Critical Massholes

Recent special election: good or bad for tyranny?

2010-01-22T01:07:00Z

So a reublican got elected in Massachutsets to replace a Dead Kennedy. He's up for reelection in 2012, so it remains to be seen if it was a freak event based on a bad opponent or a greater trend.

Question: is his election good or bad?
He is against health care (although everyone in his state already has it; so its not like he'll lose the votes of his constituents)
But he's pro torture...

This posting was prompted by this article (oh, and the fact that no ones posted in awhile; so all I see on my feed for this site is Aaron telling us we have the right to F off and die...); figured it might stir up some discussion. Key grafs:

it is penny wise and pound foolish to worry about creeping tyranny via government-run health care or gun control when we’re another terrorist attack away from popular support for an archipelago of secret prisons where anyone can be whisked away and tortured without any evidence against them. Look to Europe if you doubt whether government-run health care or black sites run by secret police are a more immediate threat to the liberty of innocents.
Do you think that I exaggerate?
Know that one of the Gitmo Three [prisoners it now looks like were tortured to death one night in 2006] was arrested at age 17, held for some years without being charged, and scheduled for release at the time of his death due to the military’s conclusion that no evidence linked him to al Qaeda or the Taliban. We may never know exactly how he and his fellow detainees died: A conclusive, independent autopsy is impossible because their bodies were returned to their families with their throats missing

You have the right to FOAD

2009-12-08T03:17:00Z

At what point does a man have the right to resist police on his own property? Or more to the point, how does one resist in unlawful order and be protected under the law. Or do we just have to submit to any and all demands by enforcement agents of the state?

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/153801

Flight 297

2009-12-03T21:47:00Z

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/flight297.asp

Here is a first hand account of the transgressions aboard Air Tran Flight 297 this month. Nothing was made of it in the news but there have been literally dozens of these dry run terrorist probings on domestic flights since 9/11. Its a bit sickening how the TSA blows this kind of thing off as misunderstanding and subsequently hushes it all up. I love how faceless bureaucrats are always powerless until they wish to oppress. We've essentially traded a monarchy for an army of millions of bureaucrats who oppress us on a daily basis.

I always feel like somebody's watchin me (or at least asking about me)

2009-12-02T18:45:00Z

As if we didn't already know this was going on, I thought I'd share this article.

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/12/surveillance-shocker-sprint-received-8-million-law

Huffdaddy's Links O' the Day

2009-12-01T18:50:00Z

A History Lesson

2009-12-01T18:40:00Z

Notice I said "A" History lesson...not "An" history or "an -istory" That really bothers me when people forget to pronounce the "H."

Not sure where this came from, but it is pretty precise...

Where were you when wood became a felony?

2009-11-30T15:08:00Z

Here is a prime example why the govt cannot be trusted anymore. Every single new law that comes down the pipe is designed to make us all unknowing felons. The burden of proof lies with the govt to prosecute, but that burden of proof is all but myth these days. The real burden lies on the unsuspecting citizen who may or may not have run afoul of any number of obscure laws in addition to the laws of ALL other countries. I read somewhere not too long ago a blurb from a legal scholar that said on average Americans commit about three felonies every day. It sounds absurd on its face but when viewed in light of our laws (esp. the ambiguous interstate commerce clause) we have all been turned into a nation of criminals.

http://www.classicalvalues.com/archives/2009/10/where_were_you_2.html

More from the "Just-Us" files

2009-11-24T21:29:00Z

Putting on my lawyer hat for a minute, I would like to get your opinion on the following from lay perspective (and a lawyer perspective too - Ryan).

The Deputy did have a trial and was "sentenced"... Not surprisingly the legal blawgosphere is abuzz with astonishment, not just over what happened but also the showdown...

Just thinking if he was on our side of the American just-us system if he would have gotten different treatment? Maybe say, like this guy? Or how about this guy? Or maybe these folks? Nah, I think such treatment he got was more in line with this guy...

Could it be the rise of paramilitary forces in police ranks might be tipping the balance in favor of the cops? Or how about the longstanding treatment of folks on that side of the just-us system? Thoughts? Comments?

Look here for a new free tool to look up case law... Not on par (yet) with Westlaw or Lexis, but hey, it's free... And you already know how to search using the logic as opposed to learning boolean logic to search the paid sites.

Long Hiatus Interrupted

2009-11-24T20:06:00Z

Alright CMH'ers,

I have been extremely remiss in not keeping this blog up to date... That said, I plan on trying to post interesting links daily or every other day as they come up. Don't forget you can post here too, so really I think I blame each of you! HA. Just kidding. Anyway, to get the ball rolling, I am posting some links I have run across over the past couple of months that I thought were interesting. Enjoy and lets start getting some of that critical mass back.

Let's start with the state of the fine economy:

What with all the foreclosures and unemployment at a high (well above the "official" number which is hovering just north of 10%) I am beginning to wonder where in the hell they are going to get the money to pay for all these lofty uber-socialist programs...

Oh, wait, I think I found it...

But I guess it is okay since you don't really own what you think you own.

And what of Uncle Sugar?

We're always harping on those "evil" dictatorial regimes, but what about us? Are we one? If we aren't, are we on the way?

Are we are Pat says "losing [our] nation"? And before you go accusing me of being a racist Pat follower, I actually don't agree with at least half of what he says, but does that stop me from looking critically at what he does say, if he is right? Too often people are blinded by ideology and if they are on Team Red, then everything someone from Team Blue says is automatically wrong, and vice-versa. Open your mind and see what is going on and what people say, and then critically evaluate everything before making up your mind. If we don't then we might just go the way of the Soviet Bear...

So what do we do about it?

A few people are floating ideas. The 10th Amendment states:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Some state legislatures are seizing on their "newly-found" authority that they actually have a little bit of say-so when it comes to FEDGOV ramming things down their throats. I say "newly-found" because they are now trying to enforce what they had all along (at least since the ratification of the Bill of Rights). Additionally, there are efforts to roll back authority on various fronts. And the Tenth Amendment Center is but one of the various organizations working along these lines (they are just an easy one-stop shop of the areas of effort - and I'm too lazy to keep looking for links...).

Additionally, talk of the "S" word is cropping up. I never thought I would see a time in my life when talk of secession would see the light of day outside of kook/conspiracy-theory/Buzz-type websites. And some are not talking political entity secession, but just simply "bowing out" and saying "see ya and good luck with that whole 'Great Society' thing."

Rather than keep harping on bad stuff, I choose to enjoy my life and my family. I am constantly reminded to do so. We only get one spin around (at least in theory - unless you believe in reincarnation) so make the best of it. My significant other has to remind me occasionally not to work my ass off to make money to keep up with the Joneses. I agree. Take a look around and realize there is a lot more to life than acquiring FRNs at the expense of your health and wellness. As a law-dog, I have to constantly remind myself of this and not absorb my clients' drama as my own and work 120 hours a week. Too many law-dogs do this and end up "self-medicating" with stuff to keep them up, and stuff to bring them down again, and then stuff to numb the mind and end up screwing up personally and professionally. Don't do it. Enjoy yourself and learn the rules and exploit them to your advantage. If the Pols change the rules, then as the saying goes, "improvise, adapt, and overcome."

Post Script - Anybody ever heard of this guy?

Salesmanship

2009-11-05T02:32:00Z

For those of you interested in a new home, you may want to talk to this guy.
Or don't.
He doesn't care.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-RLqLx1iYI

Oh, and politics wise, unpopular NJ gov loses and R wins; Virginia's governor mansion now back to R, but Dems win the two house races.
Seems to be a wash.

Call it a feel good exercise

2009-09-11T16:54:00Z

If you have not seen this site check it out.

For the American History Vandals

2009-07-18T00:07:00Z

This goes out to all the cultural vandals that deny the lunar landings. SHUT THE FUCK UP. That's what I do when I'm empirically proved wrong. I shut...the...fuck...up. Of course, they wont. Rumblings of faked photos and whatnot.

http://www.space.com/news/090717-lro-apollo11-images.html

Higher resolution images as the probe descinds to come in the next few weeks. Should be pretty cool.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T16:15:00Z

Well Massholes,

It has been some time since I last posted. I gots da swine flu coach, and had to take a trip for several work projects, but I am back.

Well, Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY (not 4th of July - that is a date, not the actual holiday). As I sit here and write this, I can't help but ponder everything that has transpired over the last year or so. Our liberties are becoming fewer and fewer (some by POTUS fiat, some by direct legislative tyranny, some by overpaid FEDGOV bureaucrats regulatory "power"). As I was driving back from my trip, I was listening to satellite radio (no other radio stations in far west Texas to speak of) and I couldn't help but take note at the tone of the conversations being broadcast. People are becoming fed up with what is going on. And I'm not talking about just "conservatives" or "Republicans" but people who voted for and supported this POTUS are becoming alarmed at the rate and scope at which BHO is reversing his campaign stances on everything from gays in the military, no taxes on the middle class, and his whole "most transparent administration in history" meme. They are also alarmed at the rate in which he is bankrupting the country and devaluing the dollar. Well some of you will disagree with the last two sentences, but the evidence is out there (I just don't care to take the time to link to it - I gotta get the ribs on the grill!).

There is now a growing and sustained push for a new American Independence - from the various state resolutions declaring state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment (10 actively being considered or already passed with a 10 additional states getting ready to introduce them) to outright calls for a new Constitutional Convention to amend the Constitution as it exists. These are just a couple of legislative attempts to fix or at least curtail the FEDGOV's push for the Panopticon. This doesn't even touch the various grassroots efforts - such as the "Tea Parties" being held across the nation today (yes NHB I told you I would put it in). So if you are planning on attending, good for you. If not, then at least celebrate a tea party of your own in your own way. And stop to consider what is going on and how it can be fixed. I don't normally advocate this (simply because I am not sure of the efficacy of it) but call your elected representatives (both federal AND state) and press for the introduction of not another bill to "fix" things, but how about a REPEAL of the various and overburdening laws AND regulations (don't forget about the fiats from POTUS and the bureaucrats) or the introduction (yeah, you gotta introduce SOME bills to fix things) of a State Sovereignty Bill in your state if there is not one already pending (or through your support behind it if there is one pending).

As always, hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Stay informed as to the current state of affairs, guard your precious liberties and remember - the world will turn. Enjoy your liberty and celebrate your INDEPENDENCE from whatever was holding your down.

H-Dizzle

P.S. - here is a little light humor for ya.

For the Arizona Massholes

2009-06-19T22:57:00Z

Some common sense legislation out of Arizona. Hope this passes. Notice that the only people complaining are the cops who won't know who they can bully and who they can't. Seems Sherriff Joe doesn't mind at all. The law won't change a thing on the street. The pigs just won't be able to run your tags and find out if you have a permit.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/19/20090619guns0619.html

Reforming Cops

2009-06-19T20:07:00Z

Radley Balko (he of the Agitator and Reason Magizine) has an extended interview with the Atlantic on the fucked up criminal justice system we have and key points on fixing it.
This link goes to part 5 of the interview, but also contains links to parts 1-4; a good read if you have the time, and for those embracing local involvement, many are suggestions that can be implemented on the local level and/or issues to watch your local police force on.

http://ideas.theatlantic.com/2009/06/interview_with_radley_balko_part_v.php#entry-more

fed v. state

2009-06-16T23:50:00Z

I absolutely love how the new administration is able to talk out of both sides of their mouth. Read each article below.

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S965500.shtml

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9mnrkJu2S7Mly9xuWs4p9_TRkdwD98OO3F00

I don't want to run the American automotive industry...WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE!!!

Huffdaddy's links (weekly edition)

2009-05-14T22:00:00Z

Well, it has be a while, but that is what you get when work comes in waves! So here are my links over the past couple of weeks. Happy debating:

Continuing on with the theme of the economy as the Titanic and the doom that befell that "unsinkable" ship... (ironically the "unsinkable label was branded AFTER it sank (no citation because it's in the story)).

Just remember if we trample on your freedoms, it's for the children...

More on the various states with pending 10th Amendment resolutions....

Even though Social Insecurity isn't going to be around much longer (no citation because I am lazy and you can google the relevant economic predictions from the OMB and the FEDGOV on the projections), here is an interesting look at the beginnings of Social Insecurity (and remember - the number will never be used for identification purposes, er, wait a minute...)

So it should be a great time to be learning how TARP was foisted on the elite bankers (since we all know how it was "sold" to the American sheeple). NY AG is probing to find out what is going on....

Finally, a not so simple explanation of why Keynesians in general and Obamanomics in particular is wrong according to the author.

More to come later...

A Positive Sign (words only, though)

2009-05-14T15:41:00Z

So here is some decent statements from a new fed enforcer (from WSJ).

The Obama administration’s new drug czar says he wants to banish the idea that the U.S. is fighting “a war on drugs,” a move that would underscore a shift favoring treatment over incarceration in trying to reduce illicit drug use.

In his first interview since being confirmed to head the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske said Wednesday the bellicose analogy was a barrier to dealing with the nation’s drug issues.

“Regardless of how you try to explain to people it’s a ‘war on drugs’ or a ‘war on a product,’ people see a war as a war on them,” he said. “We’re not at war with people in this country.”

Of course, if they just change the words and keep doing the same thing, its meaningless. In other areas of the news, everything still sucks.

The Fearmongers

2009-05-06T18:18:00Z

Here's a good link on the alarmist tendencies of some factions in the foreign policy establishment:
The Threat Mongers Handbook
I refer to the threatmongers as the bedwetters, becuase they are always seem to be running around and pissing themselves over any minor thing. It also highly correlates to a willingess to scrap all civil liberties in response to any slight theoretical increase in security (even if there is no actual increase). They typically support torture and other practices unworthy of a free and proud people.

I'm sure there are some domestic versions of this around; my favorites are on the subject of "security theater"
which is government doing a bunch of stuff that doesn't actually do a damn thing to make people safer or more secure, but it is doing "something" and is visible, so they can point to there efforts and say "look how hard we're working to make you safe!" And typically, the BS secuirty measures never go away.
Here are some good links from the same author of the main article:

http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/10/goldberg_and_wallraff.php

http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/01/security_theater_now_in_improv.php

thoughts, examples, disagreements, snark?

and a comin'

2009-05-03T21:09:00Z

ive said for a while now that the drug conflicts on the border would be used to push through more gun control. this is really starting to piss me off.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/05/01/ldt.tucker.gun.rights.cnn?iref=24hours