It took only a short time for the media to pounce upon the Austin suicide airplane crash and turn it into a Right-fringed loon attack on the government. The Tea Partiers were immediately accused of being involved in the act. My question is: Involved how? Is there a thousand-acre Neocon training facility in West Texas that teaches young liberty seekers to strap on a private aircraft similar to the way Al Qaeda teaches their zealots to strap on bomb-filled backpacks? Are the common John Q Publics of America – those who mostly lie within the middle to lower middle class earnings range – really a threat to the Establishment and its antics?
The answer is “yes”. But not in the way they would hope we would think. The Establishment media, which includes liberal and conservative slants, want us to think that one end of a long rope was tied around the waist of this deeply troubled gentleman, Joseph Stack, and that the other end was tied around the proverbial waist of the Tea Partiers. They want us to think that this deranged person was similar to an abortion clinic bomber in that he must represent group thinking as a whole and who volunteered to be the sacrificial lamb for the cause, instead of simply being a person who has a plethora of other personal issues in his mental closet which came to a climax in a surprising independent act of violence. These moguls understand all too well that this event is not representative of the mentality of the vast majority of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. But, as has been the case for decades (centuries if you want to include the French Revolution), those in the Establishment have become experts at either starting or fanning the fire of chaos - much due to the creation of or result of mass protests – for the purpose of furthering their purposes, and the Austin suicide plane crash was no exception.
Those among the Establishment know how to manipulate the system. Particularly because they have formed much of it with their own hands. They don’t fear the placard-carrying, three-cornered hat-wearing protester. When people come together with emotions running high, the bigwigs salivate in anticipation of gaining more ground, and it almost always works out the way they expect it to. So, the aforementioned John Q Public is not a threat in the mass protest method, but merely a plaything.
However, what the Establishment do fear is an educated and informed citizen who understands how to play the game, and win. A citizen who is abreast of politicians’ voting records and those America-unfriendly bills and treaties that are on the desks of their representatives. A citizen who, as in the case of abortion, for example, instead of paying hundreds of dollars to travel to D.C. to march down Pennsylvania Avenue where they will be largely ignored by the media anyway, they can contact their Congressman by letter or phone and strongly urge them to support H.R. 539. I have personally written several such letters to my Congressman as well as the others in New York. The letter goes like this:
Dear Congressman _________,
This is a request that you please co-sponsor and support H.R. 539, which would limit the Federal Courts’ right to rule on abortion. Also known as the “We The People Act”, it is important to me to limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts, most notably on matters related to religious liberty, sexual orientation, family relations, education, and abortion. This legislation would implement the power of Congress provided for in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
Short and simple. Yet very effective. Not due just to the fact that one letter is said to represent several thousand opinions, but also because it goes to the root of the issue – the place where it can most effectively be repaired. Phone calls or emails to your Representative’s office work very well also.
In summary, am I saying that there is never a time or place to protest? Not at all. But since protests have been proven to be largely esoteric and easily controlled by the very ones they are intended to confront, why not dig at the root instead of merely cutting the branches?
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
My,my,my, from Hitler to loud mouth punk in the space of one afternoon. I do hape the clouds in that stormy mind of yours part and you can decide exactly what I am. It’s so much more fun getting you wound up when you’re not mired in irational confusion.
By the way, I’m enjoying the name Dough Boy. I’ve always thought World War One was greatly over looked in the academic world. I may add it to the signature of all my posts, wear it like a badge of honor.
That was a nice shout out to Lenin,”No sir you are no Lennin. He was at least competent. ” I may have to use that in the future. It’s almost too much fun laughing at your irrational rage when someone stand up to you.
Laura,
Selective… ha! I suggest you review you past comments.
Dough boy,
If the shoe fits right? No sir you are no Lennin. He was at least competent. And as for you being the anti-christ just two things. First I’d have to believe in him to think that. Second, you give yourself too much credit. You’re just a loud mouth punk with anger issues.
Consti,
Selective mental editing again, I see.
Paging irrelevant personal swipe…
Wow No Name, someone from the other side is willing to go toe to toe with you and you compare them to Hitler. Didn’t see that move coming.
Let me save you some time for your next comments, I’m like Stalin. No, I’m like Mao. No, wait, I’m like Che. No,no,no, wait, it’s Hugo Chavez. Nope, its Lenin, yep, that’s the one, Lenin.
HITLER, Really? Is that the best you can do, compare me to Hitler. I’ve been giving you to much credit No Name. Next you’ll be saying I’m the devil returned to earth specifically to torment you. If you’re drifting that far off into the weeds to dismiss me I must be doing something right.
Laura,
Your a laugh. I posted nothing but a link before and got a 5 paragraph diatribe from you. So you are no better kitten for all your high horse sitting. And I have no trouble commenting on your statements. You yourself are not above beeing insulting as time and time again has shown.
Smell that? Smells like hypocracy from here.
But as always I welcome your comments. They serve my purpose.
Dough boy,
Then I guess we all know to write you off as a voilent Left wing kook. Just like the violent right wing kooks. That’s the attitude I believe Hitler had when he formed the brown shirts. If that’s you attitude then you pretty much have no leg to stand on when you talk about obstructionist republicans. You are the same as that which you rally against. Good luck with that.
I am what I am, I’m a partisan, I admit that. I fight to win, I admit that too. I’m smart when it comes to some things, not nearly as smart as I like to be when it comes to others; there are hundreds of books and plays, and countless works of philosophy I’d like to read and just don’t have the time. I am cruel and vicious in a fight when it comes to my opposition, I admit that too. I am what I am. I may be ugly at times to those with refined sensibilities, or to those that think elections are some lofty debate about high ideals and not a bare knuckles fight between diametrically opposed forces.
I am what liberals hate admitting they like having on their side. I’m the attack dog they don’t like admitting they have on their side. I’m the never say die two fisted fighter they like knowing is around when conservatives ratchet up their attacks to a fever pitch. I am what I am, and I make no apologies. I am just as partisan and one sided as you are and others on this site are. The only difference is I admit it and embrace it. The only question is why can’t you admit what you are? What about No Name, for someone who claims to be for the people he sure makes noises like a conservative partisan? What about all the others? Where is the one willing to say I’m a conservative and I’m here to advocate for that. J. Byron Swain does. I don’t agree with him and he rubs me the wrong way, but he unapologetically says what he is and argues from there. I respect that. What about the rest of you? How many are willing to admit what you are? Publically say, I’m a conservative, I’m a liberal, and I’m proud of that. Say it publically and let’s let the rhetorical and intellectual combat start from there.
JF wrote,
” I will be as cruel or more so than these so called conservative moral men have been, and I will delight in their misery. ”
You call yourself JF, but you sound like someone else. Do you happen to have a birthmark resembling 666, maybe under your back hair line?
If not, then you are clearly in left field wearing a ice hockey mask with an ice pick taped to your glove. Scary stuff if you ask me.
Didn’t you also mention something about wishing conservatives marriages and children ill will also for generations? I think you did.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs doesn’t even list humiliation and pain (Try and focus on level 3). Might I suggest your ID is ODD. You sir are betrayed by your own words as a sociopath politico. I’d say beyond the reach of Thorazine, perhaps 500 cc’s of compassion and a stiff dose puppy petting.
Laura,
The playground is full of nice liberal kids, why play with the crazy child. It’s only a matter of time before he notices you have a rational side, are talking to some conservative and he decides to bury you in the sandbox.
Just a thought.
JFesta,
Every conservative, eh?
Your true colors are showing. You have just proven to every reader on this site how truly unobjective you really are. Other than the fact that you are the self-proclaimed smartest person in the world, can you really expect anyone with half of an i.q. to honestly take anything seriously you say again? Except for the entirely brainwashed (which is probably quite a few), I would bet that even most liberals reading your comments would shudder with embarrassment by now. You’ve likely just set a new world’s record by causing more eye rolls and scoffs within a certain time frame than ever before. I’d bet that Sean Hannity and Keith Olbermann are envious.
“Laura,
I IGNORE what you say most of the time because I am not about to waste my time with an Ideologue who can’t even be bothered with another point of view…”
I won’t even TOUCH the irony in that one- it’s so pure I’ll just leave it for everyone who frequents this site to see…and laugh about…
Considering all I have to do is comment on something, whether it has do to with you or not, whether it’s your column or not, whether you have shown any interest in the column or not, and you are right there, down my throat with irrelevant comments and insults…Again, I ask…how is that ignoring me thing going?LOL
But, I digress… No, wait… YOU did, so that you could take another cheap personal shot created by you that had nothing to do with the issue at hand. Color me surprised…LOL
Thanks for the laugh!
When facing a concervative in an election, if I have to make the decision about resleasing information that could, break up his marriage, tarnish his name or his childrens names for generations, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I will be as cruel or more so than these so called conservative moral men have been, and I will delight in their misery.
That is the nature of elections, us against you for the survival of the nation.What are you prepaired to do? How cruel can you be? Unlike you, I’ve spent my whole life here, and I know what it takes to win, a cast iron will and a vicious streak in a fight. Welcome to 2010.
Laura,
Ah more proof you yourself don’t read. I said I MOSTLY ignore what you say. Why would I be completly rude and not acknowledge you? As always you are welcome to misrepresent me. And I encourage you to continue, or at least try.
Consti,
Again, you confuse me with someone who cares. Glad to see you are still on track with that “ignoring” me thing…LOL
Laura,
Exactly what I would expect to hear.
Dough boy,
Aww… we feeling picked on? It’s not like the democrats haven’t spent 8 years attacking and demonizing a Republican President just because he was Republican. Now that you hold the cards you are crying about being misunderstood and picked on? Big man like you? I’m amazed. Like you say, if you can’t take the hit don’t step in the ring. Point is the public is fed up with BOTH sides for doing the same thing. People who talk about “destruction” often find it. How many Dems now are choosing not to run?
JFesta,
While I don’t agree with your stance on conservatives, despite the corner many here have tried to paint me into by default, I do agree with you on the first part of your statement and feel your frustration.
A few exceptions noted, with most of the “conservatives” here, facts mean nothing unless they support their pet theories and then those “facts” can be as biased, non-sensical and false as possible or be a headline that is twisted into some kind of declarative truth even though the rest of the article refutes it. The attack is never on the argument or the facts- it is on the assumed point of view or the person who is making the argument. Anytime a liberal on here makes a valid and reasoned point, ESPECIALLY when backed up by fact, it is either ignored, ridiculed, restated incorrectly for effect, or the justification for personal insult.
The funny thing here is that the people who are most guilty of this are not conservatives- they are anti-Democrat, anti-Obama or anti-liberal/progressive. With their limited thinking, that makes them conservative by default, but that does not make them a conservative. It makes them a reactionary. Unfortunately this does not exist solely on this site, but with far too many people in this country.
True conservatives stand FOR something and are defined by what they stand FOR. I respect that, even if I do not share their point of view or their methodology. These “conservatives” stand FOR nothing and AGAINST everything that can be traced back to Obama, the Dems or liberals. They will go out of their way to argue or create an argument with the merest whiff of justification, even if it is solely invented in their imagination. JFesta, if you said the sky is blue and the earth is round, there are “conservatives” on here who will argue with you about it just to argue. And some will find “proof” that the sky is not blue and the earth is not round…
Don’t worry about them and don’t let them bother you. Laugh and roll your eyes instead…I do. And anyone who chooses to identify themselves in this does so because they know they are guilty. If the shoe fits…
Anyone else- ignore it, it doesn’t apply to you.
Erik,
Every liberal I know has tried civil, has tried facts and guess what, we get belittled and insulted. Out and out facts get dismissed as conjecture, or insulted because of who published them or who cited them. We are dismissed, demeened, insulted, ignored, or spoken to like we’re some pack of confused children. I for one have had enough. My goal is clear. The complete and utter defeat of the American Conservative movement. I won’t be finished until every conservative has been voted out of office and the conservative movements voice in politics reduced to a scream among the masses.
JFesta,
I have proven time and time again that I don’t mind “getting hit”. As a matter of fact, I expect it. But someone can throw punches with data and not resort to condescension and name-calling. I’ll no longer have any part of that nonsense, with anyone. The moment the dialogue makes that turn, I’m done. I’m not speaking from a highhorse since I realize that I have been guilty of this very thing in the past. But I would rather spend that time and energy being constructive (a word whose meaning is surely in the eye of the beholder).
I agree that politics can be very nasty and mean-spirited. But if you notice, hardly anything good happens as a result. When people take on a defensive posture, they no longer hear anyone’s statements but their own. I, like you, want to be heard. Even if it is only audible to those who disagree, at least some dialogue can be started. Whether or not it remains civil is entirely up to the participants.
I’ll tell you the same thing I told No name. You don’t want to get hit, don’t step in the ring. Once you’re in, don’t cry when someone brings the fight. This is politics. If you want something more mild I understand most senior citizens groups have knitting clubs for the old ladies. Maybe you’ll find that more to your liking.
JFesta,
This isn’t Chicago, pal. If I say “with all due respect”, that is what I mean, it isn’t an affront in disguise. Amidst our constant disagreements I have done nothing but shown you respect, even when you haven’t earned it. Just because you have an issue with me, that doesn’t give you the right to flex your muscle. I have bent over backwards to remain civil yet you have resorted to taking the thug path. Knock yourself out. Your phoney patriotism is pathetic.
Erik,
With all due respect, stick it. This is a power grab. This is an attempt to weaken the courts and makt it easier for the government to wiretap, search seize and otherwise subjugate the rights of privacy of American citizens and YOU”RE HELPING. I dont trust congress, anymore than I trust you, no name anyone else on this site or anyone else I dont share blood with. I like being able to seek redress in court when my rights have been violated and this act WILL TAKE AWAY THAT RIGHT!
You would do well to do a little research yourself, the words of William Pitt before the House of Commons.” The poorest man may, in his cottage, bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail, its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of England may not enter; all his force dares not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement.”
That warning went unheeded, and in this country when the rights to privacy of which he spoke were violated, along with others a revolution was begun. Only a fool would think that denying access to the protections of those rights again would lead to a different result.
JFesta,
I never said that the courts were to have no power and/or that the private citizens are not supposed to use them. I said that they have been given undue power – power that Congress is supposed to have instead. I am not introducing a radical concept here, except perhaps from a liberal prism. As a matter of fact, I am not “introducing” anything at all.
I have supplied the link that encompasses the basis for this article. If the readers who actually give a hoot are smart, they will do more research and ignore your rant (with all due respect). As much for your sake as for theirs.
.-= Erik the Red´s last blog ..Obama: Just What the Doctor Ordered – Unless You’re a Doctor =-.
No Name,
You really have no reading comprehension at all do you? The case in question clearly outlines my point. The police NEED probable cause to search PERIOD. It’s an iron clad constitutional right. The government is arguing that because all they are looking at is a person’s location it is not an invasion of privacy. I think that’s BS. But the government will always argue for loser restrictions because loser restrictions make it easier for them to build cases and get convictions. That would be why the government opposed Miranda when it first come out.
The big picture here, and I know it’s tough for you to wrap your head around big ideas, is that if the bill Erik likes passes the 3rd Circuit WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HEAR THIS CASE IN THE FIRST PLACE!
JFester
“I happen to like the idea that they have to have probable cause and a warrant specifying what they can search for and may or may not seize.”
Got news for you sport if they stop you for probable cause OBAMA says it’s ok for them to search your phone then and there WITHOUT a warrant. Apparently “the one” thinks that there is “no reasonable expectation of privacy.” So they don’t REALLY need a warrant to search your laptop or phone when they stop you for probable cause as it is.
I suggest you do a little more research because if you think they can’t search you on the spot for probable cause you are dead wrong.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10451518-38.html
J Byron,
“…shave the candidates name into the fur of your dog and send him to pee in the yard of the liberal next door! If nothing else swing your arms and make wind. TOO many of us have been spectators for too long.”
Absolutely! Especially the part about the dog… now where’s my clippers? >looking around<
That’s right Erik, I’m one of those evil liberals that circumvents the will of the people. I let emotion get in the way of good judgment. In this case I think a little emotion is called for since this bill TAKES THE TEETH OUT OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT!!!
Now, you may have a slightly different view than me, but I happen to like the idea that the police or FBI can’t simply walk into my home and search my computer and my files. I happen to like the idea that they have to have probable cause and a warrant specifying what they can search for and may or may not seize. But, that’s just me. Maybe I’m just way off base about all those kooky rights the framers added to the constitution in the bill of right. I’m sure those were just suggestions and they never intended the the courts to be able to enforce them. After all, if it’s the will of the people that there should be virtually no controls over any police force governing how they may collect evidence why should something like a constitutional amendment get in the way. After all, the police never act improperly, they NEVER search for and seize evidence without a warrant or probably cause, so why should anyone even need to file a case claiming their 4th amendment rights were violated.
People should be emotional about this. They should be screaming about this in the street! You think the Patriot Act is bad? This takes the leash off that big bad attack dog. So if it passes, you want to go to a Tea Party protest, that’s fine, but the FBI can tap your phones without a warrant just to be sure you aren’t plotting anything. Want to go to a John Birch society meeting? You’re all good. But, the police can walk right into your house and check your computer and papers just in case something subversive might be there. Nothing major, I’m sure you’re totally ok with that happening to you and having no way to stop it, or keep anything found from being used against you.
The constitution is a funny thing. The framers knew that the temptation was their for the government to over reach in its powers. That’s why they gave the people the Courts. The last refuge of the people to seek enforcement of their rights and pull back on the power of the government. Take that power away from the courts, we aren’t citizens any more, we’re subjects.
JFesta,
Simply due to the fact that you chose to abandon objectivity and embrace emotionalism over an issue does not mean that I have “lost my mind”. That would be similar to running out of your house and verbalizing accusations toward your newspaper carrier because he is delivering news that you don’t want to hear. Nor does it turn a legitimate bill into a “so called” one.
Next, for those people reading who prefer to rely on factual data instead of scare tactics, they can go to this link:
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_539.html
This is also where you can find JFestas link (was not working when I directly clicked on the one he provided) under “Read the Bill”. I’m sure that your opinions will be based on your perspective, but feel free to indulge yourselves anyway.
It is not surprising that liberals fear this bill since they have historically circumvented the decisions of the people to take their matters to (largely) liberal courts where they can get their way. The H.R. 539 is intended to take the undue power away from the courts and return it to the lawmakers where it was intended.
.-= Erik the Red´s last blog ..Obama: Just What the Doctor Ordered – Unless You’re a Doctor =-.
Erik,
You have really and truly lost your mind on this one. Sec. 3 (1) (B.) of the so called “We The People Act” bars the Supreme Court and all Federal Courts from adjudicating “any claim based upon the rights of privacy, including any such claim related to any issue of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction…” The Supreme Court and all Federal Courts, by the enactment of this bill, would not be allowed to hear any cases relating to the rights to privacy. That means that the people would no longer have the right to challenge in court if they believed that the police or the Federal Government had exceeded a search warrant or had seized evidence without one. Likewise, there would be no way to seek redress under the Constitutions protection from unreasonable search and seizure. In short there would no longer be a way to claim a violation of fourth amendment rights in Federal Court.
This affront to freedom would also bar the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court from hearing cases regarding the First Amendment protection of the free practice of religion. Sec. 3 (1) (A) claim involving the laws, regulations, or policies of any State or unit of local government relating to the free exercise or establishment of religion. You, you who rail against every infringement upon the Constitution would support a bill that would deny people to seek protections under the First and Fourth amendments, and allow every police force at every level and every unit of government to trample on those rights and leave the people no means of redress?
A link to the text of this abomination is posted below. I suggest every lover of freedom and justice read it, and demand that their member of congress insure that it never sees the light of day.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:1:./temp/~c111gTwR0c::
J Byron,
Thank you for expanding my thoughts. Since I try to keep a limit on how many words I use in an article for the sake of easier reading, I often can’t fully say what is on my mind. I try to offset this somewhat by using links to other articles, etc, but it is also a big help when the other bloggers chime in. As long as it is on point, of course.
Erik,
Well thought article, as usual.
Might I add shoe leather to the list of things that will really make a difference. Persuasion of friends and neighbors who are give more attention to American Idol than their rights?
Searching out, researching those who would run for office, especially at the State level, and support them with $20-100 bucks.
Finally, become an active participant. RUN or man phones or knock on doors for those who will.
Make internet sites for them, put a sign in your yard, shave the candidates name into the fur of your dog and send him to pee in the yard of the liberal next door! If nothing else swing your arms and make wind. TOO many of us have been spectators for too long.
Your article is an excellent reminder E=MC2. Action creates an action.
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