Current Events – Page 11 – The Laughing Wolf

Into The Light: Pope Francis

While I am no longer a member of the Roman Catholic church, I have said a prayer for his soul and also prayed for that church. I was not a fan of Pope Francis, though I had hoped for the best when he was elected. That said, I do encourage prayers for his soul and for that church. Personally, I think they could do a lot worse than to look at Cardinal Sarah. To all Roman Catholics, my condolences on the loss.

A Dire Situation

Well, really not that dire, at least in the conventional use of the term. What it is, is a good piece of corporate PR that serves up an interesting dish of ethics.

What I’m referring to is the announcement from Colossal Biosciences that they have ‘de-extincted’ the Dire Wolf. Yes, the caps are there for a reason, mostly to point out that I am referring to the species. For background on this, I will refer you to Leslie Eastman’s very good piece at Legal Insurrection.

Those of you who have read me for a while know I like and respect wolves, and did a small bit of volunteer work at Wolf Park (a wolf research and educational facility). In fact, got to spend some time with the founder, among others. Very much grateful for the time there, and the chance to actually work with/get to know some of the wolves.

I’m going to echo Leslie a bit here, and will simply state that this is overblown. It may be a step towards bringing the species back from extinction, but it is an early step that to my mind is no where near close. Got to agree with Leslie, if you want to bring them back you have to do the following:

1) The entire genetic sequence is from actual dire wolves;
2) The breed on their own; and,
3) They can thrive in the wild.

What they have done on certain levels is create a new wolf-dog hybrid. Admittedly, depending on how they did it, one could argue a wolf-direwolf hybrid, but the effect is the same. They have also created several ethics debates, of which I will approach only a couple of points.

First, it will be interesting to see what becomes of all the pups as they mature. Given all, I don’t expect the normal wolf mortality (roughly 90 percent of wolf pups don’t make it to one year of age if I’m remembering correctly) to be a factor; but, this is uncharted territory and there may be some issues that come up.

So, let’s be optimistic and say normal puppyhood. Seeing how they mature and how they behave as they mature will be interesting. The behavior traits will be most interesting. One of the reasons I used the wolf-dog hybrid analogy above is because it is always a crapshoot as to what behaviors you get in true wolf-dog hybrids.

Side note: quite a few wolf-dog hybrids are not. They are standard dog-dog interbreeds using dogs that look like most people thing wolves look. Lots of what I consider fraud there. When it truly is a wolf-dog hybrid, things get interesting.

One of the big problems, according to someone I used to know who testified as an expert witness in trials regarding wolf-dog hybrids, is that you really don’t know what range of behaviors you are going to get. Sometimes you get friendly and even obedient; and, sometimes you get that really not-so-nice-and-friendly behavior. Most tend to go middle, but that is a lot of ground and frankly a good bit of it is not something you want running around free in the neighborhood.

Which is where I have some issues with Colossus. They talk in the PR piece about re-introducing Dire Wolves into the world to help re-balance nature. Frankly, we are a lot better off (IMO) doing what we are doing with grey wolf populations right now. If you didn’t know, the re-introduction into Yellowstone has had some amazing benefits: deforestation blamed on acid rain turned out to be no such thing, but overgrazing by wildlife, net result forests are healthier (and that’s not the only example); wildlife herds are stronger and healthier; there have been improvements to waterways and the water systems; and, there is more.

Even with this, there are problems when you re-introduce into other, public, ranges. Yes, wolves will hunt the easiest prey, which can mean cattle and other domestic animals. There are other issues, and a lot of prejudice on both major sides of the re-introduction debate.

Thing is, grey wolves are a species of this time, with behaviors/ethology that has been studied and of which there is a reasonable (not complete) understanding. Re-introducing a species that sees (saw) humans as prey is not something I would consider a good idea unless you did so at government centers and agencies.

By the way, healthy wolves don’t see us as prey. I caveat that as sick wolves (including those with brain tumors and such) will attack humans but rarely do they decide to hunt adult humans. Children, especially infants/toddlers, well, easy prey and the latter make movements reminiscent of wounded prey, so…

Generally, unless sick or starving, wolves like to stay about a mile from us. The proper term is flight distance, as in they want to be able to turn and run away from us if we get too close. Now, they are curious creatures (and sometimes too intelligent when it comes to gate latches) and will get closer to check us out — provided they can stay under cover and get away quickly at need. It’s one reason they will creep up on camps and houses at night, when we are not moving about.

Question is: is that a trait that will be present in these pups or any future true Dire Wolf revival?

Now, a few other quick questions: Is it right and ethical to release a revived Dire Wolf into the wild? Is it right and ethical to bring back a species knowing it’s former range no longer exists and they will be in either a constrained area or in effectively zoos and similar facilities? Is it right and proper to try to force them to fit into a new niche?

These are just a few of the ethical (and moral) questions that abound right now. In most respects, my take right now lies somewhere between Sam Neill’s and Jeff Goldblum’s characters in Jurassic Park. I will also admit that knowing George RR Martin is in any way involved concerns me as he is a very reliable 180 indicator. If he is for something, thinks it’s great, etc., you need to head away from it at speed.

What is being done, and most especially WILL be done needs a lot of thought and consideration. I’ve got serious concerns even with this from a behavioral standpoint, much less others.

Thing is, we should have time to explore the ethical and moral issues as while this may be an early precursor step to restoring the Dire Wolf or any species, it is just that: an early precursor step. I hope time will be taken to explore the questions and develop a sound ethical and moral framework for such things. Given all, doubt it will but we can hope.

Meantime, we have some unique hybrids to study and hopefully learn from. And, I have to agree with Leslie, the howls are cute.

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

SQT: Smorgasbord

We are into the final two weeks of Lent, and I am beat. Not quite hitting the warm salt water gargle thing for my voice, but I am “eating” lime wedges with Tajin to help it. Have my second session with the voice coach today (feel free to hit the tip jar) and am looking forward to it. The number of services and such are growing, so may not be posting as much until after Pascha.

First up, the Supremes finally stepped up in regards some of the judicial overreach underway, sorta. Good news, the Admin can keep deporting illegal immigrant gang members. Sorta. If you look at it, they ruled very narrowly on procedural grounds, that the actions were filed in the wrong court. There is a bit in there about judicial review before deportation, but it is not spelled out other than that the deportees can and should get judicial review. It is at least a partial victory of the Admin, and it should kill a lot of the judge shopping now underway.

It should reign in a lot of the judicial overreach, but I doubt that it will as the judges currently involved have gone all-in with their actions. I fully expect them to continue. As others have pointed out, Judge Bombastic has left proper judicial far behind (long ago actually) and made clear this is personal for him. I fully expect this to continue with behavior far more fitting for the old Reichscourt than of American jurisprudence. Given that he has already ignored commentary from portions of the Supreme Court, don’t expect him to moderate at this point. Especially since there was no true rebuke from Roberts.

Nor is there likely to be such. Yes, I’ve been reading all the latest about Roberts and some of his unique relationships, and truth be told I suspect he is both corrupt and compromised. I also think it doesn’t matter.

Roberts is all in on the Judiciary expanding it’s power beyond the scope envisioned in the Constitution, and has fought/will fight/is fighting tooth and nail to hold onto such power. He is quite fine with using it against Trump and the expressed will of the People via election, as he is very much a part of the group that has benefited from all that has been going on. He will do all he can to keep it going on. While there are those who point out that all his decisions so far have been very proper in judicial terms, such ignores his pointed efforts to avoid any implied rebuke on his part to those judges attempting to assert primacy over the Executive.

Others appear to have made their opinions clear, but Roberts has tied himself in knots not to do so. Again, he is down with these actions and whatever else is in play, he is going to do all he can to not just keep things as they are, but to expand the power of the courts even further. Watch his wording in the things that can be publicly identified as his. Much less his highly unusual, and frankly IMO improper, insertions into the actions and considerations of the Legislative. Just wait until legislation really is introduced (spines needed in Congress, STAT) and see what he says and does then.

Oh, and notice Robert’s effective silence when leaders of Congress have attacked members of his Court. Well, at least the more conservative/originalist members of the Court. Speaks volumes, doesn’t it.

As for all the hoopla around tariffs and related, whoop. May it cause temporary pain? Yep. Do I have some concerns? Yep. Am I upset and worried? Nope.

One thing you have to give the man is that Trump is a negotiator. In fact, he’s done what appears to be a very good job in private enterprise, and he’s done what I think is an outstanding job as President. My attitude is wait-and-see and I hope this is yet another example of him doing something outre and forcing concessions and changes.

The latter is I suspect the key here. We need urgently to re-shore a lot of industry, from steel to pharmaceuticals. The way we have been doing things (from the 1950s in many respects) isn’t working. What has been done in the latter part of that time, with offshoring to our enemies (and the whole concept of doing so to make them our friends is morally and politically bankrupt), has been beyond stupid. In fact, criminal may well be a very apt word on more than one level. When your actions are indistinguishable from those that would be undertaken by an enemy…

And, yes, there is likely to be some pain along the way. No pain, no gain is a foreign concept to many. The idea of voluntary suffering for a better situation is unknown to large parts of the populace. I have to admit that during Lent I’ve wondered if a lot of the attacks on Christianity (particularly traditional Christianity) are not driven in part for that reason, given the focus on fasting and other “sacrifice” as part of religious life. At any rate, far too many think that change, particularly positive change, will come with no real effort or pain. A snap of the fingers, a twitch of the nose (a la Elizabeth Montgomery), and instantly and effortlessly the desired end state appears. If only.

Even I caught a bit of the effort by certain political operatives to crash the market. Having survived several much worse corrections, let me share a couple of things with you. First, if you are not near retirement, just wait, it will go back up. Second, if you are retired, it may hit for a bit, but again it will go back up. In fact, with the corrections in my life, it went back up and surpassed where it had been. Third, if you have some funds you can safely exploit, BUY. Again, it almost always goes not just up to where it was but (well) beyond. The last time something happened that dropped the market, I bought and if I had really gone all in I might not be broke right now.

From the looks of things yesterday, the U.S. market has already started to bounce back. While I am not a financial advisor and any thing I say in this column is purely speculative and not advisement (legal requirement/disclaimer), I will note that if you go opposite of Krugman and Kramer (sp?) you almost always come out very far ahead. Heck, if you can find out what Nancy P is buying or shorting, you should be able to get rich too.

And, before I forget, keep an eye on Russia and in particular the price of Russian crude. If it continues to drop, things will get very interesting for Vladimir and the Russians.

Also, I’m trying to get more data on a very anomalous seismic event in Iran. Actually, several things have happened that don’t really add up — unless one is doing either the precursor testing for or full-up nuclear testing. No hard data yet, but there may well be a reason both Israel and the U.S. are pushing hard on Iran nuclear issues. Pay attention. Repeat. Pay attention.

I would also suggest that it is most interesting who is coming out with warnings against taking any action. Pay attention there too, as a number of masks are dropping. The love of silver was not limited to one man in Biblical times. By their actions you will know them, and in knowing them you will know how much to credit anything they say or do.

There is more going on in the world, but that is enough for this morning. For those of Faith, may your Holy Week be Blessed, and your Bright Week filled with joy. Me, I’m thinking of hibernating the Monday after Pascha. Maybe even Tuesday if I can get away with it.

For all, be safe and be prepared. Remember, keep your friends and family close and your things where you can find them in the dark. Onwards.

SQT: Vladimir And The Russian Threat

Okay, I promised the other day to talk a bit about the threat/non-threat of Russia. My problem with a lot of the talk going on right now, particularly in both media and pundit/influencer talk has to do with an imprecision of language.

Far too many are simply saying that Russia is not a future threat to Eastern or Western Europe (or anyone else) without specifying what they mean. I want to posit some food for thought in response.

From the start of the invasion, I’ve held an awkward position. I’ve wanted Russia stopped, but have also held firm to the idea that we did not want and should not want escalation. Which is a bit of a contradiction, at least on the surface for those approaching this with a Western viewpoint.

Also as pointed out over a number of years, the roots to this go back literally more than a thousand years. The work of Kamil Galeev that I have linked to in many posts explore the historical, philosophical, and memetic sources of this. Fact is, no, Russians do not think like us, do not analyze within the same conceptual framework, and do not respond with the same cultural mores and patterns. They are a different culture, with a different history, and different mores and cultural norms. To expect them to respond as we would is the height of stupidity, and far too many Western (U.S. cough) politicians and bureaucrats are extremely stupid in this respect.

They, and far too many others who should (and do) know better dismiss Russkiy Mir as of no importance. Trust me, it is of great importance and it is taken seriously. Keep in mind that in some respects, Navalny was even more nationalistic and serious supporter of Russkiy Mir than Vladimir. Russia World is a real concept within Russian leadership and they did not spend months/years and money on developing it on a whim. It is a real and very large factor in all they do. To understand it is to understand much of their long-term plans and thinking.

In that regard, Russia is an ongoing threat to the world. Not just the Baltic. Not just Eastern Europe. The World.

It is why my stance on Ukraine was awkward to some. I tried to hammer home the point that Russia must be stopped, and the threat negated; but, we should not escalate to a full-scale war. I pointed out many times that if the usual politics and peace-at-any-price took place and Russian plans/ambitions not addressed, the next time (and there will be a next time) would be far worse. The fact that we now know the Biden Regency was up to their necks in a proxy war that they helped provoke while pretending otherwise really doesn’t change that fact.

Which is why I am watching the Trump efforts at peace rather carefully. If long-term plans and ambitions are not short circuited, any peace won’t last. I will note that short-circuited does not necessarily mean a confrontation over them with threats and prohibitions. It can and should mean finding ways to indirectly negate such. Trump has been a master at this in other areas, so I am semi-hopeful in this case. We must wait and see.

I still say we squandered some amazing opportunities to change the relationship with Russia back during the Clinton years, simply because no one of any status within that admin truly understood the Russians or even tried to understand them. The Obama administration simply continued that forward, and frankly W and his people were not much better.

So, unless Russkiy Mir is acknowledged and dealt with, yes, Russia will be a threat going forward.

Now, where they are not a threat currently is militarily. The great stockpiles are a rusting joke and Russia has had to turn to others to supply them with ammunition, drones, and more. The Russian Army is not a first world Army and while our own forces are not what they should be (and many European militaries are a joke), I don’t see Russia currently as being a credible threat to Europe in a conventional sense. Again, see previous discussion on this topic.

In terms of nuclear threat, I remain in the camp of twenty percent. If twenty percent of the nuclear systems of either side work, I would be surprised. Don’t want to find out for sure, but…

Now, if given a chance to clean things up, rearm, train, etc. that can change. It can, in fact, change rather rapidly (look at what Pete is doing here). It can also change because far too many Western companies are supplying Russia with chips, machines, and more to do just that — and have been since the war started. Again, we’ve discussed this before in past posts.

So, short-term military threat: no. Long-term threat: yes. Is Vladimir/Russia going to play nice now given alternatives and ambitions: no. Is anyone expecting Vladimir/Russia to roll over and play nice just because stupid: yes.

Trump is used to working out deals that leave people satisfied. That allow them to build and grow. He’s used that fairly well in various efforts and treaties. If anyone can find a way to get the parties to a table, and deal not just with the short-term, but the long-term issues (including cultural differences) as well, it’s him. It won’t be easy, but I’m going to wait and see what happens.

Meantime, keep in mind what I’ve said above as you read the pundits, influences, and grifters. Also keep in mind that some of the imprecision of language is deliberate on their part. Understand the reality of threat/non-threat and what is going on right now. Ware those who make their money off the current situation, and pay attention to what is not being discussed. Noting the latter will oft tell you far more than what is being said. Just a thought to share.

SQT: Random

Okay, I would say sorry for not posting more but it is Lent, there is a lot going on in the important world, and the alleged “real” world has taken last place. Some posts I want to do, but things are going to be interesting between now and Pascha. Don’t expect to see much of me at all during Holy Week. Right now, looks like I will be chanting or otherwise occupied for about ten straight days, and I am reserving the Monday following for recovery.

First up, there were some sensational reports of one of Vladimir’s cars “blowing up” from some of the pundit (grifter) class on X. I couldn’t find any reputable sourcing for the claim. Which may be because apparently one of the fleet of cars available to Vladimir (and possibly others) caught fire and burned. It happens. In this case, everything seems to point to normal, not abnormal reasons.

Second up, there appears to be some interesting maneuvering going on behind the scenes in Moscow. I’ve noted before that the curtain is up as they try to keep things out of the public eye, but some signs still get through. As efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine advance, I suspect more will get seen in public. Really do need to do a full post as many seem to be missing some key points. Someone remind me please.

Third, it really doesn’t matter which scenario on the Signal leak was right (though some others have come out in support of it being deliberate) as the net result is that Jeffrey Goldberg (and quite likely The Atlantic) are toast. The move has already started on the left, which while somewhat endorsing him and what he did, the pull back has already begun. Distancing is a thing, and if you pay attention to the patterns, it is well underway on the left. I suspect it will get stronger. There will be a pretense of support, of membership/friendship, but the cooling that is underway will only turn colder over time. Add in the fact that sources are noting his actions, and his ability to get any form of inside scoops is going to take a hit. Is probably already taking a hit. My bet right now is that absent something major (and unexpected) he’s faded away in five years.

Fourth, note the attack shifts underway. On the Signal non-issue, it went from demanding to know who did it to attacking Pete as soon as possible. It’s not the only such change in targeting. Call it out, point it out, make it impossible to miss. Corporate media is all in on it, and such needs to be pointed out to the normies (if you will).

Fifth, same is being done in regards the deportations. The new cry is “due process” where no due process will be good enough. Media and politicians are gleefully lying in unison via leaving out key bits of information (for example, a judge had found the “innocent father” was a member of MS-13 years ago) in what they say and pitch. Again, this needs to be pointed out frequently, loudly, etc.

Sixth, same is being done in the Tesla terrorism. Saw one about ‘a life ruined for a piece of gum.’ No, it was ruined because the person made the choice to become a terrorist and the damage was above a certain dollar amount. It had nothing to do with free speech or gum chewing, everything to do with willful and deliberate actions. Again, point out, call out, mock, and shame.

Seventh, same is being done with Social Security. It has been stated directly and unequivocally that the Admin is going to protect (and strengthen) Social Security and Medicaid. No surprise at the politicians wasting no time in claiming that Trump, Musk, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster are all out to destroy both and put our elderly out into the cold. Again, call it out.

I could go on, but, you get the idea. Those online a good bit know, those who sanely and rationally are not terminally online do not. Help get the word out to them, as it does indeed make a difference. We are in a fight for our Freedoms and our Republic. Winning is far from guaranteed, and it takes fighting on many fronts. The information front is critical, be a part of the good fight.

I’m out of time this morning, so will skip a few other things. Imperial judges and an out-of-control judiciary (enabled by a rotten congress) are one topic. Lots of good science news out there too. Love the new polar-orbit manned mission from Space X. About time.

For those interested, I had my first session with a vocal coach yesterday as part of my efforts to re-learn how to sing (and read music) after the lightning strike. In fact, the coach took me on in part because of the issues as they found them fascinating. Quick takes from the first visit is that I am indeed a bass-baritone, lower range is quite good, going to have to do a lot of work to extend my range back up into tenor. Once we get that going, we will work other issues. Everything from posture to how I’m standing are being worked on. Frankly, it was fun and I had a great time singing in my good range.

Tomorrow is multiple services at Church, so not sure I will be posting. Thursday maybe. Friday no, as I have homework. If I didn’t mention it before, I’m learning how to plot out Vespers, Matins, and Liturgies. Right now, plotting out what is done, by whom, and when takes me a good bit of time. I need to get to the point where I can do it in right around an hour. Given that it involves multiple reference books, it is complex. If I haven’t told the larger story, remind me and I will do so for anyone interested. Saturday, well, who knows.

Oh, and for those who want to show off by having histrionics over typos or grammar issues, I simply will point out that we should see how well YOU do after you are hit by lightning. I will add that you are not covering yourself in glory or showing how smart you are, except in a very Fredo way.

More soon.

About That Signal “Leak”

In part to play devil’s advocate, and in part because if one theory is right my hat is off to this administration as an op like this has not been pulled off in a decade or two. I have suspicions, but will note that I will wait to see what comes out — and will also note you need to pay close attention to phrasing then. For now, enjoy some thoughts sparked by an online discussion with Tony Katz (website) this morning. I may have to do a little tap dancing in spots, but…

Three scenarios came to mind when I first heard about this. Let’s take a look at those options.

First, that this was done as a deliberate effort to harm the administration. Given the amount of resistance, malicious compliance, and theatrical temper tantrums (and threats to sell info to our enemies) it is a valid concern. Mitigating it is that Michael Waltz (not to be confused with the other) is hand-picked by Trump, former Greenie Beanie, former Congrescritter, etc., etc., etc. Still needs to be investigated, but would be surprised if this was the case.

Second, that this was done accidentally. Plausible. Very plausible even. Stuff happens and it would not be the first time someone got added to an e-mail or other chain that proved embarrassing. It has happened a couple of times to me, and in one case I was glad for the confirmation of where I stood and what was happening in regards one situation. Embarrassing (and a potential liability) for them, good intel for me. I’m sure some of you can add some similar situations in the comments. If it was an accident, a whacking of knuckles or such is warranted.

The third option is where this gets fun. Let’s start with something almost everyone who has been around government knows, but also ignores to some extent.

The fact is, governments send each other messages by a variety of means. There are the official messages, couched in careful diplomatic niceties, that always accent the positive even when those governments hate each other’s guts. You play nice as that is expected and it’s usually a good way to keep tensions at a point just short of war. It’s a way to shore up relationships, or to strengthen them. I will caveat that smart people realize that governments do not have friends, they have allies — some good, some not so much.

However, official channels are limited and usually anything but frank. J.D. Vance’s comments to European leaders a few weeks ago were refreshingly frank for many of us, and considered a breach of proper manners by many officials. It is rare for such comments to be made in any official capacity. Which is why, for not years but even centuries, there have been unofficial channels.

Such activities have often been lumped in with the history of intelligence operations, which is not really where they belong (IMO) but if interested you can find some fascinating examples in European history. To be honest, if you look at Japanese history there are some good examples. It is also worth noting that when there wasn’t such, or something happened to that channel, bad things like unexpected wars or “accidental” battles took place. Net result, wise leaders (or those who served as éminence grise or consigliere) made sure such were in place.

The fact is, since it can’t be said in public that Government A thinks Government B (especially if they are ostensible allies) is a bunch of corrupt poopy-heads that are being stupid, you need a means to get that message to the other side unofficially. There are other such messages that often need to be sent, usually along the lines of “we see you” and “don’t do that again.” Then there’s a third level of highly unofficial when accidents happen that never happened. Governments rarely admit to losing people, aircraft, subs (or being responsible for same) in circumstances that never officially happened. Nor will we discuss the disappearance of agents, operatives, or others; nor the discovery of the bodies of such on doorsteps or in staged compromising circumstances.

Instead, for today, let’s focus on the need to get unofficial information between governments. If you want a number of examples, look at the information flow between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. There was quite a bit of unofficial flow, which ranged from carefully staged leaks (or, possibly, operations on par with The Man Who Wasn’t There in WWII) to using businessmen and journalists as conduits. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a LOT of essential discussion was channeled through a journalist both sides trusted.

It is important to note that not all of these conduits were aware they were being used to send messages. Sometimes it was a one-time thing, sometimes it was done as a part of normal business operations so as to keep the person in the dark. And, sometimes, it is rumored, it was done to some poor sap that had PO’d one side or another and got used and was figuratively (and literally) disposed of afterwards.

Sometimes, using someone is made very easy by the person being used. They can be greedy, needy, of limited trustworthiness, or other flaws that make it easy to use them. You know them and their flaws, their triggers, etc. Some of the people used before have been, er, interesting, to be polite. They also have spanned the strata of society.

Which is why I find it believable that Jeffrey Goldberg may have been a “deliberate accident.” If you wanted to get the word to some allies that patience is running thin with them, that their freeloading needs to stop, that some potential major changes are heading their way, and do so in a way that made such clear without it being an official communication, you could count on him to get it out.

I’m willing to bet a donut or two that he had already contacted any number of European leaders or his contacts in their offices to share this information. The man hates Trump and his admin with a passion, and he would see this as a means to hurt them. Keeping quiet in this case is something I don’t think he literally do. So, get in touch, share, reeeeeee a bit, and probably let them know he was going to publish but give them some time so they were ready to pounce when the time came.

Now, he has gone public and if the message didn’t get sent before it sure has now. Everyone knows what the admin thinks of various governments and entities. I will note that I have not read every word; but, what I have read is not classified nor a war plan. It may have given Goldberg a couple hours notice of what was going to happen, but nothing that could have prevented it. In short, it is really a nothingburger operationally, and the only concern lies in which scenario is correct.

A final thought on this track is that by going public Goldberg has, IMO, AD’d himself as he jammed his pistol into his pants. He on some levels burned a source; he verified what a lot of people thought of him and his trustworthiness; and, he has verified that he will put politics ahead of national interest. This is going to burn him even with people who “officially” support him right now in the long term. In the twisty murky world of leaks and sources, burning a source for almost any reason puts people off on trusting you. If you know someone can’t keep a secret, you don’t share truly important things with them. If you show you are a partisan hack to the world, even those on your side are going to start treating you as such.

That what has happened is effectively a self-immolation, is just icing on the cake from an ops standpoint. When I said on social media yesterday that things fit, this is what I am talking about. You know the messages got out, you know some of the results, and in the process you let an avowed enemy do harm to themselves.

So, I tend to be a bit suspicious that this could have been a very deliberate accident. As for what it really is, we likely won’t know for a while. One of the things I have loved about the current Trump administration is the lack of leaks. They have been amazingly good at OPSEC, which again, is a tick in favor of the third option.

It is a point to consider, and I hope you will do so. We will find out the truth someday, and it will be interesting to find out for sure. I would be cautious accepting anything announced right now: it is custom to some extent to “obfuscate” or flat out lie immediately, especially if it can make an op work even better. Right now, my bet is this just doesn’t get mentioned and the comments made so far are all that are made. It would be the smart move, and so far Trump and company have been smart. We will see.

UPDATE I: Corrected a type, be to bet.

SQT: Law, Strategy, Need

A quick follow-up on this post from yesterday. This really needs not full posts, but dissertations to fully cover but…

I’m seeing a lot of defeatism from people on X, and it’s coming from some people that I would least expect to throw in the towel. I think a good bit of it is that they are looking at things from a very narrow or specific viewpoint. So, let’s take a quick look at some high points of why we NEED to have some court cases even if the courts (as usual) would prefer to punt.

First, the use of autopens has never been before a court, nor has it been legislated as acceptable. The use of the autopen to sign documents, or even laws, is, therefore questionable. If I understand correctly, most modern usage from Obama on depends on a legal brief from the legal beagles of Bush I. Personally, I think it time to establish law via a court ruling (whether the court wants to or not) and put legislation in place.

Second, court cases on the issues surrounding the possibly forged signatures when the autopen was not used are needed to determine if those were legitimately signed or not. If the signatures were indeed forged, that should clearly invalidate the document. However, according to several legal types, there is no case law extant on what to do. Frankly, I think such is needed. It also leads to a can of worms.

If the signatures were not forged, it then raises questions on the competence of Joe Biden and if he was fit for office. This is a huge issue as there is no case law, no precedent, for what to do next.

For all the Founding Fathers could envision the Federal government getting too bit, usurping powers, etc., I really don’t think they foresaw one political party joining with/taking over a large unelected bureaucracy and the so-called fourth estate to run a candidate as a puppet, or propping up a candidate who became fully incapacitated while in office (take your pick on scenario). They prepared for many contingencies, but there is no way to prepare for all.

Which is why a lot of pundits and others out there are saying too bad, we just have to live with it, nothing that can be done, and all the other bend-over-and-take it we got in lesser amounts and form after 2020. While I’m trying to lean into my saint-in-training mode, I am going to have to use a swear word here: BULLSHIT!

If we don’t set law and precedent now, this is just going to continue and the Republic will be lost. This will get used by more than one side to fundamentally reshape (remember that phrase?) the government and usurp our natural rights. Remember, the government doesn’t grant us rights, as those come from God as natural law. The Bill of Rights, therefore, doesn’t grant us rights, it prohibits the government from infringing on them (but oh do they ever try to do so!).

All the more reason I’m thinking there are multiple reasons for the order and the administration seeming to encourage challenges. Again, it is a no-lose for the administration, and if pushed to the point that the Courts and Congress are forced to act to set law, scope, and precedent we all will be better off for it. It won’t be fun, it won’t be easy, and I suspect there will be a lot of pain. However, I think we need it. Ultimately, it will be a lot less pain than a continual path of bend-over-and-take-it.

This can’t be looked at as strictly a legal thing, strictly a Constitutional matter, or simply a procedural matter. It requires a more holistic look and push. I’m seeing several avenues of strategy playing out here, and we need to embrace them and the larger picture to prevent things like this from ever happening again with no recourse.

SQT: Muhammed Khalil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SQT: Pardon Invalidation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE II: Tuesday 18 March 25, over at PJ Media is this excellent article by Matt Margolis on possible forgery on those signatures not signed by auto pen. So, add to the mix the possibility of this being done to force court cases on at least three fronts (autopen legality, forgery of official documents, and the legitimacy of the Biden Regency), with the cases being brought by Democratic politicians. Right now, if Trump tried to bring these, probably a no go and easy cosmetic (short term) victory for the DNC. By forcing certain politicians and groups to file the court cases, it takes that off the table and forces the issues on the courts. Which is a whole nother kettle of fish (if the grammar nazi choir will allow such phrasing), but…

Random Thoughts On A Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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