About The Epstein Files

If you are surprised at what has happened in regards Epstein and the “files,” I’ve got a bridge for sale and a few thoughts to share. Others have said some of them, but I’m also trying to put things together to help others work through and make their own decisions.

First up, yes, I do think he was an IC asset. I’ve already seen several pointing out (in suspiciously similar terms) that there is no proof he worked for the CIA or (insert agency here). That he had a number of ties to the CIA and others in the IC (and governments here and abroad, etc.) is well known and documented. Got news for you, quite a few assets are not employees of the CIA or any other intelligence agency. They are called assets for a reason.

Second, the IC does make use of some rather interesting and dubious characters. Fact is, people who ware willing to share information (and more) for money, and are members in terrorist organizations, organized crime, or other such interesting things are rarely the type person you bring home to meet mother or meet in church. This was what drove the feckless peanut Jimmah to do lasting damage to our intelligence capabilities by gutting and hamstringing human intelligence (HUMINT). I’ve complained about him before, and I once again point out that we will be generations fixing the damage that man did to us there and around the globe.

That said, there is a bit of a pecking order to assets. You do get, on occasion, the principled person who does something out of conviction and profound belief. Those usually defect, sooner or later. The rest, well, it varies and you will find cold-blooded killers given more respect than human traffickers and perverts. The latter, if various tales be true, often used to get burned if not outright eliminated when convenient. But even there, there is a pecking order. Those who go after small children, infants even, are the lowest of the low. Those who go after teenagers and young adults, well, these days they are almost considered respectable in some quarters. After all, it is a much more widely shared — and indulged — thing even among the so-called elite.

Nor is such limited to overseas. For all that there is a stereotype of British aristocracy liking young boys (and it is a stereotype for a reason), girls and boys are well liked by far too many in power it seems. Again, stereotypes exist for a reason. File that for a moment.

Now, keep in mind that Epstein was noted for not only being well connected to important and powerful people (cough Clinton Gates ad nauseum cough) but also to those in middle and lower positions of power. I hate to give him any credit, but he did favors for a lot of people lower in the chain simply because they might be in a position to help him out later. Always a good idea to have people at all levels owing you favors — and/or having leverage to force a favor. Epstein I think knew that well, far better than many of the powerful he hung with.

Now, is there anyone who thinks that didn’t extend to law enforcement, including both the DOJ and the FBI? If so, look at how one investigation got derailed simply by his being declared a needed intelligence asset. The implications made about him and his relationship to the IC are most interesting and telling.

When things finally did hit a point he was arrested this last time, I would argue he clearly thought he would skate again. When that appeared murky, that he or the evidence might implicate others, well, pity about what happened.

Thing is, with that and with the incoming administration pledging to get to the bottom of things and name names, do you think that those in the IC, DOJ, and FBI (to name just three areas) were going to just sit around fat and happy? Or, do you think that as much evidence as possible got destroyed? Or otherwise rendered inaccessible and/or legally unusable? Also consider that the high and powerful are going to take steps to protect themselves by whatever means they can, and that some of them are in very strong positions of power. Also remember that power, and well as perversion, know few political or other boundaries.

Now, go watch the video of Trump jumping in when Bondi was asked about Epstein. Personally, I think he was frightened and wanting to do two things: give Bondi an out and de-ligitimize any and all inquiries about Epstein. What could scare Trump that badly? It’s not him he’s scared for. Watch his and others body language.

Then, watch Bondi. She pulls the trick taught in dealing with media 101 and does it well. She responds first not to what she was asked, but to the questions she wanted to answer. Note that no one has called for the release of the child porn allegedly made or collected by Epstein or others. No one has called for private information on known or unknown victims to be released. Her answers were a distraction and an attempt to put all answers under the umbrella of privacy. Huge red flag. When she does get around to the actual questions asked, note the precision and limits of her answers. Look at her body language throughout. That was not a happy woman, and she does not like the position she is in.

I’m left with a very strong suspicion that more than one powerful person let it be known what would happen if their name got mentioned in any way, shape, or form in connection to Epstein. I suspect one or more of them are very important to current efforts, and/or could do significant damage to the country (and other countries even) if they so chose. Whomever, whatever, we are not talking a minor scandal or even something Profumo-level. It would be something even larger, with the ability to bring down one or more governments.

If we ever know what was going on, I suspect it will be many, many years from now. I know I’m sure not going to go digging, as I have no desire to dig my own grave. For all that I hate seeing the monsters win again, there are times and places to pick battles. Seeing Trump’s reaction confirms my thought that this is not the time for such. It may yet come, and I hope it does. I really did want to see justice done for Epstein’s victims, for all the victims of the monsters. But I’m also sort of used to it at this point. Never have liked it. All one can do is pray for justice one day, even knowing it won’t happen this day. Mayhaps there truly is a rogue version of the Army of Northern Virginia out there; and, if so, may they have good hunting.

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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Physical Therapy Underway

Had my first physical therapy session today, which mostly was testing. As expected. I’ve gone back to the good place I went to for my shoulder rehab after getting the new joints, and am working with two very good people there. Am delighted to get them as I know they know their stuff and have a good bit of experience.

Now we wait and see how many sessions, if any, the insurance will cover. We know roughly what it should do, but the fact is that even with the best of insurance these days caca occureth. Hoping for the best, planning for the worst, so feel free to hit the tip jar. May need a few rides there as I may not always be able to ride my bike (like today).

Already have homework, which I am looking forward to doing. There are some exercises I can do here at home, and we are going to build on that. My goals are simple: improve balance, improve coordination, and be able to get up and down unassisted. If we can deal with some of the vertigo and related, all the better. As I’ve noted before, hitting the floor is easy. It’s the getting back up again that is hard. Nice thing is, the physical therapists already have a plan for that.

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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Alive Day Bleg

Okay, this is a small update to my Bleg post. I would normally celebrate my big Alive Day on 30 June, as that is the day I was hit by lightning. I’ve had some close calls before, but that is the big one. However, that day now falls during the Apostle’s Fast so I don’t go out to celebrate it on that day anymore. What I will do is celebrate it (and my birthday, small alive days, etc.) on a day in July that is outside the Apostle’s Fast.

Yes, I would appreciate all the help your gifts provide for recovery efforts, but I also would like to go out for a nice meal as well. If you like what I do, and can spare a bit for a gift, know you and your gift are much appreciated. If you want to specify your gift towards a particular activity (music, PT, etc.) I will earmark it for that. If you want to specify the Alive Day meal, feel free. Anything over the cost of the meal will go towards food and food preparation.

Again, thank you for your kind gifts these last few years. They have truly made the difference, and allowed me to keep going and to push recovery, especially when things weren’t possible through traditional medical channels. You, and your kindness, are very much appreciated.

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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

About The Deja Poo

The “poo” in question is Elon Musk’s quivering pile of lab grown meat substitute of a third party. Deja Poo is a term I haven’t heard (or used) in a while, that is the title to a wonderful post by Sarah A. Hoyt. It is an apt term, as if you are a student of history you know that both the term is valid, and what has happened with the half-baked idea of third parties being born like a cut-rate Venus on a quarter shell by egotistical deep pockets. If you get the idea I’m not a fan of what is being done, you are correct. For all that I like the idea itself — along with creative things to do with the swamp in DC — the execution is key and the execution is classic history. And for those not getting it, not in a good way.

However, I’m lazy — intellectually and otherwise — and rather than go into all the reasons the execution and timing are designed to destroy all the good that has been done, I’m going to point you to some well thought out pieces that make the points I planned to make, possibly far better than I could.

First up, Deja Poo. This take from Sarah is well done, thorough, and has lots of good food for thought. We have indeed seen this same poo before, and it has given us the walking excrement that was Woodrow Wilson (and the growth of the supreme bureaucracy), not to mention the little cascade of horror started by Ross Perot. Her take is well worth the time to read.

Next up, Kim nails it. Elon has an ego, it is bruised, and the analogy to Christmas is spot on. Will Elon ever admit it? Probably not and it will push him to foolishness. Won’t be the first time. Thing that worries me is that Kim is also right on the money about Elon switching to letting perfect be the enemy of good. Innovation and improvements come from letting good be the enemy of perfect (SpaceX being a prime example as we’ve discussed here before). If this becomes his driver, short his companies as they will stall. Yes, he’s got good people who can and will take over if something happens to Elon, who are still committed to good being the enemy of perfect. But, he is a charismatic leader and his zealotry will end up taking the controls absent an investor revolt. I hope he wakes up and smells the coffee, as the world needs him taking us to the stars, not to wallow in the swamp.

Next up is Glenn Reynolds, the Instapundit. You can see his op-ed in the Post here, and a nice video here. Love the intro, agree with it even, and even more like the points Glenn makes. It’s well written, and done in a way that if Elon does read it, it might not get his back further up (it’s already up from not getting all he wanted via DOGE and his work in the admin). He would be wise to listen and think on what is said, though I think he’s well past the point of being able to do so.

For all our sakes, I hope Elon can swallow his pride and ego, and step back from an action that will end (for now) his dream of taking Man to the stars, and our dreams of freedom and restoring the Republic. I don’t think he can, but I can hope to be wrong, and that people will not enable him if he does carry through. As Kim points out, we really don’t need another party (and if you haven’t seen mechaGr*ock’s take on Elon’s third party, do check it out) as we already have a movement.

You want change? It’ doesn’t need a party. It needs a movement to primary those who deserve it, recruit good candidates AT ALL LEVELS, and push to register and get the vote out. The movement is there, make use of it. The movement is working to primary candidates, get behind that. The movement is getting good candidates into races, support that. The movement (Pressler anyone?) is already working the registration and enthusiasm. Support it. That is how you make change, and wins for all humanity. Another ego party is not the answer.

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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Better Than MilSpec

A few days ago, in an author’s forum on an almost deserted corner of anti-social media, a fan posted this.

I pointed out (as has the author, who’s fan group this was posted in, has said many times) that the colonists had better than milspec, and that is part of what made the difference in the American Revolution. The usual group of pedants came forth then (why do you hate potatoes, they had potatoes back then, you didn’t write an encyclopedia entry outlining every possible variant, etc.) and missed two key points. One, I wasn’t out to write an encyclopedia entry (though I have written the firearms sections for a major technology encyclopedia back when there were still such things) but a one line response; and, that the technological superiority extended beyond the obvious.

It’s one of my big problems with the NFA and other “taxes” and open regulations: it limits the ability to innovate and the ability of the average citizen to have not just milspec (which frankly often sucks in base form) but better than milspec. The colonists had rifles as they were accurate and made it a more sure proposition to be able to feed their family. Their muskets could also be rather innovative. If you are not familiar with the term “lock, stock, and barrel” then you are not going to understand how and why the colonists tended to buy the best they could and got delightfully innovative as soon as they could do so.

Fact is, most firearms innovations have come from outside the government. Take a look back around the Revolution, then move forward and while many hoped to make their money selling to the government, the innovations came from outside the government. Even today, that still holds true in my opinion. Note, however, that the government through the ATF and other agencies does all it can to hamper such development and innovation these days.

Me, I don’t want milspec, I want better than milspec. That holds true for firearms, communications gear, and more. I want rugged, dependable, reliable (which, yes, can be different from dependable), and cost effective. Why buy stock when you can often get far better “add ons” and custom for the same cost or less. Milspec is a best a good place to start. It is very easy to make it better in many cases.

Which is why I have a serious question for Elon and the new third party (more on that soon): don’t tell me you support the 2nd amendment and expect me to take you at your word. You’ve said more than once that you believed in regulating and restricting. I want specifics out of you, and in particular I want to know where you stand on repealing the NFA and other “taxes” and open regulations. I want it spelled out in detail.

I also want the NFA and such gone. It’s time to ensure that the Citizens of the Republic not only have milspec, but better than milspec. If you are proud that you have milspec, good on you you’re special. If you have made sure you have better than milspec, whether you admit it or not, you’re my type of people. I don’t care if it’s a better iron sight or using a 2-cent O-ring to improve the water resistance of an electronic device (versus the $2k special container sold to the government), you’ve still improved it and made it better than milspec.

The Revolution wasn’t all rifles versus muskets. It was much more complex and frankly far more rich from a technological standpoint than the pedants will ever truly realize. I think they fail to realize some of the true importance of Saba, but that’s for another day. What matters is that in more than one way the colonists had better than the milspec of the day. It’s what we need today as well. Just a thought.

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.

About The Texas Floods

UPDATE BELOW

What happened in the Texas hill country is horrible; and, the response to it by far too many is beyond horrendous. This weekend saw people throw down their masks and throw away any pretense at humanity and basic decency as politics trumps all.

One of the many lies promoted (suspect the social media version of JournOlist was running hot and heavy) was that no warnings were given because of DOGE cuts, short staffing, etc. All were lies as any cuts don’t take place until the FY, the NWS had extra staff on hand per SOP, and warnings were given in a timely manner. Not once, but no less than three times.

But, there does lie part of the rub. Texas was indeed right to criticize the NWS, as Todd Starnes pointed out on X. Back after Katrina, the NWS was (rightfully) criticized for not updating warnings and giving accurate warnings. The bureaucratic mind being what it is, the decision was made to treat every storm as the storm of the century and warn accordingly such that they could never be criticized again for not issuing strong enough warnings. Besides, that is easier, and easier to justify, that in having people show mature judgment and professionalism and update warnings if and as warranted. No thought, no muss, and it totally screws disaster preparedness planning and actions right in the keester.

If every storm or cloud is the storm of the century, none are. People tune out. I’ve cut off my alerts because of how often they go off for no real reason. It used to be the alerts meant something, and you got useful information from them. Now, you get the equivalent of the reams of useless paper that come with a one paragraph note from Medicare or any other government program. The alerts were meant to be short, effective, and only when needed. The perceived need to protect bureaucratic butt eliminated that utility.

As for the lack of preparedness and other issues in the area (dams needing maintenance, etc., that can wait. What matters now is trying to find those still alive; recovering the dead; and dealing with all the damage and things that come out of such a horror. As you pray for those missing and lost, say a prayer for the first responders who are dealing with a horror most can’t truly begin to imagine. And I guarantee you that they will wonder if they had been faster, better, etc., that some others might have lived. Probably not, but it is something they will be dealing with now and in the days ahead. Pray for them, and pray they get the help and support they need.

One thing to keep in mind is that in a flash flood, it’s not the water that’s the real enemy: it’s what’s in it and under it. Some do drown, but many die because of crush injuries caused by hitting debris under and in the water. Flailed chests are common from hitting trees, logs, vehicles or being caught between logs and trees while being swept away. Broken legs from hitting submerged vehicles and other objects are also common, and they remove the ability to swim (or even float). Those injured who survive the initial damage have a short window of survival. Pray they are found quickly, and can be gotten out of wherever they are.

If you live in an area prone to flash floods, your only realistic preparation is to be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. That, however, requires you to get real information concisely, accurately, and in a timely manner. The current warnings of the NWS are about anything but that. The system needs reform, and I hope that if nothing else comes of this tragedy that such does happen.

May God’s mercy be on those in Texas, and in the new flooding in Western NC. Pray for them, and let the basic humanity that seems all to scarce these days shine forth, now and in the days ahead.

UPDATE I: Sarah A. Hoyt, as usual, makes some good points in her post here. It does no good to send signals if they are not going to be received.

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.

A Bleg Of Sorts

I mentioned in the previous post about being out most of today. As I’ve discussed before, I came back from the LSESSI conference with an action plan I’ve been busy fleshing out and trying to implement. One of the things I’ve been able to do to a limited extent is massage therapy.

Today, I had an appointment with a sports medicine/therapeutic deep tissue provider that came highly recommended. She hurt me, but boy did it feel good and do good. I’ve already booked another appointment with her for next month, and my hope is to work things out so I can see her one or more times a month, and also see the general masseuse once a month as well.

Why massage therapy? Actually several things but the first is to help improve my mobility. Along with that, the idea is to help break up any internal scar tissue, improve elasticity (internal), and put me in good shape for physical therapy. There are a couple of other things in there, but those are the major ones. The sessions are right at $100 each.

With luck, I hope to get back to my good physical therapist tomorrow to see if she/where she works, takes my insurance and will accept the work order from the neurologist. If so, the goal is to work on balance, coordination, dealing with vertigo as needed, and improve general mobility. One of the goals I have is to be able to do full prostrations by next Lent and get back up again without assistance. That this also means I can get up and down without assistance in my home (or elsewhere), it’s sorta important in my eyes. If they do take my insurance, I am going to have to look at transport to and from their location as it is too far to walk and I may not always be able to bike there. So, money is needed for Lyft and such.

I’m also looking to continue the music therapy, as it stimulates parts of my brain that don’t always get the stimulation they need and it helps sharpen my thought. The voice lessons are roughly $50 each, or $190 for four if I pay in advance. Any discount is a good one.

I’m also looking at some personal training. No firm price on it yet, but again I want to get in shape, improve my mobility and ability to stay upright, and to get up again if I fall. And, yes, I have had some issues and if you could see my shoes you might guess about them: the left shoe is almost pristine, and the right shoe has numerous scuffs/tears on the front top and sides. Need the PT and the training to help me get beyond that.

If you like what I write, please consider hitting the tip jar (above right). Everything helps, and I want to push as hard as I can while I can. Not everything can be covered by insurance, and my monthly stipend doesn’t leave me much once rent and such are paid. So, please consider helping if you can. Thanks.

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.

About The Russian Transportation Minister…

UPDATE BELOW

I’ve been out and about since early this morning, as I had an appointment on the north side of town that involved busses that only run every hour, and so not up on what is going on in the world. Had a friend ping me to ask me about ‘that Russian general that Putin fired, does anyone think it really was suicide?’ Told them that didn’t narrow it down any.

Turns out they were talking about (former) Transportation minister Starovoit, who allegedly was in meeting(s) Sunday, fired by Vladimir today, and may have been dead since Friday or Saturday. Allegedly found dead in his car, but may have been found a short distance away in some brush/trees/shrubs. You pays your money, you get to pick your story.

It may well have been a legitimate suicide. He was in the hot seat over trucks being used to bring in drones/drone swarms from Ukraine, and was being investigated in regards siphoning off defense funds for personal use when governor of Kursk, etc., etc., etc. But, given all it may well have been not his idea or that it was that or his family. Again, you pays your money and you pick your story. Any of those is likely given all, and GRU 29155 may not have even had to come knocking. I rather doubt we may ever know for sure which it was.

What is of interest is that this was a truly senior level person in the government. That’s a first, or at least the first in quite a while. It means things are getting serious in Moscow, and I suspect that he will not be the last as things continue to shake out. With China dropping any pretense of neutrality in the Russia/Ukraine conflict (note they want it to continue as it keeps us from focusing on them), and Russia not able to close the deal on their own (so to speak), things could get interesting indeed.

UPDATE I: The always-thoughtful Austin Bay has some thoughts about Russia as the “sick man” of Europe, or Eurasia (again, pays your money picks your version). A lot of very good food for thought that I wish Vladimir and a number of others within the brick walls would read and consider. And if you don’t have China going after Siberia and other territories on your bingo card, you should. I called that one how many years ago 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.

The Real No Kings Day

Consider this the introduction to the Great Experiment that is the Constitutional Republic that is the United States of America:

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Neurologist Visit

Sorry to be silent, but I’ve been both busy and a bit under the weather this last weekend. The short version on the latter is that the digestive track did something a bit new and different. Got it handled for now, and am keeping an eye on things around the world. Not to mention keeping an eye on myself.

To that end, I went back to visit the neurologist (separate from the neuropsychologist I saw a week or so back for the cognitive testing) today. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much out of her as I tend to be a bit underwhelmed by the field. It’s not just that my first neurologist was as useful as teats on a boar (and a personality more fitting to a boar); rather, it’s discovering that a lot of other survivors have also had less-than-positive experiences with them.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at how well the visit today went. She was cheerful, helpful, even printed out some data from the cognitive testing that I needed. I’ve got a new book to buy and read (that she would like read soon even), and, even better, a referral for physical therapy. That’s something I needed four years ago but am delighted to have it now. We need to work on balance, dealing with side effects of the vertigo, and related issues. One of my goals is to get where I can do full prostrations by next Lent. Not to mention that dealing with the balance, getting up, etc. will let me get in fuller workouts.

This should also help with the reflexes. They blow right now, and a sloth could truly probably outdraw me in a gun fight. I’m much better off using a coach gun these days… It would be nice to get the reflexes back into better shape on many fronts. The physical therapy should help.

Finally found this, and it’s not that far off….

I’ve got the data I was after, though it is probably not all I need. It would be nice to get some functional MRI data, not to mention a scan to look for scar tissue in the body. As was pointed out to me by a wise person a while back, I didn’t have any scars/burns on the outside, but no one ever checked on the inside. Not sure how to approach that right now, but that is why I need to put in place a good research plan as I experiment upon myself. Remember, if you experiment on yourself, you don’t require human subjects committee approval. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The voice lessons and massage therapy should continue, and if anyone wants to hit the tip jar please feel free! Music therapy has been very good for me, and helps with stimulating parts of the brain that aren’t being engaged by writing and other activities. The massage therapy seems to be helping as well, and am really hoping it continues to help not only with mobility (and even some flexibility), but also with some of the muscle cramps that became a part of my life after the strike. Tired of them. Looking at some other areas and recommendations as well.

And, before I forget, my voice coach has me singing Sinatra: about an octave lower, but doing a decent job if I say so myself. I want to see if we can set a couple of Warren Zevon songs into my range as well. That would make a heck of a CD, wouldn’t it?

Really do think now is the time to push on fixing as much of what’s left as I can. Some of the healing that has happened, like my heart, is truly miraculous. With a lot of hard work and prayer, I may never be what I was; but, I can work to become something better. Thank you all for your help, assistance, and prayers over the last four years. I would not have been able to do all I have done without you. Thank you. With your continued help, I think the best is yet to come.

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.