U.S. Congress Innovates to Grow Terror Pool!

Unhappy with the small domestic selection of Islamic jihadists, the House of Representative decided it needed to grow the pool of scary characters right before Halloween by passing H.R. 1955: The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.

The bill sets up a committee, funds a study and enables a university center of excellence to be established around the issue of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism. It seems the New York University Center for Law's report on the small number of Islamic terrorist cases prosecuted and convicted since 9-11 caused Congress to look for more scary figures inciting violence.

For my parents who believe a Democratic victory in 2008 will reduce our country's march toward fascism, they only need look at the bill's sponsor, Jane Harman D-CA. The final vote was 404-6. A look at some of the language in the bill is instructive:

Definitions:
`(2) VIOLENT RADICALIZATION- The term `violent radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change.

`(3) HOMEGROWN TERRORISM- The term `homegrown terrorism' means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and operating primarily within the United States or any possession of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States government, the civilian population of the United States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

`(4) IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE- The term `ideologically based violence' means the use, planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual's political, religious, or social beliefs.

Obviously, it's not a problem for a country to engage in such acts. The United States has a rich history of using explicit and underhanded force to further political and economic change. After reading Mickey Weinstein's book on the Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military could be viewed as implementing its religious beliefs in American conflicts with other countries. But, let's set aside the heavy power of the state vs. the shrinking power of an individual or group.

What did one Founding Father think about an individuals right to speak freely, even to foment revolution? Thomas Jefferson clearly took a stand in this area.

"An enlightened people, and an energetic public opinion... will control and enchain the aristocratic spirit of the government." --Thomas Jefferson to Chevalier de Ouis, 1814. ME 14:130

"It can never be too often repeated, that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis is while our rulers are honest, and ourselves united." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia Q.XVII, 1782. ME 2:224

What happens when the above situations are no more?

"...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce [the people] under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." --Thomas Jefferson: Declaration of Independence, 1776. ME 1:29, Papers 1:429

"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." --Thomas Jefferson: his motto.

"If ever there was a holy war, it was that which saved our liberties and gave us independence." --Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 1813. ME 13:430

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

By quoting Thomas Jefferson has this graduate of his university committed "ideologically based violence"? It's impossible to know given the definition above. The country hangs it head in shame over the pummeling given to the word "torture". What can this administration do to three words with its track record abusing just one? That gives me the opportunity to return to another Jefferson quote in light of the Bush administration's priorities.

"Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, trial by jury, habeas corpus, and a representative legislature... I consider as the essentials constituting free government, and... the organization of the executive is interesting as it may insure wisdom and integrity in the first place, but next as it may favor or endanger the preservation of these fundamentals." --Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Dupont de Nemours, 1815. ME 14:255

"[In order to ensure] a successful reformation of government,... I [would urge] most strenuously an immediate compromise to secure what the [present] government was now ready to yield, and trust to future occasions for what might still be wanting,... [if it] would grant... 1. Freedom of the person by habeas corpus. 2. Freedom of conscience. 3. Freedom of the press. 4. Trial by jury. 5. A representative legislature, [with:] 6. Annual meetings. 7. The origination of laws. 8. The exclusive right of taxation and appropriation. And 9. The responsibility of ministers. And with the exercise of these powers they would obtain in future whatever might be further necessary to improve and preserve their constitution." --Thomas Jefferson: Autobiography, 1821. (*) ME 1:139

In light of Mr. Jefferson's teachings I found this portion of the bill somewhat ironic:

SEC. 899F. PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES WHILE PREVENTING IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM.

`(a) In General- The Department of Homeland Security's efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism as described herein shall not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents. (If the right to hold a revolution is inalienable, how can the government take it away?)

`(b) Commitment to Racial Neutrality- The Secretary shall ensure that the activities and operations of the entities created by this subtitle are in compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's commitment to racial neutrality. (This is ironic in light of the not so domestically widespread "Islamic terrorism" cited by many elected leaders. However, it is worrisome that Congress needs to grow the pool of dangerous people wide enough that it could include any colored neighbor.)

What steers our country in such a vile direction? Another quote from Thomas Jefferson provides insight:

"The moderation and virtue of a single character [i.e., George Washington] have probably prevented [the American] Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish." --Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1784. ME 4:218, Papers 7:106

We are currently ruled by George Washington's opposite...

July 4th Sees U.S. Returning to its Roots

The United States of America was formed by white men who owned land.  Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776.  Two years prior Jefferson inherited 11,000 acres of land and 135 slaves from his father in law.  Later in life a dear friend's will provided Jefferson enough money to free his slaves, making that a condition of acceptance.  Jefferson refused.  The ideals of the younger Jefferson fell aside under the profit making needs of Jefferson the older.

Today the United States is characterized by a number of Supreme Court rulings.  Money has been judged free speech.  Those with more money have more speech. Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein owns twelve original copies of the Declaration of Independence.  One has been displayed at Jefferson's Monticello.  Rubenstein's family office bears the name Declaration Partners.

The Supreme Court recently eliminated a number of public safeguards.  The President now has sovereign immunity and can break the law in conducting his official duties.  There can be no examination of motive much less actual criminal behavior.  

Government agencies once had priority in court cases regarding regulations.  No more.  The balance of power has shifted to those already with more money, power and influence.  

The Red and Blue political teams insist on pushing extremely flawed Presidential candidates.  Voters cannot unsee what little Trump did to stem the violence he incited on January 6th.  We cannot unsee Biden's debate implosion on June 27th, especially those with relatives suffering from cognitive decline.  

The Red team wants me to vote for a serial liar and abuser, one with total immunity in a second term.  Not going to happen.  Trump 1 had a pandemic purge.  Trump 2 looks like a societal purge with his "Second American Revolution."   Revolution?  The one where he takes an oath to defend the Constitution using unconstitutional means and methods?  That's worthy of a King or Middle East dictator.

The Blue team wants me to vote for a diminished octogenarian while ignoring legitimate concerns about Biden's mental capacity.   The Blues went low calling such people "bed-wetters."  Who's the 81 year old acting like a nursing home patient?  Maybe Joe knows bed-wetting.  Maybe he doesn't.  Maybe he can't remember.  It feels like the twilight of the Biden Presidency. 

Today, let's set that aside and celebrate our country's white male landowners claiming independence from King George.  Tomorrow we can worry about the race to be our new King and the problematic people seeking that office and to whom they are beholden. 

Update 7-6-24:   America deserves better candidates, much better.  The Reds and Blues are recalcitrant to feedback, i.e learning.

People Exercising Free Speech Removed by Police

President Bush was heckled during his talk in front of 76 naturalized citizens at the home of Thomas Jefferson. A UPI report stated:

Several people yelled out criticism during his speech in Charlottesville, Fox News reported. One man shouted "This man is a fascist," while another screamed curses.

"We believe in free speech in America," Bush ad-libbed. The protesters were removed by police. In the ceremony at Monticello, Bush paid tribute to Jefferson, the nation's third president, and to the immigrants taking the oath of citizenship.

"We honor Jefferson's legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom, and on this Fourth of July we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America," he said. "We also honor Jefferson's legacy by welcoming newcomers to our land, and that is what we're here to celebrate today."

This Fourth of July, inspiration from our Founding Fathers is badly needed. Consider other words of the first resident of "The Western White House", Monticello.

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

Our state manifests numerous evils at the moment. How will the "free people" respond? Are they, like the protesters, to be carted off by authorities while leaders offer quippy platitudes? Let's hope our democratic foundation is deep enough to survive. That includes the oppressed rebelling and raising disturbances. It means secret societies working to cure the evils of the State. Will Thomas Jefferson of yesteryear prevail? Or will Bush's modern day interpretation, a watered down international version, win the day? Stay tuned...

Homeland Security Adviser Collects Information on His University's Founder?

The White House Homeland Security Adviser, Kenneth Wainstein, supports efforts to give state and local authorities broader powers to collect intelligence on America's domestic terror threat. Ken graduated from Mr. Jefferson's University. Thomas had much to say on the role of government, Ken's employer:

"It has been said... that our governments, both federal and particular, want energy; that it is difficult to restrain both individuals and States from committing wrong. This is true, and it is an inconvenience. On the other hand, that energy which absolute governments derive from an armed force, which is the effect of the bayonet constantly held at the breast of every citizen, and which resembles very much the stillness of the grave, must be admitted also to have its inconveniences. We weigh the two together and like best to submit to the former. Compare the number of wrongs committed with impunity by citizens among us with those committed by the sovereign in other countries, and the last will be found most numerous, most oppressive on the mind, and most degrading of the dignity of man." --Thomas Jefferson: Answers to de Meusnier Questions, 1786. ME 17:122

"I own I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive. It places the governors indeed more at their ease, at the expense of the people." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787. (Forrest version) ME 6:391

"The people cannot be all, and always, well-informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty." --Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 1787. ME 6:372, Papers 12:356

One could conclude Mr. Jefferson might not approve of Ken's plans. But things could be worse for Thomas, if he were alive and speaking today. Consider:

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

Might Ken be the student who imprisoned his teacher?

Will Couric, Mathison or Brennan Come to Mr. Jefferson's Defense?

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."-Thomas Jefferson

The Texas Board of Education voted to remove Thomas Jefferson from the curriculum regarding the Age of Enlightenment. They implied Mr. Jefferson added nothing new. The forger of the Declaration of Independence simply copied from French and other European philosophers. Jefferson established the University of Virginia, frequently referred to as a public Ivy League institution.

Since Texans love fightin' words, what does this mean? Are Texans are declaring war on Virginia? Is it because of its proximity to hated (yet secretly loved) Washington, D.C?

Will UVA graduates Katie Couric (CBS News), Tyler Mathison (CNBC) or Margaret Brennan (Bloomberg) come to Mr. Jefferson's defense?

Thomas has been quoted many times on Ari's Freedom Switch. I promise not to remove him from the compilation.

Be Very Afraid Mr. Jefferson

Naomi Wolf lists 10 things rulers do to close an open society. One of those it to highlight a grave and material threat to national security. While the enemy starts out looking very different than the common citizen, it soon morphs, potentially into your next door neighbor. Such is the current war on terror.

The head of Great Britain's expert intelligence service MI5 said there at least 2,000 people in the UK who pose a threat due to their support for terrorism. The United Kingdom has 60 million people. The internal threat is .036% of the total population.

The United States Congress wants to grow the pool of potential domestic terrorists with H.R. 1955: The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. The law seeks to identify "homegrown terrorists" that advocate "ideologically based violence". This comes after a report saying there is little evidence of Islamic radicals in the U.S. Out of 300 million residents, only 158 terror cases were prosecuted with only 4 convictions since 9-11.

If Congress were to apply the same definitions in the bill to our founding fathers how would the creators of democracy fare? Would Thomas Jefferson be jailed and his university shuttered?

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

His language clearly meets the standard of "advocating ideologically based violence" set by our current elected officials. Jefferson proposes using secret societies to accomplish revolution. What would happen to him under H.R. 1955? Would he find himself back under King George? (The above picture is a statue of Thomas Jefferson at the College of William and Mary. There Jefferson participated in a secret society known as the Flat Hat Club. The picture was taken over Halloween, a most scary time of our already deeply disturbing year.)

State Police Enforce UVA's Unclear "Recreational Tent" Rules

One might expect University Police to deal with Gaza War protestors violating unclear tent regulations at the University of Virginia.  That did not happen with a recent anti-war protest.

Jefferson strongly believed that every American should have the right to prevent the government from infringing on the liberties of its citizens. Certain liberties, including those of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, should be sacred to everyone.

That was the 33 year old Jefferson.  The older version shared more in common with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who ordered the police intervention alongside UVA President Jim Ryan.  

Youngkin spent decades with The Carlyle Group, a politically connected private equity underwriter (PEU).  Jefferson was the first person to take out a loan using his slaves as collateral.  He did so despite having access to an estate with only one requirement for accessing the money.  Jefferson had to free his slaves.  Older TJ took on debt instead.

In some cases the entrenched, enriched classes cannot let go of their ways of making money and using power.  As usual, the little, unimportant people and their supporters pay the price.

Fifteen people roughed up and tear gassed for protesting the widespread killing of innocent women and children in a war zone.  I wonder what Thomas Jefferson, the younger would think.  The older version might well have pulled a Youngkin.  "Little Gazas" should also be razed.  Acts of repression do not go unchallenged by those watching.  

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

Update 5-9-24:  It took University police, Charlottesville PD and Virginia State Troopers to clear protestors.

Update 5-13-24:  On the ethical passion of the young:

Young people — least inclined to deference, most inclined to moral outrage — are leading public opposition to the ongoing slaughter in Gaza.

And the passionless, unethical criticize.  

As the killing, maiming, devastation, and increasing starvation in Gaza have continued, month after month, the U.S. role has become incomprehensible — without, at least, attributing to the president and the vast majority of Congressional representatives a level of immorality that had previously seemed unimaginable to most college students. Like many others in the United States, protesting students are now struggling with the realization that the people in control of the executive and legislative branches are directly supporting mass murder and genocide.

And Ari Fleischer returns, once again a mouthpiece for the war machine. 

It is a bit surprising how quickly the masks of respectability are coming off, as the servants of power grow eager to demonstrate their loyalty.

Update 7-28-25:  Israeli Human Rights organizations are calling out the Israeli government for genocide in Gaza.  

Is Thomas Jefferson Rolling in His Grave?

Much changed between the third President of the United States and the forty fourth.  President Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, would decry the hackles placed on citizens by the federal government.  The war on terror would allow Americans in the U.S. to be detained indefinitely, renditioned, sent to Guantanamo Bay, or assassinated. 

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

The Executive Branch claims the right to label Americans as terrorists and dispose of them in the manner seen fit by the President.  Sounds King Georgish.  Congress paired with President Obama on this move, purposefully excluding court remedies for U.S. citizens.

Update 1-29-12:  Obama's Executive Branch decided the Supreme Court's right to anonymous free speech does not apply.  Homeland Security is in the business of monitoring dissent, through contractor General Dynamics.  I wondered why General Dynamics showed up in my blog readers.

Bush Visited Terrorist Compound

President Bush met with members of the international community at a known terrorist compound. He spoke with the people about the rights and obligations of being an American. In a former era, those rights included free speech and the writ of habeas corpus.

The Republican National Convention showed how far our country has fallen from its original ideals. While V.P. candidate Sarah Palin read her script, police arrested hundreds outside the convention center. As she made fun of Barack Obama wanting to read people their rights, eight protesting American citizens were charged with terrorism. They now have no, as in zero, rights.

The basis for the charge came from police testimony. Local authorities infiltrated protest groups, likely using enhanced surveillance techniques. It remains to be seen how justice will be served.

So why does President Bush remain free, if he went to a known terrorist's compound? Shouldn't he also be charged? Technically, he didn't speak to the lawbreaker. Thomas Jefferson is dead. But TJ did say:

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

Freedom to Declare War

A bipartisan War Powers Commission recommended repeal of the War Powers Act of 1973. The act passed as the Vietnam War drew to a close and was intended to limit the President's ability to go to war with Congress' explicit approval. The U.S. Constitution clearly shows Congress responsible for declaring war and the Presidency as the Commander in Chief. Yet, in thirty five years the Supreme Court never weighed in on the contentious issue.

Ex-Secretaries of State James A. Baker and Warren Christopher don't want the Supremes to address the issue. Baker called that strategy "a futile undertaking" in a USA Today article. On Morning Joe he noted this problem existed since our nation's founding. Ironically, Thomas Jefferson's university sponsored the commission via the University of Virginia's Miller School of Public Affairs.

UVA is my alma mater and it recently took a turn toward The Carlyle Group and private equity. James Baker's ties to Carlyle are long and murky. While Mr. Jefferson was part of the landed gentry (while the super rich are doing quite well), he wanted separation of powers. What Mr. Baker and Christopher refer to as a glaring error, was our Founding Father's intent. I find it interesting that the dispute resolvers, the Supreme Court, stand squarely on the sidelines.

James A. Baker has a clear history of using U.S. military might to open free markets for U.S. companies abroad. The Republican Party pushed the consolidation of Executive power the last eight years. It seems we have more of the same in this Commission's report.

Excessive partisanship can manifest itself just as easily with a new Congressional Committee as it can with Congressional leadership. The Executive is free to consult with whomever they want on issues. They can do so with or without the recommended War Powers Consultation Act of 2009. Giving the current President more power is a supremely bad idea, especially given his ability to serially abuse it. I don't think John McCain or Barack Obama need it, either. The Supreme Court should do the right thing, their job. This issue needs constitutional clarification and the sooner, the better. If not, Thomas Jefferson might suggest a rebellion to be in order.

University of Virginia May Have to Close due to H.R. 1955

The University of Virginia may be in trouble if Congress passes H.R. 1955: The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. The law seeks to identify "homegrown terrorists" that advocate "ideologically based violence".

Founding father and past President Thomas Jefferson clearly meets the definitions included in the bill. Consider his admonitions:

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

A University founded by a homegrown terrorist surely can't stay in business long. Will its closing devalue my undergraduate degree? I'll let you know...

FBI Uses GPS Tracking without a Warrant

A California computer salesman found a strange box magnetically attached to his vehicle during an oil change.  He freed it from his car and posted pictures of it online, hoping for help in identifying the device.  It was a GPS tracking unit.

Two days later, the FBI showed up at his door, demanding their personal property back.  The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the use of GPS tracking without a search warrant.   The dissenting judge wrote in Jeffersonian fashion:

"By holding that this kind of surveillance doesn't impair an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy, the panel hands the government the power to track the movements of every one of us, every day of our lives."

Here's the false choice pushed daily.  You can have freedom or security, what's your pick? 

"The oppressed should rebel, and they will continue to rebel and raise disturbance until their civil rights are fully restored to them and all partial distinctions, exclusions and incapacitations are removed." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Religion, 1776. Papers 1:548

"As revolutionary instruments (when nothing but revolution will cure the evils of the State) [secret societies] are necessary and indispensable, and the right to use them is inalienable by the people." --Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1803. FE 8:256

Keep Your Head About You

"Maybe we should go after you..."  -  President Donald J, Trump to ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl

That statement could not be more reflective of our time.  

The poetic words of Rudyard Kipling echo a more virtuous time.

“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;

If your job is solely to serve as the mouthpiece and hands of a perpetually angry, selfish and petulant man, then you have no job at all.   You are a prisoner in someone else's mind.

Update 9-15-25:  Two out of three Americans believe that harsh rhetoric used in politics is encouraging violence. 

Comedic legend David Letterman shared that he told jokes about 10 presidents and never heard anything from government officials. "We all see where this is going, correct?"  

Update 9-21-25:  NBC News reported:

The federal investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has yet to find a link between the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, and left-wing groups. 

“Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive,” this person continued.

Update 9-21-25:   The Insane Red Team has angry younger members.  Trump II's chief creep Stephen Miller went full on rage at Charlie Kirk's funeral.  He even appropriated Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in his diatribe.  

Onward Christian Nationalist soldier.... marching as to war....

 Don't tell them Jefferson had his own Bible that focused solely on the Gospels of Christ.  No Old Testament.  

Stephen Miller should know not to bear false witness.

Globe Shaking Time!

The earth has become increasingly unstable. The financial tsunami (generated by Wall Street credit disruptions) continues washing its way around the world. I'm afraid more White House globe shaking is in store.

The McCain-Palin ticket has that as their core promise. The problem is none of those corrupt Republican snowflakes will leave the protected glass orb. They'll find a new spot to settle, either in the CorporaWhorehouse or on the lawn.

The most worrisome role is that of V.P. Richard B. Cheney. He sits outside the Executive, but not in the Congress. I put him on the Jefferson Memorial, I bet our founding father is not happy. It's hard to wash off Cheney excrement. Don't worry Mr. Jefferson, Dick may soon go to an underground bunker. He was seen slinking around the Capital pushing a blockade on Iran. His missile defense present to Israel just arrived.

Leaders Need to Keep Their Heads

The execution of Charlie Kirk is abhorrent in a country founded on free speech, prizes vigorous campaigning for public office and then parks election rhetoric for governing for the good of the country.  

That has not existed for decades.  Red Teamer Karl Rove installed the permanent political campaign and both parties play the game, now deadly.

Trump cited the root cause of Kirk's killing before a suspect had been found and arrested.  One might recall the tragic air accident at Reagan Airport was due to "DEI."  The cause was a faulty altimeter, making Trump's assertion complete nonsense.

The Wall Street Journal noted the ammunition from the rifle used by the assailant had three words engraved on them, words associated with "transgender and antifascist ideology."  I had never heard of such a thing so I looked it up:  

"transgender antifascist ideology" is not a distinct ideology but a pairing of terms used to describe a political stance. 

One part, "antifascist," refers to a legitimate opposition to fascism.

The other part, "transgender ideology," is a term created by anti-trans activists to discredit transgender people.

Trump cited Radical Left Terrorists.  The New Yorker reported:

Even before Kirk’s death had been confirmed, Nancy Mace, a Republican congresswoman from South Carolina, spoke to reporters outside the Capitol. “Democrats own what happened today,” she told them. When Ryan Nobles, the chief Capitol Hill correspondent for NBC News, asked her if, by that logic, Republicans would own the shooting this summer of two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers, she replied, “Are you kidding me? . . . Some raging leftist lunatic put a bullet through his neck and you want to talk about Republicans right now? No. . . . Democrats own this a hundred per cent.”

The New Yorker closed with:

While others were praying for a sane conversation around how to end the rapidly escalating problem of violence across the political spectrum, the President and his close adviser defined the crisis differently: it was about the American right under siege—and what Trump was going to do about it. The point here was clear for those who chose to listen: the President doesn’t care one bit about all those sanctimonious calls for healing. It is not a dialogue about the crisis of political violence in America that he wants right now but an aggressive new policy of political vengeance.

Charlie Kirk was a Red Team motivational speaker, heavily aligned with Trump II.  

Politics is an insufficient way to explain our world, given its ever shifting sands, serial mistruths and mind numbing double standards.

People who execute others for political reasons are damaged, operating from an extreme retaliatory impulse.  Such crimes bear responsible public safety investigation, free from political garbage.  That's not retaliation, like so many elected officials are offering.  

A leader's job is to keep their head whilst all others are losing theirs.  I pray for that and for all the families who are and have been the victims of political violence, regardless of party color.

Update 9-12-25:  The WSJ walked back their "transgender and antifascist ideology" reporting with experts saying, not so fast..

The suspect's family turned him in to the police.  It remains to be seen the motivation but there are networks of people around the globe grooming the next round of killers/assassins.  Disabling those networks should be a top priority for law enforcement.

Update 9-12-25:  A young white male with no leftist ties assassinated Charlie Kirk.  There are suggestions this was a far right assassination by  a perpetrator further to the right.  Trump II won't back down on his radical left framing, when there is absolutely no evidence to support his savage declarations.  Ideally, we could trust federal law enforcement to get to the bottom of these assertions but that is not possible under the current administration.  The Donald demands that all arms of the federal government 100% support his narratives.  

Apparently Nick Fuentes and Laura Loomer had beefs with Kirk.  Loomer called Kirk a “charlatan” and “political opportunist” who engaged in “mental gymnastics” and “stabs Trump in the back”. Fuentes was known for breaking up Turning Point engagements on college campuses.

The Epstein files remain under lock and key.  Will the Kirk files receive similar treatment?  

Update 9-13-25:  More questions are being raised about Tyler Robinson's Groyper connections.  Fox News and NYPost reported that Robinson's roommate is trans.

Update 9-15-25:  Utah Governor stated the assassination was planned and conducted solely by one individual.  Trump II and his sons/minions cite a widespread left wing campaign of violence.  His Domestic War Chief Stephen Miller cited "terrorist networks."  Two things cannot be true.

The Utah Governor has shown his poise and leadership abilities while Trump has been premature, excessive and inaccurate in his comments.  The White House epitomizes the permanent political campaign, hyper-partisanship and retaliatory excess which has led to violence by Trump's followers in the past.  Trump is incapable of peace, internationally and domestically.  The sooner Congress and the Supremes acknowledge this the better.  Individual citizens stand not a chance if Trump can pick off storied law firms and well endowed universities.

The free speech absolutists are up in arms over speech regarding Israel as it continues to pummel Gaza while steering its eyes toward the West Bank and Charlie Kirk, who built his Red Team motivational speaking career on "free speech."  We are entering bizarro territory where Trump's irreality collides with both history and the normal course of daily events in our communities.  

Apparently holding a belief other than Trump's is a terrorist act and worthy of a declaration of war.  The louder and more offensive the digital Caligula, the more he's siphoning from the federally controlled economy.  Who's in the Tik Tok deal?  Lutnick's kids, the Trump boys, Dominari Holdings, Mnuchin, Peter Thiel, Alex Karp, Elon Musk, Eric Schmidt...any private equity firms needing secondary marketing fodder?

Update 9-15-25:  Two out of three Americans believe that harsh rhetoric used in politics is encouraging violence. 

Update 9-21-25:  NBC News reported:

The federal investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has yet to find a link between the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, and left-wing groups. 

“Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive,” this person continued.

Trump II's chief creep Stephen Miller went full on rage at Charlie Kirk's funeral.  He even appropriated Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in his diatribe.  

Onward Christian Nationalist soldier.... marching as to war....

Don't tell Stephen Mr. Jefferson had his own Bible that focused solely on the Gospels of Christ.  No Old Testament.  

Miller should know better than to bear false witness. 

Freedom Fried

Aviation Week reported the Pentagon will ink a deal for Raytheon's Silent Guardian. The truck mounted pain ray drives off crowds with a microwave like beam. Like other "nonlethal" law enforcement tools, it has the capacity to kill. When will that domestic combat brigade get their Silent Guardian? Their task clearly fits:

They may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control or to deal with potentially horrific scenarios such as massive poisoning and chaos in response to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive, or CBRNE, attack.

The 1st BCT’s soldiers also will learn how to use “the first ever nonlethal package that the Army has fielded,” 1st BCT commander Col. Roger Cloutier said, referring to crowd and traffic control equipment and nonlethal weapons designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals without killing them.

Soldiers would need to train on crowd management and control. That includes monitoring the unruly body's movement. Congress helped approve a new tool, domestic satellite surveillance, that should help immensely. The Wall Street Journal reported:

The program is designed to provide federal, state and local officials with extensive access to spy-satellite imagery -- but no eavesdropping -- to assist with emergency response and other domestic-security needs, such as identifying where ports or border areas are vulnerable to terrorism.

Get ready to be freedom fried. Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his Monticello grave, the rotating cold spot on the computer image.

1776 vs. 2013

The Government-Corporate Monstrosity offers this fresh message from Booz Allen Hamilton's Chairman and CEO:

The most significant news of the past quarter was the abhorrent actions of former employee, Edward Snowden, who had worked at Booz Allen for less than 10 weeks. I spoke to all of our employees at a townhall meeting the week following his announcement that he had leaked highly sensitive national security information. I'd like to share with you something I said to our people that day. I told our employees, Mr. Snowden was on our payroll for a short period of time, but he was not a Booz Allen person and he did not share our values. We cannot and will not let him define us. That is the most important message I can convey. You define us. The work we do for our clients defines us.

Now in that regard, we continue to do everything possible to support our clients' mission and the United States government's law enforcement investigation. Within the firm, we're being vigilant and are supporting our employees, especially those working with the intelligence community. And on a personal note, I've been touched by the words of support from those in the business community and especially from our clients, showing that our long-term clients know the kind of company we are.

I'd like to leave that subject behind now and talk about the things we can control. First and foremost, we're serving our clients with the highest-quality work and commitment to their mission. We're supporting our people and the communities in which we work and live, and are delivering value to our stockholders through effective management of the business and capital deployment choices. And we're making some exciting plans to recognize Booz Allen Hamilton's 100th anniversary year, which begins in January of 2014. 

Ralph W. Shrader - Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee, Chairman of Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, Chairman of The Board of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp, Chief Executive Officer of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp and President of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp - made these remarks in today's Booz Allen Hamilton earnings call.

How far has the United States come since our founding?  Recall a more mature Thomas Jefferson turned down an inheritance that would've free his slaves, later putting those same slaves up as collateral for a huge loan. 

After 237 years the little people remain. 

U.S. Congress May Label Satellite Stations as Terrorists

The Jerusalem Post reported members of Congress will submit a bill "labeling carriers of incitive satellite stations" as terrorist organizations. The U.S. is targeting satellite firm who rent their space transmission capabilities. Images don't have to reach the U.S. to be offensive.

Should Americans take care in quoting our founding fathers? Thomas Jefferson frequently incited revolution. That involved inciting violence against the King's soldiers and fundraising for the Continental Army. No wonder he wanted free speech.

How do people in foreign lands experience American values? Do they question our commitment to free speech? Is Uncle Sam any different than other American branded global multinationals, paying people a pittance?

Restricting information is necessary in a march to war. Pay attention to Congress as it moves step by step toward the next round of violence.

How Far Back will Supremes Turn Back Time?

On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court issued its Loving v. Virginia decision, which struck down laws that banned marriages between people of different races as unconstitutional.  Will Justice Thomas make it all the way back to 1965?  If so, what happens to Ginni?

Update 6-30-22:  Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado wants to roll the clock back to before the U.S. Constitution so "the church can direct the state."  I take it she wants her church to direct the state as there are thousands of Christian denominations.  Many of our Founding Fathers were deists.  Would Boebert recognize a deist is she met one?   

Update 7-17-22:  Texas Senator Ted Cruz wants to roll back time regarding marriage.  All white, all male legislators have done some evil things over the years.  Cruz is fully capable of challenging this ignorance and hate.

Update 7-2-23:  In striking down affirmative action in college admissions Judge Thomas expressed his vision for a "colorblind Constitution."  Our founding document counted slaves as three-fifths of a person.  Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, used his slaves a collateral for a loan.  He was the first to do so.  That is our history.

Red Team Rises to Defend Supreme Billionaire's "Garden of Evil"

Insider reported a number of Red Team Senators defended billionaire Harlan Crow's predilections.

Crow's collection includes two of Hitler's paintings, a signed copy of Mein Kampf, the fascist dictator's 1925 manifesto, other Nazi trinkets, and a garden filled with statues of some of the most reviled leaders from the 20th Century.

His backyard includes a so-called "Garden of Evil," including busts and statues of infamous dictators ranging from Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin to Fidel Castro and Josip Tito.

Crow became more widely known for his generous hospitality to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni.  The two had a number of real estate transactions, as well.  Thomas' mother lives rent free in a Crow owned home.

Vibrant, competent democratic institutions can be corrupted by evil people.  I would rather hear warnings from U.S. Senators in that regard.

Update 5-4-23:  The Insane Red Team's Senator Josh Hawley claimed the Blue Lucy's are intimidating the Supreme Court by raising ethics issues and actually setting a standard.

Billionaire Harlan Crow paid the private school tuition for Clarence Thomas' grand nephew, estimated to be over $150,000.  Thomas is raising the relative as a son.

Update 5-7-23:  Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway defended the insider money funnel that secretly steered $100,000 to Judge Clarence Thomas' wife Ginni.

Update 7-2-23:  In striking down affirmative action in college admissions Judge Thomas expressed his vision for a "colorblind Constitution."  Our founding document counted slaves as three-fifths of a person.  Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, used his slaves a collateral for a loan.  He was the first to do so.  That is our history.