SQT: Muhammed Khalil

This story stinks worse than that which was rotten in Denmark. So, Some Quick Thoughts (SQT) on it.

This was and is a planned op. It clearly was expected that the new administration would try to deport him. Hence, his comment to his wife when getting picked up; the huge legal team including several $1,000/hr high-profile litigators; the PR teams at work; etc. They had things ready to go, and I think the only thing that caught them off guard was how fast he was taken to Louisiana.

Someone, and I don’t think it purely domestic, wanted to make him a focus and the first truly organized response to the policies of DJT and the new administration. In fact, I’m betting a lot of this is financed and being run from overseas. After all, there is a huge British component to this, and given previous Labor (and other) efforts to prevent Trump being re-elected, I’m a bit suspicious.

Brit intel is very anti-Trump (IMO) and here we have a Brit intel asset with clearances who comes to America, and in record time goes from nothing to a green card. Having dated someone here on a visa, it does not happen that fast without some serious grease. Lot of things here do not add up and are not how things normally go, even with marriage.

Now, do they have domestic help and/or partners? I say yes. It’s more than just groups and certain politicians who want to use this to keep the borders open and to prevent those brought in illegally from being deported. They see this as a means to an end. I really do think some near the top are in it up to their eyeballs.

Keep an eye on this one. You have paid protestors with professional graphics popping up (appears that ads were even placed to hire some of the protestors) in California and elsewhere; immediate organized and aggressive protests ready to go in NYC; and, lots of media already in the can and ready to go.

It’s an op and it stinks to high heaven. Keep an eye on who is involved, and start tracing the money. The people behind this are not friends to the Republic.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

SQT: Pardon Invalidation

Just Some Quick Thoughts on Trump’s invalidation of the Biden Regency pardons on the basis they weren’t signed but done by autopen. There is some clutching of pearls going on, but it may well be a stroke of genius. At any rate, I don’t see any real significant downside from it.

The fact is, the use of the autopen for almost all of the Biden Regency is of concern and frankly a bit of dubious legality. There are legal reasons the President is supposed to sign documents in person, and in the past such events were documented and even turned into small events with people effected present. Pretty much what DJT has done since resuming office.

Now, there are already questions being asked about the legality and other considerations for various things, and there are implications that it could negate almost everything done by the Regency. Problem is, courts are going to be leery about touching same and once again “standing” is likely to be used as an excuse to avoid the issue and run out the clock.

By making his declaration, Trump just waved a red flag in front of the Deep State. Those holding pardons now are directly effected and five will get you ten that some are already with lawyers looking to both judge shop and challenge the declaration. Since they are directly effected, they have standing. What’s more, it will be them and the DNC who start the ball rolling in the courts.

Once it is rolling, the issues of the legitimacy of any and all actions taken by the Biden Rengency in which things were signed with the autopen becomes fair game, though I suspect strongly efforts will be made to try to firewall each section. Not sure it will stand up, though since I’m not a lawyer I don’t know all the tricks for trying to make such stick.

Thing is, once that ball is rolling, and even with the courts doing their best to avoid it, the lawsuits will eventually focus on the validity of all actions of the Biden Regency. If the DNC is smart, they will sacrifice those pardoned to avoid getting into that briar patch. Don’t think they are that smart, and even if so bet one of those pardoned will jump the gun and get the ball rolling.

So, worst case: courts find a way other than standing to avoid taking the case and doing anything if forced to do so. Standing and other issues for the obfuscation and avoidance.

Medium case: Courts take, tap dance, and use injunctive relief to prevent DJT from enforcing order. Expect to see a lot of foot dragging, particularly if the midterms are in any way not a disaster for the DNC, hoping to get to drop things in the next administration.

Moderate case: Court does take the case and rules on the use of the autopen based on Constitutional law and rules the pardons void. Guaranteed appeals. Guaranteed opening to challenge the legitimacy of all laws signed and all actions taken during the Regency.

Not-So-Moderate case: Court takes the case but overturns Constitutional law on signatures. In which case, expect a fight to the SC which will also be a referendum on the judiciary and role of same. Betting Roberts will try to punt and dice the baby, but… This would bring about a true crisis (and, no right now we do not have one or more Constitutional crises going on) and things could get interesting.

There are a couple of others, but the worst that can happen to the current administration is to be told “you can’t do that” on a temporary or permanent basis. Meantime, lot of Deep State types are going to be scrambling, off balance, and not focused on efforts to derail what DJT is doing. What do you want to bet that there is some new effort/policy that will hit in the middle of this while the DNC and players are off balance again?

Now, if we could only get our Congresscritters to make all these cuts and policies into law so they can’t be wiped out with the stroke of a pen… Sigh.

UPDATE: For those who didn’t get it, I’m not talking about this as a matter of law. That is peripheral to it being done as a matter of strategy. This is examining the strategy and strategic implications.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Random Thoughts On A Friday

Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…

I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.

It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.

Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.

If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.

I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.

I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.

Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).

Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.

If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.

More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

DCA & Philadelphia Follow-Up

For those interested, the preliminary report on DCA is out, and if you are unfamiliar with the process, it is mostly focused on what happened. Not, repeat, not, the how and why of what happened. That comes with later reports. I’m looking for a written copy as it should have basic pilot info (hours, medical, etc.). The barometric pressure issue is being emphasized, and they are looking at how it may have effected the altimeter(s) and other systems. Most importantly, the report makes urgent recommendations about Route 4 and closing same when certain runways are in use. The full conference is here:

On the Philadelphia crash, the report is written and is worth a read. Again, it is a preliminary and is more focused on what happened, not the how or why. Of note for me, it seems the Cockpit Voice Recorder wasn’t working and appears not to have been recording for several years. Pilots were in contact at the time of the accident and no distress call was received. Given the state of the plane (and occupants) I expect reconstruction and any medical exams to take a while and possibly be limited.

Again, it will take time. That’s something few seem willing to grant, but this should be a painstaking process that leaves no stone unturned. So far, it is on par with other investigations. We will see what happens.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Terrorism

Right now, there is a lot of chatter about this or that group being domestic terrorists. There is chatter about a terrorist supporter here on a green card being deported. Lots and lots of chatter (got to drive that engagement!), but to my mind some important points are being missed.

Yesterday, I shared a post on X about how what is going on now is how the Red Brigades and Baader-Meinhof got started. I shared it because to my mind it made a point while missing the point. The poster in the thread that followed held forth that this is just starting. It’s been building for years.

Mr. Andy Ngo has been writing about Antifa and others for several years now. Here’s one example outside of his book(s). I seem to recall writing about some things going on a couple of years ago myself with interesting groups getting interesting training and how it was even more interesting that top leadership had encrypted coms and more. I also believe I wrote a bit about how the shooting of transformers was not limited to the Northwest and was a much bigger issue than the FBI and others cared to admit.

The fact is, the modern equivalents of the Weather Underground, Red Brigades (a group with which my 12-year-old self had direct experience), and others are already here. They are organized and funded. Does anyone really think all those massive pro-Hamass riots were spontaneous? Heck, certain leaders have admitted they funded those demonstrations. Personally, I think a lot of the groups we are seeing active now are second- or third-order groups enabled by the long-term efforts of the first-order groups mentioned above.

It’s a classic move. Get one or more hardcore groups into place quietly. Build up cells, stockpiles, and more. Test the system a bit (transformers are but one area tested) Identify and recruit true believers who get checked out, and if they pass go overseas for clandestine training. Meantime, use other members to help recruit and establish new groups who do the things that get attention. Make sure there is insulation between the originals and the second- and third-order groups.

As the second- and third-order groups do the flashy public things, the first-order group or groups can do things far more important and have a lot of it buried in the noise. And, if the flashy public things bear fruit, it advances the cause.

Right now, I suspect we are seeing a deliberate use of those groups even if it puts them at risk. The fact is, the attacks on Tesla dealerships and owners is terrorism, whether you quibble by calling it domestic or not. On one level it is domestic; however, I strongly suspect the ultimate driver and funding source(s) are not domestic. Nor does it stop with Tesla.

Frankly, I’m surprised it’s taken this long for the “peaceful” attacks to return. They truly are not protests, nor are they demonstrations — unless one considers them a demonstration of violence and the willingness to use same. Progressive/Socialist ideology has always embraced the use of violence, and the analogy that they see it as a rheostat is not wrong. Nor is it wrong to note that others see it as a binary switch. There is a reason a number of us have warned about the danger of letting that switch be thrown, because we have seen it in the world now and because we actually study and understand history. The Reign of Terror in the French Revolution was actually relatively mild if you know history.

Right now, you have the progressive left/rule by the elites crowd in disarray as their world is being destroyed by the Trump administration. Major sources of funding (graft) are being cut off, people are being laid off, and efforts to reform the government and government spending are proceeding rather rapidly. The methods that worked on Trump 1 (lawsuits, resistance, etc.) are not working this time. People are being exposed and since legacy media has shot itself in a sensitive area adjacent to the leg, it can’t be hidden.

Now, add to that the fact that there are a LOT of governments and politicians who do not want to see the U.S. reformed. I will even start with the EU (and UK Labor) who have interfered in U.S. elections for a while now. On top of that, the UK, France, Germany (and probably others) also don’t want to see the reforms happen. Moving beyond our “friends” (allies, though that may be stretching it a bit these days), you have Russia, Ukraine, Iran, China…

Interesting information is that the servers in the attack this week on X were located in the Ukraine. This may be false flag, but I do find it interesting. Especially since Zelensky’s media operation has been accused of doxxing American journalists, and calling for their arrest or assassination. Still evaluating some info, but not getting warm fuzzies.

Interesting information came out this morning on another front. Anyone who has been truly paying attention is aware that Vladimir has really been pushing the sabotage efforts, especially the “accidental” damages to undersea cables and pipelines from dragging anchors on ships linked to Russia. There are also a number of reports of GRU units active in Germany and elsewhere. This morning, it emerges that the captain of the cargo ship that rammed the tanker supplying U.S. Navy ships is a Russian national. Now, the thread I linked believes for now it was truly an accident, but we are getting to the point where I don’t believe in coincidences Mr. Bond.

If Kash and others can get DOJ and the FBI back on track (a topic on which I retain strong doubts, think they need to nuke and start over), I think we might discover some very interesting things. Personally, I think there are at least two first-order groups working within the U.S. Possibly three, but the patterns in the data indicate at least two. There is an argument to be made if Antifa is first- or second-order as it has been public far more than the norm for a first-order group.

The third-order groups are going to get all the media attention for now. Expect to see not only more violence, but sob stories in legacy media on the order of ‘she was a good girl who meant well she shouldn’t be prosecuted for doing X’ and even more of the ‘it’s wrong and a violation of the First Amendment to deport those supporting or engaging in terrorism’ stories. On the latter, it is legal since if you are here on a Visa or green card you are not allowed to support terrorism or designated terrorist groups. Meantime, there is a huge difference between peacefully espousing your views and leading riots that block access, illegally trespass, and physically assault others. The first is protected, and the second should not be tolerated at all.

Quick aside: if you don’t follow or read Gad Saad, you should. I really need to add his books, particularly his new book on Suicidal Empathy to the Amazon Wish List. The West has a lot of problems. If we can save the Republic, which is not guaranteed, we still have even larger fights to come to save what remains of Western Civilization. And, yes, that is something we really do need to do.

However, the first- and second-order groups are the ones who worry me right now. The third-order are the shock troops, the cannon fodder even though they (mostly) don’t even suspect such. The others are the ones who can and will do real damage if ordered. By my estimates, some three battalions worth of military-aged males entered the country under the Biden Regency. How many of them joined the ranks of those first- and second-order groups that were waiting. What is their task?

If we had an intelligence community and law enforcement focused on their job and doing right by America, we might know. Instead, they are focused on politics and trying to maintain an order that is done. Which makes it a scary time for America and American’s who are paying attention.

There is a lot to celebrate in the efforts to drain the swamp and restore the Republic. Thing is, there is a lot that can go wrong too, and I will repeat again that the so-called elites have no idea how much anger there is in that almost eighty percent of the population that supports what is being done. I do not want to see that switch flip — to to have things get where those first- or second-order groups can work to flip it.

So, keep your guard and preparations up. If things get truly tense, don’t respond to provocations. Until then, celebrate your victories and work for more. As always, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

I Could Use Some Help

First, I want to thank everyone for the very kind and (very) much appreciated gifts and prayers that have gotten me through the last couple of years. While things are now more stable, they still remain “interesting” financially and otherwise.

Which leads to this request that if you like my writings, please do hit the tip jar. There are a couple of things coming up where I could use it.

First, I am starting to look at getting a place of my own. Currently, I rent a room in a house and while not a bad situation there are some issues. I know what I want to do, now praying that I am shown what I am supposed to do. I’m actually going to have to buy a couple of pieces of furniture, some household equipment (thanks for the excellent vacuum cleaner suggestions in an earlier post), and other delights.

Second, I have decided that if at all possible, I want to accept the invitation to attend the Lightning Strike and Electrical Shock Survivors annual meeting. A number of the events/panels sound interesting and it would be good to meet with other survivors. That part will be free. The hotel and transport are up to me. I think I may have found a way to cut out a day of convention hotel (even at a discount it is expensive by my standards these days). While I have the chance, I will also use the trip to visit some friends and relatives. It may well be the last chance to see some them in this lifetime.

I’m already looking to see what deals I can find on a rental car for a week, and other issues. Will probably take food and such with me, save a bit that way.

So, again my thanks for all that has already been done. I hate asking, but my margins are a bit thin right now.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Back, Sorta

Whew. Last week was intense. It was tiring. It was also flat out amazing. Wonderful, educational, enlightening, and inspirational are also words that apply. I almost lost my voice as I did participate in every service. By the time yesterday rolled around, I was more croaking than chanting (at least at home), but got through it all.

This time last year was what I describe as an “argggghhhhh blur.” I am not sure it matters how long you have attended a given Church, but when you become a formal Catechumen there is so much going on and at such an intensity that you are doing good to see the big blocks start to fit together.

Last week, it was intense but different, and it is hard to describe it. Instead of a blur, everything seemed to flow together, almost like a panorama. I will say that yet more blocks fit together: it was a chance to see how historical events, scripture, and more fit together such that more of the picture of faith is revealed. I thought I had learned a bit about the liturgy but have discovered at least a part of how much more there is to learn. Then again, that applies on all fronts.

There is more to come.

Question For My Regular Readers

I’ve got the chance to attend the Lightning Strike & Electric Shock Survivors annual conference this year. It will be held in Tennessee, and afterwards I would have the chance to go visit some friends and relatives in Tennessee and Georgia. Really do need/want to do the latter, as if I don’t go now, some of them…

Would this be something anyone would care to help me with? I will need to rent a car (full insurance as I have none right now), pay for hotels, fuel, etc. Bit out of my reach, but it is doable.

Let me know in comments what you think.

Looking ahead, there are only a few other trips I see as possibilities. I do want to do a religious pilgrimage to Eastern Europe and then to Mount Athos. I would love to do a pilgrimage to Israel, though if I got the chance for a quick visit to Jordan and Egypt I would hit them first then Israel. Outside of that, I want to do another trip out West in case things get to the point that I can move out there. Other than that, not seeing a lot of travel in my future for the next few years.

Otherwise, the only “big” plan I have for this year is moving into a place of my own. Been so busy this week I haven’t even had a chance to look around.

More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Lite Week/Light Week

I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.

Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.

However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.

I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.

However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.

We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.

We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.

So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.

The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.