Okay, I first gave a brief mention here, then a longer post on England here. Couple of things have come up, and here are some fuller answers before we get into some broader concerns about free speech and the upcoming election.
First, I am indeed serious about not traveling to or through England. Never mind the ongoing unrest with two more stabbed today in a major tourist area, most Americans really just don’t get how different current English law is from American. You have no right to self-defense there, and if you do defend yourself you will be the one arrested and it is guaranteed you will get a far harsher sentence. Pocket knives or even picnic knives are deadly weapons, and even common first-aid items, such as ointments, are prescription only (and even then often banned). Ware what you take overseas.
Now, add in the slavering joy at going after compliant subjects who are not likely to fight back, and the clear desire to put a beat-down (figurative or literal) on Americans who have dared post memes or otherwise point out the two-tiered war on real/original British, and I think it would be foolish to give them any funds or opportunity to use you as an example. And, yes, given the brain-trust that is two-tier keir and his administration (not to mention the leadership and even membership of the met police), they are going to be stupid enough to try to find an American of whom to make an example.
And, yes, they can get you in transit through any port in England. Most likely is an airport, but it is not limited to such. Theoretically, when one lands somewhere and does not go through local Customs, but instead catches another flight, boat, etc., you do not technically enter that country. International transit corridors are indeed a thing, and I think even bound by a solemn treaty or three. Free travel, no hassle, and most countries have at least pinky sworn to honor such. Of course, I suspect you will find that such has never been fully honored and interesting things have happened in that area before. Besides, it’s not hard to set-up a situation that pushes a target out of the area and onto sovereign soil.
So, you have a group of particularly stupid authoritarians of the socialist/communist (there being no real difference between socialism, communism, and fascism) type in the two-tier keir administration with “law enforcement” of the weak type being given power like they’ve only dreamed of before. Do you really think they will get a brain, much less anything else, and not do something stupid? Part of me wants to put money on a flat-out kidnapping from the transit corridor, as that would be about the speed of Mark Rowley’s intellect and honor. If they have a brain, a “detour” around a spill or plumbing emergency that takes an unsuspecting foreign Citizen out of the designated transit corridor and at least makes the kidnapping sorta legal. The other option is to hide the British arrest warrants until a tourist has gone through Customs then arrest them, which would technically be legal but would also open up several diplomatic cans of worms. Then again, given the worms for brains of Keir and Rowley they may not care or even think about such.
Then again, much depends on the U.S. election. Let’s face it, Harris and company would probably be glad to honor an extradition request if it were for the “right” people. Lawfare is part and parcel of what they have been doing against targets large and small. The fact that it would be illegal (can’t extradite for a crime that is not a crime here) would have to be worked out in the courts and oh my, too bad so sad, by the time that happens the person is overseas and probably already finished a multi-year sentence. If you think that’s crazy, just look at the J6 defendants among others. Yes, there are others and plenty of other examples.
Which leads to another complication. Before I go any further, may I suggest you read this post and then this (more detailed) post. Before you go congratulating yourself on living in the U.S. where we have freedom of speech, think back to the last election and COVID. An election where we had social media, search, and other corporations illegally working with the U.S. government to censor information and discussion. Not mis-information or treason, but accurate information, discussion, and other protected speech. Skanky-Janky and all the others involved broke the law, but don’t ever expect to see them so charged. Especially since both Harris and Walz have both called for that level and more. In fact, they have both called for the effective repeal of the First Amendment (repeat, effective for the idiots). So, we’ve sorta got it now, but can we keep any vestige of free speech?
I think so, despite the fact I have zero faith and confidence in this election. In fact, I agree with Sarah in that I think Trump and Republicans up and down the chain will lose this election — on electrons. I fully expect the fix is in (Pennsylvania, cough, cough) and what matters now is the margin of “fortification” of the vote. It’s why you see the traveling canned audiences, the AI generated crowds, and the interesting polls putting Harris well ahead. It matters because if you are one of those who is into politics, monitors closely, reads statements, and truly is informed: congratulations, you are the one percent. Probably more like ten percent, but the vast majority of voters don’t do that and only pay attention to the polls and words of corporate media, which is fully in the tank for Harris. Oh, those claims of fraud again, well, the polls said…
Unless people get involved and there is some success in protecting the election against “fortification” then what worked before will be done again. There will be no red wave, no nothing. Now, I think it can be prevented if we take the right steps but it will be hard and tight. I hope it is done, I just won’t bet on it. Nor do I think we should give up. In fact, start with this post by Sarah and work your way up. They are desperate, and the stupidity seen in England is but one symptom of that desperation. Things are indeed falling apart for them, and they are frantic to try to hang on.
Grease the poles, the railings, and anything else they can cling to. Do what you can to ensure a free and fair election. Point out the gas lighting going on in the corporate media and in most social media. Call out the lies and rebut the bots. If we don’t try, it’s done. If we do try, they may can fortify but I will bet it doesn’t go the way they think it will. Screw the pills, particularly the black. To quote a man: fight, fight, fight. If we fight and fight hard, the ride will be more than bumpy but they can’t win in the end. Keep that in mind.
Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be prepared.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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.