Politics – Page 11 – The Laughing Wolf

SecDef Blues

I really thought about doing a long post on chain of command and the intricacies of same. It is a fascinating topic, and one a LOT of pundits and other political types get very, very wrong. I actually hope their take stays wrong, as what they view as how-it-is/proper is a great way to have very bad things happen. As in illegal orders is the least of the issues involved.

Thing is, I suspect many/most of you who are regular readers have served. You know how interesting things can get. For example, I watched a jackass LTC from the 10th try to intimidate a LT who was not in his chain of command into doing something against orders issued by said LTs chain of command. Don’t think things really went as well as the jackass (who also used physical intimidation) thought it did. If you’ve served odds are you seen it and had the joy of dealing with a Vindman-type. Such people are often worth their weight in plutonium — to the enemy.

For today, I’ve decided against getting into the weeds just to deal with the issue at hand. The President is the commander-in-chief of our armed forces. Despite hollyweird and bad punditry takes, that doesn’t mean that POTUS can call up CPL. Snuffy and order an attack on the local chow hall. Though, given the state to which current military leadership has let things fall, CPL Snuffy and crew might cheerfully, even eagerly, illegally obey the order. When it comes to things nuclear, things are even tougher. That’s a topic discussed in the posts on nuclear war and operations.

Short version is that POTUS operates through (and with) the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). The SECDEF relays orders and intentions through the Joint Chiefs and/or the civilian leaders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It starts the process of amplification and clarification that turns ‘Take X Out!’ into a real plan and ops orders to implement same. In nuclear terms, as noted previously, the SECDEF confirms the orders to the National Military Communications Center (which could be complex in the form of ‘target package Axis 7 plus X, Y, and Toledo because F them).

Which is why people are justifiably and understandably upset that the SECDEF was out of the loop for DAYS with no one knowing. Were the actions taken by the military during that time approved, and if so, how? Who had his f’ing biscuit and/or was duly delegated to act in his behalf in the event of a major event or nuclear alert? Wanna play a game of how many laws were broken by this apparently deliberate and willful disappearing/dereliction of duty act?

I was not a fan of Austin from the start. To be polite and diplomatic. His actions show a willful disregard for the law and the chain of command, among other things. Frankly, he should resign over this. Really, he should be impeached and tried over this, as if I or CPL Snuffy had done something like this we would rightfully be in a cell under Leavenworth. This isn’t a disgrace, it is a willful violation of law and oath.

It also raises a lot of questions about who knew what, and the operations of the DoD and military. Not to mention the operations and competence of the Biden Regency. I will settle for a resignation, but in reality a number of civilian and military heads need to roll over this.

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.

Week Wrap Up

There is a lot happening on and in the world. I’ve not been saying a lot because in both cases it’s hard to know what is really happening.

First up, in tales of the improbable, I’m starting to like John Fetterman. He has been a staunch supporter of Israel and Israel’s right to defend itself. To the point of mocking protestors (even making fun/use of his own brain damage) and hanging the posters of the hostages at his office. He has also been mercilessly trolling Bob Menendez and pushing to have him expelled from Congress a la Santos. His hiring Santos to make a video on Cameo to use in said trolling was a master-level move. Whatever else may come, I can respect and even admire these actions.

Next up, the situation in Yemen and the incompetent response to same. In this case, it’s not just the Biden Regency, but the senior leadership of our military which has reportedly not even briefed Biden and others on options for dealing with the situation. That is coming from multiple sources, and for some reason said leadership seems to know nothing about the history of such attacks or other pertinent information long in the public domain. It is to the point that I wonder about both Intelligence failures and the failure of basic intelligence in senior military (and political) leadership. At least someone seems to be paying attention and taking proactive steps, though everyone is keeping quiet about it. Pretty much rules out DC as that feckless bunch would have been leaking the news and taking credit before the strike ever hit. Wish I could find the video I saw the other day, as the secondary explosions are spectacular.

There are rumbles that part of the reason senior leadership hasn’t briefed Biden or others is because of the Biden Regency’s unwavering support of Iran. The Houthi are Iranian-backed and full proxies for the Mad Mullahs. Again, multiple sources are discussing that behind the scenes the Biden Regency has been pushing Israel hard to not destroy Hamass. To the point an open rift between Israel and the U.S., or at least the Biden Regency, is a growing possibility. The dance has been diplomatic so far, but it appears Israeli leadership is increasingly fed up with the pressure and interference. So much so, there is no guarantee the dance will stay diplomatic and papered over. Israel is in a fight for survival, and I don’t care who is getting ten percent, the Biden Regency needs to pull its sense organ cluster out of its ventral orifice and back off.

They need to be looking a bit closer to home at a potential Monroe Doctrine violation. Iran’s good friend Maduro in Venezuela is making a move to “annex” a portion of neighboring Guyana. A portion that just happens to be a good chunk of Guyana, and that has recently discovered rich oil deposits. Right now, I’m skeptical that this is all part of some overarching plan by Iran against the U.S., but I also have no doubt they are encouraging this. I’ve read some who say that if we had only done more to help Ukraine Maduro would not be doing this. I don’t agreee: Maduro is stupid, venal, and desperate enough to do this even without any encouragement. His recent vote on doing this has blown up in his face not just internationally, but apparently internally as well. The U.S. has been making deals with him recently (once bought, they do tend to stay bought), so I don’t see the Biden Regency as being all that eager to stop him. I think Brazil may be the major player in such, at least for now. Hoping this may stay below a boil, but…

Also, keep an eye on Chad. Something’s going on there, possibly more than just the upcoming election. Odd data patterns.

Going back to Iran and our incompetent leadership, rocket and other attacks against U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq continue. No effective response has been made yet to those attacks, which just encourages more. The lack of concern for our troops (and national interest) is beyond appalling.

Now to Iran’s fastest growing client, Russia. Lots going on beneath the surface. In fact, it sort of reminds me of one of those huge family get togethers where everyone is being super polite to each other openly because if not it will result in a fight where police from multiple jurisdictions have to be called in and the family gets invitations to be on whatever replaced the Maury Povich show.

Somebody on X joked that the sanctions were supposed to put pressure on Vladimir via his fellow oligarchs. The problem is, the oligarchs decided they preferred to be alive, if poorer and grouchy, than to experience defenestration. There’s a lot of truth to that. There is a lot going on beneath the quiet facade however.

Vladimir is having to allow (or create) at least some dissent on the war in order to legitimize upcoming elections. There are those who are pushing for a cease-fire (or more) in regards Ukraine. Just as his own re-election is a given, the results are going to show Russia wanting the war to continue. Allowing some token of opposition, despite the brutal and expanding crackdown on speech and more, can be used to put a flimsy veneer of legitimacy on the election. Russia now is not the Russia I visited or of 20 years ago. There is no free speech, no basic freedoms of any type left. It is toe the line or else.

Which apparently is a memo Kiva did not get. It’s easy to get on Vladimir’s bad side these days, as several of the turncoats are finding out. Yes, I do think it was Vladimir and not Ukraine.

This is something to keep an eye on as well. There continues to be a lot of shakeup/shakedown in regards Wagner and Africa in the wake of the death of Pringles. Interesting how some of the power and perks are shaking out.

Despite the repression and brutality, two things seem to be getting clearer. There are some who oppose the war with Ukraine and their numbers are growing. There also appears to be something of a resistance forming as well, as I’ve noted before. It seems to be mostly local and not some grand organized conspiracy, and is clearly separate from sabotage efforts by Ukraine. As to who is behind this I can’t say; but, there are a number of such incidents happening across Russia, far more than I think Ukraine is capable of doing on its own. Rail accidents, fires, and more that keep popping up. Given the restive nature of many of the non-Rus ethnic populations, as well as ongoing political conflicts, things could get really interesting.

Do I see this flaring up to severely damage or take down the Russian Federation? No. Not yet, and possibly never as it would take a fairly large event to rip the lid off. Could such happen? Yes. I can think of two or three scenarios right off the bat that would do it, but don’t see them likely at this time. For all that I think Vladimir’s control is slipping a bit, I don’t think – barring something off the wall – that he is in imminent danger of being deposed. Kadyrov still has his back for one thing, and he still controls a lot of power. Springtime? That may be different.

Now, if his health suddenly deteriorates much faster or more noticeably than it is now; or, if there is a major defeat (political or military), then we probably will see moves against him. If he makes a major political blunder (in Russian political terms), there are those who would move to take him out in a heartbeat (pun intended).

I will note that while I am sure Vladimir sees Russia as the senior partner in the Russia-Iran activities, I am not sure Iran sees it that way. In fact, I’m pretty sure they don’t which raises interesting possibilities.

Russia and Vladimir are presenting an image (illusion) of calm and unity to the world. It reminds me a lot of the USSR which did so even when literally bloody infighting was ongoing. Much was kept out of the public eye, at least until a new group stood in review along the Kremlin walls. That is happening right now I think, and while we could end up with a public meltdown I get the feeling a number of people/groups are trying to keep things out of the public eye.

Which is what makes Russia/Soviet watching so interesting. It’s trying to see past the illusions and find out what is going on beneath the surface. That there is a lot of movement underway right now is a given; but, the hard part is trying to see where the movements and currents from the movement lead. The big fish/strong man may not be what they seem, for the solid position they hold may be in whole or in part a Potemkin village. The person or persons who move against them often don’t seem to last long, as the next big fish/strong man was simply using them. Stalin and Khrushchev come to mind in that case.

Right now, Vladimir is standing tall and showcasing a mighty position of strength. How much of that position is real, and how much is illusion, is the key. There are people lined up and ready to take his place however they have to. Which, if any, of them survive to do it is the question. The ones to watch are those who profess loyalty and actively support Vladimir, and have privately and quietly indicated they would only consider stepping up at great need (and in the absence of Vladimir) for the good of Russia.

Sometime soon I need to do a post on the real lessons from Ukraine, focusing on data and flexibility. Quite a few are fixated on drones, and missing a key point.

That’s a run down of some of what is happening on the world. For more on what is going on inside the world, check out Volcaholic on X. There is a lot of volcanic activity underway beneath our feet, and his posts on strange and interesting weather and other phenomena are fun and interesting. Check it out.

More soon.

Additional Thoughts On Gaza

FM had a good comment on my previous Gaza post, and my reply forms a good bit of today’s post. The question has been what the everliving did Iran and Hamass think they were doing with Tet II, especially with the recordings and broadcasts of the rapes, torture, and murders?

There are two things to consider on that. First, they didn’t consider the audience. Rather, for cultural reasons, it never even occurred to them that most sane people would react in horror. They had no concept of any audience other than radical Islamists like themselves. To them, the videos would be a message of power for Hamass and a message of terror for Israel. The sight of what was done would drive Israeli’s away from the land, turning it into a ghost land they could then take over. They also counted on their allies and other useful idiots to run cover for them in the media and on the world stage. The allies and idiots are trying, but as Sarah notes, it’s not really sticking.

Second, they didn’t stick to plan. This may seem a little out there, but it does make sense. Thanks to Evergreen Intel, I found this article in The Times of Israel that puts forth the idea that the original plan had been to push towards Tel Aviv but the music festival surprised and distracted them. Instead of pushing on to pose a threat, both the initial assault and the follow-on wave of “civilians” got pulled into the easy rape and killing of those at the festival. This eliminated the ability to pose a threat that would have focused military and political leadership on Hamass and Gaza.

Why do that? Maybe because an Israel focused on the threat and the need to take back military bases and settlements would have diverted attention from, and pulled resources away from, the north, allowing Hezbollah and others to attack lightly held positions. With that going on, who would have been surprised if the West Bank might not have gone up in flames? Others? Best case, Israel would be destroyed. If not, fighting a multi-front war would have allowed Hamass to fall back with hostages to negotiate from a position of power in the worst case.

However, plans created in bubbles rarely work when dealing with realities outside said bubble. Make no mistake, Hamass (and the mad mullahs) live in a bubble. They have turned Gaza into a multi-generational bed of terrorism and militant islamism that is now well documented and shared around the world. From cradle to grave the people of Gaza are raised to hate Israel, the U.S., and others, and trained to kill. Don’t believe me? Check out this poll and the decent analysis here. The idiotic bleatings in regards a two-state solution won’t work with the mindset within Gaza. Think the poll is off? Check out other polls and previous polls, as the numbers have been extremely consistent for years.

It wasn’t the intention of Iran or Hamass, but what they did accomplish outside the bubble was to wake up a lot of people. Not just to the reality of Hamass and Gaza, but to other things as well. Things like the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense. Things like the rampant antisemitism within progressive/Marxist politics. Things like speech and other actions having consequences. Things that are working to derail a lot of progressive/Marxist efforts here and abroad.

The latter has been a rather rude awakening for many, who performed the progressive virtue signalling (or flat-out psychotic rage) of ripping down the posters of those kidnapped by Hamass, or making antisemitic remarks. They are used to being those protected and cancelling others. They are really not liking it now that it has consequences for them.

Am I worried about the current “pause” and prisoner exchange? Yes. Those trying to hamstring Israel as it rightly (and righteously) works to eliminate Hamass (including the Biden Regency) want either the status quo or for Israel to be destroyed. Period. The status quo is for continuing the terrorism and for Israel not to be secure in its own borders. The ultimate destruction of Israel is a cornerstone of the progressive/Marxist mindset. My take on both is that both are evil.

My hope is that the government of Israel knows what it is doing. Part of me hopes they are placing those prisoners they release for this into a place where they get the chance to die with the rest of Hamass. Otherwise, the pause is just another chance for Hamass to rearm, resupply, and work to have their patrons find a way to try to return to the status quo. For all I don’t think that’s going to happen this time, I also don’t want to see Israel take any more casualties than it has to. I also don’t want Israel to find itself where it can be pressured or pushed by those who wish it ill (and I do include the Biden Regency in that group).

Hamass went full Tet, and the above gives a theory as to why they went full Tet. For now, may they reap the whirlwind and be utterly and completely destroyed.

Gun Law Weekend

First, my thanks to all for the good wishes. I’ve been less-than-happy at the slow pace, but also got reminded today that I’m still not three weeks out from the latest surgery. I could have sworn it was four-plus. Given that, it’s going amazingly well. Trying an experiment in ditching the sling for a bit to write, will see how it goes. Nice not having to be archy or ee for a bit.

Second, thanks to a very nice person I got the chance to attend Guy Relford‘s Indiana Gun Law Class at Indy Arms this last Saturday. For those not in Indiana, Guy Relford is not only the founder of the 2A Project, but a practicing Constitutional Law attorney specializing in the Second Amendment, and has also helped write a fair bit of current Indiana gun law. Still a few changes he would like to see made, and I hope he gets the chance to make them.

Those who know me, know I push for people — especially first time gun buyers — to take such a course. Ignorance of the law never works out in your favor, and there is a LOT of bad info out there. You need a law course as much or more (esp. if you live in an ‘interesting’ state) as you need good firearm/tactical training.

When I first moved to Indiana, a small-town police chief I got to know gave me a decent quick overview as he helped me apply for my carry permit. It is more than just a concealed permit, more on that in a minute. The laws have changed a LOT since then, and I’ve been wanting to take the class for a while now. It’s the first step to getting back to where I need to be after the lightning strike and shoulder replacements.

So, Saturday was five-plus hours of high-quality instruction on Indiana gun law, as well as use-of-force and other related topics. This included getting into the actual laws (and regulations) and going through same. There were a lot of good questions, good discussions, and citation of actual events and cases to make points.

Yes, Indiana is now (thanks in part to Mr. Relford) a Constitutional Carry state. That said, it is still a very good idea to go ahead and get that carry permit as doing so helps you via exemptions (such as within 1,000 feet of a school) as well as being honored in a number of other states. Take the course to learn how and why.

I’m not going to go into details, but we went over everything from who is a prohibited possessor and what convictions can be expunged after various periods of time — and what can’t ever be expunged — to transfers. The course covers when and where you can carry (and how) to the differences between use of force and use of deadly force.

I’ve got multiple pages of notes on those topics and even on things like curtilage as it applies to Castle Doctrine. In short, it was an amazing class where I learned a lot. I also learned a phrase to use if I am ever involved in a shooting or deadly force situation, and some other tips on same.

Glad to learn that phrase and some other suggestions on interactions. The last time I had formal use-of-force training was during Air Force Security Police Augmenter training several (cough) decades ago. Since policy at the time was shoot for extremities, I learned then ‘Sir, in the stress of the moment I reverted to training and fired for center of target.’ The phrases I learned Saturday are a huge improvement and will do a lot more to help keep me out of trouble.

Seriously, if you are a gun owner in Indiana, regardless of if you carry or not, you need to take this or a similar course. I can highly recommend this one, and do so unreservedly. This is time and money extremely well spent.

As I noted above, I’m using this as the start of re-learning to shoot. Between the lightning hit and getting new shoulders, I want to drop back and effectively start over. It’s a chance to re-learn, discard any bad habits, and build up better than before. Funny, I’ve done it a couple of times in terms of shooting and photography, and each time I came out the richer for it. For photography, both at Playboy and then again a few years ago, the concept of ‘forget what you know and relearn from the ground up’ resulted in huge improvements. For firearms, some training around the AFSPA program and some later tactical and related training vastly improved my shooting and response capabilities. Any help so doing now is very much appreciated.

So, an amazing and educational Saturday! It was good to meet Mr. Relford in person, as previously we had only engaged on social media. Give him a follow on X/Twitter if you are on there. Seems like a good man to sit down and smoke a cigar with and get to know.

Thoughts & Sea Changes

This post has resulted in a number of good comments, some questions, and a bit of thinking on my part. The latter has focused on trying to parse out the key changes that I’m seeing from last Saturday, though some has gone into the questions.

I’m already seeing far too many idiots (far too kind a descriptor) saying that the attack was some form of “inside job” by Israel. Did Israeli intelligence blow this? Yes, and I think the good professor has it right in his analysis — and warning to our own overly politicized intelligence agencies. Add to it that the smart wall may have indeed been very smart; however, its communications were set up to be a single-point failure. Hamas got a lot of outside help on this, and not just from Iran. Help that figured out how to knock that com out so that the wall gave no warning.

Help that encouraged the barbaric to be even more barbaric than usual. You can find online recordings of some of the terrorists admitting that they went for mass rape in an effort to humiliate and defile. Not that Hamas has never needed much encouragement to murder and rape (often in that order, nor are they particular about the biological sex of those they rape). Hamas, like most Islamic terrorists (and I include the Mad Mullahs in this) are scared of strong women, which enrages them, and they then use rape as a weapon seeking to humiliate, degrade, and destroy in a vain effort to hide their inferiority and other shortcomings.

This, however, was something more than usual. This time, they broadcast it to the world. Not just from their phones and such, but they deliberately took the phones of the people they attacked, and used them to film the rapes and murders and then send those photos and videos out on the victim’s social media. I think that this assessment is right, and a part of it was an effort to create a “dead zone” such that they could move into it.

That said, I am in general agreement with those who believe that Hamas had hoped to seize and hold territory, and planed to use videos both to show that they had hostages, and what would happen if Israel tried to free them or take back the seized territory. It’s a tactic that has worked (to some extent) before on the world stage and even within the Middle East. Negotiations, concessions, with the progressives in the West leading the charge for a “peaceful resolution” to the situation. Never mind that such always brings much worse in its wake. Danegeld.

The effort, however, has backfired dramatically and even their fellow travelers and anti-Semites that are the progressives are unable to provide normal assistance. In fact, some of the factions that have backed those progressive politicians and various progressive fads/efforts are bolting from the cause. Student progressives are waking up to the fact that joining in to celebrate and advance rape and murder has real-world consequences. The apologists for them are working overtime to try to shift the Overton window to cover them even as they eagerly seek ways to try to make Hamas and the people of Gaza into the victims.

By the way, make notes on who is not only openly supporting, even celebrating, the rapes and murders, but also on who is trying to provide cover for them. When people tell you who and what they are, pay attention, make lists anywhere but on Google (Do Evil! having become their motto long ago), as you want them no where near you and yours. It is not even a half step from celebrating and excusing such to doing such. Don’t believe me? You need to study some history and a few very interesting psych experiments.

Do I think that a large number of so-called liberals, much less progressives, are going to see the light and re-think things? No. However, I do think some will and it’s those in the middle-ground that can swing things. That does represent a small sea change and I would love to encourage it. Not wanting to be associated with rape, murder, beheadings and such is an effective motivator for change and even some introspection.

The larger sea change is something I’m still trying to pin down, but is best summed up in that the old ways are no longer working. Hamas and Gaza are in the process of learning that the traditional ‘Israeli overreaction’ scenario as well as that of them being the victims isn’t flying. Outside of their fellow travelers, no one is buying that and the progressives are not (yet) riding to the rescue via ‘international pressure’ on Israel not to retaliate. Public opinion has turned (for now) and outside of the progressives people are saying it is past time to deal with the problem and those behind them.

The Mad Mullahs and others seriously miscalculated the effect of broadcasting the rapes and murders. They miscalculated the effect of the barbarity. The result wasn’t humiliation and terror, but anger. Not just in Israel, but around the world. The efforts to encourage support around the world has exposed networks and individuals in place in other countries. At least some are paying attention and being sure to identify those most active (and aggressive), for all that politicians world-wide seem eager to avoid acknowledging the problem. That said, those rallies across the country and the world have caused some in LE and Intel to sit up, take notice, and otherwise have what is known as an ‘Oh Shit!’ moment.

These are symptoms of the change, but what it bodes long-term is yet to be determined. A better definition of the change is yet to be determined. It’s much more than just a few people having a form of a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment, but what and how are things still being pinned down. It is, however, likely to make life interesting as few seem to realize things have changed, especially some of the key players world-wide.

To go back to the networks here and elsewhere, I was asked about my thoughts on targets. I think it depends on which group is involved. In terms of what some here may have been thinking, I believe they thought they could control a significant amount of those coming in and use them much like BLM during the ‘Summer of Love.’ Which also seems to answer the question of if BLM or Antifa were the Brown Shirts. To me, looks like the avowed Marxists (see their own statements) won that dubious prize, and it looks like Antifa got somewhat double-crossed in the process. Wondering if that might be a result of realizing that Antifa has some interesting ties overseas and might be taking its orders from eleswhere and not here as good little troops. Hmmmmm.

Given where some of the Antifa leadership is reported to have gotten their training, I find it interesting that some of the attacks (probes) on our power grid seem to also be tied to certain parts of Europe according to some reports I’ve seen. Betting in both cases that those who train and lead may not speak Russian, but I bet those who trained them did. Bet they are tied together in other ways too.

Target selection here depends on which group. I suspect the Chinese controlled groups will go for military and infrastructure. Hard to do much about an attack on Taiwan if we can’t get planes off the ground, ships to sea, or other such delights. Russian backed is much the same, though I would expect them to hit more at the power grid and food. Those backed by the Mad Mullahs and similar will hit soft targets and go for general rape and murder in order to humiliate, terrorize, and show dominance over the Great Satan. There are some other groups rumored to have people here courtesy of our insecure southern border that might go for different, or at least different combinations.

Short version is that I see our power grid, transportation, food production and distribution as the “serious” targets, with schools, events (raves/concerts anyone?), religious services and other soft targets being the choice of the terrorist crowd. I can also see some of the serious crowd using the soft-target crowd as cover so they can do things and make it look like a part of the terror. I also think that if you live in a Blue city, things will be very bad. The idea was (I think) to make you scared and willing to give up freedoms for the illusion of safety. That plays right into the terrorist/soft-target crowd and they may well ramp that up on their own.

That’s it for right now, still trying to get a finger on the pulse of the change. That things did change last Saturday is a given, but trying to pin down the change or changes is interesting. Stay safe, be prepared, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and for those interested, Megiddo is not near Gaza. That’s a bit of a relief actually…

Past Reading For A Better Future

I’d been planning to write this post for a while, but had wanted to approach it a bit differently. Yesterday’s post, however, reinforced the need to get this out there. For all that I think a number of schemes have gone south on people, I am very much afraid we are in for interesting times. How much so, well, that’s part of the question.

While some of this does very much apply to the political and other struggles to come, much of it looks beyond those to what comes after.

Regime change, be it from within or without, is a daunting task. It takes far more than a mere force of arms to effect such. It does indeed quite often take arms, but it also takes education, the shaping and sharing of public opinion, a hope if not a plan for something better, and acts of political will. It takes a cadre of sharp and dedicated people who understand not only what’s at stake, but the security to plan and implement those plans.

Historically, most revolutions fail. From the Gunpowder Plot to the Whiskey Rebellion, from the Nubian Revolt in ancient Egypt to the Rebellion of the Three Guards in ancient China, few revolutions succeed. Of those that meet the immediate goal and win the immediate victory, they often rapidly lose the peace with extreme and brutal results. The French Revolution being but one example.

As such, few today (particularly amongst the younger generations) appreciate just how unique and unusual the American Revolution is from almost any vantage point. The Founding Fathers not only laid the philosophical groundwork within the colonies (shaping public opinion), but also the diplomatic and logistical groundwork needed for success. Success being not just overthrowing the Crown, but in establishing over time a novel government founded on the belief that reasonable people could make decisions on their own not only in their best interest, but in the best interest of the country as a whole.

Philosophically, it is a novel and still relatively new idea. Historically, the concept had been that the peasants could not and were not capable of self-rule and therefore needed kings and nobles (however they were labeled) to make such decisions for them. Thus, the new nation that was the United States became known to many as “The Great Experiment.” For all that there had been various Republics before (to appease the pedantic) none had truly taken the concept as far as did our Founding Fathers.

Why and how they did so lies in what they read, and the public debates and discussions of same. It also owes a small bit to the fiction they enjoyed, and shared with each other, spouses, and in some cases the public. All of this presented a common frame of reference that spanned all strata of colonial society. That common frame of reference is something that existed up until the last century, and it’s wanton and willful destruction is a topic for another day.

What we desperately need now and in the days ahead is to re-establish that common framework and add to it. Not to foment revolution, rather, to remind ourselves of the true philosophical foundations of our government and to provide goals for securing individual liberty no matter what may come. To ensuring that current generations, especially the younger, understand the concepts of Natural Law and proper discourse.

However, allow me to start with some of the fiction that our Founding Fathers read, and add to it a bit.

The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker – Tobias Smollett

Beauty and the Beast – Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont

Tristram Shandy – Laurence Sterne

To those I would add: The Honor Harrington series by David Weber; Troy Rising series by John Ringo; The Probability Broach by L. Neil Smith; and the 1632 series by Eric Flint (et al). Feel free to add to this list in the comments.

Now, given the rampant censorship, the idea that words are violence, and a general loathing of actual discourse in today’s youth (and others) a book that caught the eye of the Founding Fathers was Rules of Civility by Brookhiser. There was another that is slipping my mind on civil discourse (stupid lightning) that helped set the stage for the discussions and debates that preceded the Revolution. If anyone knows which it was, or if you have suggestions for more modern takes that encourage respect, consideration, and discourse, please add them to the comments.

As for the other works that set the stage for what became America, go here. The list is extensive and while I do have my favorites, a perusal of most of these is rewarding all on its own. As is reading the letters and debates (Federalist Papers for one example) that surround the move from the Articles of Confederation to what became our Constitution.

The Constitution, with the Bill of Rights, is one of the most amazing documents of governance ever written. Could it be improved? Perhaps. Personally I’d love to slip term limits and some additional blocks on the expansion of Federal power into it, but I’m biased.

Civics needs to be restored as a part of our education, be it in schools or unofficially through other means. Understanding our nation, it’s founding, and the philosophical framework of The Great Experiment is essential to the Republic and to our future. It is even more important to navigating interesting times and what lies after.

Knowing why the Founding Fathers made the choices they did, not just in governance, but in deciding when and how to act and the framework that went into the Revolution and what came after is still important today. I suspect it may be even more so to the future. Knowing these things is a way to avoid mistakes and excesses, and to ensuring the continuation of the Republic.

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.

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.

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.

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.