Defending Yourself (06/22/2011)
I wrestled with the title and content of this column realizing I wanted to challenge thought processes. My context is asking, “When would you take up arms?” Recent Supreme Court rulings, at state level and the federal level have eroded 4th Amendment rights. These freedoms have been held sacred since the Bill of Rights passed and evolved from British tyranny and further back to feudal tyranny. Looking around I see this erosion becoming the norm, no longer the exception. Sadly, people who raise questions are now “domestic terrorists” or “troublemakers” harassed through detention, no-fly lists, and watch lists.
If you are pulled aside for additional screening at an airport and suddenly find yourself touched inappropriately by a TSA officer are you willing to yell “Stop!” Are you willing to kick and punch to defend your person? Are you willing to engage local law enforcement to file assault charges? What if you are an 18 year old girl attending your high school prom and security guards run a hand up your bare thigh under your dress? Would you be willing to complain, or more importantly file a lawsuit like Candice Herrara of Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Examples of concern abound. Recent state and federal Supreme Court rulings have changed search and seizure rules allowing police offers more leeway. My question, without cause and absolutely wrong in your view and demanding entry to your home would you let them in? Similarly, what if you are legally and rightfully openly carrying a gun and police officers, not knowing the law, are now threatening you at gunpoint and moving to arrest you, as recently occurred in Philadelphia? What if you were selling unpasteurized milk or free range eggs on your farm and USDA Officials raided your homestead, guns drawn, and arrested you even though no crime was committed.
In theory we are all safe in our homes, our cars, and while traveling. Our founding fathers experienced British tyranny and knew fundamentally they had to protect themselves, their families, and their property. Obsequious citizenry today is leading to a government police state that turns neighbors against each other and infallible beliefs in lawmakers. Sooner or later “Dancing with Stars” will end and a confused America will realize they lost the freedom to defend themselves. Our children will believe pat-downs to attend prom are the norm and police can enter homes anytime. Are you willing to speak up and defend yourself? “The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted,” James Madison.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Gestapo and Gulags
Gestapo and Gulags
Congress successfully reauthorized the Patriot Act on May 27th, 2011 with hours remaining before the Act would expire. America is eerily following the same path Hitler’s Nazi Germany took in the early 1930’s; a path of Federal law enforcement, diminished civil rights, and lack of transparency in the courts. The Gestapo was given the authority to investigate treason, espionage, sabotage and criminal attacks against Germany. The basic law passed in 1936 gave the Gestapo the right to operate without judicial oversight. The Gestapo could not be sued by citizens in Administrative court.
Americans are subjecting themselves to our own Gestapo, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) willfully. Examples abound from TSA searches, disrobement, and groping at airports, rail stations, and even high school proms to document and papers required to open a bank account or get a job. Openly over the last 18 years there has been a push from local community law enforcement to a federally dominated model of control. Any local assertion of state’s power is met with federal resistance, like the Arizona and Georgia immigration lawsuits or economic threats to Texas over passing an anti-groping bill. DHS has pushed a “see something, say something” campaign to encourage spying on neighbors and standing up to Big Brother is now cause for consideration as “domestic terrorist.” It was that “domestic terrorism” that brought us freedom and the genesis of our country.
As police power expands, and 1st, 2nd, and 4th Amendment rights are reduced more citizens are being jailed than ever before. The term “Gulag” was originally an acronym for the Soviet agency administering the prisons, but has since come to represent any penal system. America has sharply turned her view on incarceration from on of rehabilitation to mandate. In 1982 approximately 1 of 77 Americans was under “correctional-control”, today that number is 1 of 31. Georgia leads the country with 1 of 13 adults under some type of judicial supervision. Take into account wage garnishment orders, child support orders, and foreclosure liens and judicial findings and the number is higher. Today the United States has the highest incarceration rate (3.1%) and the largest prison population of any country in the world. Even communist China with three times the population incarcerates fewer people.
The trend I see developing is one of government control creating fear among the citizens. I challenge you, what consequences would you face if you question how TSA handles you? What would you expect to happen if you say “no” to a police officer regarding a roadside search? Why are our countryman arrested for filming police stops? Why do victimless crimes, like drug use or possession, result in incarceration? More frequently the noose is tightening around our necks, “We the People..”
Congress successfully reauthorized the Patriot Act on May 27th, 2011 with hours remaining before the Act would expire. America is eerily following the same path Hitler’s Nazi Germany took in the early 1930’s; a path of Federal law enforcement, diminished civil rights, and lack of transparency in the courts. The Gestapo was given the authority to investigate treason, espionage, sabotage and criminal attacks against Germany. The basic law passed in 1936 gave the Gestapo the right to operate without judicial oversight. The Gestapo could not be sued by citizens in Administrative court.
Americans are subjecting themselves to our own Gestapo, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) willfully. Examples abound from TSA searches, disrobement, and groping at airports, rail stations, and even high school proms to document and papers required to open a bank account or get a job. Openly over the last 18 years there has been a push from local community law enforcement to a federally dominated model of control. Any local assertion of state’s power is met with federal resistance, like the Arizona and Georgia immigration lawsuits or economic threats to Texas over passing an anti-groping bill. DHS has pushed a “see something, say something” campaign to encourage spying on neighbors and standing up to Big Brother is now cause for consideration as “domestic terrorist.” It was that “domestic terrorism” that brought us freedom and the genesis of our country.
As police power expands, and 1st, 2nd, and 4th Amendment rights are reduced more citizens are being jailed than ever before. The term “Gulag” was originally an acronym for the Soviet agency administering the prisons, but has since come to represent any penal system. America has sharply turned her view on incarceration from on of rehabilitation to mandate. In 1982 approximately 1 of 77 Americans was under “correctional-control”, today that number is 1 of 31. Georgia leads the country with 1 of 13 adults under some type of judicial supervision. Take into account wage garnishment orders, child support orders, and foreclosure liens and judicial findings and the number is higher. Today the United States has the highest incarceration rate (3.1%) and the largest prison population of any country in the world. Even communist China with three times the population incarcerates fewer people.
The trend I see developing is one of government control creating fear among the citizens. I challenge you, what consequences would you face if you question how TSA handles you? What would you expect to happen if you say “no” to a police officer regarding a roadside search? Why are our countryman arrested for filming police stops? Why do victimless crimes, like drug use or possession, result in incarceration? More frequently the noose is tightening around our necks, “We the People..”
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
What lifestyle changes would you make?
Check out this house. Is it worth it? No mortgage, living happy without the fear of a bank taking everything. Depending on where you have been in the last two years financially you may not understand the changes taking place in America.
The Greatest Depression is continuing in a rapid downward spiral with the plummeting value of home prices. Too many Americans have tied their fate to the future of their home. Since 2008 home prices have fallen 33%.
What is a house? How many people thought they were living the dream of a McMansion - 4000 square feet and a $4000/month mortgage?
I will continue on my 1.6 acres of rural countryside - chickens, woods, space, and simplicity. Life is easy when you have less.
The Greatest Depression is continuing in a rapid downward spiral with the plummeting value of home prices. Too many Americans have tied their fate to the future of their home. Since 2008 home prices have fallen 33%.
What is a house? How many people thought they were living the dream of a McMansion - 4000 square feet and a $4000/month mortgage?
I will continue on my 1.6 acres of rural countryside - chickens, woods, space, and simplicity. Life is easy when you have less.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Happy Anniversary - to My Wife!
10 Reasons I love you More Today than Five Years Ago
Leeann, Happy Anniversary! Five years have passed since we married on the beach on that breezy Saturday afternoon. I loved you then, I love you now. Every day I love you more and these are just a few reasons:
Our friendship is stronger than it was when we met. We have endured hardship and happiness, sorrow and joy. Each trial of emotion has brought us closer together. I love you more because I know for certain you are my best friend.
I feel safe sharing everything with you. You do not judge me, make me feel inadequate, or criticize me. I share crazy thoughts and ideas with you. Together we talk and grow closer. I love you more because I know I am safe with you.
You love my children (your stepchildren) like they’re own. Marrying a man with three children could be scary, but you jumped right in. Not only did you tell me you would never become between my children and me, but you have worked hard to bring us closer together. I love you more because you treat them like they are your kids, we love you together.
We have James – you are an incredible Mom. Parenting is hard, parenting is a challenge, and parenting James is joyful. Every day you are a great Mom and I learn from you, learn to be a better parent. I love you more because you are an incredible Mother.
I understand you are passionate, compassionate, and caring. You do everything the best you can, with passion. You see a side to people I miss and bring out the best in me with your compassion. I know you care about what you do, what I do, and our family. I love you more because you have compassion.
You put all of us (Haley, Marcela, Jack, James, and me) first, and we know it. You always think of adventures, trips, fun, and what we can do to make memories, eat pasta, and love each other together. I love you more because we know you put us first.
You challenge me to be better. You challenge yourself to be better. Challenges bring out the best in all of us and you know pushing both of us will take us to a better place. I love you more because you challenge us both.
We have dates on the couch – dinner, a movie, snuggled. That is our family. My favorite time is on the couch with you, watching a movie, under the brown blanket running our toes together. I love you more because we have found our happiness.
You seek the adventure of travel. You told me when we married you wanted to travel, and travel we have. In five years we have been out of the country (Mexico, Bahamas, France, Italy, Puerto Rico), we have bought an RV and traveled the country, we have taken weekend trips to the beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, scalloping, and many others. I love you more because you push me to travel and I love the adventures we take.
I have watched you grow and become more confident, more successful, and more beautiful. You are aging beautifully. I love watching you in school, love your confidence from learning, love watching you learn about yourself. You are pretty, beautiful, and gorgeous. I love you more because you are amazing and beautiful.
Five years is just the start of many on a life long journey together. We chose each other, and we choose to be with each other. Together we will grow and be best friends for ever. I love you more today, than five years ago because I know you more.
I can’t wait for another five years! I love you LeeAnn.
Leeann, Happy Anniversary! Five years have passed since we married on the beach on that breezy Saturday afternoon. I loved you then, I love you now. Every day I love you more and these are just a few reasons:
Our friendship is stronger than it was when we met. We have endured hardship and happiness, sorrow and joy. Each trial of emotion has brought us closer together. I love you more because I know for certain you are my best friend.
I feel safe sharing everything with you. You do not judge me, make me feel inadequate, or criticize me. I share crazy thoughts and ideas with you. Together we talk and grow closer. I love you more because I know I am safe with you.
You love my children (your stepchildren) like they’re own. Marrying a man with three children could be scary, but you jumped right in. Not only did you tell me you would never become between my children and me, but you have worked hard to bring us closer together. I love you more because you treat them like they are your kids, we love you together.
We have James – you are an incredible Mom. Parenting is hard, parenting is a challenge, and parenting James is joyful. Every day you are a great Mom and I learn from you, learn to be a better parent. I love you more because you are an incredible Mother.
I understand you are passionate, compassionate, and caring. You do everything the best you can, with passion. You see a side to people I miss and bring out the best in me with your compassion. I know you care about what you do, what I do, and our family. I love you more because you have compassion.
You put all of us (Haley, Marcela, Jack, James, and me) first, and we know it. You always think of adventures, trips, fun, and what we can do to make memories, eat pasta, and love each other together. I love you more because we know you put us first.
You challenge me to be better. You challenge yourself to be better. Challenges bring out the best in all of us and you know pushing both of us will take us to a better place. I love you more because you challenge us both.
We have dates on the couch – dinner, a movie, snuggled. That is our family. My favorite time is on the couch with you, watching a movie, under the brown blanket running our toes together. I love you more because we have found our happiness.
You seek the adventure of travel. You told me when we married you wanted to travel, and travel we have. In five years we have been out of the country (Mexico, Bahamas, France, Italy, Puerto Rico), we have bought an RV and traveled the country, we have taken weekend trips to the beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, scalloping, and many others. I love you more because you push me to travel and I love the adventures we take.
I have watched you grow and become more confident, more successful, and more beautiful. You are aging beautifully. I love watching you in school, love your confidence from learning, love watching you learn about yourself. You are pretty, beautiful, and gorgeous. I love you more because you are amazing and beautiful.
Five years is just the start of many on a life long journey together. We chose each other, and we choose to be with each other. Together we will grow and be best friends for ever. I love you more today, than five years ago because I know you more.
I can’t wait for another five years! I love you LeeAnn.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Little Noticed News
Little Noticed News (6/1/2011)
Oprah, Republican presidential candidate implosions, and Obama’s Irish roots seem to dominate the news. On a national and international level none of these newsworthy events will impact most Americans. Instead, I argue there is an entire underlying level of news taking place nationwide, some of which gets a brief mention on one of the cable or broadcast networks, but most of the news disappears not to be heard from again. America is changing, and changing rapidly. Willfully civil rights and constitutional guarantees are being eroded, and yet a blind eye is turned. Below I have listed examples from the last three weeks.
On May 22, 2011 - a Santa Fe, NM high school announced TSA would pat-down students as part of security to enter Prom. From TSA’s own web site, the agency’s mission is, “The Transportation Security Administration protects the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” Nowhere is a high school or sports event mentioned, and I cannot imagine being groped on my last night in high school.
May 21, 2011 – Mark Fiornio strolled through downtown Philadelphia lawfully, openly, carrying his permitted gun. The issue at hand is Mr. Fiornio was detained, nearly shot, and charges brought against him for disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment. He tried to explain to police offers he had a permit and cited the statutory laws allowing him to open carry. Local authorities are warning gun owners that they will be "inconvenienced" if they carry unconcealed handguns in the city.
May 15, 2011 – The Indiana Supreme Court, 3-2, ruled people have no right to resist officers who enter their homes under the premise it is in the greater public good and would minimize confrontation. Additionally, the Indiana Court ruled police do not need to knock to serve a search warrant.
May 17, 2011 – Historically police offers required probable cause and a search warrant before breaking into a home. That changed with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kentucky v. King. Ruling 8-1 the justices gave police more leeway to break into homes or apartments in search of illegal drugs when they suspect the evidence otherwise might be destroyed. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented, fearing the ruling gave police an easy way to ignore 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
In each of the above cases I can easily see the argument for “greater good”, “public safety” and other pansy excuses. Sadly, “we the people” are continuing to allow our freedoms to incrementally erode away. In one week, four cases that have far reaching circumstances. As a reminder, blood was shed for The Fourth Amendment, which assures that “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,”
Oprah, Republican presidential candidate implosions, and Obama’s Irish roots seem to dominate the news. On a national and international level none of these newsworthy events will impact most Americans. Instead, I argue there is an entire underlying level of news taking place nationwide, some of which gets a brief mention on one of the cable or broadcast networks, but most of the news disappears not to be heard from again. America is changing, and changing rapidly. Willfully civil rights and constitutional guarantees are being eroded, and yet a blind eye is turned. Below I have listed examples from the last three weeks.
On May 22, 2011 - a Santa Fe, NM high school announced TSA would pat-down students as part of security to enter Prom. From TSA’s own web site, the agency’s mission is, “The Transportation Security Administration protects the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” Nowhere is a high school or sports event mentioned, and I cannot imagine being groped on my last night in high school.
May 21, 2011 – Mark Fiornio strolled through downtown Philadelphia lawfully, openly, carrying his permitted gun. The issue at hand is Mr. Fiornio was detained, nearly shot, and charges brought against him for disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment. He tried to explain to police offers he had a permit and cited the statutory laws allowing him to open carry. Local authorities are warning gun owners that they will be "inconvenienced" if they carry unconcealed handguns in the city.
May 15, 2011 – The Indiana Supreme Court, 3-2, ruled people have no right to resist officers who enter their homes under the premise it is in the greater public good and would minimize confrontation. Additionally, the Indiana Court ruled police do not need to knock to serve a search warrant.
May 17, 2011 – Historically police offers required probable cause and a search warrant before breaking into a home. That changed with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kentucky v. King. Ruling 8-1 the justices gave police more leeway to break into homes or apartments in search of illegal drugs when they suspect the evidence otherwise might be destroyed. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented, fearing the ruling gave police an easy way to ignore 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
In each of the above cases I can easily see the argument for “greater good”, “public safety” and other pansy excuses. Sadly, “we the people” are continuing to allow our freedoms to incrementally erode away. In one week, four cases that have far reaching circumstances. As a reminder, blood was shed for The Fourth Amendment, which assures that “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,”
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