Politics – Page 9 – The Laughing Wolf

The Flip Side

Yesterday, I talked a bit about the Pagercide (and more) committed against Hezballess by parties unknown (cough) but widely suspected to be Israel. As I noted then, it was and is a masterstroke of an op and targeted against leadership with minimal chances of collateral damage. Brilliant. Pity they reportedly had to go early.

But, as I noted yesterday, it does raise a number of questions, many of which fall under the umbrella of ‘is it a good idea to buy products, especially critical products, from an open or potential enemy country?’ It is a very important question, and I’m old enough to remember when purchasing com gear from a NATO member who wasn’t always, er, in sync with NATO and it’s operations, generated a bit of conversation — some of it in public even.

Yet, a decade or three ago we began outsourcing a lot of our manufacturing, assembly, and other work to China and other countries that were potential enemies, somewhat open enemies, or former open enemies. Now, admittedly we have a thing about rebuilding former enemies and trying to turn them into our friends. Sometimes it works; sometimes it works for a few decades; and, sometimes it really doesn’t work no matter how much one or both sides try to paper over things. China is a case of where we tried to turn a potential/semi-open enemy into a friend and bring them out of communism in the process, and in my opinion at least it has been an abject failure on both counts.

Now, Cdr. Salamander and members of the naval brigade have been jumping up and down and pointing out that buying critical products, like port cranes and more, from China was a bad idea. They have been jumping up and down for a decade, if not longer, in fact. A number of others in non-naval roles have done the same for other products in other areas. I will simply note that when I’ve tried to point out that it is a bad idea derision is about the nicest response, and they go downhill from there. Lots of DC applecarts would be upset by recognizing reality. Heck, the CCP and Winnie the Pooh really don’t even bother to hide all the money (and other considerations) flowing into American politics and politicians, even into academia and other fields.

I’m less worried about explosives in devices as I would hope that despite the massive corruption and incompetence is our major institutions such would be discovered fairly quickly. That said, it is a possibility especially if you weren’t obvious about it. There are other things that I think are a far greater possibility that our elites and major institutions are furiously ignoring.

First up, intelligence gathering. Just for fun, go look at your phone, computer, the computers in your household appliances, the computers in your car, and other delights. How many of them are made in China? Other interesting countries? How about the major components such as chips? Where were they assembled?

Now, think about how easy it is for a company like, say, Apple to monitor what you do and have on your computer? Think they can’t and don’t? You haven’t read your terms of service, and unless you take steps that destroy a lot of functionality, they can, have, and will hoover a lot of info and can share it with LE and others quite legally. It is also not that hard to activate built-in cameras and microphones, both by the manufacturer and others who are up to no good. Most every computer security person I know has tape over their camera unless in use, and some have even installed switches to control microphones — even if they take a more ‘moderate’ approach in public comments. That says a lot.

Now, add in that if you have a smart home of any type, you’ve given permission to more than one entity to monitor everything said in your home. Ostensibly it is both to ensure commands are heard and to train the system to understand what you (and others) are saying so commands can be heard and heard correctly. How hard to you think it is for other parties to gain access to that info, openly or covertly? Especially if they make the hardware or the key components of same?

Now, take it a step further. How many of those large and important cargo cranes in our ports are made in the U.S. and how many of them are made in China? On the latter, who wrote the software and what is contained in all those lines of code? Chips are incredibly complex, are you sure you know what every part of every chip does? How many other critical products, including military products, use chips or other parts made overseas? Imagine if a data packet could be sent to tap something hidden in plain sight, and shut those products down? Or simply change a charging parameter so that your lithium battery overheats?

Years ago, a friend of mine named Bryan Gibson (sadly passed now, a very good artist) came up with a concept for a story where in a futuristic society terrorists attacked by simply changing tolerances in systems by one decimal place. Imagine if auto-avoidance or terrain-following systems suddenly went to feet (or more) instead of inches of tolerance in areas where inches counted? Don’t know that it ever got finished, but it is not only a quick way to create chaos, but to cause populations to lose faith and confidence in their systems. And, with a lot of fiction, it was a warning. One we have not heeded.

Just as an aside, if you are not aware, various Western government agencies often insist on backdoors for things like encryption, other software, and even systems and networks. Sure they get proper warrants to use it, really.

Heck of a thing when you have to start with the assumption your systems are compromised from the start. Even more fun is realizing how easy it would be for someone to turn them all off or otherwise manipulate them.

Imagine that things go hot with China. What would happen if a signal were sent, or a regular signal not received, and the port cranes quit or began to operate wildly? Same to systems in power plants and other critical infrastructure? Even down to your smart refrigerator and other appliances in your home?

It’s not that far fetched, and in fact it is a cold douche of reality that it can happen. We are conditioned in many respects to giving up privacy for the convenience of our smartphones and apps, which gleefully send information on our locations, purchases, purchasing habits, and more to those who use it and sell it. Not that hard for an enemy, foreign or domestic, to tap into those data streams. Not that hard for someone ill-intentioned to use our hardware and even software against us.

Leaving aside domestic considerations, it’s beyond foolish to allow open or potential enemies to supply critical infrastructure and systems. Civilian, military, it doesn’t matter. The opportunities for intel and for system denial in time of war or crisis are far greater than most realize or will admit.

Caveat Emptor.

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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Bravo!

Sorry for the lack of posting, been fighting a sinus infection and other smaller issues. Took some time to rest and heal a bit.

The operation by whomever (cough, Israel has not officially said it was them, cough) to take out Hezballess (HT Chris Loesch as apparent originator) operatives was masterful. On several levels even.

First, it was fairly precise targeting, which limited (nothing can eliminate the possibility of) “civilian” casualties. Limiting the explosive to one or two ounces helped guarantee limitation of collateral damage. Those who are screaming otherwise, and that it was against the rules of war, are both wrong and far more upset that their favored side was hurt and that the Jews dared defend themselves instead of just lining up for the slaughter. By their words and actions, they reveal who and what they are. Make notes.

Second, if they could intercept and do this to THOUSANDS of pagers, do you think they wouldn’t be able to also use those devices to track locations, monitor communications, and more? Months of data, and just the location data alone would have revealed locations and more. Where did they meet? With whom did they meet? Where did they go when things got hot? The so-called meta data on this is tremendous on its own. If they literally did get inside their coms and were reading the mail…

Third, most interesting that the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon had a Hezballess-issued pager. Not surprising in the least, but interesting. Even more interesting is that a rumor is making the rounds that the pagers were altered in Iran. For those that aren’t familiar with how things like this work, it is not likely that Hezballess placed a direct order with Gold Apollo for the pagers. Because of sanctions and other delights, there would have been cut-outs, middle-men, and such in play. Odds are good that various blinds and fronts were used by the IRGC to get them and have them shipped indirectly to Iran. From there, they would then go to Hezballess.

Now, think back to the recent assassination (that made the news) allegedly by Israel (who once again has not claimed credit) inside Iran. That one set a cat amongst the pigeons in Iran as members of the IRGC (and possibly others) were implicated. Nice little round of purges and accusations got going before being stomped out by Iran’s top leadership. Lots of hard feelings, suspicions, and upset at not being able to eliminate internal enemies (political) on the part of several it would seem. Now there is this. Openly or not, the cat is back amongst the pigeons and there is a good chance of all heck breaking loose. Let your enemies attack themselves is an ancient and honorable concept, and I think it just got played beautifully.

Fourth, if you think Israel wasn’t watching the hospitals and other locations to see who came in and when, and wasn’t monitoring local social media for news and IDs, I’ve got a bridge for sale… Again, no way for them to know in advance who all the members of Hezballess were. They do now, and can plot that against all the intel from the metadata and…

Oh, and as for those who are screaming about doctors having pagers too, note that only doctors (and other medical types) who were members of Hezballess were issued “augmented” pagers. No danger to honest medical types, only terrorists. See the above about those who are upset as their side was hurt and no Jews died. It applies to those making this argument too.

Fifth, whomever did this just took Hezballess pretty much offline. In many respects, not just temporarily. Lots of damage, including lost hands, fingers, etc. Those that raised up to look at the mesage (a la the Iranian ambassador) have eye damage if not permanently blinded. When you are talking several thousand injured simultaneously, you’ve taken major units (and potentially several thousand others) out and rendered them combat ineffective. If Israel gets lucky, some of those having to take command are not truly fit for such and are going to do stupid things. Stupid things always, ALWAYS, open doors for the enemy, and one presumes Israel is prepared to take full advantage of such openly and covertly.

If you also go in and hit some of the critical centers you’ve already identified, you can do a lot of de-fanging. Funny that I heard reports that Israel hit a number of targets in Southern Lebanon last night…

Also smart is that Israel (if they did it, cough) was smart enough not to tell the U.S. in advance. Good thing, as in hours after U.S. officials were allegedly briefed on the op that details were leaked to corporate media, who promptly spilled the beans. Leaks to hurt Israel were the rule (and specialty) of the Obama admin, so no surprise that such continues now. Cough. One hopes that such a briefing left out key details and may have even included daisy or two. That is, information that may be true (or not) but is not precise and is intended to send people down the wrong path. After all, it’s not the first time the current admin (cough) has done such to hurt Israel. Know your enemy and use them accordingly.

One more positive benefit out of the op is that right now, terrorists everywhere are looking at their coms and going “oh bleep.” I guarantee you some have ditched pagers and other items in panic. Why? What if it wasn’t just Hezballess that was targeted? Who do you think supplies coms to Hamass, Hooties, and others around the world? Also, if one country did this, what’s to say others have not and would not do this? What this has done is to create mass uncertainty and to emulate Hamass and go as much as possible to in person and courier communications. Which will slow things down and bring up yet other opportunities for infiltration and co-option. I mean they could go carrier pigeon, but with drones and/or the amount of explosive you can fit in or on a pigeon… Just sayin…

There are some other points but I’m going to skip them for now. Especially if this was not a one-off use-or-lose op. What I will say is BRAVO! and bow in respect to a mastercraft operation. Whoever did this, my hat is off to you.

UPDATE I: The next round has begun, with radios and other devices exploding across Lebanon. What I said two paragraphs above is now playing out in the open: no electronics are safe. Terrorists around the world are having to look at all coms, and even solar chargers, as compromised. When even your battery charger can explode, there is nothing you can trust. Also, you may find the first explosive charge, but what if there is a second, hidden/camouflaged charge in the device? I mean the children and grandchildren of Pride-of-Dupont have come a long way since it pretended to be paper orders after all. Remind me tomorrow to talk about other potential Christmas Gifts/Easter Eggs of which we need be concerned.

9/11

I still remember that morning all too well. The first report, easy to think it an accident like the B-25 (?) that hit the Empire State Building back in the day. Rapidly it became clear it was deliberate, and I got to call my boss and tell him the United States of America was under attack. Even ended up in NYC a bit later and spent some time at the site and at various emergency command posts.

I fear we have forgotten that day, and the lessons of it. As a result, I fear that we may soon experience far worse.

Remember the day, pay heed the lessons, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Dear Vladimir,

I see where according to the DOJ you have been interfering with our election by paying influencers. And while one should not trust anything from our DOJ at any time, but especially at election time, it has caused me to consider that we might, after all, have some commonality of interest.

In fact, given that the influence operation outlined by the DOJ funded people who were encouraging others to NOT vote for Trump (with some unknowing influencers caught up in things), it gives me an idea. While the anti-Trump work of those paid might should be a clue to some as to who you would like to see win, I think we could have the opportunity to work together more effectively and at half the cost.

While you funded anti-Trumpers openly, consider funding me via the more normal cut-outs for such funding (really, going through RT like that was almost like you wanted it found). To quell any suspicions, I continue to be snarky to you, honest in my assessments, and point out that we do have an obligation to Ukraine though I have many concerns about how we are responding.

Think about it: it is the perfect psy-op. You pay me off and no one is any the wiser. I continue to do my cranky independent best, push for individual liberty and freedom, and otherwise proceed as I have for the last twenty or more years. And all for half the cost of the op that just got burned. At five million, it’s a steal.

If you want to keep putting money into burns, that’s okay. I just think there is an opportunity here through more normal tradecraft.

Sincerely,

Laughing Wolf

Free Speech

After watching a part of the Tucker Carlson interview of the “historian” I probably need to start with taking asprin for the headache of banging my head on the desk, and I want to make a point I’ve made here and elsewhere more than once over the years.

I believe in free speech. Period. That includes speech I don’t like. Tucker’s guest has every right to show his ignorance and worse to the world. Heck, done well having on guests with contrary opinions (to you or to the accepted take) is a great thing. Done wrong, it leaves you looking like an idiot or worse (Candace Tucker)

Now then, that said, keep in mind the First protects you from the government, not your fellow citizens. You have the perfect right to say what you want, you just have no right to demand others pay for or host what you say. Hence, if you come here and spew vileness you will be booted, as thankfully only a couple of people have found out. Say what you want on your own platform, but don’t come here to poop on the carpet and then claim I have to treat it as art.

Further, your right to your own opinion doesn’t protect it (or you) from criticism. In fact, if you subscribe to the marketplace of ideas there is really a requirement to poke, check, and see if the tires come off. If they do, then ridicule, derision, and more can, could, and should be aimed at the opinion.

Good ideas should be praised and refined if needed. Bad ideas deserve to be taken apart, dressed funny, laughed at, and then be tossed in the dust bin of history. It’s a way to learn, and truly smart people learn from the process and grow in positive ways. Those not-so-smart tend to double-down and earn mockery of themselves as well as their ideas. One can only hope they do eventually catch on, change, and grow as a person.

Final thoughts. If you say ‘I believe in free speech, but (except, etc.)…’ then no you really don’t. Your free speech does not extend to the property of others. Vandalize, burn, etc. your things. If you do it to the property of others, including “public” property, then it’s a crime and you should be prosecuted (and I really don’t have a lot of problems if your fellow citizens express their thoughts upon your person if you do such or curtail their rights).

Quick SITREP 3Sept24

Hope to get back to regular posting here soon, but until then here are a few things of note.

Keep an eye on both Brazil and Venezuela. Brazil is getting a lot of splash over how they are going after Elon, but there is a good bit more going on not getting a lot of coverage. Most of this revolves around internal politics and Lula and his socialist buddies trying to cement permanent power. There is reason to believe our own government is in this up to its ears, from the “election” of Lula on to the current assault on free speech. That said, this could backfire big time on Lula and his merry gang of socialists, and it couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch.

Venezuela could tip over into real revolution, but for now most of the outside players are all talk and no real walk. The only “action” so far is the U.S. catching Maduro’s plane (sort of his AF1) in another country (for maintenance?) and getting said country’s agreement to let the U.S. seize it and fly it to the U.S.

Also, keep on eye on France. While U.S. media is focused on Durov and the implied threat to Elon, don’t overlook what is going on in regards their last elections. Macaroon, who apparently wants to be president-for-life, has formally stated he is going to ignore the elections and will not be seating a Prime Minister from the winning party. Apparently the winners of the election are mean poopy heads who threaten our democracy and he’s just not going to go along with it. The winners of the election, however, are not happy about this and proceeding with legal options that could result in Macaroon being removed from office. Maybe. They may get this settled legally, though it will leave a very shaky, fragile, and brittle Fifth Republic. It could also end up much messier and with the start of the Sixth Republic.

In regards Durov and Telegram, there is reason to believe some elements of the U.S. government may be involved behind the scenes. A short and simplistic take: Durov would not play along with France and it’s intelligence agencies, or at least not to the level they wanted. Didn’t take a lot of suggestion or pushing for France to decide to step things up, especially as a precursor for their (France and EU) upcoming war with Elon and X. Besides, if Elon sees Durov go down, their take is it might make him more agreeable to their demands. I think they are flat flippin wrong on that, but it fits. This also ties into efforts by various elements of the U.S. to use France and the EU to censor content they don’t like on their behalf (legalities/plausible deniability). BTW, if you think Telegram is secure, and completely adversarial to Vladimir and Company, think again. If I find a link to a good analysis I saw a couple of weeks ago, will add it. User beware.

Now to Turkey. If you missed it, a anti-American “youth” group (didn’t look like kids to me) attacked and/or tried to kidnap one or more American troops on liberty in Turkey. Five Marines showed up and things did not go to plan. For all that the group is not a part of Edrogan’s party officially, you can bet this was not some spontaneous act. If it had been, the response of the local authorities would have been very different. However, I tend towards the “unofficially approved” camp as it ties in too neatly with Dedrogan’s plans. Note that he has now formally and openly applied to be a part of BRICS. Interesting timing, no?

It also puts NATO and the U.S. in a bit of a tight spot. Really hard to be a member of NATO and of BRICS, sort of like trying to be a member of NATO and the old Warsaw Pact at the same time. Add to it that both have also been counting on Turkey keeping warships out of the Black Sea and controlling traffic in a “neutral” manner (which benefits Ukraine), and that we have counted on our base(s) there for strategic positioning… Plus, there has long been a matter of some materials and such at Incirlik that make things even more touchy. The fact that we’ve had (this year alone) some opportunities to deal with those issues and failed to do so doesn’t surprise me. My thoughts on current military leadership, uniformed and civilian, isn’t high. Cough. Dealing with such now will be fraught.

Meantime, my thought to start is: cancel all port calls, resupply contracts, repair contracts, and stop all joint activities with the Turkish navy. Move port calls and contracts to Greece maybe. As for stopping joint training, well, things are tense, we need to be ready and elsewhere for now, maybe later, no hard feelings, etc., etc., etc. (/Yul Brenner Voice). Oh, and have the Wasp depart ASAP if that is not already underway. Again, given our current leadership I don’t expect much of anything to be done, and if it starts to go sideways expect them to handle things about as well as they did Afghanistan.

Quick note. I have removed Kamil Galeev from the Intel list. While his work on the history of Russia and the philosophical and other underpinnings of modern Russia and what is going on there now are brilliant, I just read some of his work in regards Israel and I can’t condone, support, or ignore. Condemn is in there though. I hadn’t been reading him in a while as I was focused elsewhere, and regret I didn’t catch it sooner.

Also, there’s something weird (weirder than usual) going on in Moscow. Hard to tell what is going on, but it appears some power shifts are underway. Maybe more on this later.

Finally, keep an eye here. When people tell you who they are, believe them. When campaigns call for censoring speech, limiting speech, and corporate media goes all in for that and rights as privileges (and that the Constitution is a danger to our Democracy) pay attention. They are not misspeaking.

Well, not quite final. Remember to keep an eye on Nicaragua still. There remain some odd patterns in the data there. Can’t put a finger on it, but something is going on.

More soon.

England, Free Speech, Elections, & More

Okay, I first gave a brief mention here, then a longer post on England here. Couple of things have come up, and here are some fuller answers before we get into some broader concerns about free speech and the upcoming election.

First, I am indeed serious about not traveling to or through England. Never mind the ongoing unrest with two more stabbed today in a major tourist area, most Americans really just don’t get how different current English law is from American. You have no right to self-defense there, and if you do defend yourself you will be the one arrested and it is guaranteed you will get a far harsher sentence. Pocket knives or even picnic knives are deadly weapons, and even common first-aid items, such as ointments, are prescription only (and even then often banned). Ware what you take overseas.

Now, add in the slavering joy at going after compliant subjects who are not likely to fight back, and the clear desire to put a beat-down (figurative or literal) on Americans who have dared post memes or otherwise point out the two-tiered war on real/original British, and I think it would be foolish to give them any funds or opportunity to use you as an example. And, yes, given the brain-trust that is two-tier keir and his administration (not to mention the leadership and even membership of the met police), they are going to be stupid enough to try to find an American of whom to make an example.

And, yes, they can get you in transit through any port in England. Most likely is an airport, but it is not limited to such. Theoretically, when one lands somewhere and does not go through local Customs, but instead catches another flight, boat, etc., you do not technically enter that country. International transit corridors are indeed a thing, and I think even bound by a solemn treaty or three. Free travel, no hassle, and most countries have at least pinky sworn to honor such. Of course, I suspect you will find that such has never been fully honored and interesting things have happened in that area before. Besides, it’s not hard to set-up a situation that pushes a target out of the area and onto sovereign soil.

So, you have a group of particularly stupid authoritarians of the socialist/communist (there being no real difference between socialism, communism, and fascism) type in the two-tier keir administration with “law enforcement” of the weak type being given power like they’ve only dreamed of before. Do you really think they will get a brain, much less anything else, and not do something stupid? Part of me wants to put money on a flat-out kidnapping from the transit corridor, as that would be about the speed of Mark Rowley’s intellect and honor. If they have a brain, a “detour” around a spill or plumbing emergency that takes an unsuspecting foreign Citizen out of the designated transit corridor and at least makes the kidnapping sorta legal. The other option is to hide the British arrest warrants until a tourist has gone through Customs then arrest them, which would technically be legal but would also open up several diplomatic cans of worms. Then again, given the worms for brains of Keir and Rowley they may not care or even think about such.

Then again, much depends on the U.S. election. Let’s face it, Harris and company would probably be glad to honor an extradition request if it were for the “right” people. Lawfare is part and parcel of what they have been doing against targets large and small. The fact that it would be illegal (can’t extradite for a crime that is not a crime here) would have to be worked out in the courts and oh my, too bad so sad, by the time that happens the person is overseas and probably already finished a multi-year sentence. If you think that’s crazy, just look at the J6 defendants among others. Yes, there are others and plenty of other examples.

Which leads to another complication. Before I go any further, may I suggest you read this post and then this (more detailed) post. Before you go congratulating yourself on living in the U.S. where we have freedom of speech, think back to the last election and COVID. An election where we had social media, search, and other corporations illegally working with the U.S. government to censor information and discussion. Not mis-information or treason, but accurate information, discussion, and other protected speech. Skanky-Janky and all the others involved broke the law, but don’t ever expect to see them so charged. Especially since both Harris and Walz have both called for that level and more. In fact, they have both called for the effective repeal of the First Amendment (repeat, effective for the idiots). So, we’ve sorta got it now, but can we keep any vestige of free speech?

I think so, despite the fact I have zero faith and confidence in this election. In fact, I agree with Sarah in that I think Trump and Republicans up and down the chain will lose this election — on electrons. I fully expect the fix is in (Pennsylvania, cough, cough) and what matters now is the margin of “fortification” of the vote. It’s why you see the traveling canned audiences, the AI generated crowds, and the interesting polls putting Harris well ahead. It matters because if you are one of those who is into politics, monitors closely, reads statements, and truly is informed: congratulations, you are the one percent. Probably more like ten percent, but the vast majority of voters don’t do that and only pay attention to the polls and words of corporate media, which is fully in the tank for Harris. Oh, those claims of fraud again, well, the polls said…

Unless people get involved and there is some success in protecting the election against “fortification” then what worked before will be done again. There will be no red wave, no nothing. Now, I think it can be prevented if we take the right steps but it will be hard and tight. I hope it is done, I just won’t bet on it. Nor do I think we should give up. In fact, start with this post by Sarah and work your way up. They are desperate, and the stupidity seen in England is but one symptom of that desperation. Things are indeed falling apart for them, and they are frantic to try to hang on.

Grease the poles, the railings, and anything else they can cling to. Do what you can to ensure a free and fair election. Point out the gas lighting going on in the corporate media and in most social media. Call out the lies and rebut the bots. If we don’t try, it’s done. If we do try, they may can fortify but I will bet it doesn’t go the way they think it will. Screw the pills, particularly the black. To quote a man: fight, fight, fight. If we fight and fight hard, the ride will be more than bumpy but they can’t win in the end. Keep that in mind.

Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be prepared.

England, A Warning

Actually, warnings both literal and metaphorical. The fact is, England has fallen and I don’t see it rising again anytime soon. In fact, I would bet on things getting much worse before they get better.

A literal warning: don’t travel to or through England if you are active on social media. Yes, I do think TwoTierKeir and company are stupid enough to try to extradite people on charges of violation of their draconian (by our standards) speech laws. I hope most countries will laugh at them and mock them, as is being done by people to most of their Orwellian posts. Since that is likely, I would be unsurprised if they didn’t also put charges in place (their indictment process is far different from ours) such that if someone travels to or through a British port that they are flagged and arrested as soon as they hit customs. Bags the bad people (from their point of view) and limits the response of the respective countries who’s citizens are nicked. Still likely to backfire, but they are stupid enough to try it and it will suck for the victims until things get taken care of. My own advice to any so pinched is to consider yourself a prisoner of war and act accordingly.

A second literal warning is to avoid electing similar twits/twunts/creatures here. Anyone who says free speech has limits or that misinformation needs control (etc., etc., etc.) is just as much an authoritarian little fascist as TwoTierKeir and most other British politicians. Heck, throw in most of the EU leadership like Her Majesty Thierry Breton (who IMO acts like she would be much more at home in the old East Germany) on that as well as they are pretty much all rather authoritarian to the point of fascistic. We don’t need that here and Walz has already made clear he’s all for such regulations. Remember, they want your speech and your guns for a reason, and as such you need to remember the iron rule of what happens to people who give up either.

And, yes, I’m still feeling under the weather so have been doing my part to annoy INGSOC, er the British Government on other social media. Easy, quick, and fun to do between naps and such.

Just as our elites hate us, the British elites hate the subjects (note, they are not Citizens) and show that in various ways. One way is in how they treat actual subjects of the Crown and pretty much ignore their wishes as often as they can get away with it. The subjects really have very little input even via elections as most parties ignore their wishes when it comes to actually doing things. Some leaders take it even further: look at the descriptions of subjects and even nation by people like the former leader of Scotland, the mayor of London, and others who represent the new England.

Also, look at what groups TwoTierKeir and others coddle, and who they crack down on. The traditional subjects of England are the latter, and Heaven help those that are Christian (literally, please pray for them). They have the contempt of the politician and the media there (not much different from here save degree). Now, look at those “Asians” that run around waving knives and more, threatening people, beating, and even killing and how they are treated. Yes, the British politicians are stupid enough to think they can control the hordes of illegal immigrants and use them as shock troops to control the populace. I think they (and ours) are stupid.

Unless there is a dramatic turn-around and some mass deportations, I suspect England will be a Caliphate in less than a decade. In many areas it already is such, as Sharia is the law enforced. If you are not familiar with Rotherham and the other areas where English children were and are raped by “Asian gangs” and the authorities let it happen as if they had done their jobs they might have been called racists. Recently, one of the victims went on television for an interview and was immediately visited by the authorities and intimidated for telling her story because it made them look bad. Can’t do anything about all the rapes M’am, but how dare you make us or your rapists look bad! Think I’m joking or even getting into hyperbole? Look it up, as this has been going on for years and sadly this is not a joke or hyperbole. The victims get charged, harassed, and intimidated by the police and courts, and the rapists go free. Think it can’t happen here? Have you looked at Michigan (Dearbornistan among others, cough, cough) and elsewhere of late? The honor killings in Texas and elsewhere? The areas where Sharia is the law here? Heck, the efforts to make such legal (guess the persuasion of the politicians involved).

I’ve visited England many times, and spent a fair bit of time there. I’m glad I did, as I have no plans to ever go back again, not even to change planes. These days, I regard large chunks of London as no-go zones, and the laws in place are ridiculous. If I went there with a pocket knife, even a Swiss army knife, I’m a felon. They would probably call in the military if they saw I had my chef’s kit with me. Resist being robbed? You are the felon and will be charged. You should just give up your things, or lie back and be raped (female or male), without fighting back as if you resist violence done to you they will charge you. No joke, lots of examples. FYI, rest of the Commonwealth is trending the same way.

If you are over on X, enjoy the ratios being given the Brits. It is so bad several British government accounts have cut off replies, and the police have blocked US IP servers and those using VPNs from visiting police web sites in the UK so their posts and stories of arresting grannies for saying mean things can’t be shared. Heh. Oh, rumor also has it the British government is going to go after 4-Chan for hate speech and misinformation. Please hit the tip jar as I want to stock up on popcorn for that one. For the record, my money is on 4-Chan.

For now, time to get a little bit done then rest some more. Hoping to be better tomorrow, as there are some things on preparedness I want to get into in a post or posts if I can. Enjoy your Friday, and give thanks you are not in England. We still have a chance to avoid their fate.

UPDATE I: 4-Chan has accepted the challenge and elected to kick-off.

UPDATE II: First, a link to the previous brief discussion that I referenced and forgot to link. Second, my thanks to Sarah for her link at Insty! There was supposed to be a third, but think I just glitched a bit. Expect another post soon (I hope) exploring some of the legal issues as well as the peril we face in terms of free speech and travel. More soon I hope.

UPDATE III: More and fuller discussion on some of the topics is now up in this post. Enjoy.

UPDATE IV: Honored to have been linked by Kim Du Toit!

Olympics and IOC

These days, they are one in the same and I am done with both. Two of many reasons are below.

First up was the mockery of the Last Supper in the opening show. No, it was not a depiction of some Dionysian event as revisionist history claims. Got the receipts on that in screen caps of several posts clearly stating that it was a take on the Last Supper. Posts that stayed up until the backlash started and the usual liars and gullible started with the revisions and attacks on ‘stupid and uncultured’ Christians.

Now, at the risk of attracting a lawsuit of some type from the morbidly obese centerpiece of that show (who is now threatening legal actions of various sorts against those who criticize it and the show), maybe it shouldn’t have posted so proudly about what they were doing. Got to agree with someone I read who pointed out that the real pagans of the early games would be outraged over the depiction. It was vapid, uninspired, unimaginative, and derivative. It was so far from original as to be unworthy of even a yawn if not for placement. The placement made it a slap in the face of all Christians, and that was quite deliberate by the producers and the IOC.

You might want to take a long look at the IOC and their participation in the real war on women, as they are also good with biological males beating up on biological females. In fact, they seem to get off on it and are doing all they can to promote it. You might also look at the culture of corruption that goes with the IOC and it’s members, among many other things. Understand, they are the Davos crowd, they are woke, and they hate you and all you stand for peasant — including your religious beliefs. If you think what they are doing is chance, I have a bridge for sale…

Which is why I have not deliberately watched any of the current Olympics and will not knowingly support a sponsor of same. Can’t avoid the news completely (and must admit I have been amused by and enjoyed the photos of the gymnast with the wheels of cheese), but even so I switch stories, channels, or whatever if I do see coverage of any type. I’m also done with any other support, including that to any person or group participating in any event under the IOC. As for the sadly few companies that dropped advertising and sponsorships after this, glad to support them as I can.

Biggest thing I, and you, can do is walk away. Don’t tune in, don’t watch, don’t listen. If viewership and related continue to crater (and that is a trend over the last few games that seems to be growing), neither they nor the advertisers will matter. Boycotting individually or organized, and letting them know why the business is no longer getting my/your business, will only speed things up. Oh, and if your city/state/etc. wants to spend millions to host? Fight it, tooth and nail. Pull up the real financials for past hosts, as they can be most interesting.

Now, if you like men beating up women and otherwise erasing them from sports and public life (heck, even prison life) and ‘putting women in their place’ like that, feel free to support the current secular religion, the olympics, and the IOC. If not, join me and walk away. Trust me, your life will not diminish for it, and in fact is quite likely to be far richer. There are outlets still out there for women’s sports and more, and that value women for being women — and they deserve your support. Entertainment, and that is exactly what the games are, should not mock your religion. The IOC and such have become institutions of disrespect and degradation for women, religion, and even spirituality. Show some respect, and walk away. Your life and your Soul will be better for it.

UPDATE I: Yes, I am aware the boxer in question has a medical condition and is not trans. It really doesn’t matter, and all the screaming about testosterone is a best a smoke screen. What matters is that he tests genetically as a male; he has the physical development of a male; and, he has been barred as a male from other competitions. It is truly sad and even horrible. However, allowing him to compete against women makes it horrible for them, and is unfair to them and potentially to thousands of other female competitors. To argue otherwise is intellectually bankrupt and morally and ethically depraved.

Venezuela

I’m watching far too many people celebrating as if the objections to the outcome of the rigged election had already liberated that country. Sadly, this is a tune we have seen before. For all the unrest and for all the countries and organizations denouncing the election, Maduro is still in power.

Keep in mind that there are elements of Quds, Wagner, and others in Venezuela and they are not likely to just sit idly by and let Maduro be easily swept away by a mere election. Keep in mind that there are thousands (hundreds of thousands even) of Venezuelan gang members and a number of males of military age beyond that here in the United States — and one wonders (cough, cough) what they may be up to.

So far, Maduro is arresting opposition leaders at all levels (failure to protect them has been a huge weak spot for the opposition from the start). For all that some gangs, military, and LE have gone over to the opposition, it’s not been a huge amount nor has anything truly meaningful been done with it. How many tanks and weapons were distributed from the base taken the other day? Hmmmm?

It is likely to get bloody, nasty, and unless some brains and backbone start showing up in opposition leadership, it will either be the usual capitulation by the opposition or a bloody slog that is likely to spill over into the U.S. courtesy of all the illegal immigrants/infiltrators. I’m hoping that the opposition gets smart and operates smart and that Maduro does fall quickly. I’m expecting the slog. I fear very much this will be yet again a failure by the opposition to do anything truly meaningful and effective resulting in Maduro remaining in power. Hope I’m wrong, but buckle up as whatever happens there is likely to be reflected darkly here.

UPDATE I: Meant to add this at the start, but over on X someone pointed out that this is not a fight between freedom loving types and evil commies. Rather, it’s more a fight between different sects of socialists/communists and while you could do analogies to Trotsky/Lenin, I think the Chinese and the multiple sects there may be a better analogy. It’s also one reason I suspect the major opposition has mostly been operating with gloves instead of (much needed) bare knuckles or even a horseshoe in the glove…

Again, be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.