Current Events – The Laughing Wolf

On A Happier Note

Or possibly notes. First up, I agree with Instapundit that I hope this is right and COVID19 has peaked, and it trends with other data breakdowns I’ve seen elsewhere. As the article notes, the media is into fear porn and does not take into account that the daily death totals released DO NOT ALL DIE ON THAT DAY. It can take days, or even weeks, for the information to come in, so you have to look at when the deaths actually occurred. It also helps to look at the actual death certificates (as one researcher is doing in at least one state) to see if the person died with COVID19 (cough, motorcycle crash, cough) or died of it. Keep in mind that the highest death rates are in the group of 80 plus years old with co-morbidities. Most deaths have on average 2.5 co-morbidities.

Big Tech’s censoring of the group of doctors trying to get the word out about HCQ/Z-Pac/Zinc being used by them (and hundreds of others, probably thousands around the world), has backfired rather spectacularly. As a result of their heavy-handed tactics, a real debate over the effectiveness is slowly starting to take place with real data making it into at least parts of the media as well as social media. In my COVID19 reports, I’ve linked to medical studies (as opposed to the academic studies) from doctors who actually treat patients that when used properly and at the right time, that they are seeing up to a 99 percent success rates. Even when not given as early as is best, the success rates still are above 90 percent. This article puts a lot of things into perspective, and raises serious questions about why there is such a sustained campaign by some (Fauci, who is a bureaucrat and administrator, not a practicing physician). It is link rich, and well worth a read. Again, hat tip to Instapundit.

And, a reminder that the FDA and CDC are political agencies, not healthcare agencies. The testing issues we had at the start, which prevented early detection, treatment, and control, came from the bureaucratic desire to control everything — even though they did not have the resources (or expertise) to do effective testing, nor to do the amount of testing. Despite raising a number of hurdles and efforts to, frankly, thwart development of inexpensive home testing, such efforts are in work. Again, courtesy of Instapundit, comes this article looking at those efforts and where they stand.

Again, keep in mind that when caught and treated early, the success rate is not just more than 99 percent, the severity of the symptoms and the need for hospitalization and ventilators is significantly reduced. That’s a bit of an understatement — see the studies linked in the above article (some of which were previously linked to here). Almost all the problems we have had, as well as the lockdown, can be laid squarely in the laps of the CDC/FDA/NIAID. Testing difficulties, resistance to treatment, interference in doctor/patient decisions on how to treat, and actively trying to suppress evidence from medical studies by real doctors has been, along with general incompetence, have been the hallmark of our so-called elites.

For me, if I am diagnosed with COVID19, I’m asking my doctor for HCQ/Z-Pac/Zinc and we will discuss it and other treatment options. Then, an informed decision between my doctor and I will result in treatment. The idea of one doctor (who is not a practicing physician but an un-elected bureaucrat) determining the treatment for millions is not only ludicrous, but un-American.

Let’s hope it is not needed, and that the good news on the peak is correct. Let’s hope that a real discussion of real medical studies and treatments can take place despite the efforts of Big Tech and Big Government to censor it. Let the marketplace of ideas, and free individual choice, rule.

None Dare Call It

The headline harkens back further than the 1964 book showing communist infiltration of American culture and politics. In fact, it goes back roughly 400 years to John Harington. Both actually apply to what is happening today, and while treason doth apply, there is another topic on which the media is being extremely quiet, for none dare call the violence violence, or what it truly is.

There is active collusion between politicians and the radicals engaged in not peaceful protest, or even peaceful intensified; rather, they are engaged in armed insurrection. That they are well funded and supplied is a fact, and it takes little (particularly if you don’t use Google) searching to find evidence of it. This article highlights part of it, and there is much more to be found: advanced communications gear, PPE, and more. One hopes that the competent in federal law enforcement are gathering intel, infiltrating, and will press charges where warranted. Hope, however, is a thing in short supply given the many failures of our so-called elite.

Believe those engaged in insurrection when they tell you what they plan to do. When they talk of encouraging random attacks. When they say they plan to kill you. They are not even hiding this point. Indeed on that bastion of free speech Facebook, they are openly calling for the killing/assassination of federal agents. Talking about killing white or conservative citizens and assassinating federal agents is acceptable to their community standards; but, dare mention HCQ and you will find yourself suspended or gone.

That targeted assassination is a thing, look no further than the murder of Bernell Trammell. The media all refer to it as a murder, but it has all the earmarks of a targeted assassination. None in the media dare call it that. I’m not sure he was the first, but sadly suspect he will not be the last. One toes the line or else.

Another good example of a targeted assassination can be found here in Indy. Jessica Doty Whitaker was gunned down by an assassin hiding on a bridge for the crime of saying “All Lives Matter” during an altercation that happened earlier in the evening. The local media has bent over backwards to avoid calling it what it was. In fact, other than WIBC (which also has avoided using the word assassination), the media has worked hard to avoid covering the story except when absolutely necessary.

Random violence is also up, and again the media (and some authorities) are quick to either deny any racial motivation or to avoid mentioning the possibility at all. A random shooting here (stopped by a good guy with a gun) had the police quickly saying no racism, only mental illness. I have no doubt as to the latter, but no basis for the first has been given. A road-rage killing has the racial factor ignored as well. There are many more to choose from, as if you go search for videos of random attacks they are easy to find. Also do a search for unprovoked attacks on Trump supporters, and it sad to see how many there are where a younger person attacks an older without warning or cause.

I fear the situation is only going to get worse. Say the wrong thing, and the mob will come for you. Say the wrong thing, and you can die. Violence and assassination have been normalized, and will be used to intimidate and coerce. It is not enough to cancel you, and destroy your life. You must be killed. Believe them when they openly say this. Believe what you see when the masks don’t just slip, but are openly thrown off to reveal that which lies beneath.

So far, the violence is being ignored and/or covered up. With the active collusion of politicians at every level, it is encouraged. After all, there’s an election to win and one group clearly plans to win at any cost. If lives are destroyed and people killed, it is a small price to pay to win the big prize.

I would, however, caution those who are promoting and conducting the violence. They see it as something controlled via a rheostat, to be dialed up or down at need. Others, however, see it as an on/off switch and as the violence increases are considering flipping that switch and the consequences will be horrific. As others have pointed out, the police they seek to defund are in place in large measure to protect those who violate the rules of society. When society has not had such, the consequences to those who transgress (and far too many innocent parties) tends to be rather gruesome.

We are fast approaching a point where the Citizens of this Republic will have to make a choice. Not just a choice between Rule-of-Law and Rule of the Mob, but on our very civil institutions. If the Social Compact is rendered null and void, what do we do? What can we do?

For now, we can educate, warn, and prepare. We can vote with our dollars and with our feet. I would like to suggest to the thousands who are fleeing various locations for more peaceful locations that they not bring the politics with them that led to their cities becoming war zones. If you are in a location where the local/state governments have or are encouraging rioting and worse; or, are gleefully using the pandemic to seize power: get out. Vote with your feet.

Meantime, prepare. Prepare for the worst. If it doesn’t happen, the preparations are still good to have in place. If it does, being prepared will ensure you stay fed, healthy, and alive. I truly fear what September and October will bring. May my fears be in vain.

A Lot Is Going On

There is a lot going on, both with the insurrection/Info Op underway and with China, Iran, and the spots I mentioned. Working to confirm a few things, and hope to get more up soon. Meantime, day job has been too busy and that cuts into my writing and research time. Also, note that the war on HCQ/Z-Pac/Zinc continues apace. Finally, not posting on Twitter until Wednesday as part of the boycott over their/their allowing rampant antisemitism.

Other posts in this series:

Pity. Another Accident In Iran

Iran In Syria: Israel Strikes Back

The Data Oddities Continue, And Three Iranians Arrested After Illegally Crossing The Border

Some Quick Thoughts on Iran

Dear Professional Sports: It’s You

Dear Professional Sports,

It’s not me, it’s you. When I watch sports, I do so to be entertained and to enjoy the physical skills and tactics of the athletes and coaches. I’m not going to say how many years I’ve done so, but I remember going to the old Atlanta/Fulton County stadium to watch Hammering Hank before he set the home run record. I’ve enjoyed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat over a wide range of sports — often despite some of the announcers.

I have not watched for hectoring and scolding lectures, sermons, or to hear any participant in any sport expound on politics, science, history (except of the sport), or social topics. In fact, I watch to get away from all that.

However, I no longer have that option. It’s been bad enough dealing with all the players who have legal or other troubles — there was a day when the various sports dealt firmly with such things. Now, such seems to be the norm and not merely tolerated but celebrated.

The current move into “wokeness” is the final straw for me, particularly given the hypocrisy involved since almost every sport (and media outlet) has ties to China. China, which unleashed a pandemic on the world and is literally rounding up ethnic minorities and others and putting them into rail cars. Profit above all else is what counts now, and the idea of sportsmanship and sportsman-like conduct are but quaint notions no longer in vogue.

There is no respect for America, the American Citizen, our military, or our veterans in what you are doing. There is, in fact, an amazingly high degree of disrespect being shown.

So, my days of watching, on television or in person, are done. I have no plans to buy team merchandise, or do anything else that puts another dollar in your pockets. I’m actually quite content to do other things, and take my business to those who show some respect.

If you ever decide to go back to doing sports and letting us, your viewers, enjoy it, well, good luck with that. For me, I really don’t anticipate ever coming back.

If You Read Nothing Else

If you read nothing else today, please read this remarkable and well-reasoned take from Heather Mac Donald. Well said. WELL said. HT Instapundit/Ed Driscoll

Hold Fire

If you are no reading the fearless reporting of Mr. Andy Ngo, you should be. The man has risked and IS risking his life by providing honest coverage of Antifa and the riots in Portland (and in Seattle). They caught him once and beat him badly enough he was hospitalized with bleeding in the brain.

He has documented a number of the tactics being used by the rioters, which is to lure police/LE out so that they can be swarmed. The other thing Antifa, CHAZ/CHOP, and others are doing is not peaceful protest; rather, it is an effort to use violence to provoke a strong response from LE which will then be used my enablers in the media to make a claim of brutality. Indeed, many of the smaller attacks around the country being done on individuals is to provoke a deadly response, again so that claims can be made of racism, excessive force, need to confiscate guns, and to take extraordinary legal actions against not only the persons involved, but any who are not of the chosen few. They are also encouraging people on the edge to be violent, and when those do go off, they can claim innocence even as the acts stoke the fracturing of America and increase the odds of force/excessive force being used in return.

Given media complicity and enabling, these are effective strategies for now. The restraint of federal LE has deprived them for now of what they desperately want, even though the strong response could result in injury or deaths of their own people. The the calling off of local LE by various mayors, have both allowed the riots/arson (and reportedly rape, murder, assaults) to run unchecked to the detriment of their communities.

The problem is, that the violent insurrection — which is what this is, as it is not a peaceful/”mostly peaceful” protest — will have to be faced at some point. These actions are not likely to fade away as would be normal, as those involved have stockpiles, advanced gear, national/international coordination, and continued funding to draw on. These actions will increase, and be deliberately spread across the country as the election nears. When that happens, the responses are not likely to be pretty. Keep in mind that any use of force, even if mild, will be played as excessive by both those behind the insurrection and their fellow-travelers in the media. Trust not the narrative. Do not fall for it.

It may be that the quiet actions in arresting those accused of federal crimes by federal LE, infiltration, and going after the coordination and instigators will pay off. Such arrests and trials are the first real pushback these groups have had, and a number of those arrested are reportedly shocked to find out there could be real consequences to their actions. More of this will have an effect, but how much remains to be seen.

Meantime, watch the videos by Mr. Ngo and other independent journalists. Watch the violence hurled at LE and anyone who gets in the way of the mob. This is what you are not seeing on mainstream media (for the most part). Then, think about the restraint being shown. Right now, it is the best way to not give those in insurrection what they want.

To be honest, I’m inclined right now to agree with James Woods that the best response would be to move all federal functions out of Portland and other cities allowing and enabling the riots/arson/etc. Then let those cities eat themselves. No federal bailouts, no federal help, etc. Yes, Antifa and other groups will try to follow where those federal functions go, but those communities are not as likely to enable/allow the destruction in their own cities; and, the rest of the nation (and world) can see what happens when such violence goes unchecked by the local authorities.

Keep in mind that, as others have rightly said, this is an information/psyop action, not a kinetic action. The response needs to be information/psyop for now. Spread the videos and truth as far and wide as possible. Show the people who have dropped the masks, as what lies beneath is not pretty. Believe those people when they tell you what they are and what they plan to do, for they would not have dropped the masks unless they were ready and willing for the world to see what truly lies beneath. Also, if you are in one of those cities where mayors have refused to let the police do their jobs, ordered them to stand down or stand back, move. Above all, vote. This election truly will decide the fate of the Republic for the next several generations.

Meantime, defend yourself at need but avoid the provocations. Step back, step away, and let their efforts fail. Spread the truth about what is going on, as it is the best way to destroy the narrative and to let reality show.

Pity. Another Accident In Iran

Seems seven ships caught fire in a port. Media is concentrating on the fact that it happened a dozen miles from Iran’s only nuclear power station, of course. Remember, take nothing from the Iranian government as the truth, they wouldn’t know what it was if it bit them on their rumps.

Sadly, they have executed a man they claim was a spy for the CIA. IMO, the odds against him truly being guilty are large. The mullahs have the habit of finding a scapegoat, saying they are a spy, and executing them anytime things go badly for them. There is another man accused of being a spy who allegedly helped us get Soleimani. Interesting fact about their legal system: defense lawyers are seldom allowed to see charges, evidence, or anything else they might need to defend their clients. See the case of the three protestors who were to be executed before mass outcry at home and abroad forced a new trial where their lawyers will be able to see at least some of the charges and evidence against them.

Other posts in this series:

Iran In Syria: Israel Strikes Back

The Data Oddities Continue, And Three Iranians Arrested After Illegally Crossing The Border

Some Quick Thoughts on Iran

Iran In Syria: Israel Strikes Back

In light of yesterday’s post on Iran, China, and odd patterns of data around the world, this post is most interesting (hat tip to Powerline). Seems Israel is systematically gutting Iranian efforts to provide precision guided missiles and production technology to various non-state actors in Syria and Lebanon including Hezbollah.

Fox News is catching up on things as well, talking about the events covered in this post along with some new attacks. While no one knows who (or how many whos) are involved, someone is systematically gutting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. While I strongly suspect some non-state actors may be involved, there really is no way to know right now. Nor is that a bad thing, as some secrets really do need to be kept to protect sources, methods, means, etc. Really do hope that for once the bureaucracy keeps its collective mouths shut.

Other posts in this series:

The Data Oddities Continue, And Three Iranians Arrested After Illegally Crossing The Border

Some Quick Thoughts on Iran

The Data Oddities Continue, And Three Iranians Arrested After Illegally Crossing The Border

In this post, I noted some “odd and interesting swirls and flows” in the data patterns in several parts of the world. That post came, in part, from this post on Iran. In the first post, I asked why the cartels were smuggling Chinese nationals across the western border, and what else were they smuggling?

Now, there’s a bit more. Three Iranians were arrested illegally crossing the border. Yes, it was a family, but I do wonder how old the “child” was given that the term has been applied in the past to “children” who were 21 or over. The thing is, other people from the Middle East have been apprehended, including one female who happened to have a map of the region’s gas pipelines.

Chinese nationals in the west, Middle Eastern in the east. How many of each are the cartels getting across? What else besides people is being smuggled into the United States? Who is behind the explosions and fires that have just crippled several projects related to nuclear weapons and advanced rockets and missiles in Iran?

Keep in mind that China is tied to all the areas I mention in that first article. The actions of the Chinese government, open and clandestine, are not the actions of a strong and confident leadership, but those of a very desperate leadership.

Also, while the data patterns on the Indian border are interesting, not elevating that to something to keep a strong eye on yet. Yes, it is worrisome, but some of what happened may have been a miscalculation on the local/regional level. If things start to stand down, that’s likely the case. If we start seeing it ratchet up, then it joins the others.

Again, keep an eye on these anomalies in the pattern, and be prepared. Remember, preparedness always pays.

Other posts in this series:

Some Quick Thoughts on Iran

Iran

I was going to link to several stories, but P. David Hornik at PJ Media has a decent wrap up that included most of them. I will add that there are reports of some non-standard denials from Israel that they were behind this. Frankly, I suspect quite a few hands may be involved with this one, directly and indirectly, possibly including some non-state actors. The patterns in the data are swirling strongly, and there is much currently unknown about who has done what, where, and why. Keep an eye on it, and also remember to keep an eye on the Mexican border (and the Caribbean).