Current Events – The Laughing Wolf

Amusement

I knew the last days in the bunker were going to be interesting. Trump’s forces and various populist armies were closing in, and the rats in the Regency knew it. Yet, I don’t think they realized that there was still some very important business to be done, debts to be settled as it were. The old boy may mostly be gone, but that mean and petty streak that drives the need for revenge (often mistaken/unwarranted/unnecessary) that has been a defining feature of Biden’s career.

For all that I am sickened and disgusted at the unprecedented flood (where are all the ‘our norms’ types on this?) of pardons, I noted a pattern that has made me smile. His family is covered, of course. A somewhat breathtaking (if unsurprising) list of people are covered. As for the overwhelming crowd in which they were semi-hidden is concerned, I must confess I wonder if money transfers were involved.

But, what makes me smile is noticing who isn’t covered. Notice no one named Vindman of any gender is on there (and boy was Mrs. V ticked about that!). I don’t recall seeing the name Ciaramella on there either. Nor was the name Pelosi (or any of her well placed family). There appear to be a number of Obama’s people not on the list. A number of DNC people are not on the list. Certain members of Congresss besides Nancy were not on the list.

Funny thing that all of the names not on the list were involved in removing one Joe Biden from the race (or were supporters of them) and ending his career in a rather ignominious fashion. Joe has long been known for paying back even the smallest of perceived slights rather overwhelmingly. How much of this is Joe (I suspect more than many might think, as this is not thought but reflex honed over a lifetime) and how much is Jill really doesn’t matter. Fredo has settled accounts and arranged to make life interesting for certain individuals and organizations including his Party.

Somehow, I don’t think the pardons, or lack thereof, is all he’s done. I suspect he voted for Trump; as I noted at the time, he slipped a knife into Harris campaign rather expertly more than once; he saddled Obama and the DNC with Harris when that wasn’t the plan; and, well, I could go on. Given all this, anyone want to bet he’s left a few more surprises around? It really would be in keeping with past actions.

Let’s just hope that they are all aimed at his personal enemies, as the Biden Regency may not have destroyed the Republic, but they did a huge amount of damage that will take years, if not generations, to fix. The good news is that we can fix things, restore the Republic, and begin exploring our destiny in the stars. Won’t be easy or inexpensive, and will take not just hard work but “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” as a great man once noted. Then again, nothing truly good is ever easy. Let’s get to it.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends 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, 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.

Some Quick Reads

Tied up with medical stuff this morning, mostly appointment joys, but came across the following good reads.

Glenn has a good essay up that is well worth the read.

Steve has a good post up at PJ that I enjoyed.

And also Steve but at Instapundit. Follow the links.

May add some more later, will see.

Ed on the rapid turnover at the FBI (deserves a double facepalm)

Steve is on a roll today, good thread on X. Yes, the classification system needs major overhaul, if not gutting and starting over.

Itchy Feeling (Updates Below)

Okay, not sure what is going on other than that I think The Attack should be in non-fiction. Of many things going on right now, check out this story which should be ringing alarm bells far and wide about sleeper cells and worse. There are several others out there, all of which should be raising hackles and alerts.

For all I would be reluctant to step beyond the Firelight yet, starting to get a real itchy feeling about Monday and the days just beyond. Everyone is happy (and should be) over the election results and the chance to save the Republic. Problem is, what makes you think the deep state and progressives are going to play by the rules? They’ve already shown a large and varied willingness to step beyond the law on various fronts. What makes you think they are just going to lay down and follow the law now?

Interesting that the WEF is 20-24 January, right in time with the inauguration. An inauguration that looks to have a host of those hated by progressives (Milei, Nigel, Katie Hopkins, Musk, Bezos, Pichai, Cook, Altman, Zuckerberg, possibly Meloni, Orban, Bolsonaro, and more) in a small area. Now, add to that a number of darlings of the WEF and Deep State who are suddenly announcing they won’t attend. On one level, good as their absence will raise and enhance the event. On a different level, interesting that some of them will be at events or places well away from a potential ground zero. At the risk of sounding very “conspiracy theory” some of them are at locations where there have been multiple reports of emergency bunkers being built by “nervous” millionaires. Or bigger.

Also, how do you think corporate (legacy) media would respond if something like “The Attack” took place on or just after Inauguration Day? Heck, given what has been going on with DOJ, FBI, DHS, SS, et al, what if they stood aside if not helped?

Yes, I am a professional paranoid. There is a point to game things worst case, so as to be prepared. What we are seeing now could be totally random and innocent, or it may not. Face it though: you are about to have most major and many minor “enemies” of the elites/deep state (world wide) in a small area for several days while good progressive elites are well away and bunkered up (and dispersed).

Probably paranoid, but my shoulder blades are itching. After Butler, I have no faith in those in charge of security at almost any level. Frankly, I hope some foreign who have been cagey do stay away, just to thin the target pool. I also think that Trump and JD need to be widely spaced. As in very, very, nuclear-level widely spaced. Something’s not right. Pay attention. Hope this is wrong, but life could get very interesting real fast.

I’m going to be very busy with Theophany (spent most of today on it actually) the next few days. Will mostly be at Church, but will be keeping an eye on things and will cover as needed/can. Again, hoping I am wrong and the itchy feeling between my shoulder blades is just dry skin. That said, not going to bet on it for all I hope that is all it is.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE: Moving inside due to “weather” and some major changes to security perimeter. Note that “weather” could well be legit, or it could also be a good cover for reacting to other things. Only time (and the usual DC leaks) will tell. Also, looks like security is beefed up elsewhere too (Not a big DCD fan, but info is info). See this as an additional info point.

UPDATE II: I am delighted at all the continuing last-minute changes to events and plans. Funny that so many progressives are highly upset at them, you would think (as quite a few have noted on X) that it upset sightlines and plans. I want to see more to be honest. Not just on the day, but after. I noted above that the next few weeks could be very interesting. Then you get stories like this which prove the point. It’s still not too late to prepare, or to read The Attack if you have not already done so. No, link generates no payback to me FYI, prefer honest donations if I do good. I’ve been using the recent time at Church to offer up some prayers for today and the days ahead, prayers for peace, for growth, for safety, and more. I encourage you to join me, as I think such is very much needed. I don’t often do this, but will share a daily prayer that is modified from a traditional Orthodox Christian prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ Our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

I will note that non-respectful discussions of the prayer will see the banhammer brought out of storage. Also, is anyone surprised at the last spasm of pardons? The Biden Regency is protecting all those it can, and through them others as well. All the more reason change is needed.

And if you need something unsettling for the day, think about this. Note the dragging of feet on confirmation hearings for several key players in the new admin. Now, look at the line of succession. Particularly look at who is where as of about 1230 hours today. Now, literally, look at where 1-3 are at that time. Now, look up who is 4, 5, and 6 and where they will be. More soon.

UPDATE III: Made it through the day surprisingly peacefully. Thank you Lord! As of this morning, Rubio is confirmed so as soon as he is sworn in a major problem in succession is fixed. Now to get the others in place.

Now to make it through the next few weeks. Read the comments as several good calls about things. One of my concerns remains attacks against civilians and infrastructure. It would not need assistance from elements of the government (already had that) nearly as much as weaponized elements of DOJ, etc. standing down or simply not standing up at need. Blame the new admin and not the failures and machinations of the past Regency. The next 2-6 weeks are critical in terms of change-of-command and dealing with rot. That said, Trump seems to be coming in with better intel this time, and plans laid out, and that could narrow the window, possibly even considerably. The top of the chain is relatively easy in many respects, it’s down the chain that time is needed along with good leadership. Keep those prayers and thoughts going folks. We are NOT out of the woods yet, but we are in a much better place than we were yesterday morning.

A Resignation

My mother was always into family, which is to say the actions of ancestors in the past who gave some cachet to those still living. She actually became a rather well respected genealogist for her work to establish legal proofs on various lines. For her, every link to royalty and nobility was yet more proof of our goodness and superiority. Me, well, I rather enjoyed the playboys, cattle thieves, and other less-than-stellar ancestors. I’ve met various members of royalty over the years, and frankly with a few exceptions I’d rather drink with whores and rogues. The latter are far better sorts in my opinion.

That said, I also have to admit I enjoyed being a direct descendant of Duncan slain by the traitor MacBeth. Of course, I am one of many who suspect the family paid off Shakespeare to make Duncan into a saint when he was far from it. It was interesting to have more than one connection to the current royal family of England. And, I have enjoyed being a member of a society The Friends of St. George’s. Another earned it, but it was interesting to be a descendant of one who had done great things.

However, current events do have an impact on the past — and especially to those who worship it. I have never truly worshiped the past, but have respected it and those who maintained the obligations of the past. The late Queen earned my respect on several fronts, not the least learning to shoot with Churchill’s tommy gun. She will be missed on many fronts, and I have my doubts about her line ever climbing to her level again. William might surprise me, but Charles is not worthy of her or her throne.

Which brings me to a choice I must now make. I’ve written about the rape gangs (bleep calling them grooming gangs) for years now, took a small bit of flack for doing so and for publishing an editorial cartoon that hit home for some. May have to publish it again despite it being deemed too much for the public.

I, Clifford Blake Powers, Jr., do hereby renounce any and all membership in all English Orders, be they of nobility or otherwise. I renounce for myself and my heirs any and all claims to titles, lands, or other carriage within the Kingdom of England and/or Great Britain. I hereby renounce my membership in The Friends of St. Georges, and Knights of the Garter. I nor my heirs are no longer subject to being a member or life descendant member of this or any other order. I reject utterly and completely being associated with child rapists, their enablers, or their defenders. May God reward you all well for that which you have done, and that which you have enabled.

My die is cast, and I reject you all. My heart is with those abused, who you would fuck over even more.

Some Thoughts On Bugging Out

This post was inspired by Mr. James Woods on X, who posted about a local (Independent?) pharmacy that was opening early this morning to help people who had evacuated without their medicines. Before anyone starts to chest thump about being too good to get caught like that, let me just say Horsehocky.

Fact is, even those of us who think and prepare can get caught out under the right circumstances. Unless you have a very good doc, pharmacist, and insurance company, the odds are that medicines are going to be one of the last things dumped into your boogie bag. I know I can’t afford to get a set of meds just to keep at the ready, and frankly few of us who are older can do so.

In this case, it does reinforce the need to have thought out what you need to grab on the way out the door. I sincerely hope and pray I and you, dear reader, never have to bug out on extremely short notice. Keep in mind that things went from idyllic to a taste-of-hell quite literally in a matter of minutes for those hit by the fires. Most of the time between ‘oh we might want to take steps’ and ‘oh shit’ was spent trying to prevent fires and fire damage. The focus was on prevention and preservation, not on bugging out. I watched one video where two guy literally did get out the front of the house as the back apparently went up. They waited so late trying to save the house that they had to evac on foot (not a good thing). One of them kept repeating “I’m sorry bro, we tried” over and over again even as they went out into the smoke and flames on foot.

It’s a very human thing to want to fight to save your home in the face of such a threat. It is the focus, not the concept of bugging out, which can and does seem like a defeat under those circumstances. In some ways it is; which, just makes it worse to pull the plug and run.

Which makes it all the more important to plan ahead. I’ve talked about it before in Preparedness Pays, but it needs repeating because life is not neat and tidy and precise. Life is messy, hard, and comes at you fast. It is easy, deadly easy, to get caught up in a last-minute cycle of ‘I Need To Save…” It’s not the easy stuff — the copies/certified copies of important documents both paper and electronic, cash, etc. — that gets you. It’s the sudden thought of that gift from Aunt Nell, that menu or other item from a first date, the little things that are a huge part of our psychological life. Of home. The home you are about to lose. You are not likely to be thinking fully on plumb at that time.

Again (and again) we are not talking about a bug-out situation where you have time to think, plan, pack, and prepare. We are talking about a situation where you have to switch from defense of the home to immediate bug-out in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. That’s the hardest thing for some to plan for and handle.

For such situation, I tend to use the 90-second rule. Basically, if I can get to something in 90 seconds and have room, I will pack it out. For example, I’ve already thought about having to do an immediate departure of my home. There are several things that could happen which would cause me to have to depart PDQ. Trick is, evaluate what options are available for transport and grab the appropriate go-bags and get in the last minute items.

In 90 seconds, I can have all my medicines and supplements into my “on me” go bag. In 90 seconds, I can have the stockpiles of same in a separate bag. In 90 seconds, I can grab the small number of essential books and have them packed. If I can get to it in 90 seconds, there is one photo album I want to grab. Everything else is expendable. I am actually a very sentimental person, and there are small things that are incredibly important to me for that reason. None of them are worth my life or the life of those I love. Their loss will suck, but life can be rebuilt. New things can and will come in to take their place. Life will go on.

You need to be thinking and planning on that basis now. When you see the flames suddenly shoot up is not the time for thinking, it is the time to react. It is time to cut on the sprinklers, activate the defenses, and begin preparing to boogie.

Clothing, food, shelter, water, copies of documents to prove you are you and what property you own, cash and/or other valuables — those are the easy things to prepare. They are the easy decisions to make.

The hard decision is often how fast to pull the trigger on the boogie; and, what are the things you really want to take with you. Think about those now, while there is time and you can think rationally about them. The real key for me, at any rate, is to look at it on the basis of 90-seconds and if having it is worth a life. Like I say, for me it comes down to a photo album if possible. There are a couple of other things that if there is time and room/weight (you may be packing out instead of driving), I would love to grab. I might give up an edged weapon for the guitar, but would not give up a firearm. I want a balanced load, in all senses of the phrase since what I have may have to get me by for a while. Potentially a good while.

Again, think and plan ahead. For wildfires and earthquakes, there is likely to be little to no notice. That’s when planning ahead really counts. Just remember: things can be replaced. People can’t. Don’t let a thing put a life at risk. Especially your own.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Firelight

I’m continuing to follow events and right now the only thing I’m prepared to say is that too many things are not adding up. Nothing about Las Vegas makes any sense (a SF NCO who can’t make an IED?), and there are gaps in too many things there, New Orleans, and elsewhere.

Parts of this are reminding me uncomfortably of The Attack and if you have not read it I do recommend it. Parts are reminding me of the old Keystone Cops movies. Parts, well, parts of it are making my hackles rise with hints of what is out there.

Interesting that a well-funded and organized demonstration just happened to take place in NYC the day after the attack, just like they did after Oct. 7. No, I don’t believe in coincidences but I do believe in enemy action.

Buckle up as there is turbulence ahead. My advice is to take care of last minute prep and be prepared. Hunker down, avoid crowds and other clear targets. Lot of stuff going on that isn’t yet tripping the coverage but that could change. Be prepared. Keep your loved ones close and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Sandstone

I had planned (and wanted) to do a nice post about 2024 and how I hoped 2025 continued things for us all. Instead, I woke up to the terrorist attack in New Orleans, and am watching things continue to unravel here and around the world.

The attacks on NYE in Europe were no surprise; rather, the only surprise is that they were not larger and worse. Notice those countries where such did not take place or were shut down fast. Then notice where they weren’t. Not a surprise.

I’m trying to hold to the 24-hour rule on New Orleans, as things are in flux. Since the Stasi got involved, and the agent in mouthpiece declared it not to be terrorism (just before getting overridden apparently), I am going to take things with a bit of salt. Perhaps a tun would be a good place to start. And, yes, that is the proper spelling for what I have in mind.

Now, however, a cybertruck has exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Vegas. Could you be any more obvious?

Heads on a swivel folks, the next twenty or so days are going to be a bit turbulent methinks. Be prepared.

Remember, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Jimmy Carter

I generally try not to say something about someone who has passed if I can’t say something nice or good. I’ve been searching for something nice to say about this man, especially as I very briefly (thank you Lord!) worked on his presidential campaign.

Though it was in no way intentional, he did enable the craft beer revolution in the U.S. That is, he signed legislation crafted by others and guided through Congress by others that allowed people to brew for themselves. In essence, the bill removed constraints put in place by Prohibition, and when it became law it started the process of modernizing both state and federal law. For the full and real story, read up as it is a good story. However, despite the ongoing tongue baths, it is not honest to say that Jimmy was a true and huge champion of craft brewing.

As an ex-President, he helped Habitat for Humanity get publicity and he was involved in efforts that have boosted tropical medicine and health. He does indeed deserve credit for such.

Sadly, there is not much more good that I can say at this time about him. I grew up in Georgia when he was active, and find that he and Biden do have much in common: they are both petty, vindictive, and not known for holding to the truth. I have to give Carter the edge on that, as a case can be made for hyperbole on his part as opposed to the outright fantasy that spouts from Biden.

The man did more damage to world peace and the advancement of Western Civilization than any outside enemy. What he did to intelligence operations is something from which we have yet to recover. I can’t truly put it as a good, but I will say that outside experts became a thing, and in those days we were referred to as Soviet Watchers, China Watchers, etc. Today, OSINT is not just a thing but starting to be a full-up industry, all thanks to Jimmy’s incompetence and the fact that Ronald Maximus realized that outside, honest, intel was needed.

As president and ex-president, Carter truly screwed over Israel and the Middle East. While there wasn’t a totalitarian dictator he wasn’t eager to fellate he was particularly fascinated with Arafat and slurped him at every opportunity. The damage he did in both facets of his life will take generations to repair, if they can be repaired at all.

Nor was such evil limited to the Middle East. You can find it anywhere he touched, but much of the issues facing South and Central America can be laid straight at Jimmy’s feet. Start with Venezuela and work your way out from there.

There is more, and much more detail, into which I can go. For now, I will leave that for others. I will ask you to pray for his soul, for it is needed and right to do so.

Droning

Holding fire on speculation, but will simply note a few quick things:

If memory serves, the Chinese have practiced launching drone swarms from container ships (“civilian”) before. If memory serves, there was a Chinese man arrested in California not all that long ago for flying a drone into/over restricted airspace. If memory serves, the Chinese were buying farmland and other real estate near major (inland) military bases for years (with some of us jumping up and down and trying to get it stopped). Was some of that near Wright-Pat?

Now, as to the White House playbook. Isn’t the response to the drones eerily similar to the spy balloon fiasco?

Oh, and don’t forget all those healthy and in-shape military-aged Chinese males that have come across the southern border in the last couple of years.

The more I watch, the more convinced I am that multiple parties are going to do something stupid ahead of Jan 20. I really hope not, but am not going to bet on it.

Just some quick musings…

Sitrep 5 Dec 24

Sorry for the silence, but it has been interesting. Lots going on, including the body and I arguing a small bit. Some very welcome generosity has also meant I’m getting some additional preparedness ready for winter (and general use). The mail carrier may well hate me here soon…

On the Syria situation, anyone who says they know what is going on is either full of it, lying, or both. There are no real good guys there, though if it is true that the Kurds have a female sniper team taking out people who abuse women and children it may be the closest to a good thing there. Complex is an understatement.

Keep an eye on it, but one thing I’ve already noted is that the Russian’s began evacuating naval forces a day or three ago and apparently will only send forces there from Africa. Seems they don’t have troops, transport, etc. to send from Russia (or Ukraine). Speaks volumes.

On the CEO assassination in NYC, got a lot of questions. There is a lot of talk of investigations, insider trading — and testimony. The odor around this is not coming from Denmark. As for the assassin being a pro, not so sure. Spotted multiple times ahead of shooting; used a Citibike for getaway (and a kid who scrapes data for fun showed where he dropped it); and, wrote words on shell casings left behind. Pros tend to make Batman look like a publicity hound. Also, not hearing a lot on wounds and pro tends to be first round back of the head and rest to body. That he made it alive to the hospital speaks against that type of placement. Familiar with guns, yes: cleared a malf during the shooting. Familiar with biometrics and basics of ID, going with no: eyes and surrounding are most readily identifiable, this guy had lower face covered. In defeating cameras and biometrics, more is better.

Really unhappy with the Undocumented Democrats/Establishment RINOs who are trying to torpedo Pete. As I’ve noted before, The Swamp is not going to go quietly into that good night, and DoD is key to power and profit. They are going to fight him hard and dirty, just like they are doing. Hopefully, we collectively and the incoming Administration will fight even harder and nastier for him. Make notes, and make lists. Vote accordingly.

Will be tied up the rest of the weekend with the Christmas Village at the Church. It’s a fundraiser and more, and last year was a lot of fun as well as work. Well, as much as I was allowed to work given I had just had my shoulder replaced. AAR and such should mean our part of it goes a lot smoother this year. There will be vendors, food, baked treats, coffee, and more. I will be there pretty much all day tomorrow and Saturday, and Sunday too for obvious reasons.

Meantime, coldest day so far this year and yet another sign we may have a real winter this year. Which is why I’m trying to get some cold-weather prep in place. And get ready to take on such a winter as a pedestrian/user of public transport. It’s not the walking that gets to me, it’s the standing a waiting for long periods of time. Which means doing real layering for a change.

Also, trying to get some other things prepped including moving. Word is that disability is approved. Now waiting to find out more info, including how much (if any) my monthly stipend goes up. Once I know that, I can start truly looking for a place of my own. More on that as it develops.

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