Current Events – Page 6 – The Laughing Wolf

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.

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: 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.

Terrorism

Right now, there is a lot of chatter about this or that group being domestic terrorists. There is chatter about a terrorist supporter here on a green card being deported. Lots and lots of chatter (got to drive that engagement!), but to my mind some important points are being missed.

Yesterday, I shared a post on X about how what is going on now is how the Red Brigades and Baader-Meinhof got started. I shared it because to my mind it made a point while missing the point. The poster in the thread that followed held forth that this is just starting. It’s been building for years.

Mr. Andy Ngo has been writing about Antifa and others for several years now. Here’s one example outside of his book(s). I seem to recall writing about some things going on a couple of years ago myself with interesting groups getting interesting training and how it was even more interesting that top leadership had encrypted coms and more. I also believe I wrote a bit about how the shooting of transformers was not limited to the Northwest and was a much bigger issue than the FBI and others cared to admit.

The fact is, the modern equivalents of the Weather Underground, Red Brigades (a group with which my 12-year-old self had direct experience), and others are already here. They are organized and funded. Does anyone really think all those massive pro-Hamass riots were spontaneous? Heck, certain leaders have admitted they funded those demonstrations. Personally, I think a lot of the groups we are seeing active now are second- or third-order groups enabled by the long-term efforts of the first-order groups mentioned above.

It’s a classic move. Get one or more hardcore groups into place quietly. Build up cells, stockpiles, and more. Test the system a bit (transformers are but one area tested) Identify and recruit true believers who get checked out, and if they pass go overseas for clandestine training. Meantime, use other members to help recruit and establish new groups who do the things that get attention. Make sure there is insulation between the originals and the second- and third-order groups.

As the second- and third-order groups do the flashy public things, the first-order group or groups can do things far more important and have a lot of it buried in the noise. And, if the flashy public things bear fruit, it advances the cause.

Right now, I suspect we are seeing a deliberate use of those groups even if it puts them at risk. The fact is, the attacks on Tesla dealerships and owners is terrorism, whether you quibble by calling it domestic or not. On one level it is domestic; however, I strongly suspect the ultimate driver and funding source(s) are not domestic. Nor does it stop with Tesla.

Frankly, I’m surprised it’s taken this long for the “peaceful” attacks to return. They truly are not protests, nor are they demonstrations — unless one considers them a demonstration of violence and the willingness to use same. Progressive/Socialist ideology has always embraced the use of violence, and the analogy that they see it as a rheostat is not wrong. Nor is it wrong to note that others see it as a binary switch. There is a reason a number of us have warned about the danger of letting that switch be thrown, because we have seen it in the world now and because we actually study and understand history. The Reign of Terror in the French Revolution was actually relatively mild if you know history.

Right now, you have the progressive left/rule by the elites crowd in disarray as their world is being destroyed by the Trump administration. Major sources of funding (graft) are being cut off, people are being laid off, and efforts to reform the government and government spending are proceeding rather rapidly. The methods that worked on Trump 1 (lawsuits, resistance, etc.) are not working this time. People are being exposed and since legacy media has shot itself in a sensitive area adjacent to the leg, it can’t be hidden.

Now, add to that the fact that there are a LOT of governments and politicians who do not want to see the U.S. reformed. I will even start with the EU (and UK Labor) who have interfered in U.S. elections for a while now. On top of that, the UK, France, Germany (and probably others) also don’t want to see the reforms happen. Moving beyond our “friends” (allies, though that may be stretching it a bit these days), you have Russia, Ukraine, Iran, China…

Interesting information is that the servers in the attack this week on X were located in the Ukraine. This may be false flag, but I do find it interesting. Especially since Zelensky’s media operation has been accused of doxxing American journalists, and calling for their arrest or assassination. Still evaluating some info, but not getting warm fuzzies.

Interesting information came out this morning on another front. Anyone who has been truly paying attention is aware that Vladimir has really been pushing the sabotage efforts, especially the “accidental” damages to undersea cables and pipelines from dragging anchors on ships linked to Russia. There are also a number of reports of GRU units active in Germany and elsewhere. This morning, it emerges that the captain of the cargo ship that rammed the tanker supplying U.S. Navy ships is a Russian national. Now, the thread I linked believes for now it was truly an accident, but we are getting to the point where I don’t believe in coincidences Mr. Bond.

If Kash and others can get DOJ and the FBI back on track (a topic on which I retain strong doubts, think they need to nuke and start over), I think we might discover some very interesting things. Personally, I think there are at least two first-order groups working within the U.S. Possibly three, but the patterns in the data indicate at least two. There is an argument to be made if Antifa is first- or second-order as it has been public far more than the norm for a first-order group.

The third-order groups are going to get all the media attention for now. Expect to see not only more violence, but sob stories in legacy media on the order of ‘she was a good girl who meant well she shouldn’t be prosecuted for doing X’ and even more of the ‘it’s wrong and a violation of the First Amendment to deport those supporting or engaging in terrorism’ stories. On the latter, it is legal since if you are here on a Visa or green card you are not allowed to support terrorism or designated terrorist groups. Meantime, there is a huge difference between peacefully espousing your views and leading riots that block access, illegally trespass, and physically assault others. The first is protected, and the second should not be tolerated at all.

Quick aside: if you don’t follow or read Gad Saad, you should. I really need to add his books, particularly his new book on Suicidal Empathy to the Amazon Wish List. The West has a lot of problems. If we can save the Republic, which is not guaranteed, we still have even larger fights to come to save what remains of Western Civilization. And, yes, that is something we really do need to do.

However, the first- and second-order groups are the ones who worry me right now. The third-order are the shock troops, the cannon fodder even though they (mostly) don’t even suspect such. The others are the ones who can and will do real damage if ordered. By my estimates, some three battalions worth of military-aged males entered the country under the Biden Regency. How many of them joined the ranks of those first- and second-order groups that were waiting. What is their task?

If we had an intelligence community and law enforcement focused on their job and doing right by America, we might know. Instead, they are focused on politics and trying to maintain an order that is done. Which makes it a scary time for America and American’s who are paying attention.

There is a lot to celebrate in the efforts to drain the swamp and restore the Republic. Thing is, there is a lot that can go wrong too, and I will repeat again that the so-called elites have no idea how much anger there is in that almost eighty percent of the population that supports what is being done. I do not want to see that switch flip — to to have things get where those first- or second-order groups can work to flip it.

So, keep your guard and preparations up. If things get truly tense, don’t respond to provocations. Until then, celebrate your victories and work for more. As always, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Back, Sorta

Whew. Last week was intense. It was tiring. It was also flat out amazing. Wonderful, educational, enlightening, and inspirational are also words that apply. I almost lost my voice as I did participate in every service. By the time yesterday rolled around, I was more croaking than chanting (at least at home), but got through it all.

This time last year was what I describe as an “argggghhhhh blur.” I am not sure it matters how long you have attended a given Church, but when you become a formal Catechumen there is so much going on and at such an intensity that you are doing good to see the big blocks start to fit together.

Last week, it was intense but different, and it is hard to describe it. Instead of a blur, everything seemed to flow together, almost like a panorama. I will say that yet more blocks fit together: it was a chance to see how historical events, scripture, and more fit together such that more of the picture of faith is revealed. I thought I had learned a bit about the liturgy but have discovered at least a part of how much more there is to learn. Then again, that applies on all fronts.

There is more to come.

Lite Week/Light Week

I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.

Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.

However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.

I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.

However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.

We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.

We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.

So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.

The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.