Current Events – Page 9 – The Laughing Wolf

Doctors Of Death

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For years, I was an organ donor. Growing up, I had been taught that it was a good thing and I saw some of the good that came out of organ donation. Not that long ago, someone I knew got some extra time from a heart transplant. I’ve always checked the box on the driver’s license form and been glad to do so.

However, this editorial from three doctors in the Shady Lady, was the last straw for me. Things have been building for a while, and this post from Amy Poindexter put it into perspective for me. Long before COVID, I had begun hearing of bureaucrats run wild in regards transplants. Both in terms of harvesting and in terms of denying transplants for petty reasons.

The COVID-related denials were really just icing on the cake as far as I was concerned. There was no medical reason for requiring the jab, it was all about power, control, and greed. And, yes, there are economic “incentives” involved, just as there are to let chronic patients go. The health establishment squandered the trust of the public for greed, and they are so insulated and self-absorbed they have no idea how little people trust them.

Now we have these Doctors Of Death come out and argue for expanded harvesting and new definitions of death to facilitate it. It is evil, it is unethical, it is illegal currently (but that’s the point of this, to get the laws changed to allow it), and it is morally repulsive. They don’t get that, which says all that need be said.

Nor are they in isolation. David Strom does an excellent takedown of their equally reprehensible brothers-in-medicine who seek to use biological warfare against the population of the U.S./World. These so-called ethicists (a complete inversion of the term) feel that eating meat is bad; therefore, it is right, just, and proper to make everyone allergic to red meat so that they quit eating it. The world is saved; save, for those who die as a result of this biological warfare. And make no mistake, that is exactly what it is. Warfare. Warfare to produce a better world and a better human according to their sick and twisted standards.

Why is it sick and twisted? Well, let’s start with no freedom of choice, no mercy, no exceptions for those who have other conditions that require them to eat red meat (but, hey, the genetic cleansing is a bonus!), and no consideration that others don’t share their view on meat or supermen. They believe it, they believe it is right and good; therefore it is right and good and they will play god and make it so.

I can get really into the weeds on how both sets are sick, twisted, and evil; but, I think you get the start. On many levels what they are proposing is no different than that done by those behind the Tuskegee Experiment and others in the U.S., or Mengele and others in Nazi Germany. It is the same lack of humanity, the same overweening arrogance, and that their beliefs give them the knowledge and position make them better than those they would rule and experiment upon.

They are the master class, and you, peasant, should know your place and since you won’t do what they think you should do, they will force you to do what they want. After all, they know better than you, or me, or anyone outside their class.

It does bring to mind the timeless C.S. Lewis quote: “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”

All of these people need to be shunned from polite society (at the least), and they should never be given access to power. May God illumine them. As for me, I took myself off the state and national organ donor systems last night. Next week, I will find the time to go to the BMV and request a driver’s license that says I am NOT a donor. That’s important if you do this, because hospitals can claim they went by that even if you pull yourself off the donor networks.

I’ve heard for years the crazed-sounding ‘they will kill you for your organs, man’ from various people. I didn’t believe them. Now, when the system stands up and says they want to kill you for your organs, and make major modifications to your body regardless of your wishes, believe them. You can’t trust the current system to do right. Prepare accordingly.

UPDATE I: I’m going to be interested on Monday in hearing how many people have done what I did. I know I am not alone, and am getting a lot of anecdotal info. Thing is, this may already be at a crisis point for the donation industry and it will be interesting to hear what they say and see how they handle this.

UPDATE II: You really want to read this as well…

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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Friday Musings

The Ring of Fire continues to be sparky. There are likely to be hundreds, if not thousands of aftershocks from the 8.8, though many are likely to only be noticed by the seismologists. There is a lot of volcanic activity around the rim, which is not unexpected but spectacular. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia featured some spectacular volcanic lightning. Given all, if you are on or near the Ring of Fire (including the San Andreas), double check your preparations as what you plan for never happens…

Here, the weather has moderated a bit and I’m glad. Makes it easier to use the bike to get around, and to get out and walk. One thing I’m keeping an eye on in regards the ring of fire are underwater volcanic eruptions, as the last big one (Hunga Tonga) did a number on the weather. I really would hate to see more water vapor added given how it did last time.

Today got consumed by paperwork and related. The state has decided to re-verify information even though I have been on disability for less than a year. So, have been jumping through hoops so I can get all the forms and printouts mailed out to them next week.

I realized I’ve talked about going to physical therapy a bit, but not about some of the core (pun intended) issues. When I was hit, most of the charge seems to have gone down the right side of my body. When I finally got to PT this year (as noted previously, original neurologist was pretty useless), gee, we discovered weakness and other issues in various parts of the right side. Who could have figured. (/sarc). There are also balance and coordination issues, vertigo, and a few other delights. PT is helping, and I’m also gearing up for what comes next.

One of the errands I ran today was to a gym I’ve been interested in. Seems my insurance includes something called Silver Sneakers. This gym is part of that network, and net result is that through Silver Sneakers my membership is covered. Which is good as I need to get serious about working out and continuing the PT after the current sessions stop. Nice thing is, I can take the bus close; ride my bike to this gym; and, get rides there as needed. Got a lot of work to do to build back from the lightning and this should be a huge help.

And to the anonymous donor who helped with the Bosu Ball: Thank You! I’m having to get a few other things for use at home, but I’m hoping soon to be able to match everything at the PT shop, even if some of it may be a bit rougher. Yes, I am improvising. I don’t care about the looks nearly as much as function. Anyone wanting to help, hit that tip jar please.

Lot of things going on in the world. Keep your eyes open, your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Preparedness always pays.

Blackhawk Investigation

F0r those that have been waiting, the NTSB is now doing a three day hearing on the crash of the Blackhawk and a commuter plane at Reagan. I’m not expecting a lot of surprises, but stay tuned. There are good reasons for letting things play out, and not making snap judgements even when some things may appear obvious. Sometimes the obvious isn’t real, and sometimes the obvious is even worse than it appears. Let the process play out. Then render judgement.

Kamchatka

I noted somewhere the other day that the Ring of Fire was getting sparky, but wasn’t expecting an 8.8 off Kamchatka. Fact is, there are many small earthquakes every day, some in areas that people don’t think get earthquakes. Most are either deep enough or small enough that only seismologists notice them. Some faults, like the New Madrid, only seem to have a major event every few hundred years. Others, well, go off quite frequently, at least in geological terms.

When talking preparedness, I don’t focus on the almost infinite number of things that can happen, but in the types of damage they can do. Other than following earthquake building codes and suggestions when building structures, there’s not a lot you can do. I will note that some of the same things that help houses and other structures deal with high winds and tornadoes can help with mitigating structural damage from an earthquake, as they help a bit with flexibility and holding things together against unusual stresses.

My understanding is that you need a combination of flexibility and stability to avoid major structural damage. Of course, in some cases, there is not a lot you can do. Soil geology at the surface plays a large roll on how the seismic waves “act” on things. In the New Madrid quake some areas had the soil essentially “liquify” resulting in things in the ground shooting up (such as caskets) and things on the surface (like houses and other structures, going down almost without a trace.

Unlike weather phenomena, earthquake prediction is far more art than science. It’s being worked on, but we’re not there yet. So, it’s going to hit with little or no warning — which means your preparations have to be on reaction rather than being pro-active. It’s a different bit of planning, and if near the coast you should have a bug-out plan not only made but ready to go on zero notice for tsunami events, and elsewhere the same given that widespread fires can break out, dams fail, etc. Figure routes are likely to be clogged, and plan accordingly.

One of the more novel, and potentially very effective for the actual quake itself, was the tethered hot air balloon Daryl Dragon (the Captain of Captain and Tennille) allegedly had behind their house. If things were bad, launch and wait for things to settle down before coming down. Not sure if it was true or not, but seem to recall he talked about it in an interview or two. Fact is, if you could go up (or were up) when it hits, and stay up a while, it would allow you to miss the worst of things. At least initially.

On a more serious note, I am going to be interested to see what comes out in regards Petropavlovsk in the next few days. Between the earthquake and tsunami waves, it will be interesting to see what can be seen in regards the Russian Pacific Fleet, other bases, and the nuclear storage facilities. In particular, you do have to wonder how the subs tied up alongside — especially the boomers — fared. So far, not hearing of much damage but it’s well worth keeping an eye on.

Finally, in terms of preparedness, earthquakes are one of the reason to keep digging and demolition tools handy. There are a number of things that could leave one’s safe space covered in debris. Always be prepared to dig out, pry things up and over, or if possible jack or brace things so they don’t come down any further. Shovels, axes, pry bars, saws, jacks, rope, etc. are good to have around anytime, but may be even more appreciated after a quake.

Keep in mind that the Midwest really isn’t that well prepared for the New Madrid to pop off again. Building codes most places really don’t include earthquakes, and other mitigation actions aren’t there. The last time the New Madrid really kicked off, it was felt as far east as New York, a massive lake was formed in Tennessee, and portions of the Mississippi ran backwards for a time as plates were forced up. I may have to look for something I wrote about this years ago, as the area has built up so much now that a major event will devastate a good part of the center of the country.

Nor are the San Andreas and the New Madrid all we have to worry about. So, don’t think that because you are not in California you have nothing to worry about from a quake or quakes. As always, preparedness pays.

As always, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark — even if the earth is moving (and not from a happy thing).

Quick Thoughts 24 July 25

Man, came home from PT to hear that Chuck Mangione and Hulk Hogan have passed. I played trumpet in high school, and loved what Chuck could do with a flugle horn. Hulk Hogan kept me entertained over the years. Godspeed to them both.

Unlike most on social media, I’m not a (sudden) expert on what is going on with Cambodia and Thailand. I didn’t realize things were that tense between them, and the outbreaks of fighting have caught me off guard. Not rushing into things, as I do have some biases from things that happened decades ago. Right now, just praying for peace.

The death of Irina Podnosova, head of the Russian Supreme Court has raised an eyebrow. Not the death itself, as it appears she died of cancer; rather, it has hit at an interesting time for Vladimir. She was his classmate in law school, and he hand picked her for the position. Given all that is going on, from international sanctions to internal threats, it creates a void where he counted on a solid bulwark.

I have to agree with CDR Salamander (again), that those who are trying to extrapolate future warfare from the limited and somewhat isolated specifics of Russia-Ukraine have gotten the future of air power wrong, as shown by what happened in Iran. Allow me to tap my sign again: drones are important but the driver is data and the C&C it allows. You want to win the next real war, figure out the next step beyond drones that is allowed by data. I’m starting to get some ideas, and will just note that he who controls the data controls the field.

If you missed it, Ukraine did a major attack on Russian logistics and production on the night of the 23rd. Logistics have been the weak link for Russia from the very beginning, and hitting the various parts hard is going to further complicate offensive efforts. Hitting refineries and manufacturing centers is also going to make life difficult for Russia. Russia has been frantic to obtain (and is obtaining) US and European manufacturing systems and components despite sanctions and such (we’ve talked about this before here, and the companies quite willing to flout the laws to make the sales). Add in severe manpower shortages in both logistics and manufacturing, and this will have some serious long-term effects. It may not do much short-term, but it will have an impact. More so than Russia’s countervalue attacks on civilian population centers.

Glad to see some in England standing up to the state on matters of immigration and crime. I don’t think it’s going to do much good, but it shows there is some English blood left in the system. The problem is the same for them as for Germany, Spain, and other European countries. In a fairly short time, they will be outbred and/or overrun via continuing immigration legal and illegal (pushed by the EU). I think Eastern Europe has a shot at avoiding it; France may avoid it if the people deal with it as Macaroon et cie are not going to do anything; and Italy has a shot as long as Meloni and company remain in power. With the people largely disarmed, and the ballot box a joke in most of the EU, I’m not optimistic. Maybe more on this next week. Esp. since I think we may see unpleasantness here soon.

What is coming out about “Russian Collusion” is probably going to end up the largest political scandal in American history. It really is already, and if corporate media is forced into covering it, I think it will blow the doors off Watergate and any other scandal you care to name. Add in that Obama II/The Biden Regency just outdid the Teapot Dome scandal by selling off the strategic helium reserve on top of emptying the strategic petroleum reserve, and I’m not willing to bet there was a way to cripple the U.S. they missed. While we have a chance to recover, and to restore the Constitutional Republic, I don’t think it’s going to be easy or fun. In fact, I see a lot of ways things could go sideways and/or south. Again, more on that soon.

Don’t take your eyes off the work being done by DataRepublican and Mike Benz. The NGO nest of incestuous snakes may yet strangle us; but, they continue to unravel and shine lights. Lot of distractions being pulled to take eyes of this and other important points. Like all the winning being done by the Trump administration. They keep looking for wedges, as that and delaying actions are all they have been able to bring into play to stop reforms. To borrow a bit from Sarah Hoyt, be ye not afraid and don’t miss that Trump has gotten more accomplished in his first six months than he did in his first full term. Long ways to go, but we are off to a start.

Oh, before I forget, yes, rogue judges are a problem and Roberts isn’t about to smack them down as he should. Yet, they are laying the seeds of their own destruction as the challenges are establishing law and precedent. By the time this is over, they will have killed the current two (or more) tier system and more of Article III than I care for. Our system of government as well as our civilization is built on the rule of law and the trust and respect that it requires. These judges have killed trust, eroded respect, and pretty much tossed the rule of law. I hope things get dealt with before it goes too much further, for after a point there is no turning back and no one with a functioning brain or morals wants to see the spitting on of hands and the hoisting of the black flag on a large scale.

I will note that corporate media is continuing to commit slow-motion suicide. The more they lie, from not covering what is coming out on the fake Russian collusion scandal to biased coverage of Israel/Gaza, the more trust erodes and the more viewers turn out. Never was a fan of Colbert, but the more they push an agenda instead of simply entertaining, the more revenues and viewership continue to drop. Find good sources, follow them, and support them. Remember, the more you do that, the more the wicked witch of corporate media turns into a puddle while screaming “I’m melting, I’m melting!”

If you can, please consider hitting the tip jar. PT has revealed some interesting things, including weakness and related problems on my right side. First up is a Bosu Ball to work on balance, then I’m going to have to do some serious strengthening work to get things back and balanced. Bosu Balls I have discovered are expensive; and, I may have to join a gym to work on some of the weakness issues. I may have to do a post on what the therapist and I got into today, as we plotted where I got hit, path, and problems. As Spock would say, “Fascinating” as we were even going over centers of the brain and why certain things have been going on.

More soon, including a review of some alcoholic products kindly shipped to me (thank you!). Meantime, count your blessings and be not afraid. Just remember: be prepared, keep your friends and family close, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Random Quick Thoughts

No detailed post today, but I will share some thoughts and musings about some of the things I’m seeing in the world. Or, possibly out of it as well.

First up, I’m to a point where I believe several non-contradictory things about the Epstein saga. My post here I think may still have some validity; but, I would also note a few other things. The Swamp is not going to go without a fight, and I am amazed any evidence survived once the election was lost. That said, I would not be surprised if that “evidence” was as corrupt and tainted. I also believe that this has not been handled well, which is why Dems are using it as a wedge issue to try and slow the administration down. It’s pretty much all they have, and it was handed to them on a silver platter. While I want to see justice for Epstein’s victims, I also don’t think it is likely at this point and I want things done right. It is important.

Second, I both do and don’t get those upset with the administration. No, everything hasn’t magically been done or accomplished. That said, look at Trump 1 and then compare how much has been done in the first six months of Trump 2. It’s orders of magnitude more, and right now the left knows it’s been hit by a train but the plans to thwart the administration have not worked out. As noted above, Epstein uproar is the first wedge issue they’ve had and they are using it like mad. In fact, they are overplaying their hand — badly even. I hope they do keep going with it, as it will bite them hard in the rump and soon. Meantime, go read this excellent post by Sarah A. Hoyt and have patience. Let’s take the time to do things right, so that we don’t get into a tit for tat situation that blows up in our faces. A lot is being done to save our Republic, but I still see too many ways it can fail and do so in a way that takes us down some very bad roads. Roads no sane person wants to tread, and especially doesn’t want friends and family to have to tread.

In regards the Middle East, Iran is reverting to form and threatening Trump’s life and more. He, and Israel, showed great restraint in the 12-Day War. Iran should not count on the same if there is a Round Two. Other countries are not happy with them as well, and the huge arms shipment they tried to get to the Houthis got intercepted. Since our corporate media isn’t covering it, you might note the number of “gas explosions” in Tehran of late as well as the fact that many of them seem to be at the homes of IRGC and political leadership. Pity about that…

As for Israel bombing Syria, I would simply note that Israel has warned for weeks to not go after the Druze and other minorities. That was ignored and an effort to start the rape, torture, and murder of those under Israeli protection begun. Israel shut down that not-so-little bit of planned genocide (and yes, that’s what was planned) rather quickly. Good on them.

No comment yet on the Christian church in Gaza that was damaged. Heard this morning that the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs for Jerusalem have gone in to visit, assess, and do what they can. Not a lot of trustworthy data yet, so biding my time. Over on X, Bree A. Dail has been doing some good and thoughtful coverage that is worth checking out. Just keep in mind that the “Gazan Government” is Hamass and the UN is in bed with Hamass as well. As sources, they are about as reliable as CNN and the NYT. In otherwords, don’t trust, just verify.

Moving further north, David Strom has a good post up on where things stand in regards Russia. At least in terms of the current administration. I see signs of a lot going on behind the curtain, as the recent death of the Transportation Minister seems to have woken some people up. It may have caused a few moments of clarity, if you will, from some of the maneuvering underway. Keep in mind, however, that the Russian leadership and elites live not just in a bubble, but in bubbles in silos inside a larger bubble.

I think it was on X that I pointed out that Vladimir needs one heck of an off ramp in regards Ukraine. He put it all on the line when he rolled the dice, as this was intended to be the grand introduction of the true implementation of Russkiy Mir — and make him man of the decade and guarantee he was the grand poohbah for life. Instead, he’s ended up peeing into a LOT of people’s corn flakes, at home and abroad, and doing so to Trump was not a smart move. I agree with David that it seems some up at the top are getting this; but, their options are limited. I’m honestly wondering if we might soon hear of medical crisis, accident, or such in regards Vladimir. If not, bet we will hear about some top-level people having “accidents.” Things are getting very interesting in Moscow.

On to larger matters, yesterday Coffee and Covid (a site I’m starting to try to read regularly) re-ran an older post with some updates. If you think it’s been wetter than normal of late, and noted a few other odd things, it may well be climate change. Just not man-made climate change. Unless you think Hunga Tonga is alive and human, which would preclude it from being an image from Revelations. A good case is presented; and, the data appears to hold together. Check it out and sound off on what you think about it. Hat tip and thanks to fellow lightning-strike survivor Snarkalorian for introducing me to C&C a while back, and pointing out this particular piece.

More soon I hope. And, I may update this post later if I find the other item I bookmarked (or thought I had bookmarked). Be safe, be good, be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

About The Epstein Files

If you are surprised at what has happened in regards Epstein and the “files,” I’ve got a bridge for sale and a few thoughts to share. Others have said some of them, but I’m also trying to put things together to help others work through and make their own decisions.

First up, yes, I do think he was an IC asset. I’ve already seen several pointing out (in suspiciously similar terms) that there is no proof he worked for the CIA or (insert agency here). That he had a number of ties to the CIA and others in the IC (and governments here and abroad, etc.) is well known and documented. Got news for you, quite a few assets are not employees of the CIA or any other intelligence agency. They are called assets for a reason.

Second, the IC does make use of some rather interesting and dubious characters. Fact is, people who ware willing to share information (and more) for money, and are members in terrorist organizations, organized crime, or other such interesting things are rarely the type person you bring home to meet mother or meet in church. This was what drove the feckless peanut Jimmah to do lasting damage to our intelligence capabilities by gutting and hamstringing human intelligence (HUMINT). I’ve complained about him before, and I once again point out that we will be generations fixing the damage that man did to us there and around the globe.

That said, there is a bit of a pecking order to assets. You do get, on occasion, the principled person who does something out of conviction and profound belief. Those usually defect, sooner or later. The rest, well, it varies and you will find cold-blooded killers given more respect than human traffickers and perverts. The latter, if various tales be true, often used to get burned if not outright eliminated when convenient. But even there, there is a pecking order. Those who go after small children, infants even, are the lowest of the low. Those who go after teenagers and young adults, well, these days they are almost considered respectable in some quarters. After all, it is a much more widely shared — and indulged — thing even among the so-called elite.

Nor is such limited to overseas. For all that there is a stereotype of British aristocracy liking young boys (and it is a stereotype for a reason), girls and boys are well liked by far too many in power it seems. Again, stereotypes exist for a reason. File that for a moment.

Now, keep in mind that Epstein was noted for not only being well connected to important and powerful people (cough Clinton Gates ad nauseum cough) but also to those in middle and lower positions of power. I hate to give him any credit, but he did favors for a lot of people lower in the chain simply because they might be in a position to help him out later. Always a good idea to have people at all levels owing you favors — and/or having leverage to force a favor. Epstein I think knew that well, far better than many of the powerful he hung with.

Now, is there anyone who thinks that didn’t extend to law enforcement, including both the DOJ and the FBI? If so, look at how one investigation got derailed simply by his being declared a needed intelligence asset. The implications made about him and his relationship to the IC are most interesting and telling.

When things finally did hit a point he was arrested this last time, I would argue he clearly thought he would skate again. When that appeared murky, that he or the evidence might implicate others, well, pity about what happened.

Thing is, with that and with the incoming administration pledging to get to the bottom of things and name names, do you think that those in the IC, DOJ, and FBI (to name just three areas) were going to just sit around fat and happy? Or, do you think that as much evidence as possible got destroyed? Or otherwise rendered inaccessible and/or legally unusable? Also consider that the high and powerful are going to take steps to protect themselves by whatever means they can, and that some of them are in very strong positions of power. Also remember that power, and well as perversion, know few political or other boundaries.

Now, go watch the video of Trump jumping in when Bondi was asked about Epstein. Personally, I think he was frightened and wanting to do two things: give Bondi an out and de-ligitimize any and all inquiries about Epstein. What could scare Trump that badly? It’s not him he’s scared for. Watch his and others body language.

Then, watch Bondi. She pulls the trick taught in dealing with media 101 and does it well. She responds first not to what she was asked, but to the questions she wanted to answer. Note that no one has called for the release of the child porn allegedly made or collected by Epstein or others. No one has called for private information on known or unknown victims to be released. Her answers were a distraction and an attempt to put all answers under the umbrella of privacy. Huge red flag. When she does get around to the actual questions asked, note the precision and limits of her answers. Look at her body language throughout. That was not a happy woman, and she does not like the position she is in.

I’m left with a very strong suspicion that more than one powerful person let it be known what would happen if their name got mentioned in any way, shape, or form in connection to Epstein. I suspect one or more of them are very important to current efforts, and/or could do significant damage to the country (and other countries even) if they so chose. Whomever, whatever, we are not talking a minor scandal or even something Profumo-level. It would be something even larger, with the ability to bring down one or more governments.

If we ever know what was going on, I suspect it will be many, many years from now. I know I’m sure not going to go digging, as I have no desire to dig my own grave. For all that I hate seeing the monsters win again, there are times and places to pick battles. Seeing Trump’s reaction confirms my thought that this is not the time for such. It may yet come, and I hope it does. I really did want to see justice done for Epstein’s victims, for all the victims of the monsters. But I’m also sort of used to it at this point. Never have liked it. All one can do is pray for justice one day, even knowing it won’t happen this day. Mayhaps there truly is a rogue version of the Army of Northern Virginia out there; and, if so, may they have good hunting.

About The Deja Poo

The “poo” in question is Elon Musk’s quivering pile of lab grown meat substitute of a third party. Deja Poo is a term I haven’t heard (or used) in a while, that is the title to a wonderful post by Sarah A. Hoyt. It is an apt term, as if you are a student of history you know that both the term is valid, and what has happened with the half-baked idea of third parties being born like a cut-rate Venus on a quarter shell by egotistical deep pockets. If you get the idea I’m not a fan of what is being done, you are correct. For all that I like the idea itself — along with creative things to do with the swamp in DC — the execution is key and the execution is classic history. And for those not getting it, not in a good way.

However, I’m lazy — intellectually and otherwise — and rather than go into all the reasons the execution and timing are designed to destroy all the good that has been done, I’m going to point you to some well thought out pieces that make the points I planned to make, possibly far better than I could.

First up, Deja Poo. This take from Sarah is well done, thorough, and has lots of good food for thought. We have indeed seen this same poo before, and it has given us the walking excrement that was Woodrow Wilson (and the growth of the supreme bureaucracy), not to mention the little cascade of horror started by Ross Perot. Her take is well worth the time to read.

Next up, Kim nails it. Elon has an ego, it is bruised, and the analogy to Christmas is spot on. Will Elon ever admit it? Probably not and it will push him to foolishness. Won’t be the first time. Thing that worries me is that Kim is also right on the money about Elon switching to letting perfect be the enemy of good. Innovation and improvements come from letting good be the enemy of perfect (SpaceX being a prime example as we’ve discussed here before). If this becomes his driver, short his companies as they will stall. Yes, he’s got good people who can and will take over if something happens to Elon, who are still committed to good being the enemy of perfect. But, he is a charismatic leader and his zealotry will end up taking the controls absent an investor revolt. I hope he wakes up and smells the coffee, as the world needs him taking us to the stars, not to wallow in the swamp.

Next up is Glenn Reynolds, the Instapundit. You can see his op-ed in the Post here, and a nice video here. Love the intro, agree with it even, and even more like the points Glenn makes. It’s well written, and done in a way that if Elon does read it, it might not get his back further up (it’s already up from not getting all he wanted via DOGE and his work in the admin). He would be wise to listen and think on what is said, though I think he’s well past the point of being able to do so.

For all our sakes, I hope Elon can swallow his pride and ego, and step back from an action that will end (for now) his dream of taking Man to the stars, and our dreams of freedom and restoring the Republic. I don’t think he can, but I can hope to be wrong, and that people will not enable him if he does carry through. As Kim points out, we really don’t need another party (and if you haven’t seen mechaGr*ock’s take on Elon’s third party, do check it out) as we already have a movement.

You want change? It’ doesn’t need a party. It needs a movement to primary those who deserve it, recruit good candidates AT ALL LEVELS, and push to register and get the vote out. The movement is there, make use of it. The movement is working to primary candidates, get behind that. The movement is getting good candidates into races, support that. The movement (Pressler anyone?) is already working the registration and enthusiasm. Support it. That is how you make change, and wins for all humanity. Another ego party is not the answer.

About The Texas Floods

UPDATE BELOW

What happened in the Texas hill country is horrible; and, the response to it by far too many is beyond horrendous. This weekend saw people throw down their masks and throw away any pretense at humanity and basic decency as politics trumps all.

One of the many lies promoted (suspect the social media version of JournOlist was running hot and heavy) was that no warnings were given because of DOGE cuts, short staffing, etc. All were lies as any cuts don’t take place until the FY, the NWS had extra staff on hand per SOP, and warnings were given in a timely manner. Not once, but no less than three times.

But, there does lie part of the rub. Texas was indeed right to criticize the NWS, as Todd Starnes pointed out on X. Back after Katrina, the NWS was (rightfully) criticized for not updating warnings and giving accurate warnings. The bureaucratic mind being what it is, the decision was made to treat every storm as the storm of the century and warn accordingly such that they could never be criticized again for not issuing strong enough warnings. Besides, that is easier, and easier to justify, that in having people show mature judgment and professionalism and update warnings if and as warranted. No thought, no muss, and it totally screws disaster preparedness planning and actions right in the keester.

If every storm or cloud is the storm of the century, none are. People tune out. I’ve cut off my alerts because of how often they go off for no real reason. It used to be the alerts meant something, and you got useful information from them. Now, you get the equivalent of the reams of useless paper that come with a one paragraph note from Medicare or any other government program. The alerts were meant to be short, effective, and only when needed. The perceived need to protect bureaucratic butt eliminated that utility.

As for the lack of preparedness and other issues in the area (dams needing maintenance, etc., that can wait. What matters now is trying to find those still alive; recovering the dead; and dealing with all the damage and things that come out of such a horror. As you pray for those missing and lost, say a prayer for the first responders who are dealing with a horror most can’t truly begin to imagine. And I guarantee you that they will wonder if they had been faster, better, etc., that some others might have lived. Probably not, but it is something they will be dealing with now and in the days ahead. Pray for them, and pray they get the help and support they need.

One thing to keep in mind is that in a flash flood, it’s not the water that’s the real enemy: it’s what’s in it and under it. Some do drown, but many die because of crush injuries caused by hitting debris under and in the water. Flailed chests are common from hitting trees, logs, vehicles or being caught between logs and trees while being swept away. Broken legs from hitting submerged vehicles and other objects are also common, and they remove the ability to swim (or even float). Those injured who survive the initial damage have a short window of survival. Pray they are found quickly, and can be gotten out of wherever they are.

If you live in an area prone to flash floods, your only realistic preparation is to be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. That, however, requires you to get real information concisely, accurately, and in a timely manner. The current warnings of the NWS are about anything but that. The system needs reform, and I hope that if nothing else comes of this tragedy that such does happen.

May God’s mercy be on those in Texas, and in the new flooding in Western NC. Pray for them, and let the basic humanity that seems all to scarce these days shine forth, now and in the days ahead.

UPDATE I: Sarah A. Hoyt, as usual, makes some good points in her post here. It does no good to send signals if they are not going to be received.

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.

About The Russian Transportation Minister…

UPDATE BELOW

I’ve been out and about since early this morning, as I had an appointment on the north side of town that involved busses that only run every hour, and so not up on what is going on in the world. Had a friend ping me to ask me about ‘that Russian general that Putin fired, does anyone think it really was suicide?’ Told them that didn’t narrow it down any.

Turns out they were talking about (former) Transportation minister Starovoit, who allegedly was in meeting(s) Sunday, fired by Vladimir today, and may have been dead since Friday or Saturday. Allegedly found dead in his car, but may have been found a short distance away in some brush/trees/shrubs. You pays your money, you get to pick your story.

It may well have been a legitimate suicide. He was in the hot seat over trucks being used to bring in drones/drone swarms from Ukraine, and was being investigated in regards siphoning off defense funds for personal use when governor of Kursk, etc., etc., etc. But, given all it may well have been not his idea or that it was that or his family. Again, you pays your money and you pick your story. Any of those is likely given all, and GRU 29155 may not have even had to come knocking. I rather doubt we may ever know for sure which it was.

What is of interest is that this was a truly senior level person in the government. That’s a first, or at least the first in quite a while. It means things are getting serious in Moscow, and I suspect that he will not be the last as things continue to shake out. With China dropping any pretense of neutrality in the Russia/Ukraine conflict (note they want it to continue as it keeps us from focusing on them), and Russia not able to close the deal on their own (so to speak), things could get interesting indeed.

UPDATE I: The always-thoughtful Austin Bay has some thoughts about Russia as the “sick man” of Europe, or Eurasia (again, pays your money picks your version). A lot of very good food for thought that I wish Vladimir and a number of others within the brick walls would read and consider. And if you don’t have China going after Siberia and other territories on your bingo card, you should. I called that one how many years ago now?

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.