Heads Up

No definitive intel, but I would suggest increased alertness for the next little bit. Iran is likely to try and strike back against both Israel and the U.S. Even if they don’t (or better yet they go the way of the dodo soon), you have the possibility of sleepers/cells taking independent action. Given all those military-aged males from various parts of the Middle East that came across the Southern Border under the Biden Regency…

If I hear anything definitive, will post it; but, I suspect that if the sleepers/cells go active, booms will be our first notice they have done so.

Fear no evil; be prepared; keep your family and friends close; and, keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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.

Iran I

Going to hold off on saying a lot right now, but will say hold on to your hats as there is more to come. Some of it mindblowing. Right now, I want to say two things.

First, great job Israel! Thank you.

Second, to the people of Iran: this is your moment. Make the most of it. If you wait for outside troops and others to free you, you will never be free. The corrupt and rotten regime is teetering and will not be able to freely respond. So, the ball is in your court.

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.

Quick Overview Time

Sorry for the lack of posting at the end of last week, got distracted by some things (Shiny!) and also my ego took a hit (smile) that I may share. Maybe not. Will see.

Yes, I’m watching events in LA and am simply going to note that if you think the protests are grassroots, organic, etc. I’ve got some bridges for sale you would love. Nothing says organic like pallets of bricks being set up in areas in advance, just like the ‘summer of love’ a few years ago.

In point of fact, DataRepublican (small r) has an excellent series of posts on X detailing who is behind the riots, organizing and coordinating, that it’s not limited to California, information on the real Karen Bass, and much more. As usual, she brings receipts. Between her and Mike Benz, who also has up some good info (see this one for example), lots of data and some very good analysis. I sincerely hope they both have good personal security.

Keep in mind this is the same playbook from the ‘summer of love’ from everything I’m seeing. Problem is, this isn’t then and the circumstances are very different. I keep pointing out the huge amount of anger out there in the general population, and the so-called elites are missing it. Rather, they see limited instances of it in certain select populations (ones they are using for rioting) and think it a good and controllable thing. I fear they are very mistaken on that and are going to provoke responses they really don’t want. Nor should anyone want them, as they could be a larger danger to the Republic that will be harder deal with long-term.

However, this ties into an excellent post noted by the good Sarah A. Hoyt at Instapundit, which I highly commend to you. Sarah and the author are right that the effects will be seen across much more than the knowledge economy. There will be few areas of life not affected by the ten signs noted.

I will simply note that I don’t expect the so-called elites to be terribly rational about things, especially right now. It’s not just that they see things changing, it’s also that their rice bowls (especially with the NGO scam) are going away. They are desperate, not terribly bright in many regards, and almost totally cut off from reality. They exist in bubbles where virtue signalling is far more important than reality, and what they believe is what everyone in the bubble believes, and spends endless time reinforcing that such is right and good. So, I expect them to try the same-old same old, expecting the same-old results. Problem is, reality has moved on and I think they (and we) may find out the hard way that they are not in control of anything. Such will finish off any respect for major institutions, and the damage done — fiscal, physical, and to important concepts in the Social Compact (Rule of Law anyone?) — will take generations to restore.

Meantime, not a lot I can do other than pray. I don’t have everything I want, but am prepared as best I can be for emergencies and to provide at least some limited humanitarian help at need. I hope and pray it won’t be needed, and that the current administration can and will short-circuit what is being planned and executed. Oh Lord, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

Finally, not going to take sides in the Elon-Trump divorce. Both are driven, both are successful, and both have UUUUUGEEEE egos. I’ve noted on here before that I think Elon can be his own worst enemy on occasions. Hoping they both check those egos, remove their sense organ clusters from their ventral orifices, and get back to doing what is best for the Republic and for taking humanity to the stars. I think it would be very good for us to have a lifeboat or three (thousand) sooner rather than later. Humanity reproducing in the stars is a topic coming back up soon. Meantime, good to know Dragon is safe from the feud.

More soon. Remember: Be Prepared, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Have Faith, and fear no darkness.

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.

Quick Aside On Memorial Day

Been trying to decide what to say about part of Memorial Day, as I ended up very disappointed and only half surprised at something that happened. For years now, I’ve bought a beer for ‘the guys’ and never had an issue. In fact, the Oaken Barrel in Greenwood has been glad to host them and one staffer there has even saved all the lists.

This year, I couldn’t get down there so decided to try my luck in downtown Indy. I should have had a clue from the lack of American flags, though there were an abundance of trans/pride flags around. Short version is that no one would host them, and one place even copped some attitude at being asked if they would. That was strike three for them (shame, like a couple of their brews but they have issues that even I can’t ignore).

There is a divide in America and it is getting worse. The true ‘woke’ are doubling down. Increasingly they are turning to violence, and encouraging it. They are turning their backs on civility, and the things that make our Republic, and civilization itself, possible. Back in 2007, people could not do enough for the troops. Today, it’s honor those who gave all on Memorial Day? Are you nuts/right-wing/etc? The most neutral answer I think I got when asking was an admission that all that mattered were the dollars and any space in the place not being used for that was a loss, so no.

Next year, will find a way to get back down to Oaken Barrel if they will host the guys again. And, I will not be spending any of my limited funds at the places that said no.

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.

Memorial Day 2025

I am hoping to go raise a glass to/with them in just a bit. Meantime, enjoy the day but do take a minute to think about, remember, and pray for those who gave all for this country, from our founding until now. I pray for them all, and I especially remember:

ENS Albert Foster Powers, MIA 1945 Japan
LCPL Bill Stelpflug, Beirut
COL Rick Rescorla, NY 9/11
SPC Ryan Dallam, Iraq
PFC Damian Lopez, Iraq
SPC Marieo Guerrero, Iraq
CPT Anthony Palermo, Iraq
SPC David Behrle, Iraq
SPC Joseph Gilmore, Iraq
PFC Travis Haslip, Iraq
SGT Jean Medlin, Iraq
SSG Christopher Moore, Iraq
PVT Alexander Varela, Iraq
LCPL Jeremy W. Burris, Iraq
SSG Brian Cowdrey, Afghanistan
MAJ Andrew Olmstead, Iraq
CPT Carroll LeFon, CONUS

Thank you Lord that such men lived, and heeded the call to protect and defend. We are all the richer and the better for them and their brothers and sisters who lived the words “No greater love…” You are remembered. You are not forgotten. You are missed. God Bless.

The Gathering Storm

Before I get going on a complex (and possibly convoluted) post, allow me to commend two resources to you. I plan to add them to the recommended box in the upper left here soon.

First, if you have not already heard about her and her work, meet Data republican (small R, profile on X). She has been doing an absolutely amazing job on tracking the money, the networks, and much more behind “the blob” aka the world-wide swamp. Not just content to assist DOGE, she’s dug in and done much, much more. There are a lot important people very unhappy with that, especially since some of her work has shown interesting things: like how many of the judges currently abusing nationwide stays and such have a financial interest in getting money to the NGOs, either directly or through family members. In fact, at least one formal complaint has been filed about failure to acknowledge a major conflict of interest.

Unrelated to today’s post, I also enjoyed her posting of a essay by her pastor on the historical case for Christ. I also want to explore her work that cross-references Bible verses with the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Here’s a link on X to a video showing how to use that tool. In my free time I’m reading those writings in full, and if you haven’t read Clement, St. Justin the Martyr, and others, you truly are missing some good works.

She is a fascinating lady, and my hat is off to her given all the challenges she faced before having so many people go after her for shining a light. Also, her mother has joined X and is a hoot! Her husband supports her and is running a small but growing business that I would love to support via some purchases. That’s a family I would not mind meeting.

Second, if you are not already familiar with Mike Benz, currently of the Foundation For Freedom Online and the self-described monstrosity Weapons of Mass Deletion. His work on the origin of Soros is worth the time to watch (X link to videeo) and read. In fact, if you want what I call the recent-past backgrounds on several things underway, you need to check into his work. I note recent past as he is covering a lot of things that have developed over the last decade or two, with a few going back further.

Keep in mind, a lot of what we are dealing with — particularly in terms of our current (so-called) “elite” government with all the best people — truly got started under that loathsome creature Wilson. In fact, much of what has turned into “sex inc.” started to step into the light about that time. Those efforts set the stage for what came in the mid- to late-1940s when it truly went public with things like the Kinsey Institute, and began the normalization process underway today. To me, right now, it appears that those initial efforts predated (spit) Gramsci, who both took advantage of them and may well have been taken advantage of by those behind them.

The history of sex and sexuality I will leave for later. History is fascinating, enlightening, and sometimes something that will make you sick to your stomach. I will say that I am thankful for Christianity as it put a stop to a number of things that today we find extremely horrific. Which is why I think so many in power hate it, but that’s also a post for another day.

Now, back to the gathering storm. I want to thank both Data republican and Mike Benz as they did a lot of hard work, and provided the data and analysis that is helping me sort out some of the patterns in the data. I think they are now tag-teaming the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its many tentacles. That is truly one to watch as it ties Soros and more into what’s going on in the U.S.

Before I forget, always remember that even when the data lies (i.e. most corporate media reports), the patterns in and around that data rarely do. The patterns matter, and I find it interesting that even with bad data included, the patterns seem to flow around it for those looking. Just something to keep in mind as you look at things yourself.

If you look at what Data republican and Mike have put together, it’s drawing the lines between points many never knew existed. It’s documenting the incestuous relationship between progressives, the NGOs, and others in what I’ve taken to calling The Fraternity. That’s the families (dynasties) that have been involved with modern governance since Wilson, and especially after FDR. Note how they intermarry and act much as royalty did (and still does).

The interesting thing about their work is that a lot of points (and people) most had no idea were a part of things have been exposed. I suggest you download the data where you can, as if efforts aren’t made to take it out I will be surprised. Side note, I’m glad both have security. Cockroaches do NOT appreciate having a light shone on them and their activities.

While much of that work involves people in the United States (and it is worth noting how much of the money to NGOs to help others elsewhere stayed right here in the U.S.), there is a fair bit on Europe as well. In fact, you there appears to be a good bit on Klaus Schwab and the other members of SPECTRE, er, the World Economic Forum rather. It is quite a web.

Thing is, you need to have at least a general idea of that web for some of my analysis to make sense. It provides background and also allows some potential future to be examined with more accuracy. It’s also important because it helps you to understand certain things happening now, and that are probable in the near future.

The group that has in many respects run most of the world since Wilson is like any other group that has come to power. We had the founders, who took the lead and built up the system; the first generation after who maintained and pushed the narrative of that the system was the best, enlightened, and proper for society and the world; and, the generations that followed who don’t truly understand history (especially their own) and incapable of restraint or self-sacrifice. It’s a story old as time and many a dynasty has seen it.

The current generation of the so-called elites, unlike previous generations, has no fallback. They really were bred and raised to fill certain slots in the machine, and are now facing a question most of us outside that fraternity have faced at one time or another: now what. Our job has gone away, outsourced to a mortal enemy (China, etc.), eliminated for a .ooo5 cent increase in profit, changes in the market, etc. Most of us have picked up and found something else to do, may have even had some training in that before. Most of the current elite do not have any marketable skills outside their current jobs. Many of which are going away with the cutting off of the NGO and related spigots.

It’s no wonder that the mommies and daddies of The Fraternity who are judges are so busy tying Article III into pretzels in an effort to stop the Executive (Article II powers), even though they are acting outside of the Constitution. And, yes, a good case can be made for that. As I noted here, Roberts is all-in on expanding the power of the Courts, and I’m not sure he would reign in the lower courts even if the rest of the Justices held guns to his head. And, yes, it would be extra-Constitutional to expand said powers — but have you looked at how much current government power is de facto and not de jure?

Also, again, it is well worth noting the number of judges involved in these cases that have ties via family to the NGOs and other things being defunded. Start taking names and plug them into the various searches and databases. Very interesting, as Arte would say.

No dynasty wants to see it’s time end. The current dynasty is no different. It wants and needs to be seen as the natural leaders of the world, of civilization, and of all that is right and good. Their forefathers knew that you had to throw a bone to the peasants (and make no mistake, that is how pretty much all of them see us), while most of this generation just want to bone the peasants. Literally even.

So, what’s going on in the courts right now is a fight to stay in power. It’s but one part of the efforts, and I suspect we may see an active riot season this year. George Floyd served them well, such that the last few riot seasons have not been active. I expect that to change this year, and this post (and related) are but one indicator of that. There are a lot of such indicators and individually they don’t mean much. Put them together and you get a picture of groups trying to mobilize: and to normalize violence against political enemies. Look around (anti-) social media and see how much is out there.

Then look at Europe and what is going on there. Germany has done many interesting things, including trying to outlaw the populist party AfD. Romania abrogated its elections because the wrong candidate won. France tried to do to LePen what was done here to Trump. The EU is striking out at member states who won’t fall into line in many ways and on several levels.

And it’s not working. The people are not taking it. In Ireland, there’s been more than a month of protests at what it’s government is doing. France saw a huge pushback against the government (which has refused to acknowledge that a new government was elected) that has them rocked back a bit. Italy, Hungary, and others are defying the EU on several fronts. In fact, look up who Meloni just endorsed in the new Romanian presidential election. That is a finger to the EU…

Now, the next layer on top of this involves the mass migrations underway. Leaving all else aside, look at how many countries have agreed, or been forced, to accept huge numbers of military-aged Islamic males into their borders. Look at how they, and those that came before the latest, are pushing for Sharia and demanding upon violence that their will be done. The imams that have popped up with them are openly saying that they intend to take over, that they will take power by any means. I want you to look up those speeches to be sure you believe it, for you should believe what they say. It’s being tried here too, right now, and yes you should consider within that equation the battalion or so of military-aged Islamic males that came across our southern border under the Biden Regency.

Reminder: Migration, and mass movement of refugees involves men, women, and children. The mass movement of military-aged males is, and always has been, an invasion. Invasions are hostile things, and should be treated accordingly.

Now, there are several reasons for encouraging mass invasion by The Fraternity and related. SPECTRE, er, I mean the World Economic Forum types have several, and keeping the peasants in line and the gravy train going figures large among them. At this point, the reasons are in many ways irrelevant as circumstances have caught up and passed the original plans.

Now, two other parts to consider are Russia and China. I’ve talked about Russia, Russkiy Mir, and the horrible demographics for a while now. Russia is desperate to not just regain the empire it had, but to bring in new areas. They have to as they (Rus) really are a minority in their own country, and they have in many respects a negative birth rate. Their economy blows, and I’ve outlined some of the many manufacturing and other problems they have. What surprises many is that China has some huge economic problems that are frantically being papered over. They also have demographic and other problems, and right now they stay afloat and a threat mainly because it is far cheaper to keep buying and/or blackmailing foreign politicians than it is to bite the bullet and fix the causes of the problems. Xi, like Putin, can’t afford to admit to the core problems as to do so ends their runs.

Finally, let’s not forget Iran, Pakistan, and India. I’m beyond glad that things got shut down fast in the latest between the latter. No, it’s not all good now, as there is a long history there that isn’t going to magically go away. No more than the issues between Indian and China (and the low-level war underway there) are going to go away. Iran is well on the way to the bomb, if they don’t have it already. If you missed it, I mentioned a seismic event in Iran in this post, and while I am trying to get more data on it, it is indeed worrying, especially when you look at some officially non-related things going on. Keep in mind that Iran is a powder keg and close to going up. As with The Fraternity, Putin, Xi, and others, they see the clock ticking and will do anything to stay in power.

There is more, but those are the major chunk of the background for my current thoughts. Right now, I see the gathering storm as being in three phases.

First phase is pretty much The Blob Strikes Back. The Fraternity and related are not going to go quietly. Expect an energetic riot season here and abroad. Also, even if they lose in the courts, they may win in that right now Roberts and the judges are shredding the stature of the Court. The public already sees that there is a two-tier (or more) system of justice, and that the current Court and courts are acting well outside the “norms” of which we are used to. The Republic, and the greater society represented in the Social Compact, depend on voluntary compliance and to some degree illusion. Erode that trust, strip away the illusion, and things fail. We need all three legs, and we need them at full strength.

Now, I will say here that even if The Blob wins, I think it will be temporary. I think that forces are in play historically that will bring them down again and hard. Problem is, if that happens, I think it could be hard enough to put us below the level of maintaining our current civilization. We are already on the path of a birthrate such that it can’t be sustained. It’s one of several reasons I would love to see Elon succeed and get us off this mudball. See this for some further discussions on that topic.

That said, I’m also worried about the more than three battalions of military-aged males that came over our southern border. In addition to the Islamics already mentioned, it seems that one of those battalions was of military aged males from Syria, Chechnyia, and other interesting places, all of which do not wish us well. I suggest you read Kurt Schlicter’s book The Attack. No, I get nothing from the link, I depend on your gifts as I want you to know that if I endorse a product, it’s not because I get paid to do so. Now, the first group I mentioned is part of a take-over effort. What this group can do is not just terror, but infrastructure attacks in support of outside powers as well as possibly The Blob/The Fraternity.

Oh, and that third battalion? Have you looked at how many military-aged Chinese men came across? Some of them very fit and of military bearing? What do you think could happen if we get tangled up with China? Keep it in mind.

So, energetic riot season with the possibility of some extra severe events is a possibility. Also, don’t forget the amazing amount of anger out there among the public. While they are often disparaged as “normies” they are well aware of what is going on, and in that our so-called leaders are not leading. In fact, they are getting even more angry as they watch Congress fritter away what they gave them via the vote in Uniparty Games (which may be like one version of reindeer games). Also, the current “Game of Lies” by corporate media is not helping. The public saw the decline of Biden and recognized the Regency, of which corporate media was a willing part. To claim now they were deceived is getting reactions such that “pull the other one” is one of the more polite.

Now, the progressives view violence (like riot season) as a rheostat, that can be dialed up or down at need. Lenin used it well, and it’s been used very effectively here since the 60s. Problem is, most others view it as a binary switch. The cute games being played with calling for the assassination of Trump via semi-deniable routes like “86” is not going over well with a majority of the public. If anything does happen, it will no longer be riot season and what happens will not be pretty. I really do wish certain people and groups would get that and not try to force us to slide down the razor blade of life into a shark tank. We do NOT want to go there, no matter what grifters on all sides push.

Second phase is a different form of societal spasm or collapse. It is demographics and Islam. Many imams are quite open about outbreeding and seizing power that way, even if quieter about the use of violence towards that end. In Europe, if you look at the demographics and the “flexibility” given to various Islamic populations, Germany, France, England, and Spain are pretty much gone. In England, Labor and other governments cheerfully traded their girl children (and some boys) to them for votes and political power, never realizing that the Islamics were playing a longer game. Similar situation in Germany, though not as open. France is a little different in background, but not in outcome. If there is a way to deal with this peacefully, I think the window is well on the way closed if not already closed. I don’t see any way for any of them to deal with it without the use of force. And, I don’t see any of those governments having the will to do so.

However, I agree with something Tom Kratman said a while back about the people of France. If their government won’t do it’s job, the people may do so. In fact, I think he mentioned the bloody practicality of the French people, and if they do move to deal with the problem (and there are signs of that level of unrest if you are paying attention), it will not be pretty. In fact, given the thoughts of the public about Macaroon and company going after LePen, some of the politicians might just want to hope they stop with dealing with the Islamic problem. That one could get very interesting. By the way, if you haven’t read Col. Kratman’s book Caliphate, it is a good read in this context.

I see Italy having a chance thanks to Meloni. She’s doing what she can on immigration and is trying to deal with the various problems caused by the EU. The leadership of the EU, of course, does not care for her and her recent endorsement of Simion in Romania is a finger in their eye as noted earlier.

Part of what went into my post on what I suggest replace NATO with is that I see Italy, Romania, Serbia, possibly Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and the Baltics as an eastern rampart to hold the line against the new Islamic republics in Germany, England, etc. They are defying the EU on “migration” and holding fast borders. I also think they may be the best hope for keeping Western Civilization alive in Europe. Post for another day, but it is a factor in my thinking here. For those interested in my thoughts on NATO, see here and here. Oh, and for saying that I am not a serious person for suggesting we leave NATO or consider nuclear Eastern Europe? I wear that as a badge of honor, and will be glad to let history show who got more things right in the prediction game.

Now, do I see such happening here? Yes. In fact the outbreed and take over slowly is well underway. Just look at the city attempt down in Texas. Don’t forget all the military-aged Islamics who came over the border. I don’t think the normal violence will work (in fact, think it will backfire rather spectacularly long run), but it doesn’t mean they won’t try it. Also, our own reproduction demographics are not good, despite all of Elon’s efforts to personally make up for it. We need to change that, seriously.

Third phase of potential storm relies on countries like Russia, China, Iran, etc. As long as we have the current administration, I think Xi will hold off on Taiwan and such. He’s desperate, but the long game offers good odds to him. I think China will not survive a war, even though they are likely to destroy current U.S. forces in the region. Economically and otherwise I don’t think they can sustain the current system and situation through a war. There are a lot of fractures within the current system, and they could either push Xi into foolishness or he may can hold them together long enough for them to become someone else’s problem. Time for a Reagan-style push I think.

Iran has plans, but no longer have their patsy in the form of the Biden Regency. They are very well aware that if they push, Trump will push back. The last time they pushed, a certain Mr. Soleimani got to go meet his 72 Virginians. If The Fraternity manages to make a comeback, this could change. Which is why we need to end their efforts to become a nuclear power. I would prefer a mostly peaceful way, but if necessary the facilities need to be taken out hard. Also, the Biden Regency turned its back on some opportunities to help the people of Iran. I hope the current administration would support any such opportunities that came their way.

As for Russia, see my previous writings on same. That is a complex topic and I think efforts to bring about peace between Russia and Ukraine are needed and important. The key will be ensuring security for Ukraine, as doing so tends to trigger Russia. Keep in mind that as a reader pointed out a while back, they are not the eastern-most part of the West, but rather the Western-most part of the East. They have a different history and perceptions, and frankly plans. Those need to be taken into account. So far, again, the current administration has respect in Moscow and I hope that this can be leveraged to the good of all.

There may well be a storm or storms. Thing is, if you look at the data and the patterns, and operate on a realistic basis, you can avoid them or minimize the damage they can do. The storms will gather, but with good leadership and individual preparation, much can be avoided. For the former, start local and build upwards. I think we got lucky in the last election, but good leadership needs good support, and that is sorely lacking. I still say Vladimir will not nuke DC and surroundings as he wants to hurt us, not help us. Build the leadership and lets get back to a solid, small-government Republic. Don’t fall for all the games and grifters — be of good cheer, good faith, and solid actions.

As always, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and take what comes. Have Faith. And hang in there, as there is a lot more light out there right now than darkness.

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.

Two For Your Consideration

Thanks to the wonderful Sarah A. Hoyt over at Instapundit, two very different but good reads for you. One quite serious, and one very humorous but that also has some good points and food for thought buried within.

The first up is in Discourse Magazine, and looks at morality versus politics. While the author doesn’t discuss it directly, it sheds a light on what others (including myself) view as the new secular religions that are intended to draw people away from Christianity. By equating political struggles with being moral, confusion reigns for far too many. I do love her line “Morality is personal, and it’s all about action, not talk.” very much. Some very good food for thought, as real morality is indeed about actions, not talk.

The second is a funny piece about 12 things the author has learned from living in Portugal. It’s based off a similar article by a different author living in France. It is funny, fun to see the comparison and differences, and a bit of a reminder of why some things are said and done the way they are. In fact, suspect there are a number of potential rabbit holes there for the unwary. From France and other parts of Europe, allow me to agree wholeheartedly that every man, woman, and child driving a scooter is a homicidal maniac. I also believe that in some cities the zebra stripes are a designated target zone, not a designated crossing.

Enjoy, enjoy the food for thought, and there is more to come. Working on a larger post that I hope to have up later.

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.

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.

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.