Israel, Invasion, UCs, And Us

NOTE: I may expand this later, possibly as a new post, to deal more with why the old ways are gone. The world changed on Saturday, in ways strategic and otherwise that I don’t think many people yet grasp. There are profound implications on many fronts, including what some seem to have planned for here via invasion.

This one may be a long one, it may seem crazy, and, hopefully it will in the end make sense. Not so much a single definitive conclusion, but some rather unpalatable food for thought and some smaller conclusions.

First, let’s start with international law and what defines lawful and unlawful combatants (UPDATE: UCs for the reading challenged). Most law on such deals with the Geneva Conventions (ICRC I know, but best source I could find), yes, multiple. Things have evolved a bit since the first Geneva Convention in 1864, which focused on wounded and sick soldiers on land. The second focused upon those wounded, sick, or shipwrecked at sea. The third focused on prisoners of war and superseded the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929. The fourth focuses on civilians. For all that the fourth convention gets credit for lawful versus unlawful, the real definition of who is lawful is spelled out in the third, and definition of unlawful has been more a matter of military and other related law. While biased IMO, here are takes from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Research Society of International Law. Keep in mind that both these papers are written in support of making terrorists and others have the same legal standing as regular troops in a war. As such, I would like to cite this definition and this paper.

A quick and dirty definition of an unlawful combatant is one who, as an individual or member of a larger group, engages in war by attacking non-military targets in ways not allowed by the Geneva Conventions and other Articles of War. In short, they are not members of a standing military, may or may not openly carry arms, and attack civilian and other non-military targets. Therefore, they are not accorded the rights assigned to lawful combatants under Convention III or any subsequent conventions or codicils. In most cases, those who are terrorists or labeled as terrorists automatically lose the protection of the Geneva Conventions and other International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and treaties. Keep this in mind, it’s important.

Now, let’s take a quick look at Hamas and what is happening in Israel. Hamas was founded not to create a Palestinian state per se; rather, from it’s inception it has been dedicated to the complete and utter destruction of the state of Israel. This is a good take, and this and this back it up. I read a very good report on why Hamas loves to desecrate bodies (humiliation and intimidation in large measure) and to rape and/or torture then execute women of all ages though the execution can and does come before the rape in a number of cases (strong women scare and enrage them basically). If I find it, will add the link.

While I expect the intellectually and morally deficient (often IMO those who would like to take part) to defend the actions of Hamas and the people of Gaza seen celebrating and helping desecrate the corpses of victims (and terrorizing children and others taken hostage), there is no real defense in terms of this being both an unlawful action by unlawful combatants. While military targets were hit, the primary attack was on civilians and it appears that the orders were to broadcast as much as possible to the world. Hence, cell phones being taken and the execution of families broadcast on their Facebook and other social media platforms. It’s why you see so much video on so many channels.

And spare me the ‘good and innocent’ people of Gaza bit. I remember when they danced and celebrated the attacks of 9/11, and I’ve watched them do the same and gleefully take part in atrocities now. I’m sure there are some good and innocent people in Gaza, and I hope they got out per the advice of the Israeli government despite Hamas doing all they could to keep people from leaving.

Hamas has long used mosques, schools, and hospitals as cover. On the latter, a number of corporate media operations were well aware of them having facilities under a major hospital and refused to cover or acknowledge. They often shoot from beside such facilities so as to use them as human shields. So, when you see mosques and other facilities not only go boom, but then cook off from what was hidden inside, don’t be surprised and don’t fall for those wringing their hands hypocritically over such actions. They know what’s going on, they support it, and frankly most of them would love to see Israel gone and every Jew dead.

Human shields will no longer work for Hamas. The idea that it’s international partners (Iran, Qatar, etc.) would protect it is ill-founded. The idea that the useful idiots and fellow travelers (such as the Hamas Caucus in Congress) would save it isn’t happening. That the West Bank, Hezbollah, and others would rise up and join in is iffy, for all that a lot of posturing is going on. No doubt, the government of Iran (as opposed to the people of Iran) is doing all it can to take out the state of Israel, but I think they’ve miscalculated in this case. Israel can and should go in and destroy every last vestige of Hamas in Gaza, even if it takes out most of Gaza. Not a war crime, not a violation of the Rules of War given what has happened.

Frankly, Israel truly needs to take the gloves off. Hamas leadership anywhere is now a legitimate target. Iran and the Taliban are now fair targets for the weapons, intel, and other support given (gee, where did those American arms we see in some of the videos come from, that just happen to match what we left in Afghanistan). As noted elsewhere, boxes have been opened that can’t easily be closed, and this could spread a lot further and a lot nastier than the people behind this attack believed possible.

Which brings us to the next point: the attack by Hamas is just the beginning. First, look at the “humanitarian crisis” that are “refugees” in the Mediterranean and otherwise pouring into Europe. Funny how many are military-age males and wives and children are nowhere to be found (except for a few for corporate media or complicit NGOs feelz pieces). Look up Lampedusa, and look at the hordes trying to get in to northern Europe.

Now look at our Southern border, which is wide open. Out of the millions who have crossed in the last three years, look at the number of them who are military-age males and the dearth of women and children (yes, there are some and a heck of a lot of sexual trafficking, but it is a small part of the overall). It’s not just people fleeing Central and South America, it is a surprising number of Chinese, Afghans, and others. Add in to that the not just rumors, but reports of Hamas and other fun and interesting groups having training centers in northern Mexico, recent if not current.

I’m very much afraid that Eva is right about what is coming. It’s not just that the large (and often militant) populations will be encouraged, but that they have been let in specifically for that. That they are shock troops who will be used by powers foreign and domestic as unlawful combatants to subdue populations and areas. Which brings us to the next point of consideration.

Why do you think the Stasi (aka Justice Department) is pushing so hard to declare the majority of the population to be terrorists? It not only makes them “other” (like the Nazi’s used Jews, Gypsies, etc.) but it strips away various Constitutional protections and makes them — and anything they do — to be unlawful combatants engaged in unlawful conflict. It opens the door to harsh reprisals if such groups should do anything in response to provocation, even defend themselves against aggression from illegal aliens. When they tell you they want you in camps, believe them. Oh, and if those poor, poor, disenfranchised helpless military-age refuges were to rise up in riot against the hatred and bigotry and take revenge, well, who could blame them…

On the face of it, it seems stupid. But, remember, stupid is the defining hallmark of the Biden Regency and our so-called elites. I agree with Sarah that this will not work out well for them, given how many of the different groups that are known to have come in over our Southern Border (and I strongly suspect that applies to Europe as well) hate each other with blazing passions. They will turn on each other as well as those who are allowing them into the country in a heartbeat.

There is a reason a number of us on Twitter were sharing the line from Red Dawn the other day: “Infiltrators came up illegal from Mexico. Cubans mostly. They managed to infiltrate SAC bases in the Midwest, several down in Texas and wreaked a helluva lot of havoc, I’m here to tell you.” They aren’t coming, they are already here. And it’s a hell of a lot more than Cubans flooding in.

Which is why I asked my senators for that third provision. I want it on record in Congress what constitutes unlawful combatants and the horrors inflicted by same. I want a contrast between what happened in Israel and the barbaric horrors inflicted on the innocent by Hamas, and anything brought by the Stasi against segments of the American citizenry. It may not stop it, but it will make an important point and provide a way to challenge those actions.

Keep in mind that the Biden Regency seems determined to try to provoke a response from any group they are targeting. It may be hard, but show restraint and do not give it to them. Doesn’t matter if you are a Trump supporter, a parent trying to hold your schools and school boards accountable, or any other ‘disloyal dissident’ that isn’t fully onboard with the progressive agenda. What is happening now in Israel and the Middle East is because various boxes have been opened that can’t be readily closed again. If at all possible, we do not want to start opening boxes here, lest they prove as hard to close as those we see there. Keep also in mind that they are already losing, and much of what is being done reeks of desperation in an attempt to retain power and control.

Nor is it just here. The same applies to China, Russia, and Iran to name but three. The Iranian people are a powder keg and already up in arms against the government. Won’t take much to let that go, and it would be a pity if something happened to their government (and various security HQs) while it was in session calling for death to Israel… China is much more a house of cards than many realize, though I would not underestimate their military threat. Russia has been exposed for what it is. The fracture lines there are growing, and it may well break on up without outside assistance (which is for the best). Meantime, isolate and negate on as many levels as possible.

The problem is, weak and failing leaders and systems make for interesting times. Add in millions (literally) of military-age males flooding Europe and the U.S., and you have a recipe for very VERY interesting times. With God’s help, a measure of luck, and some hard work, we may can still prevent and/or avoid the worst of it. Frankly, I think it is going to get very bad before it starts to get better. Some thoughts on what we need to think about for later is my plan for tomorrow.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Senatorial Request

Given all that is going on, I’ve been on social media and more today when I normally try to take the day off. Thought I would share what I sent my senators this morning (my rep being Carson and totally useless).

Sir,

Given the horrific and devastating terrorist attack against Israel, one that was primarily focused on civilian targets in complete contravention of the Rules of War, I ask that you directly, or working with others, to do the following:

First, that the United States suspend any and all direct and indirect aid to the Palestinian Authority and any and all entities operating or headquartered within the Gaza Strip, be it financial, humanitarian, educational, or other.

Second, that the United States seek to recover any and all funds recently released to the Palestinian Authority and any and all entities operating or headquartered within the Gaza Strip, be it financial, humanitarian, educational, or other.

Third, that the United States Senate note formally and for the record that the actions by Hamas and other organizations with the Gaza Strip or West Bank are in direct contravention of the Rules of War, and as terrorists those engaging in same are not covered by the conventions of the Rules of War.

Fourth, that the United States Senate investigate both the legality and timing of Sec. Blinken’s release of approximately $75 million to the Palestinian Authority and/or other entities located or operating in the Gaza Strip.  

Your attention to this matter is urgently requested. 

I want the third point on the record for a number of reasons. One or more of these should be part of a post I hope to get up tomorrow or Tuesday. There is a reason the Stasi, formerly the FBI, want to declare the majority of the population as terrorists… Meantime, look to the southern border and then look at what is going on in Israel. Be prepared.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Community Watch Past And Future?

While at O’Banion’s Sunday, a conversation caused one of those “sparks” that brought back a memory from childhood, and has caused some contemplation given this story and other current events. Thank goodness the girl was recovered safe and sound, as it seems to rarely happen that way.

Sunday, the Bartender was expounding forth (not an unusual occurrence), this time on the concept of community in terms of church and neighborhood. I found it interesting that we had similar paths, a decade or three apart, given that I’m a Georgia Boy and he’s a Yankee (grin). His parents had moved from downtown Indianapolis to the suburban wilds of Greenwood (which was not the boom area it is today). My parents did something similar in the early 1960s, moving out of old Macon and into suburbs that literally pushed up against woodlands.

Turns out, we both were free-range kids growing up. Our parents let us out and we got with other kids, explored, played, and did a lot of things that children today are deliberately denied. We walked to the nearby school, we rode bikes all over, all without our parents breathlessly tagging along. Which is not to say we were unsupervised. You and your parents knew the families around you, both on your street and pretty much a street on either side. Now, two streets over was starting to be terra incognita, and on one side that second street over butted up against acres of woods.

So, various mothers kept a watchful eye out and made sure we knew their hose was available so we could stay hydrated. A couple of the nicer ones even offered cookies and snacks (often homemade) on occasion. The moms kept in touch and as such had a rough idea where different groups of kids were and what they were doing.

Then one day, reality intruded. A man tried to snatch a little girl into his car. Kids were yanked into random homes until they could be gotten home or closer to home if they were latchkey. Given the attempt, all kids would be with adults until a parent or parents were home.

Today, I know that some of those moms who came out and got everyone inside were armed. While it was never officially confirmed, it sure did look like a number of dads left work and were driving around as well. Police and sheriffs, who we rarely saw, were out in force as well. The woods were off-limits for a week or three after that, and a much closer eye kept on what little play did happen for a while. Don’t know about the girls, but a number of boys got their first Boy Scout or other knife, or got a new and better one about that time.

The largest threat of such things has always been the creature hiding in the extended family or neighborhood, holding up a fair face to the world to hide the corruption beneath. But kidnapping by a random stranger hits a note that the first one does not. We never were quite as free to free-range after that, but it was still far better than today.

To be honest, Scouting provided a chance to do some of what was taken away via camping and hiking trips. Sad to say, one place we camped and liked we never went to again as it turns out the gunfire we heard breakout at one point was a serial killer taking out a family.

Thing is, both in the recent event and in the one from my past, communities came together. People looked out, looked after each other, and pooled resources. The police got information and tips, and along with some luck and a lot of work, a little girl was ultimately safe in both cases.

Given the deliberate assault on public safety by activist prosecutors and judges, communities are going to have to come together again for safety. It won’t be allowed in the targeted (mostly blue) cities, as those activist prosecutors and judges will be throwing the book at anyone fighting back. But, outside of those areas that have been targeted, it can and will work. Think about it, and it’s a good idea to know your neighbors.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

It’s Not About Russell Brand

I really hadn’t paid much attention to Russell Brand, even as a number of libertarians and conservatives began to embrace him as he started speaking out against the narrative. For all that I was surprised and a little pleased that he seemed to be waking up and speaking out, he wasn’t anyone who I was in a hurry to metaphorically embrace.

To be blunt, Russell Brand was a degenerate sleazeball with few or any redeeming values. In point of fact, both he and Jonathan Ross deserve to be stomped into mudholes for any number of things they did. Both should be on their knees giving abject, sincere, and unconditional apologies to the shade of Andrew Sachs and to any and all of his living family — particularly his granddaughter who they attacked and trashed. Not that I ever expect to see either one of them do so, as that requires honor, integrity, and self-honesty; in short, things I think both creatures lack.

According to some, Brand — at least — has turned over a new leaf. I have no direct knowledge, but hope that is true. People can change, both if they want to and — most of all — with God’s help. I do sincerely hope he has done so.

Whether he truly has or not, his departure from the narrative has earned him the ire of his/our “betters.” Our would-be masters, to be quite honest. He has engaged in heresy, and as with the Inquisition of old, he must be punished for going against the dogma of the religion of progressive thought. Make no mistake, it is indeed a secular religion replacing God with the state and singularly lacking in Grace and Mercy. In this theology, no one has died for your sins, and those who sin must be martyred and seen to be martyred both figuratively and even literally. The latter is already here, but will increase in the days ahead.

So, for the sin of going against the new religion of state, Russell Brand is facing a number of accusations in the media over past behavior. While he has acknowledged that his behavior was bad in the past, he categorically denies the worst of these new accusations. What’s important here is not that he is being accused of rape and more; but, that the accusations are being made in and through the media of the state (literally and figuratively) in England. Not in a court of law where he would have at least some rights to discovery, to cross examine, or otherwise mount a legal defense. This is all being done in the media, state controlled media, and what’s more the government is stepping in to ensure he is not allowed to mount a defense. To the point of threatening Americans and American-owned companies.

Enter Member of Parliment Caroline Dinenage who as chair of the “Culture, Media, and Sport” committee of parliment who has taken it upon herself to do everything in her power to deny Brand not just a chance to defend himself, but to even earn a living. A man she has already convicted in her own mind, though she seems to be trying hard to keep this from ever reaching a court of law. According to her, the accusation itself is proof enough of guilt, and to hell with centuries of English law. To get a good idea of her crusade, read this thread including all the letters she’s written.

The fanaticism is clearly evident, and make no mistake it is the fanaticism that has seen innocents burned at the stake, and innocent women and children herded into the gas chambers or into pits to be shot and/or buried alive. Yes, it is my opinion that she shows, in these letters and other utterances, that same level of fanaticism and dedication to the new religion of state. It is my opinion that she would have fit in perfectly with the National Socialists of Germany, and particularly with the Democratic Socialists of East Germany. Her efforts here make the Soviet show trials of the past look like the height of fairness and honesty.

I do hope Russell Brand understands that even if he were to apologize profusely for any real or imagined actions of the past, it will not matter. If anything, it will only make it worse and I suspect Dinenage and others will derive great mental and even physical pleasure from his humiliation and destruction. Without Grace and Mercy, any such apology will only be used as further evidence of guilt and the need to absolutely destroy the target.

Such creatures exist here and we’ve already seen them in action. Long before the Biden Regency conspired to eliminate free speech and other rights, we had and have various movements that thrived on accusations, and proved that many would apologize and grovel even without proof or legal challenge. We’ve also seen the courts and law enforcement corrupted into a multi-tiered engine of the state, and the new religion of state.

What’s happening now is not about Russell Brand. It’s about power and control — over you. Fight back. Refuse to grovel. Pray for them. It all works and is needed. Do not take the knee, but stand. They really can’t handle that and even as they double-down on those who do so, it allows others to stand. Courage is contagious. Spread it.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

An Interesting Possibility

Präsident der Republik Grisham has earned two posts here recently (one here and one here) with her overweening arrogance and complete disregard for the Constitution and law. For all that it would be easy to believe the latest act (after all, this is a creature that closed grocery stores as part of overly draconian lockdown restrictions), is just more totalitarian rule, Jeff Goldstein (aka Protein Wisdom) has a different take. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to carefully consider such takes from him.

His take is that the act is orchestrated and meant to fail, for a reason. The idea being to set up a basis to claim or create a federal “right” to such an emergency mandate via the 10th amendment. As he notes, shades of Woodrow Wilson. Progressives are already jumping in to say ‘why not’ do so.

My own hope remains that this gets shot down thoroughly and completely, and that Grisham faces severe official and unofficial sanctions as a warning to others. The cynic in me doubts that will happen, but one can still hope as without such I fear others will only be emboldened. I also hope Jeff is wrong, or that as this issue is being dealt with in the courts, steps can be taken to eliminate any effort to try to do a federal end-run via the 10th.

Oh, two quick things. For those wondering, the title I use for her was the title for the president of East Germany. Seems fitting. For those wondering why I’m not considering NM when I look at moving the the SW, it’s her actions, the simps and gimps of the legislature who went along with them, and the fact that she was voted back into office (similar to human petri dish High Tax Holcomb) by the people who’s rights and liberties she trampled during the lockdowns. No thanks.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Kadyrov Update

Back on August 30, I put up this post about the long knives possibly being out for Kadyrov. I’m still hearing that there are a number of establishment Russians out for him, and that Vladimir is not standing up for him. Today, I see this in the NY Post and have to go hmmmmmm again. If true, repeat, if true, most interesting. For all that he’s long been reported/rumored to have health issues from drug use (and/or other things), given all I tend to wonder about poison. Vladimir is not the only one to use it after all. Remember, if you can’t shoot at the king, shooting at the king maker is a viable alternative.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Don’t Cheer Hunter Indictments

I was going to do a long post on why I think this is not what it appears, but PJ Media has beaten me to it. Worth a read, as well as the linked article.

For some additional perspective, check out Guy Relford on Newsmax (1:19:37 is the chop he posted) and on the Hammer & Nigel show. Sorry, no time chop for the latter.

My short take is that David Weiss has been protecting the Biden’s for years. There is no reason to believe that he will stop being a consigliere (catamite?) for them now.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The Injunction

Präsident der Republik Grisham has been hit with an injunction (full text here) for two parts of her “emergency” public health order setting aside both the U.S. and New Mexico constitutions. I had wondered who would be representing Grisham as the NM Attorney General had come out against her order.

Turns out, Grisham’s office has its own Chief General Counsel, one Holly Agajanian (more here, here, and here (paywall) and it is worth noting she was an assistant DA in the Manhattan DA’s office). Ms. Agajanian was stuck with arguing that the emergency health order wasn’t a law but an executive action, and therefore it was legal for it to suspend the Constitution. In reading the injunction, don’t think the judge bought that but a full hearing will take place in a few weeks where all sides can present full (and new) arguments.

Let me reiterate: this needs to be stomped hard and flat, and Grisham needs to pay a personal price for this outrageous act. If both are not done, I would be willing to bet we will see others trying this tack within a year. The judge needs to make clear this is not allowed and is not to be considered; and, Grisham needs to pay a legal and tangible cost for her high-handed actions. Impeachment and removal from office is a start. She paid no price for her high-handed actions during lockdown, and so feels she will face no consequences for this. For all our sake, and the sake of the Republic, she needs to be mistaken.

Keep an eye on this one, think there’s a lot more going on than is obvious right now.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

They Didn’t Learn

And we are likely to pay. The so-called leaders who were the most draconian during COVID faced no sanctions of any kind for their illegal, high-handed, and unconstitutional orders. Heck, most of them have been re-elected despite all the damage they did. Just look at Indiana where human petri dish High Tax Holcomb was sailed merrily along raising taxes, and Boss Hogsbreath, the mayor of Indianapolis who went both missing and Screwloose at different times, is likely going to be re-elected. Look at Reichsgovernor Witmer in Michigan, along with so many more.

The true poster child of the lockdown left, however, was Gov. Grisham of NM. I’m really surprised she didn’t get more of a national stage (which seemed to be her goal) as she not only went full lockdown, but even shut down grocery stores for two (or more) weeks. Let the peasant’s starve! She also took full advantage to regulate liquor and other stores because she could. Where was the principled opposition to her draconian and over-reaching orders? Good question. I haven’t found any significant opposition to her then, or now.

Yes, now. Yesterday, Gov. Grisham declared the 1st and 2nd amendments null and void in the area of Albuquerque over a public health emergency of violence. She is also demanding and/or seizing a lot of info into types of guns, calibers, etc. and may be demanding it of local gun dealers. You don’t go after that info unless you intend to use it.

The Albuquerque chief of police has thanked the governor for her actions, though he has noted in a memo that enforcement will be by state-level resources. In other words, APD is not getting involved with making those arrests or decisions. There are a lot of problems with LE and prosecution in the Albuquerque area, and I leave that research up to you. I used to go out there on a regular basis for NASA, and saw the slide start. You get out from there, and things aren’t bad except for a spineless legislature and a fascist governor. The latter are why I have not looked at NM as a viable location.

A quick note for LE and those working for state and county governments, and not just in NM though they are the audience I hope to reach. I wrote a while back about the need to make decisions, as circumstances are putting people in the position of assisting, enforcing, or otherwise implementing illegal and unconstitutional orders The shadow of Nuremberg is upon us, and you have decisions to make. Will you be a good little servant and do as you are told, and join the ranks of the Stasi and party bureaucrats? Or, will you have the courage, honor, and integrity to refuse even if it means your job, or life? The choice is yours, and I will note that if you refuse to make a choice, you still have made a choice you just don’t have the integrity to admit to yourself.

For everyone else, be aware of who makes what choices. This is a chilling reminder that there are many who will cheerfully and willingly enforce illegal orders. There are even more who will keep the bureaucratic machine running so as not to rock the boat.

The governor, who seems to think she’s the Präsident der Republik Grisham, needs to be removed from office ASAP. I’m not sure what the mechanism is per the New Mexico constitution, but clear violations of the Constitution can’t be allowed to stand. This order and power grab needs an emergency injunction via the Supreme Court as well. Provided that court and others don’t wimp out again and declare that the citizens of the state don’t have standing to question their betters. Also, this does require New Mexico legislators and politicians (or even LE) with a spine and a brain — which seems to be in short supply.

This needs to be dealt with hard and fast, because if it isn’t, she may be the first but will not be the last. Expect to see every power-hungry wanna-be tyrant declare public health emergencies on a similar vein, and they won’t just be going after guns though they will at the start. Remember what has happened to every disarmed population in history… The Biden Regency and imperial governors are also hard at work to destroy the First Amendment, and will use these orders to advance that effort. So, find ways to call this out, to help those who can stomp it hard and fast in the courts, and to hold those abusing power accountable so that they suffer consequences, real consequences, for their actions.

Otherwise, the dark days I see coming will get here a lot sooner than they would otherwise. We’re still in the Golden Hour, but efforts like this, unless met, will erode that hour to uselessness.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Execution

Over at Hot Air, Jazz Shaw has up a post about Alabama’s efforts to use nitrogen for executions. A lot of good food for thought there.

When it comes to executions, humanity has displayed its creativity to excess. Given that the purpose of execution was to make it clear to others not to do X (especially if aimed at the king, etc), any number of very horrific methods were developed. Sawing someone in half with the blade coming up between the legs, drawing and quartering, broken on the wheel, burning at the stake or in an oven, impalement, having molten metal poured down your throat, and, well, you get the idea. In my lifetime, I know of hanging, the electric chair, firing squad, and lethal injection being used here in the U.S. For many years, Russia used a bullet to the back of an unsuspecting prisoner’s head. What goes on in some countries tends to hark back to earlier times.

We moved from the concept of making the death as gruesome as possible to simply having death, and the ability of the state to kill you, as the deterrent. The problem is, our current system makes it about anything but a deterrent. Even with executions being legal (again), the efforts to sabotage the process are well underway. Such efforts are why it is almost impossible for states to get the needed drugs for lethal injection. It’s why several states have opted to reinstate firing squads as an option.

So, Alabama is going to try (or try to try) using nitrogen. The parenthetical is because corporate media and the anti-death penalty brigade of the lawyer’s guild are already fighting against it. Untested, unproven, yada, yada, yada. Except it has been used, fairly extensively, with animals and I remember reading a few years back about an assisted suicide company/euthanasia outfit having some famous designer work with them on a chic portable death chamber where the person inside could watch the world/be in a favorite place as they died from the nitrogen. After all, with nitrogen there is no choking/suffocating sensation, and it’s all rather peaceful.

My own personal take on the death penalty is that I prefer it to happen at the hands of the intended victim on the spot. That’s not always possible, unfortunately. My problem with state executions is that part of me does not like giving the state that power; and, the possibility of a false conviction. It does happen, and if the raft of prosecutors exposed for lying, cheating, and worse doesn’t concern you, it should. Especially in a case where the plaintiff could face the death penalty.

That said, I do feel there are some people who need to be permanently removed from the world for the safety of the world. For all that I do worry about someone who’s innocent being jailed, much less executed, the current system is a joke. When you have a process that can literally stretch out for decades, something’s wrong and you have no deterrence from the penalty.

As for this specific method, I don’t have a problem with it. It works, it’s relatively humane, and it’s something not dependent on big pharma and such. If all goes smoothly, it will be a way to get the system moving again, which is exactly why it’s being opposed. After all, if it does become a deterrent again, crime might drop instead of climbing unchecked. We can’t have that, now can we.

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