morning, when the sun would warm the porch from the cold of the night.

Before the first real cold snap of winter, I wondered if Columbo could survive without the protection of a nest, or a family of squirrels to cuddle with. Not knowing what else to do, I pulled his box into the den, left the door cracked, so he could leave if he wanted, and waited for his reaction.

It didn't seem to faze him. He climbed from his box, surveyed his immediate surroundings, and soon returned to his box. I gave him fresh water, a clean paper towel, and some pecans before I retreated to my chair by the television. Warm, and tired, I soon fell asleep to the sound of an old Western.

I awoke to the sound of a gunfight, running horses, and the voices of cowboys in the thick of battle. A movement in my lap startled me. Looking down, I found Columbo curled up, sound asleep, and content. Not wanting to disturb his sleep, I pet his back for a few moments, and soon returned to sleep. When I awoke in the morning, he was by the plate glass door; watching the cold wind stir the leaves in the yard. I retrieved the block of oak I gave him for gnawing, and we settled in for the winter.

I eventually brought Columbo to the vet. Nothing was wrong, but I felt it was the right thing to do.

The vet was a young woman, new to practice, and curious about Columbo. After I told her our story, she gave me a funny look, smiled and continued with her examination. She found nothing wrong, although she explained there wasn't much she knew about squirrels, and those that did, usually worked for a zoo. She gave me some phone numbers before I left, but I never called. She's told me to come back if something was wrong, gave me a hug, and we parted with her saying: "You're a sweet man. Most would have left him to die."

That was over a dozen years ago. He never became aggressive, although he'd fuss if I took his small bowl after he finished the ice cream I'd give him for a treat. He'd fall asleep in the dog bed I bought him, with the bowl close. I'd carefully remove the bowl while he slept, and usually find him curled in my lap in the morning. The recliner had now become my bed. Columbo feared the rest of the house, and would bark if he couldn't find me during the night.

Columbo's appetite fell off over the last few weeks. I took him to the vet, but she couldn't find anything wrong. She suggested more tests at a teaching university, but she said they would probably be traumatic for Columbo, so I decide to bring him home.

Three days ago, all Columbo would eat was a little of the ice cream I placed. He'd never finish, but I was glad he'd eat something. That changed yesterday. He wouldn't eat anything, or venture from his bed. I eventually picked him up and placed him in my lap as I sat in the recliner. He curled up, fell asleep and I soon followed. I woke a few hours later to find he passed. I sat with him for awhile; scratching the spot he liked me to scratch between his shoulder blades. I buried him under the white azalea; the flowers a brilliant white against the blue spring sky.

In the grand scheme of things, an old man, and a squirrel, don't mean very much...except to me. It's the small things that make the big things, and the attempts to rectify the wrongs with the rights should mean something. Whether my effort was right is to be seen. I like to think it was.

Champions of Nothing

I grew up in a county which leaned heavy for Democratic candidates. When national maps were shown, the county stood out, due to the politics chosen by most of the voters. The final result of years of choosing the champions of nothing is disheartening.

People with enough money fled the county. Surrounding counties had less crime, lower taxes, and the commutes were tolerable. This left lowering property values, an increase of the problems associated with liberal politicians, an increase in crime, and the loss of business. The result of years of this attrition is remarkable.

The major cities in this county are suffering. The government entities waste money at an alarming rate, and once beautiful areas of the cities are ugly reminders of failed policies. Schools spend more per student than other districts, and the students test lower than the average.

The Democratic party was successful with indoctrinating those so willing to believe they were the champions of the working folks. With a one time large union work force, dirty politics, and criminal coercion, the party gained a strong foothold in the county. In some ways, it was easy, since the propaganda was strong, and many of the union members had little education. It wasn't required, since there was always a family member, or close friend, that could help you join the union, and the economy after the second world war was conducive to the piling on of unneeded workers, which increased the Democrat voting base.

Times changed things tremendously. With long strikes, and unsustainable costs, the unions found they had to cut their demands, or face oblivion. One local refinery made a huge cut by demanding the reduction of thousands of workers, or they would close the gates, and mothball the facility. The unions didn't lose this without a whimper, but time revealed the only real "advantage" was all the accumulated wages wouldn't last a long strike. That, and the attempted murder of an employee that refused to honor the picket line left the general public appalled.

Even with a huge amount of expansion work now happening at many of the local petrochemical facilities it's apparent  the seed of ignorant corruption grew into something that won't be easy to eradicate. The county, and cities, are still run by incompetent people. The Democrat dream created government entities filled with corruption, apathy, bureaucracy and waste. People are still leaving, and property values still don't reflect what they should.

The local county isn't an isolated event. The same happened all over the United States. Counties with a heavy Democrat influence are disasters; and even with constant support by the media, people are beginning to realize the party is only interested in the party. They are not champions of the working folks; they are the champions of nothing.

Tolerance and Autonomy

The founders of the United States were loyal subjects of England, until the government decided they wanted more of the fruit of their labor, became aggressive in subjugating them to their will, and outright murdered individuals for failing to succumb. The ultimate end was a new country, an effort to summarize the most important things for a government, and a strong love of liberty.

The most important thing created with the new law of the land was an amendment to the Constitution:

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Everything else demanded by law is moot, when the law is ignored by those in power, the judicial branch ignore the disparity, and those without wealth, or power, are in peril for demanding equal justice. That, and the lack of rules only lead to more disdain for a secure society. Crime become rampant, violence becomes common, and those supposedly elected to insure the peace become thugs that use the power of their office to harass those that disagree with their actions.

The second amendment is the only thing preventing chaos, or a police state. Liberals know this, the rotten core of government knows this, and they both make strong efforts to end the ability of the citizens to protect themselves from tyranny.

Today is the celebration of independence from tyranny. May all the years ahead continue to have the strength of the second amendment to prevent another mass effort by a tyrannical government to remove the liberty of the citizens.