Current Events – Page 4 – The Laughing Wolf

Heads On Swivels

Following up on this post, this last week has been horrible in many respects. You not only had Bondi Beach, but what increasingly appears to have been a targeted assassination at Brown (which increasingly it appears the leadership there is all-in on the side of the assassin). Nor is this alone. Are you aware of the machete attack in Pennsylvania? The acid attack in Savannah? There appear to be multiple attacks against Jews in New York. You also have lunatics assaulting those who oppose males in women’s sports (again, seem to think more than one such). Loons having vile meltdowns against ICE, National Guard, etc. Oh, and don’t forget the mom stabbed in a Macy’s bathroom while changing her child.

For my Jewish friends in New York, be extra careful right now. For Jews in England and Australia, I’m going to tell you what I recommended to the Jews in France months ago: get out. It’s not going to get better. For anyone who believes in the ideals of Western Civilization, individual freedom and liberty, get out of the Commonwealth.

Be careful out there my friends, and let’s see a New Year in together.

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

The Fall Of The Commonwealth Continues

Welcome Instapundit Readers! If you get the chance, please check out this post and this post as well, and feel free to hit the tip jar in the upper right.

In response to this post by Physics Geek on X, I made this reply that I will share here as well. It ties into my previous posts about England, and the need to begin quiet planning now to deal with the nuke question and more that are likely headed our way. I will simply note that such planning is very much needed for Australia as it can do a lot of damage in the Far East if it so chooses. Given the leadership and what they are doing, I certainly do hope those contingencies are being quietly and professionally prepared for. You might should add Canada to the list as well.

I must disagree with my friend @physicsgeek: while I don’t think they are bright, they are very much acting in accordance with their politics. Like Starmer in England (and I think Carney in Canada is of the same mold), both are authoritarians of the godless-authority stripe who will miss no chance to help destroy the country they have in order to build the country and political system they desire. Nor do I think it coincidence that Albanese (any relation to the sanctioned UN person???) and Starmer both find themselves as figurehead leaders at this time. Both are doubling down on muslim immigration; both are ignoring the will of the people of the countries they are supposed to be serving; both are pushing draconian speech and content laws; both seek to change the judiciary to do away with historical due process and procedures; and, both seem to be dancing a tune called by a conductor semi-behind the scenes. Albanese sees this as a chance to further disarm the populace (putting it more on par with England), and to advance other totalitarian aims in regards controlling if not subjugating the “normal” citizenry of Australia who — like England and Canada — are well on the way to being second (servant) class paying the tax simply to be allowed to live. Keep in mind that all three leaders seem to see Jews as both a convenient tool for various efforts via antisemitism and as real enemy to their long-term plans (along with any form of traditional Christianity, which is next to be targeted). Unlike England, I think Australia still has peaceful options to change course, but those windows are rapidly closing and Albanese is going to do all he can to nail them shut. He’s going to go all out on removing any threat of non-peaceful resistance — and the move for more gun control and simply a part of that. So, I think he and his party are more opportunistic in this case rather than unthinking. He’s thinking he has a chance to eliminate a long-term threat, and like a certain former leader here, he’s simply not going to let the crisis he helped manufacture go to waste.

Be Careful Out There, Take ???

This post was shared at Instapundit a few days ago, and it made me rethink some decisions I made a couple of weeks ago. The important part of that decision was that I wasn’t planning on making yet another ‘be vigilant’ post here. Frankly, most of you who are regular readers live that already; quite a few of those who come in here from various Instapundit and other links also tend to be in that category; there are a few out there who want to or do live so far in the red it’s scary; and, there are a very small number who are so far on the other extreme that reality can’t even be piped in.

To be honest, I’m not worried about most of you being prepared (you are) and being aware of your surroundings (you live it). What I am worried about are those for whom the regular alerts and notices are a great excuse to clock out.

Let’s face it: one of the things various enemies (esp. terrorists) have done for a long time is ramp up chatter and such before various holidays. The fact is, we do have to pay attention, bring up plans and preparedness, and otherwise raise the alert even when not officially doing so. Each time there is a price, not just money but in individual alertness. The first times you get an alert (drill or things otherwise don’t happen) you are all-in. You are bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and probably (especially if young) pretty much wanting something to happen. By the twentieth time, this is no longer true and you want something to happen just enough to keep you awake.

So, the enemy ups the chatter and runs probes and such (such as what James Woods noticed pre-9/11) and do nothing. Soon, there is almost no response to the chatter or other, and that’s when you do act. You wait until it is dawn and you know the adversary is asleep, then you act.

For all that I am amazed (and delighted to be honest) that more hasn’t happened (yet) is that we have some pretty good ideas of what we face. It’s not just numbers (I still go with about 4 bat.) but we’ve even got some pretty good ideas of what countries and/or organizations are represented. Even if you don’t go with my estimate, consider that in testimony before Congress it’s been discussed that more than 18,000 known terrorists came in under the Biden Regency. That’s what we know, do you think they are all? Pick your number, make your plans.

That said, I do think we may be approaching a Schwerpunkt on more than one level. I do believe that a color revolution is being attempted here, and that the Seditious Six is but one part of it. Pay attention to Data Republican and Mike Benz, as they and their friends have been unmasking a lot. Keep in mind that it is not just here, but there are things coming to a head in Europe as well. It’s not just the EU autocrats facing challenges, but there is significant pushback to a lot of domestic polices pushed by the EU (even in England, which while out of the EU is still all-in on immigration and more).

I will say that I think Europe is mostly lost, and that absent a very unexpected successful revolt by the people of England, France, and Germany, those countries are toast. There is pushback, but I very much fear it is too late. See my previous writings on this for more. I also am seeing a bulwark rising along an Eastern axis via Poland, Hungary, and portions of the Balkans. Again, see previous as I think that offers the best hope of ever bringing Europe back.

When you have a lot of desperate political types, especially of the godless authority type, you also get a lot a lot of gotterdammerung types who are quite willing to take the world down with them. Thankfully they rarely do, but they can and have done a lot of damage on the way out. Which does raise the stakes on people setting off stupid things here.

So, be prepared. Me, I’m helping harden a couple of potential targets here effectively on the QT. A lot of that is not on active defense but on dealing with the aftermath so as to save as many as possible. In terms of active, I may or may not be encouraging multiple layers of defense (and if some have the idea that they are the only or key layer of defense rather than one of several, well, that can be a good thing). When dealing with politics and those who think active defense is bad, it can be a good thing to have the full number and layers underappreciated.

Where I am acting more openly is on disaster response. If I can push good emergency and medical response, all the better. Being sure there are AEDs, trauma materials, and even upgraded “ouch” (standard first aid) kits is a very, very good thing. If a disaster strikes, and it doesn’t matter if natural or unnatural, it is rare to say that you had too many tourniquets, pressure bandages, airways, etc. From my point of view, you can never have enough of those, Quick Clot, etc.

I am worried that a lot of politicians and the general public are now hearing increased chatter and movement as “wolf, wolf!” and responding (not) accordingly. So, I decided to not say anything. I’ve rethought that a bit, and decided on this.

All I’m going to say for now is “Be careful out there” and keep being your good selves. If you are a new or not-regular reader, pay attention to those who are as most of them have seen the elephant. You would be wise to listen to them. Go back and read the comments on preparedness and terrorism posts as they are a trove of good information.

I’m going to wish all a healthy, happy, and wonderful Christmas and New Year (and for those of you Orthodox like me, a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas!). May it be a bright and blessed time; may we as a civilization continue to walk the knife edge and avoid the stumbling blocks and snares of the enemies of civilization and Faith. Meantime, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Recognizing Psyops

Doing my best to keep this from getting political, but it does amaze me how many people fail to recognize a psyop even after it punches them in the nose. I’ve seen two big ones and some smaller ones pop up recently, and am amazed in some respects at how many seem to be swallowing them hook, line, and sinker. Sadly, not surprised at some given that I strongly suspect they are paid for their efforts.

First up, if the same message pops up on multiple influencer accounts, usually with similar personalization, it’s not organic. It is most likely bought and paid for in one coin or another. Also, another hint is if said message is about the break-up of a political movement and how the anticipated front-runner in the next election is really a bad person and unworthy of the office they hold (much less the one they are likely to seek), and it comes just days after political victories for said movement and politician, well, it’s not organic.

Also, if it is the exact same message word for word on hundreds or even thousands of accounts, it’s a bot farm. I sincerely hope X does start putting flags of the real locations of accounts (and noting who uses VPNs like I do) on profiles as it will be fun to see how many so-called influencers actually are located in the Middle East and other interesting locations, and are not strong American patriots. I have said it before and will say it again, I think the engagement payments were one of the worst things to happen (amid a lot of good) to X. I also wonder how many Paki and other bot farms they have funded.

For the record: I am not a bot, Paki or otherwise. I am a Lupine Sapien from Wolf 579, and find the suggestions that I am a reticulated pythonoid from Antares most insulting. As if! (Sniff)

Second, follow the money. Look at who is leading the charge, and do a bit of research on the people and accounts. Lot of interesting connections out there, and thanks to the work of Data_republican and Mike Benz (see links upper right) a lot of connections have been laid bare. You really need to follow those two as what they post is data-driven and they post their data. Safe bet is that anyone who won’t let you see the data is a fraud.

Third, look at other signs that something might not be organic. If the ‘spontaneous’ protest has professionally printed signs, much less clothing and merchandise, it’s not spontaneous. There is a lead time for commercial printing, and if something happens and there is a protest literally the next day with professional signs, someone knew about the event in advance. It really is amusing how many recent protests have had professional branding from messages and signs down to music. Not organic.

Then again, one of my favorite signs is that the rent-a-crowd business isn’t what it used to be. A number of protests rather dramatically dropped in size after supposedly non-related funding got cut. I’ve had to laugh at several where once the protesters were no longer getting paid, they downed signs in stacks and then walked away. Almost feel sorry for the bus rental businesses, as that business has taken a hit as well. It is also interesting to see the same protestors now at different cities and different events across the country. Think about this paragraph for a minute, and if you see those things, what is going on is not organic.

One final thing to look for is who is supporting a message or such that would not normally do so. For example, if you suddenly see Russia Today, Iran, China, or others sharing the message on something in America or Europe, might want to think about what they are supporting — and why. When enemies of a country start endorsing (directly or indirectly) messages and people from within that country, you might want to take a very close look at what is being shared or endorsed.

There are a few other signs, but these get you going in spotting most non-organic psyops, online or in the real world. The truly sad thing for me is how many otherwise reasonable people fall for part of such, and end up giving credence to the whole thing directly or indirectly. It happens, and any of us (including me) have probably fallen for such over the years. Then again, once bitten twice shy comes into play there. Pay attention, apply some logic and reason, and view anything political with skepticism.

Two Local Stories Going National

Well, really three if you count the redistricting story, but I’m sitting that one out for now. My thoughts on the Indiana GOP and most politicians (of both parties) would probably have me in confession for months. Instead, two other stories are going national and I am seeing some key details not always making it into social media and/or corporate news.

First up, the shooting death of a cleaning lady who was at the wrong house. I’ve actually heard two different accounts, that they were dropped off at the wrong house or that they drove to the wrong house. She was trying the key when the homeowner shot through the door, striking her in the head and killing her. Her death is a tragedy and I would ask you to pray for all involved.

The account from police and the lawyer for the homeowner indicate that he was awakened after just a short time asleep, heard someone trying a key or keys in his lock, retrieved a gun that he had never shot before, and after sending his wife into a safe room, fired a shot through the door without warning or having a target in view. Said round hit her in the head, killing her instantly, and he has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Now, having taken Guy Relford’s Indiana Gun Law course (highly recommended if you own a gun in Indiana), I know that Indiana does have a very robust Castle Doctrine law, but that there are exceptions and caveats. I also know that what the homeowner did violates my own personal code and what I have taught in the past. Then again, from the gun law and other legal courses over the years, I know that my code is not the law.

I also know that the homeowner has been smart enough to hire Guy Relford for his defense. If I had the money, I would hire him too at need. I think that may be the only thing that keeps the homeowner out of prison.

Let’s face it, even among strong 2A types what was done is going to be a hard sell. Speaking for me personally, having a gun (guns actually) and never firing it (or getting training on use technical and legal) is another month in confession for me; firing without a clear target (if anyone I trained does that outside of certain combat situations I will smoke them until corpsmen are needed to get them back enough to do it until they drop again, and I will proudly go to confession for that); and, firing without any warning or attempt to determine the situation (yes, I have challenged and de-escalated, more than once), well, I’m not going to be a sympathetic juror. If I’m a hard sell, what do you think is going to be the case for anyone not 2A or even anti-2A? The nicest I can say is that Guy has his work cut out for him. That said, I will wait until all the facts have come out before saying much more on this case.

The second story that is going to be blowing up soon is that a military humvee crashed recently on I-65. Some guardsmen were in a convoy on their way to Camp Atterbury when a car-hauler abruptly changed lanes, apparently striking one of the humvees, causing it to swerve and roll, eventually hitting another car. Three were injured, and Terry Frye (no rank given in story) was killed. Turns out the driver of the car-hauler, one Goderdzi Gujabidze of Brooklyn NY (who required a translator to talk with LE afterwards), is an illegal alien. A hold has been placed on him by ICE and is being honored. Expect this story to have legs.

Once again, not really the best image for Indianapolis (or area). That said, if some of the recent national coverage on crime actually results in real changes, prosecutions, and proper sentencing…

Cloudflare Strikes Again

If you can read this, it means you aren’t going through Cloudflare to get here. Once again, Cloudflare is having problems and chunks of the internet are not online as a result. X is up sorta (intermittent and there are media problems) and a variety of other sites, such as SciTechDaily, are still down.

I’m old enough to remember that one of the ideas behind what became the internet was decentralization and distribution so that the network could and would stay up in the face of disasters up to and including nuclear war. That the system would route around gaps and stay up for as many people as possible.

However, the ‘best and brightest’ alleged-elites thought the internet would be better centralized and controlled (and much easier to turn off if the peasants proved too revolting). Thus we have centralized operations and single-point failures even without apparent ill-will. I use apparent advisedly as I have wondered if certain things were not various actors, state and non-state, testing and trying on occasion. After all, theoretical knowledge is useful but there comes a point where you have to test before you use it.

Right now, I lean towards incompetence (and I regard any engineering that allows single-point failure modes as incompetent) but how many times have we had major internet outages in 2025? Heck, this is either the second or third just for Cloudflare. It does make one wonder, and one also wonders if anyone in U.S. leadership at any level has started to tumble to the fact that centralizing internet operations might have been a mistake? If Elon is smart, he has an alternate internet based on Starlink ready to go at need (and after he is safely off Earth).

He’s Right You Know

Over at Instapundit this morning, I saw this post in regards the sleeper cells in the U.S. There have been some comments, and even a bit of pressure to deny them and to derail/deride the idea that four battalions of such may have found their way into the U.S. I stand by the four battalions, and in fact will be most pleasantly surprised if that is all that came in from various places (including the “Orient” cough cough). That none have activated so far is miraculous IMO.

Do not forget about them, or that they may coordinate with other interesting people and groups including domestic. The ideas in Kurt Schlichter’s The Attack are not yet off the table. For all that a number of ideologies and such are on the ropes does not mean they are harmless and a lot of damage can still be done — especially if we are complacent.

Prognostication, Pt. 2

A while back, in this post, I offered the start to some prognostications of the future — at least in Europe. Now what I was doing ties into this post and this post on NATO and the need for a new non-military NATO. I stand by my comments on the need to get out of NATO, and why we need to be looking at a new approach and even location.

While I had intended to do detailed run-downs on several countries, and to note some potential inflection points, I fear the time for that has passed. At least it has passed for me and where I am headed on my own personal journey. That said, I want to look at some of the possible futures I see while noting that there are things that can happen to prevent or change the direction of events. These deflection points are going to depend on individuals and their actions, as such has the power to change the world.

First up, the EU is an evil organization and, to my mind, represents the face of the yoke of the godless authority. It is anti-freedom, anti-nationalism, and anti-individualism. It is also a drain on it’s member nations and is doing all it can to destroy them as individual countries. It is a group of WEF communist/socialist flunkies who crave power and wield it like a junkie after a fix. Possibly harsh, but keep that in mind as I go through the following.

England, whatever you call it, is lost. As I’ve noted in previous posts, the still-increasing number of mainly Muslim migrants who are not assimilating but seeking to make it a Muslim country are outgrowing and out-breeding the natives. Law enforcement has gone all-in on promoting and protecting that effort and those behind it, and all-in on persecuting if not terrorizing average citizens who dare object in any way, shape, or form. The courts have gone all-in on a two-tier system of justice where native Britons/average citizens are given harsh and even draconian punishments for not being willing serfs while the new masters of Britain are given slaps on the wrist at worst for far more horrific crimes like rape and murder. Speak up against it and you will be in jail for years, where the rapist or murderer you objected to gets little or no jail time.

Demographics are against England. So are the politics as while the current Labor government is cracking down as hard and fast as it can (and even trying to censor Americans and American companies), the rest of the lot including Reform isn’t much better. While Tommy Robinson may be a viable alternative, I suspect the current government will succeed in killing him within a year via more trumped-up charges and false imprisonment where the dirty work can be done by others. Hope I’m wrong on that, but not going to put a bet that I am.

With elections still several years away on the normal cycle, I don’t think they offer much of a chance. In fact, if things keep going as they are, I don’t think such elections will matter at all. See some of my previous writings for my thoughts on why an uprising is not likely to succeed. Absent arms and other supplies, a revolt against tyranny is not in the cards. If we are not laying the groundwork and making plans to secure England’s nukes when it falls, the staff at the Pentagon is failing at their jobs.

Germany is in much the same boat. The government is continuing the immigration policies started under Merkel but adding their own thuggish touch to them. They are looking to outlaw the growing AfD party and I note with interest the recent sudden deaths of six or so members of the party who were already on ballots but also who could not be replaced before the elections, preventing any AfD victories. Add in a two-tier justice system on the English model, and much tighter governmental controls, and the deck is stacked against the native citizens of Germany. Also, again, demographics is a bear with a declining birthrate on one hand and a rising birthrate on the part of the immigrants not painting a good picture.

While Germany has not yet internalized and accepted the industrial-level of grooming and rape of children as have the English (and it is worth remembering that members of law enforcement and government were paid off with use of the children for years, as well as by political votes and support), it is still tolerated by the courts (and to a lesser extent LE) though not by the citizens. There is a reason for the growth of the AfD…

That said, Germany looks to fall just as England has. If the public suddenly stands up against the government, they may have a chance. Again, however, the odds are against it and, again, they have given up any and all means to revolt against a tyranny. I think Germany will hold on longer than England, but face the same fate absent sudden, radical change.

Now, let’s turn to France. In some respects, France is further along the fall than most realize, thanks to Macaroon and company. France has a huge immigrant problem, and Paris is not the only city that has large-and-growing no-go areas. The French Government and French media for the most part have waged a fairly successful effort to keep bad news suppressed, especially to external audiences. I more than halfway suspect that Macaroon’s shameless pandering to Hamass was an effort to curry favor with the majority Muslim invaders.

Keep in mind that Macaroon and company are still in power because they have refused to accept election results that would put them out of power and Ms. LePen and her populists into power. They are also doing all they can to trump up charges to keep her out of power in the mistaken belief that if they block her the rest will fall away. They would rather see France fall, to the point of becoming a Muslim nation, than accept the will of the people.

Which means France may have a chance. More than once the people of France have taken pragmatic action themselves when the government would not. Given the laissez-faire attitude of many of the citizens of France to various laws (including weapons laws), they may deal with the problem such that the government is handed a fait accompli which can be regretted in public while celebrated in private.

Problem is, once again, demographics. The French are being out bred even as more and more immigrants pour in on top of that. Given the actions of the current French government in fighting their political enemies, there is a very real chance that they will focus on them and not on the larger threat. So, while I think there may be a greater chance there than in England or Germany, I don’t see it happening outside a significant and unexpected event or events. Also, again, we need to be laying groundwork and making plans to secure French nukes when it happens.

Spain may have a chance, if the current group of loons is voted out and someone with some sense voted in. The mood in the Spanish public does seem to be shifting far faster and far greater than those in power realize. However, I think it likely to fall as it is a prime target for the Islamists who want it for historic reasons (and propaganda). Lot going on there now, largely out of view, but it is one of the few countries I think could end up holding on for a while.

Italy is one of the few countries I think has a chance of survival, though it may be in parts. Given both internal Italian politics and the outsized role of the EU in blocking Italian government efforts to control immigration (and more), I have the suspicion we may see the Risorgimento rolled back with mostly the region from Rome north holding. As for Sicily, it may hold out by dint of going full-Sicilian on all immigrants.

As for Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc., even if they hold out at first, they will be overwhelmed by numbers. Absent a fanatic defense requiring a LOT of outside assistance, they will fall soon after the larger countries.

Switzerland should be able to hold, though outside aid will be needed long-term. In fact, I can see the mountainous regions of Germany, France, Austria, and Italy being a redoubt around it if and when the rest of same falls. I can see the mountains of Spain being a no-go zone for the Caliphate, and portions of the Scottish Highlands and isles as a redoubt in England. The problem will be sufficient agriculture to feed the population, and sufficient manufacturing of weapons and other needful things. Absent ground logistics, air will be a poor alternative. Sea logistics will be interesting for most of the areas save England.

Which is why I think it would be wise to go with a new, non-military NATO as I discussed in the linked posts above. If we build up Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovenia, and Croatia. Yes, I know there are some issues with some of the countries, but I also think that such can be dealt with. Fact is, if you have most or all of those countries, you have a solid bulkwark to contain the new Caliphate and provide ground logistics to northern Italy and Switzerland.

You would also have some Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) which are going to be essential. Of course, those are contingent on keeping the straights of Gibraltar open, but again it can be done. I wouldn’t count on the Bosphorus as right now I would put my money on Erdogan going all-in on the side of the Islamists. That again is a good reason to beef things up in the traditional areas that have opposed invasions from Istanbul for a thousand years or so.

There is a lot more behind what I have proposed, but I lack the time to get into all the details. It’s not as off-the-wall as some might think, and there are some historic details hidden beneath the surface. Besides, it’s not a battle I’m likely to fight; so, I put this out for others to consider.

Thing is, the future is not yet written. I can already see some things that could happen to prevent the worst case, which is what my discussion centers around. Thing is, many of those events are as likely to be as catastrophic as the individual countries falling. In a majority of the cases where native citizens rise up not only against their own governments, but to repel the invasion of the immigrants, it will likely be the bloodiest event(s) in human history. It’s why no sane person wants Civil War 2.0 here.

While there are a few chances for a more peaceful resolution of things, the odds are that even if they survive and survive as a Western government built on the foundations of Western civilization, it will not be the country we once knew. If they don’t survive as a Western government built on the foundations of Western civilization, they will be so far removed from what they were as to be unrecognizable.

It’s why we need to start now working to save not only our own Republic (an effort already well underway), but to reform and/or replace those governments that have turned against their own people. The best way for that to happen is from within, by the people and through the ballot box. If we do anything, it should be to ensure free and fair elections do take place and to stomp hard and fast on efforts to push censorship, legislation, and unrest from abroad. We need to use our economic clout to reward governments that do right by their people and their treaty obligations, and to punish those who do not. Some of that is already underway, the only question is will it be enough and in time.

What I present here is the worst case, but it also what I see taking place before us. I truly do fear England is lost, but hope that it may yet save itself without losing itself. All it could take is that one spark, that one unexpected person and event that opens a door for events. Otherwise, I fear that most of Europe will live out Tom Kratman’s Caliphate. Pray that we, and the rest of the world, don’t.

Dear Vladimir,

I write this to you sincerely, though I doubt you know me or remember me from Adam’s housecat, as what may be one of the last overtly political posts on this blog. For all that I plan to talk about politics in some different contexts, my time in other discussions of politics is at an end as I move into a truly new life of Faith.

I hope you will get this, intact even, as there is still at least one person in the Kremlin openly reading me pretty much daily. And, yes, I know that was a bit of a message too. I was and am actually glad of it as I hope some of my messages got through, at least in part.

This letter is sparked in part by Stephen Green at Instapundit, who wrote that “This would be a great time for peace, Vladimir.” And, he is right: this would indeed be a great time for peace.

As you know, I’ve opposed the current war in Ukraine and thought it to be a major mistake. However, I also know that a number of your friends and advisors felt otherwise but history has shown their words to be empty and false, a village built on lies worthy of a Potemkin. Very few people have had the courage to tell you to your face that those words were wrong and to oppose the war. You would do well to consider that they may be your true friends and some of the only honest people around you.

Yes, I do know that Russkiy Mir, and your legacy in regard it, is a driver of and for you. I’ve also been most honest in my opposition to it. I would, however, make the case that a voluntary union for such would be far stronger and more capable than a restive and rebellious forced conglomeration. I would further note that most major Christian denominations posit that forced conversion is not only invalid, but immoral and an abomination. I would then note that the Eastern Orthodox Churches have never been all that big on forced conversion. It has happened, but such is both an aberration and an abomination before God.

God is granting you the opportunity to be a truly great statesman and not only accept peace, but to forge new pathways for the betterment of all in the process. If my small and insignificant voice can help in that, and perhaps bring some thoughts from outside the circle of those constantly around you, I will be glad to do so in person. All I would ask is safe passage, and — if possible — the chance to visit the graves of St. Xenia of Petersburg and St. Seraphim of Sarov, and for us to do so together with prayers for guidance.

My words are as those of a lone wolf far in the distance of the wilderness. I doubt you will hear them or even of them, and I especially doubt you will hear them whole as I have presented them. Such is not mine to control, but if they are just and proper I must have the faith that they will indeed reach you.

May God guide you to do what is right now and in the days ahead, and may his mercy be upon you, your people, and all the peoples of the world. It is time Vladimir for peace. Go with God and the Theotokos on this new, and even scary, path.

In Christ,

The Living Are Home

I honestly didn’t expect this absent a massive series of raids by Israel. The remaining living hostages in Gaza have been returned to Israel. All male, as outside of those already returned, Hamass raped and murdered any female hostages. Never forget Hamass started this war with an unprovoked attack aimed a maximum civilian casualties and atrocity. The recent release of orders from leadership confirms this.

Already there seem to be some games with the bodies of the dead. That would be a mistake I think, as it will trigger not only responses from Israel and the U.S., but there is reason to believe it also triggers actions by other Muslim countries involved in the process. Hamass not being a rational actor, however, does not fill me with a lot of optimism. We will see.

The hope I mentioned the other day in this post has been met, for which I do truly give thanks to God. Again, I’ve never expected to get this many of the remaining hostages out alive. For all I’ve prayed for it, I’m also too well aware of the reality that is Hamass (and Hezballess) and what around 90-95 percent of the population of Gaza support and has consistently supported since around 2005 (and the surveys started). They do not want peace, they do not want an independent state (which they effectively had), they want the eradication of Israel and all Jews. You will probably find that within that population that same 90-95 percent are good with the statement “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday.”

I must admit to two rather uncharitable and un-Christian thoughts. The first is that the peace accord seems to have a number of hidden components, which indicate that failure to abide may have catastrophic consequences and not just from Israel and the U.S. One can hope at any rate. The second is that I would find it most interesting (and amusing) if Israel had been able to plant trackers/tracers on the terrorsts being released to secure the hostages.

It would be a true pity if they were able to track them, note who they met with and where, and built up a map similar to what led to the destruction of Hezballess. Given what was done earlier with Hezballess and others (including inside Iran), if I were in Gaza I would keep those returned terrorists at arms length for that reason and because Israel has a good track record of turning people. Just a thought.

Long-term, I still think that Hamass sees this as hudna and harbors plans accordingly. Again, while I do wonder about some of the apparently hidden protocols and agreements in place, I would be amazed if Hamass (sadly the elected government of Gaza for those who still don’t realize that) didn’t see it this way. Add in that they have been instilling their desire to eliminate all Jews (not just Israel) into toddlers, it will take generations to leach that poison out of them. That said, I expect this peace to last less than a year simply because Hamass won’t give up.

I will pray for peace, and that I am wrong. I would love to be wrong. But, I just don’t see Hamass (or even Hezballess) giving up its spots anytime soon. Then again, that nasty part of me wonders if that hasn’t already been considered. That if they fail to honor the agreement, they will be eliminated fully and completely. That such might be led/started by nations other than Israel and the U.S. There are enough whiffs of unofficial and/or “unrelated” agreements here to make me suspect a bit.

Time will tell. For now, for all my money is on hudna and taqiyya, I will hope and pray for something more, something better, and something that eliminates a huge threat to Israel and the U.S. (which originates in Iran). For all that this has been crippled, or at least knocked back for a time, I would love to see the threat eliminated, for as long as it exists true and just peace is not likely.

Today, however, I celebrate the return of the living. I mourn and remember the dead. I pray for the dead, and the survivors and their families. I celebrate a day I did not truly expect to see. Tomorrow will come soon enough, and tomorrow I leave to the Lord.

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