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YESTERDAY, THE DEMOCRATS AND THEIR DEEP STATE DECLARED WAR ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

POLITICAL-risk-meter

No, this is not hyperbolic clickbait but an acknowledgment of a self-evident truth.

Since 2009 and the inauguration of President Barack Obama, a trained communist organizer, the Democrat Party, deeply infiltrated by like-minded radical communists, has sought to gain perpetual control of the levers of power and subvert America from within. With active compliance of thoroughly corrupt media, scandals that would shock the conscience of ordinary American citizens have been minimized or covered up – many involving criminal and unconstitutional actions.

But yesterday, all was revealed with the announcement that an unprecedented sealed warrant for the indictment and arrest of an active political candidate for the Presidency on the most specious of grounds was issued by a hyperpartisan Democrat actor, an operative defined more by his race, radical black Marxist ideology, and funding by the un-American George Soros rather than his integrity or knowledge of the law.

Donald Trump Is Indicted in New York

Mr. Trump will be the first former president to face criminal charges. The precise charges are not yet known, but the case is focused on a hush-money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign.

Donald J. Trump was indicted in Manhattan on Thursday for his role in paying hush money to a porn star, according to five people with knowledge of the matter, a historic development that will shake up the 2024 presidential race and forever mark him as the nation’s first former president to face criminal charges.

On Thursday evening, after news of the charges had been widely reported, the district attorney’s office confirmed that Mr. Trump had been indicted and that prosecutors had contacted Mr. Trump’s attorney to coordinate his surrender. Mr. Trump is expected to turn himself in and be arraigned on Tuesday, according to one of his lawyers, Susan R. Necheles, at which point the specific charges will be unsealed.

Mr. Trump faces more than two dozen counts, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Mr. Trump had for decades avoided criminal charges despite persistent scrutiny and repeated investigations, creating an aura of legal invincibility that the indictment threatens to puncture.

His actions surrounding his 2020 electoral defeat are now the focus of a separate federal investigation, and a Georgia prosecutor is in the final stages of an investigation into Mr. Trump’s attempts to reverse the election results in that state.

But unlike the investigations that arose from his time in the White House, this case is built around a tawdry episode that predates Mr. Trump’s presidency. The reality star turned presidential candidate who shocked the political establishment by winning the White House now faces a reckoning for a hush money payment that buried a sex scandal in the final days of the 2016 campaign. <Source>

The color revolution in America is well underway

What is a “color revolution” and what are its defining characteristics?

A color revolution is a term used to describe a mostly non-violent political movement aimed at overthrowing an existing government, usually through a series of peaceful protests and civil disobedience campaigns. The term "color" refers to the use of symbolic colors, such as the orange used in Ukraine's Orange Revolution, the rose used in Georgia's Rose Revolution, or the green used in Iran's Green Movement, as a means of identification and rallying cry for the movement.

Color revolutions typically involve a coalition of opposition groups, civil society organizations, and other activists who come together to demand greater political freedoms, democratic reforms, and economic opportunities. They often rely on social media and other digital communication technologies to organize and mobilize large numbers of people quickly and efficiently.

While color revolutions are generally non-violent, they can be controversial, and their legitimacy is often challenged by those who oppose them. Some critics argue that they are instigated and supported by foreign governments and external forces as a means of achieving their own political and strategic goals. Nonetheless, color revolutions have played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of many countries around the world – and now they have arrived, courtesy of a communist-infiltrated Democrat Party and their embedded deep state operatives, on America’s shores.

Response to a color revolution can feed upon itself.

As we have said previously, a color revolution is a term used to describe a non-violent revolution that typically involves mass protests and civil disobedience aimed at changing the political system of a country. While such movements may have legitimate grievances and goals, they can also be manipulated by external actors or groups with hidden agendas, which can pose a threat to the stability and sovereignty of a country.

To prevent or mitigate the risk of a color revolution, governments and other stakeholders may implement a range of safeguards and measures, including:

  • Strengthening democratic institutions: This includes ensuring free and fair elections, protecting civil liberties, and promoting transparency and accountability in government.

  • Building strong and inclusive civil society: This involves encouraging the participation of all sectors of society in decision-making processes, promoting freedom of the press, and supporting the development of independent media and NGOs.

  • Addressing socio-economic grievances: This includes creating jobs, providing social services to citizens, and addressing legitimate inequalities and injustices that may fuel unrest.

  • Strengthening security measures: This involves ensuring law and order, protecting critical infrastructure, and addressing potential threats to national security.

  • Countering foreign interference: This includes monitoring and responding to external actors that seek to influence domestic politics or destabilize the country.

It is important to note that these measures should be implemented in a way that respects human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles. Heavy-handed or repressive tactics can exacerbate tensions and fuel unrest, potentially leading to further instability and violence.

Measure the actions of the Democrat Party.

As we can clearly see, The risk of a color revolution in the United States is influenced by factors such as economic inequality, social injustice, corruption, and foreign interference.

So let us measure the current actions of the Obama/Biden Administration against a simple list. And yes, it is genuinely the Obama/Biden Administration, given that President Biden is mentally disabled and being fed talking points by his handlers, with a weak, incompetent cabinet, and most of the power positions filled by Obama's radical acolytes, many who still hold Hillary Clinton in high regard.

  • Item: widespread economic hardship and highly publicized income inequality that leads to frustration and unrest, which could be exploited by external actors seeking to manipulate the situation for their own interests.

    Undoubtedly, the Obama/Biden Administration took a recovering economy and destroyed it by targeting fossil fuels, the lifeblood of our economy and a significant driver of inflation. Added to profligate spending by the Administration, the economy was doomed to hard times. Highlighting corporate executives' salaries, perks, and privileges in the media further exacerbated frustration and distrust of the system.

  • Item:  Social injustice, such as racism or discrimination, could also spark protests and civil disobedience that could escalate into a more significant movement for political change.

    Likewise, there is no doubt that the Obama/Biden Administration took a healing, mostly neutral racial environment and radically racialized it with Critical Race Theory that divides individuals into oppressors and victims based on their skin color. Exploiting almost routine police actions involving felons resisting arrest and racializing them to the point of widespread riots, looting, arson, murder, and mayhem, which was given media cover as "mostly peaceful protests."

  • Item: Inequality under the law demonstrated by the non-prosecution of Hillary Clinton, Hunter Biden, and others who were clearly guilty of criminal behavior.

    Look around; there is no doubt that the Obama/Biden Administration not only gave legal passes to Democrats but also to those who committed crimes that furthered the progressive communist democrat agenda, like the failure to prosecute criminals who engaged in widespread riots, looting, arson, murder, and mayhem during so-called "social justice protests."

    Look around, and witness that the Obama/Biden Administration has granted super-citizen privileges to those who entered the United States illegally by crossing our borders or overstaying their visas.

  • Item: Political polarization and divisions within the U.S. could create conditions ripe for a color revolution. When people feel that their voices are not being heard or the political system is not addressing their concerns, they may be more likely to turn to protest and civil disobedience to effect change. This is particularly true when political divisions become entrenched, and the possibility of compromise or collaboration between the political parties seems remote.

    Polarized politics was demonstrated by the demonization, persecution, and prosecution of Donald J. Trump even before he formally announced his candidacy for the Presidency. Few men have been subject to this onslaught of government and media pressure and have remained standing.

  • Item: External actors seek to influence domestic politics in the U.S. for various reasons, including geopolitical rivalries or economic interests. These actors are trying to sow discord and instability to undermine the U.S. or achieve their own strategic objectives.

    China, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, and North Korea are all trying to capitalize on a hyper-politicized and severely weakened United States. There should be no doubt that they are buying up our assets, using American intermediaries to purchase political influence, seeding their operatives in our population, and joining with the progressive communist democrats to further weaken the United States from within.

We are not different…

As much as "We the People" would like to believe our exceptional nation is immune from the political influence and pressures facing other "lesser" nations, the truth is quite different. The United States, like any other country, is not immune to the risk of a color revolution. Factors that could make the U.S. susceptible to such a movement could include social, economic, or political grievances, polarization, and division, as well as external actors seeking to influence domestic politics.

And the GOP is not a safeguard…

Undoubtedly, the progressive communist democrats have compromised much of the legacy media and social media infrastructure. So, let us start with the premise that there are no Republicans in the Democrat Party, but there are Democrats in the Republican Party.

Known more colloquially as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), these aisle-hoppers often negate what little majority we may hold to jump the aisle to provide support and a winning majority for the advancement of the progressive communist democrat agenda. Names like Senators like Roy Blunt (Missouri); John Boozman (Arkansas); Shelley Capito (West Virginia); Susan Collins (Maine); John Cornyn (Texas); Tom Cotton (Arkansas); Lindsey Graham (South Carolina); Jim Inhofe (Oklahoma); Jerry Moran (Kansas); Lisa Murkowski (Alaska); Rob Portman (Ohio); Mitt Romney (Utah); Mike Rounds (South Dakota); Richard Shelby (Alabama); John Thune (South Dakota); Roger Wicker (Mississippi); and Todd Young (Indiana) come readily to mind. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (Kentucky) appears to be deeply compromised.

Bottom line…

There is no doubt that the radical progressive communist democrats have chosen this period of peak U.S. weakness to attack the system from within.

The Democrats have crossed the Rubicon, irrevocably demonstrating the party's support for tyranny and authoritarianism. Where corrupt and highly partisan prosecutors are willing to openly attack a former president and upcoming presidential candidate over virtually a bogus charge beyond the statute of limitations.

By now, it should be recognized that the Democrat Party, historically the party of slavery, secession, and segregation, is now the party of un-American totalitarianism. The rule of law is dying before our very eyes.

And those useful idiots who are applauding and celebrating the day are also celebrating the loss of their freedoms as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

We are so screwed as we are faced with a clear and present danger to our democracy.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TENNESSEE SHOOTING?

I am pissed when the legacy media tries to side-step the murder of three innocent nine-year-old children into an assault on the LGBTQ+ community.

Are-you-responsible

It is unconscionable that the media refuses to characterize the Tennessee school shooting as a religious hate crime perpetrated by a mentally deranged individual.

Those that claim they are unsure of the shooter’s motive, ignoring the shooter’s manifesto and her home environment, are deluding themselves or lying to you.

Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, refused to let Hale - who had recently adopted the name Aiden and used he/him pronouns - dress as a man in their home.

The loner would instead wait until she left their $700,000 Nashville property to change outfits, according to a well-placed source.

'You only see what you want to see. Their religion does not allow them to accept homosexuality,' the source told DailyMail.com.

'She was Audrey at home but when she left the house she changed clothes. They did know about it, they just didn't accept it.' <Source>

To do so would acknowledge the connection between gender dysphoria, transgenderism, and mental illness as if believing you can imagine yourself to be another biological sex by proclamation.

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 appears to suggest that gender dysphoria is a mental disorder that may have more significant psychiatric co-morbidities, it may be unfair to lump transgenderism into a generalized category without the consideration of co-morbidities such as clinical depression.

To do so would remove the victimhood status from the mass murderer and acknowledge that the only victims in the shooting were those children and adults killed in what should be appropriately characterized as a hate crime.

'Hate has consequences': Trans support group blames GOP 'anti-trans legislation' for Tennessee school shooting, calls Audrey Hale's death a 'TRAGEDY' and demands media call shooter 'he/him'

The Trans Resistance Network, a fringe group with 3,300 followers, who view their private Twitter account, issued a statement after the Nashville shooting
Audrey Hale, 28, was identified by police as transgender: on some social media she referred to herself as 'Aiden', but police and her family use her birth name
The Network said Hale acted because 'he felt he had no other way to be seen', noting an 'avalanche' of anti-trans policies, adding: 'Hate has consequences'

They said there were two tragedies - the murder of the three nine-year-olds and three staff members, and the death of Hale.

'The second and more complex tragedy is that Aiden or Audrey Hale, who felt [she] had no other effective way to be seen than to lash out by taking the life of others, and by consequence, [herself],' they continued. <Source>

To do so would point out that the so-called gun registration and red flags laws are a failure as they would not have prevented this horrific tragedy, especially since the person was clearly under psychiatric care and could still legally purchase weapons.

Nashville shooter, who was 'under doctor's care for emotional disorder,' used 3 guns, police say

New details have emerged from Monday’s shooting in Nashville that left three children and three adults dead when an assailant targeted a Christian school, making it the latest American community to be rocked by the despair and trauma of gun violence. Police are searching for a motive.

The parents said the shooter, whom authorities identified as 28-year-old former student Audrey Hale, was “under doctor’s care for emotional disorder,” Drake said. “Law enforcement knew nothing about the treatment [the shooter] was receiving, but the parents felt [the shooter] should not own weapons.”

Drake said the assailant’s parents believed that the shooter had sold their only weapon and were unaware other weapons were hidden within the home. <Source>

Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale's mother, Norma Hale, appeared to be a gun control activist from her social media posts.

Norma also uploaded several posts about gun violence and how guns should be kept away from schools. She had even shared a petition for the same cause. <Source>

[OCS: Yet the parents, who were aware of Audrey’s mental issues, did not report the first gun purchase to the authorities.]

To do so would negate the false narrative that society has driven the miscreant to commit this heinous act, and, therefore, the system is partially to blame for this tragedy.

The progressive communist democrats refuse to promote individualism and posit that the collective accepts that it is the broader society that so profoundly influences your actions that you can be partially or fully absolved from the consequences of your actions.

If you believe the media, yes, you, the average heterosexual cis-gendered white male, are complicit in the wanton slaughter of children, as is all of America that does not accept the progressive sexual agenda. If only you and others were more accepting of the progressive communist democrat narrative of transgenderism, all would have been well.

Humanizing Mass Killers to Vindicate Progressivism

The Left’s impulse to reduce disturbed attackers to categories and force them awkwardly into a preexisting ideological framework insults their victims.

Commentary around Monday’s horrific mass shooting at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tenn., followed a familiar trajectory right until the perpetrator was revealed to be a biological woman who identified as a man. This priors-scrambling detail sent media outlets off on the frenzied pursuit of something that would justify the preconception that those who assume a trans identity are never victimizers, only victims.

First, there was the mad dash to indict Nashville police for failing to use the pronouns preferred by the person who shot and killed three teachers and three nine-year-old students. That was followed by an attempt from media outlets and politicians to allege — the lack of substantive evidence to back them up notwithstanding — that the shooter had been incited in some way by local legislation restricting “adult cabaret performances” in the presence of children and the provision of hormone-blocking therapies to minors. The application of a moment’s reasoning to the suggestion that any of this explains, much less justifies, the murder of children must have proven unsatisfying, because the press soon moved on to crafting a narrative of victimization for the deceased killer.

The humiliation and rejection that serve as the shooter’s supposed origin story stretch back into early childhood. “Twenty years later, after being rejected by her Christian family when she came out to them as gay,” the Daily Mail’s report on the shooter’s psychological trauma concluded, the shooter “had turned into a killer.” The tragedy of mass murder is, in fact, “not one tragedy but two,” according to a statement release by the Trans Resistance Network. The killer “felt he had no other effective way to be seen other than to lash out by taking the life of others.” <Source>

Transgender Shooter Reveals Perverse World of Leftist Ideology

The legacy media have a preset narrative machine when it comes to mass shootings. That narrative machine takes into account the identities of the shooter and the victims, and then churns out an explanation for the shooting. White shooter, black victims: systemic racism. Black shooter, white victims: alienation caused by systemic racism. Muslim shooter, gay victims: Christian homophobia.

On Monday, a self-identified 28-year-old trans man shot up a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three adults. The shooter left a manifesto, which police said reeked of “resentment.” And so this week, we are learning what pops up in the narrative machine when the inputs are “trans man” and “Christian schoolchildren.”

And here’s what pops up: America is systemically cruel to trans people, who apparently cannot be blamed for losing control and targeting small children at Christian schools. A hate crime by a trans-identifying person against a religious group is immediately transmuted into a generalized societal crime against the mass shooter herself. <Source>

NBC News Highlights the True Victims of the Nashville Shooting...And It's Not the Victims

Is NBC News kidding with this piece about the trans community post-Nashville? They think the real victims of the shooting at the Covenant School, a private Christian academy, is the LGBT community, and how they’re now gripped with fear because one of their own decided to murder some kids. Audrey Hale was the perpetrator of this heinous attack, which left six people dead, including three schoolchildren. The attack was intentional. Hale had maps and scouted other locations to commit this act of violence; she picked Covenant because the security situation was laxer. Hale was identified as transgender, went by male pronouns, and was killed when confronted by police.

The families of six people are shattered, but the real victims are the trans folks. Is that the line NBC is taking here? <Source>

Let us not forget the idiocy of our elite political class…

DHS Secretary Mayorkas says ‘assault weapons’ should be banned but can’t define the term

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been testifying before a Senate committee where he offered his support for an “assault weapons ban.” That term is in quotes because apparently it’s hard to define, as Sen. John Kennedy (who also startled the living daylights out of Mayorkas at the hearing), found out:

SEN. KENNEDY: “Tell me your definition once more of an Assault Weapon.”

SEC. MAYORKAS: “I am not an expert with respect to the assault ban…”

SEN. KENNEDY: “You are the Secretary of Homeland Security…”

SEC. MAYORKAS: “I defer to the experts.”

Bottom line…

Observe how the media refuses to report the news without the progressive communist democrat narrative and remember, this is why they can’t be trusted as the arbiters of truth.

That the progressive communist democrats and their media propagandists demand you accept the lie that biological sex can be transmuted at will is to mock reality and delve into the realm of idiocy and political ideology.

If one accepts the reality that individuals are responsible for their own actions, the entire progressive communist democrat narrative of class victimizers and victims dissolves before your very eyes.

When you blame everybody, you blame nobody!

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ANOTHER HORRIFIC SHOOTING, ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO DISARM LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS AND MAKE THEM INTO POTENTIAL VICTIMS PLEADING FOR AN AUTHORITARIAN STATE


FlaggunOnce again, we find a deranged, disaffected, dysfunctional individual committing a horrific act against children – an act of pure evil that transcends sex, gender, political ideology, and cultural adaptation, all of which may have influenced their actions but are almost irrelevant to the discussion.

  1. You cannot control the egregious actions of criminals, crazies, or terrorists. One, they will use any method to perpetrate their dastardly deeds. Two, they neither respect nor follow the law. And three, miscreants will always find ways to obtain or manufacture weapons, whether legal or not.

  2. You have a God-Given right to personal self-defense and the defense of your immediate family or those immediately imperiled.

  3. The operative rationale is that you must have a genuine, cognizable, clearly defensible good-faith belief and fear that your life or that of another individual is in mortal danger, and the risk of not acting has a significant probability of creating a fatality. Your rights do not generally extend to the protection of property or intangibles unless you are directly threatened in an attack.

  4. It is absurd, nonsensical, and immoral to strip law-abiding citizens of their God-given and Constitutionally-affirmed right to own and bear arms.

  5. Gun control is not the equivalent of crime control, and there have been and will continue to be, deranged individuals who impulsively or premeditatively desire to kill or harm others.

  6. Political types have promoted gun control as a public health issue divorced from their power politics. Protecting and perpetuating the power of the ruling class, and, secondarily, forcing the citizenry to rely on the government for their general protection is their true objective.

  7. The acid test: Exactly what law could we pass that would have stopped the tragedy in Nashville and elsewhere? Murder is illegal. Most states have stringent gun control rules that don't work, especially in progressive communist democrat-governed inner cities. Even the death penalty is not a deterrent. So I ask you, what law would be effective?

Even the Department of Justice knows the truth…

Nij-hdr

Target audience: Congressional representatives and staff; State and local legislators; Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; criminal justice practitioners and researchers; advocacy groups; State and local government officials.

Key findings: The authors, using a variety of national and local data sources, examined market trends— prices, production, and thefts—for the banned weapons and close substitutes before estimating potential ban effects and their consequences.

Key issues: Although the weapons banned by this legislation were used only rarely in gun crimes before the ban, supporters felt that these weapons posed a threat to public safety because they are capable of firing many shots rapidly. They argued that these characteristics enhance offenders’ ability to kill and wound more persons and to inflict multiple wounds on each victim so that a decrease in their use would reduce the fatality rate of gun attacks.

  • The ban has failed to reduce the average number of victims per gun murder incident or multiple gunshot wound victims.

Consequences of assault weapons use

A central argument for special regulation of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines is that they facilitate the rapid firing of high numbers of shots, which allows offenders to inflict more wounds on more persons in a short period of time, thereby increasing the expected number of injuries and deaths per criminal use.

The study examined trends in the following consequences of gun use: gun murders, victims per gun homicide incident, wounds per gunshot victim, and, to a lesser extent, gun murders of police.

There were several reasons to expect, at best, a modest ban effect on criminal gun injuries and deaths.

First, studies before the ban generally found that between less than 1 and 8 percent of gun crimes involved assault weapons, depending on the specific definition and data source used. Although limited evidence suggests that semiautomatics equipped with large-capacity magazines are used in 20 to 25 percent of these gun crimes, it is not clear how often large-capacity magazines actually turn a gun attack into a gun murder.

Second, offenders could replace the banned guns with legal substitutes or other unbanned semiautomatic weapons to commit their crimes.

[OCS: This is the crux of the phony research that claims certain laws are effective. The truth is that the miscreants no longer use banned guns in column A and switch to permitted guns in column B. This is not a victory for those promoting laws featuring column A -- dead is dead, no matter what weapon was used!

Yes, people agree that "something needs to be done," but they never agree on what that something might be.] 

Third, the schedule for this study set out in the legislation limited the power of the statistical analyses to detect worthwhile ban effects that may have occurred. Given the limited use of the banned guns and magazines in gun crimes, even the maximum theoretically achievable preventive effect of the ban on outcomes such as the gun murder rate is almost certainly too small to detect statistically because the congressionally mandated timeframe for the study effectively limited post-ban data collection to, at most, 24 months (and only 1 calendar year for annual data series). <Source>

Bottom line…

You cannot trust a corrupt government whose primary goal is to seize and maintain perpetual power. Ignore the progressive communist democrat narrative storytelling that accompanies all mass shootings -- ignoring inconvenient facts as they fashion their tale of victimhood.

Ask yourself why government buildings need to be protected but schools, for the most part, remain wide open. Doesn't the local government own most of them?

The police do not have a legal duty to protect any person not in their immediate custody and under restraint or arrest. Thus, they cannot be everywhere they are needed when required, and you are at the mercy of criminals, crazies, and terrorists.

The unavoidable truth is that mental health is the root cause of gun violence, not the availability of firearms. More attention should be given to identifying and treating mental health issues to prevent mass shootings and other gun-related crimes. This includes the desensitization effects of video games and the lack of empathy that comes from replacing human contact with electronic devices.

It is also a fact that the progressive communist democrats refuse to recognize gender dysphoria, where a person experiences a disconnect between their gender identity and their biological sex causing significant distress and discomfort, as a mental illness because their victimhood is part of a narrative to advance their revolutionary agenda.

In the final analysis, shit happens, and those not prepared to defend their life are at the mercy of another – in which case, you are screwed.

-- Steve

NRA-BENEFACTOR-1

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ANOTHER FIRST-WORLD PROBLEM: BATTERY ANXIETY

PHONE-ANXIETY
In today’s world, electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and smartwatches, we are surrounded by these devices. They have made our lives easier and more convenient in many ways. However, we have become so dependent on these devices that we are just one charge away from disaster.

We rely heavily on our electronic devices to stay connected with others, stay informed, and stay productive. Whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or another device, we use these tools to manage our schedules, communicate with others, and access important information. However, when our devices run out of battery, it can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. The truth is that many of us cannot imagine life without our electronic devices. And when the battery dies, and there is no way to recharge it, it can be a nightmare, especially if you are on the go or in an emergency situation.

The fear of uncharged electronic devices, sometimes referred to as low-battery anxiety or battery anxiety, is a natural phenomenon that affects many people. The feeling of unease or panic arises when our electronic devices are low on battery or about to run out of charge. This can lead to various negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, frustration, and even anger.

The reasons behind this anxiety are complex. On the one hand, we rely so heavily on our electronic devices that we feel lost or disconnected when they’re unavailable. On the other hand, we’re also conditioned to expect instant gratification and immediate access to information, so the thought of being without our devices can be overwhelming.

The good news is that there are ways to manage low-battery anxiety and reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with uncharged electronic devices. Here are a few tips:

  1. Plan ahead: To avoid the stress of uncharged electronic devices, plan ahead and make sure you have chargers and backup batteries available. This will ensure that you’re never caught off-guard when your device runs out of battery. My iPhone is equipped with a battery case giving me the equivalent of a second battery. I have a portable power brick in my attache case and one in my travel bag for larger devices such as my laptop.

  2. Limit your use: One of the best ways to manage low-battery anxiety is to limit your use of electronic devices. Take regular breaks from your devices, and avoid using them right before bed or when you’re feeling particularly stressed. It also helps to limit program use in the background and to remove apps no longer needed. 

  3. Practice mindfulness and embrace the moment: When you start to feel anxious or stressed about your devices, take a few deep breaths and practice mindfulness. Focus on the present moment and try to let go of your worries about the future. Instead of constantly checking your electronic devices, embrace the moment and enjoy the present. Look around, take in your surroundings, and engage with the people around you.

  4. Stay connected: While limiting your use of electronic devices is important, staying connected with others is also essential. Make time for face-to-face conversations, phone calls, or other forms of communication that don’t rely on electronic devices.

Bottom line…

The stress and anxiety of uncharged electronic devices is a natural phenomenon affecting many people, young and old -- and is just another thing to be managed before it manages you.

By planning ahead, limiting your use of electronic devices, practicing mindfulness, embracing the moment, and staying connected with others, you can reduce the negative emotions associated with low-battery anxiety and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Remember, while electronic devices can be valuable tools, they do not substitute for real-world experiences and personal connections.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

P.S. Few people realize that I authored a book titled “STOP PANIC ATTACKS: How to manage job-related panic, anxiety and stress” for my colleagues in a pressure-filled technology environment.

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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DEMOCRATS WANT TO DESTROY PARENTS, EDUCATION, AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE

HR-5-HDR

There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Democrat Party is a human construct and not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, it should be possible for “We the People” to file a class action lawsuit against the Democrat Party alleging that the policies of Democrats are harming the health, well-being, and education of children in favor of advantaging education-related public employee unions.

I can not, for the life of me, understand why any politician, be they Democrat, Republican, or Independent, would vote in lock-step against preserving and protecting the God-given rights of parents to protect their children from unnecessary harmful activities that advance a non-traditional political agenda.

The basics…

FACT SHEET
Parents Bill of Rights Act

Parents have a God-given right to make decisions for their children. Unfortunately, many school districts have been ignoring the wishes of parents while special interest groups try to criminalize free speech. This list of rights will make clear to parents what their rights are and clear to schools what their duties to parents are.

1) Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught:

  • School districts must post curriculum information publicly.
  • States must provide the public with a copy of any revisions to the state’s academic standards or learning benchmarks.
  • Parents must be given timely notice of any school’s plan to eliminate gifted and talented programs.
  • Schools must provide parents with a list of books and reading materials available in the school library.

2) Parents have the right to be heard:

  • Teachers must offer two in-person meetings with parents each year.
  • Parents must be allowed to address the school board on issues impacting the education of children in the school district.
  • Educators and policymakers must respect the First Amendment right of parents as well as their right to assemble and have a say in their child’s education.
  • School districts should consider community feedback when making decisions.

3) Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending:

  • There must be public disclosure of school district budgets and each school’s budget, including revenues and expenditures.

4) Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy:

  • Schools must not share student data with tech companies without parental permission.
  • Schools must not sell student data for commercial purposes.
  • Parents have a say when schools develop or update their student privacy policies and procedures.
  • Parents must consent before any medical exam takes place at school, including mental health or substance use disorder screenings, and before students are surveyed.

5) Parents have the right to keep their children safe:

  • Schools must notify parents of violent activity occurring on school grounds or at school-sponsored events while still protecting the privacy of the students involved in the incident.

<Source>

I would add…

6) Parents have the right to demand competent teachers who are periodically reviewed and tested for teaching competency and subject-matter knowledge.

7) Parents have the right to demand the replacement of teachers in any class that significantly underperforms state averages.

8) Parents have the right to visit classrooms in session in a non-disruptive manner or electronically access the classroom at will during class sessions.

9) Parents have the right to volunteer for non-teaching activities without union interference.

10) Parents have the right to shift any local, state, or federal funds to a school of their choice using a voucher program.

11) Parents have the right to demand education-level appropriate position requirements that eliminates the expense of using master’s-level teachers for elementary school instruction.

Unconscionable…

I find it unconscionable that the Democrat Party, as a kickback favor to the teachers’ unions would vote unanimously to defeat the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

Vote-5

On March 24, 2023, House Resolution H.R. 5 (Parents Bill of Rights Actas passed by a recorded vote: 213 - 208 (Roll no. 161) with 14 not voting.

Even though the House passed the Parents Bill of Rights Act, it has little chance in the Democratic-held Senate, where it would need 60 votes to pass. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer promised it faced a “dead end” in the Senate.  

Bottom line…

There is no doubt that parents want schools focused on reading, writing, math, history, and life skills -- not woke politics that create student activists for the Democrat Party.

It is time that voters end the “politics over parents” nonsense that posits that educational “experts” should have absolute control over children during school hours, and beyond if possible.

We are so screwed when we continue to turn out another year of functional illiterates while unions whine about teacher pay and benefits packages. It is time to link pay and performance and remove the unions from the educational process. One would think that the civil rights leaders would be screaming and marching over the disparate education provided to minorities – but they are Democrats first.

Something to think about when you vote.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY

Enough! Enough talk, time to take a walk.

Dugiedog-3

-1897 045 A012


-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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IS BIDEN'S FOREIGN POLICY DRIVEN BY COWARDICE, INCOMPETENCE, OR HATRED FOR AMERICA?

WBN

Since former President Jimmy Carter helped to create the 1979 Iranian Islamo-fascist regime when he refused to support Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi over Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Democrat's posture regarding Iran has been one of ambivalent appeasement. 

Made infinitely worse by former President Barack Hussein Obama and his favoritism for Iran over the United States, as evidenced by his policy of providing a legitimate path for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons with an outrageously fatal flaw of ignoring real inspections and allowing the simultaneous development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other advanced weaponry.

Re-capitalizing Iran's faltering economy allowed the continuance of the regime and state-sponsored terrorism in the face of widespread dissatisfaction among the population. Again, the United States provided tacit support for the regime by refusing to acknowledge the popular uprising with covert assistance and official words of encouragement.

It does not seem to matter to the progressive communist democrats that Iran is a brutal authoritarian regime with little or no regard for human rights. Even worse, they are the proximate cause of the death and dismemberment of U.S. servicemembers with Iranian-designed and manufactured IEDs.

The Democrats are at it again…

It appears that the Obama/Biden Administration continues to "lead from behind," with much of the top leadership held over from the Obama Administration.

Tensions with Iran by Killing Soleimani

Former Vice President Joe Biden expressed concern Thursday night that President Trump’s decision to kill Iranian general Qassim Soleimani was made recklessly and without regard to the possible forms of Iranian retaliation.

“The Administration’s statement says that its goal is to deter future attack by Iran, but this action almost certainly will have the opposite effect,” Biden said in a lengthy statement on Twitter. “President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox.” Biden conceded that Soleimani deserved to die for the death and destruction he’s wrought as commander of the elite Quds Force, but voiced fears that the “administration has not demonstrated at any turn the discipline or long-term vision necessary — and the stakes could not be higher.”<Source>

Biden Admin Greenlights Sanctions Waiver That Allows Iraq To Pay Iran Millions for Electricity

Waiver signed day after administration officials denied Iran's claim that Tehran was set to receive $500 million thanks to waiver

The Biden administration last week greenlit a sanctions waiver that will allow Iraq to make cash payments for electricity to Iran, whose cash-strapped regime says it is set to receive a $500 million payment from Iraq thanks to the waiver.

A non-public sanctions waiver issued by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and transmitted to Congress earlier this week authorizes Iraq to pay Iran for multimillion-dollar electricity debts, according to a copy of the notice obtained on Wednesday by the Washington Free Beacon. The waiver was issued a day after Biden administration officials denied Iran's claims that the United States had paved the way for Tehran to receive the $500 million, which was first reported by the Free Beacon.

The latest sanctions waiver, however, permits "the Trade Bank of Iraq to engage in financial transactions … with the Central Bank of Iran in connection with the purchase of electricity." <Source>

Tepid non-response to Iranian interference in Syria…

U.S. Carries Out Airstrikes in Syria after Iranian Drone Kills U.S. Contractor, Wounds Five Service Members

The U.S. military conducted several airstrikes in Syria on Thursday against Iran-aligned groups hours after an Iranian drone attack killed a U.S. contractor and injured five service members, the Pentagon said.

President Biden directed the U.S. military to carry out retaliatory strikes against facilities affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after the Iranian attack on a coalition base housing American personnel near Hasakah on Thursday night, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.

“The airstrikes were conducted in response to today’s attack as well as a series of recent attacks against Coalition forces in Syria by groups affiliated with the IRGC [Iran’s Revolutionary Guard ],” he added.

The Pentagon said the U.S. “took proportionate and deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize casualties.” <Source>

Ceding leadership in the Middle East to Russia and China…

Saudi Arabia, Iran Restore Relations in Deal Brokered by China

Accord marks diplomatic victory for Beijing in a region where U.S. has long dominated geopolitics

Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations Friday in a deal mediated by China, ending seven years of estrangement and jolting the geopolitics of the Middle East.

The deal signals a sharp increase in Beijing’s influence in a region where the U.S. has long been the dominant power broker, and could complicate efforts by the U.S. and Israel to strengthen a regional alliance to confront Tehran as it expands its nuclear program. It comes as the U.S. has been trying to broker a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, an effort now clouded with uncertainty. <Source>

Saudi Arabia, Syria Close to Resuming Ties in Russia-Brokered Talks

The emerging deal could leave the U.S. again on the sidelines during a dramatic shift in the Middle East’s geopolitics

Saudi Arabia and Syria are nearing an agreement to restore diplomatic ties after negotiations mediated by Russia, according to Saudi and Syrian officials familiar with the discussions, as the geopolitics of the Middle East shift.

Talks were continuing after rounds of discussions in Moscow and Riyadh in recent weeks, the officials said. If a deal is reached, it would mark an important step to reintegrating Syria and its leader Bashar al-Assad into the broader region after a brutal civil war.

Following the Chinese-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran on resuming ties this month, the emerging Damascus-Riyadh rapprochement, if it sticks, would leave the U.S. on the sidelines again on another major Middle East development.

Saudi and Syrian officials said negotiators are aiming to conclude a deal before a potential visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to Damascus after the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in late April. But they cautioned that the discussions could still break down. <Source>

Bottom line…

There is no doubt in my mind that the Biden Administration is being run by a cadre of Obamacons who, like their boss Obama, hate the United States, are anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, and represent a clear and present danger to the security and safety of the United States and its allies.

Whether from incompetence, favoritism towards our enemies in Communist China and Iran, desire to erase former President Trump's accomplishments or pure cowardice in the face of our enemies that drives the progressive communist democrats' foreign policy, we are truly and thoroughly screwed by the Obama/Biden regime.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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ALL OF YOUR BANK DEPOSITS AND RETIREMENTS FUNDS ARE NOW AT UNNECESSARY RISK

WOKE-INVESTMENT

Destroying Fiduciary Protections: Why We Need to Preserve Trust and Responsibility… 

What “fiduciary duty” means…

Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation that requires an individual or organization to act in the best interest of another party, known as the beneficiary or principal. This duty arises when the two parties have a special relationship of trust, confidence, or responsibility.

The fiduciary must prioritize the interests of the beneficiary above their own and avoid any conflicts of interest. This means they must act with loyalty, honesty, and good faith in all their dealings with the beneficiary and not use their position for personal gain.

Examples of fiduciaries include trustees who manage trust assets for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries, financial advisors who manage collective or individual investment portfolios for their clients, and corporate directors who must act in the best interest of the company’s shareholders.

Breaching fiduciary duty can result in legal action, damages, and even criminal charges in some cases.

Without the legal protections afforded by fiduciary accounts, financial advisors are absolved of the legal responsibility to protect their beneficiaries…

Eliminating fiduciary protections can have several risks, including:

  1. Conflicts of interest: Without fiduciary duty, individuals and organizations may act in their own interests instead of prioritizing the interests of their beneficiaries or clients.

  2. Decreased trust: Fiduciary duty creates a special relationship of trust and confidence between parties. Eliminating it can erode trust in institutions and damage relationships.

  3. Financial harm: Fiduciary duty is essential in financial transactions, such as investment management and retirement planning. Without fiduciary protections, individuals may suffer economic injury due to poor investment choices or fraudulent activities.

  4. Legal consequences: Eliminating fiduciary duty could expose individuals and organizations to legal action and damages for breaching their duty to act in the best interest of their beneficiaries or clients.

  5. Ethical considerations: Fiduciary duty reflects ethical considerations and principles of fairness, loyalty, and honesty. Eliminating it could undermine these principles and lead to unethical behavior.

What does market manipulation look like…

One of the 2008 financial crisis's underlying factors was creating a false sense of security, pun intended, surrounding dodgy investments. Whereas financial institutions, pension funds, and the like were prohibited from investing in low-grade, high-risk securities, the Wall Street Wizards concocted phony schemes that were sold to the public as “insurance” against issues arising from investment defaults and interest rate mismatches. Unlike proper insurance based on actuarial science, these products were uncontrolled and unmonitored as they turned dodgy “BB” rated securities into “AA” investment grade securities where financial institutions snapped them up for their superior yields.

As we have seen with the Silicon Valley Bank failure, the bank was crippled by a maturity mismatch in a rising interest rate environment. It was the fiduciary duty of the bank’s executives to monitor and mitigate market risks using non-actuarial insurance products, such as swaps, which are financial contracts that allow parties to transfer financial risk between them. Unlike traditional insurance policies, which protect against specific events, swaps are designed to hedge against financial risks associated with market fluctuations, interest rate changes, or other economic variables.

A swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange cash flows based on different financial instruments, such as interest rates, currencies, or commodity prices. The parties agree to exchange cash flows periodically over a specified time period based on a predetermined formula. Swaps can be used for various purposes, such as managing interest rate risk, hedging against currency fluctuations, or speculating on market movements. They are typically used by financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, as well as by corporations and other organizations.

While swaps can offer benefits, such as reducing financial risk and improving liquidity, they also come with potential hazards, such as counterparty risk, liquidity risk, and market risk. Counterparty risk refers to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on their obligations. In contrast, liquidity risk refers to the risk that a party may be unable to exit the swap contract when needed. Market risk refers to the risk that the value of the underlying financial instrument may change unfavorably.

The Obama-Biden regime’s bailout provides cover to the banker’s Democrat asses…

By manipulating the customary FDIC insurance coverage from $250,000 to millions and promising to make depositors whole, the regime eliminated a round of crippling lawsuits that would have seen the bank’s executive team liable for a breach of their fiduciary duties and possible fines and prison terms.

What wasn’t mentioned was that many of the bank’s loans went to projects will fell in line with the progressive communist democrat green power agenda and other social engineering ventures.

Go woke go broke! SVB hired board obsessed with diversity, invested $5BN for 'healthier planet' and held month-long Pride celebration - but had NO chief risk officer for eight months last year

  • Silicon Valley Bank had an A rating for its Environmental, Social and Governance policies as it increased diversity and invested in sustainability startups
  • But for eight months last year, the bank did not have a chief risk operator
  • At the time, it was investing clients' money in low-interest government bonds and securities that saw their value fall when interest rates rose

Now, many are slamming the financial institution for focusing too much on woke policies and not enough on its investments.

It said in its 2022 ESG Report that the bank strives to 'create a more just, equitable and sustainable world.'

Among the initiatives included in that report are a 'commitment to provide at least $5billion by 2027 in loans, investments and other financing to support clients' sustainability business.

'SVB's Sustainable Finance Commitment aims to support companies that are working to decarbonize the energy and infrastructure industries and hasten the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, net zero emissions economy,' the report states. <Source>

And it is about to get worse as the regime dissolves or dilutes fiduciary responsibilities in favor of those pursuing a progressive communist democrat “woke” agenda…

House fails to override Biden veto of bill targeting ESG investing in pensions

The House failed Thursday to override President Biden’s first veto, delivering a blow to critics of so-called ESG investing who tried to scuttle a Labor Department rule that allows retirement plan managers to consider factors like climate change and social justice politics in their investment decisions.

Republicans failed to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override Mr. Biden’s veto of that bill that would have prevented 401(k) fiduciaries from engaging in environmental, social and corporate governance investing — or ESG — that critics have denounced as “woke” capitalism.

The House voted 219-200, with Rep. Jared Golden of Maine being the lone Democrat to break ranks and side with every Republican — a similar result to when the chamber last month first passed the measure.

Due to the failed vote, the Senate will not vote to override Mr. Biden’s veto, sparing vulnerable Democrats in the upper chamber from having to buck the president again.

The Senate passed the anti-ESG measure 50-46 earlier this month with bipartisan support, thanks to Democratic senators facing difficult reelection paths next year: Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. <Source>

 This is a clear demonstration that this is about elections and electability and not protecting senior citizens and other investors from the regime’s tyrannical predations.

Bottom line…

Without the protection of fiduciary responsibilities and the ability to pursue legal remedies, our money can be pissed away by progressive communist democrats with zero concern for the depositors and investors.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CALIFORNICATION

Marx-gas

The state of California is controlled by Democrats. Democrats held the governorship, both houses of the state legislature, and all statewide elected offices. The state’s two U.S. senators and 40 of its 52 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are also Democrats -- presenting the clear and present danger of a tyrannical single-party system in California.

  1. Lack of accountability: In a single-party system, the ruling party can become complacent and feel that it doesn’t need to answer to the public or other political parties. This lack of accountability can lead to corruption, abuse of power, and a general disregard for the needs and concerns of citizens.

  2. Limited choice: A single-party system can limit the options available to voters. If only one party is in power, citizens may feel that their vote doesn’t matter and that there is no real alternative to the current government.

  3. Lack of representation: A single-party system can also lead to a lack of representation for certain groups in society. Other groups may feel left out or marginalized if the ruling party only represents a particular demographic or ideology.

  4. Stagnation: Without competition from other political parties, a single-party system can become stagnant and resistant to change. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress and a failure to address the state's critical issues.

  5. Ideological concentration: Group-think and lock-step responses can severely impact the freedoms of California residents.

Unelected progressive communist democrat apparatchiks are abusing their power…

Sneaking legislation through using the slice-by-slice “salami” technique…

California Ban on Gas Appliances Starts With Jan. 1 ‘All Electric’ Rule

New homes and buildings that are constructed in 2023 will have to have electric supply panels and circuitry to support all-electric appliances and heating under a building code update approved two years ago by the California Energy Commission.

The new building code doesn’t ban the sale of natural gas appliances outright — that will come in 2030, in a mandate from the California Air Resources Board that is designed to lower the “carbonization” of structures and improve indoor air quality.

The new energy code was approved by the California Energy Commission in August 2021 and the California Building Standards Commission in December 2021.

It’s common to have a multi-year lag between approval and when the new codes take effect to give builders and their suppliers time to prepare.

[OCS: It also shields elected politicians from immediate public outrage and protest.]

In addition to the electric power hookup requirement, Prandini said, the new code requires solar panels and EV charging ports in new homes.

[OCS: It is almost seems like California’s progressive communist democrats are trying to cripple private housing and the individual ownership of vehicles.]

As California moves to all-electric for homes and businesses, many are questioning whether enough power can be generated and stored to serve the state’s 39 million residents. During heat waves last summer, residents were asked to refrain from using appliances such as washers and dryers and from charging electrical vehicles in the late afternoon and early evening, when demand for air conditioning peaked and power supplies were stretched thin. <Source>

Breaking: CA Enacts First Retrofit Mandates to Ban All Gas Appliances

California state government approves its first phase of "home retrofit" mandates to force homeowners to make costly switch from their existing gas appliances - estimated cost is $30,000!

On Wednesday, March 15 the state Air Quality Management District for the Bay Area adopted the first “home retrofit” mandates to force homeowners to replace all existing natural gas appliances by 2027. The District’s mandates cover Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma counties.

We expect the other regional Air Quality Management Districts to take up the home retrofit mandates in the coming months. 

Here's what's being proposed:

  • IMMEDIATELY: All new homes and buildings will be prohibited from putting in any new natural gas appliances – not just stoves, but all appliances such as furnaces, ovens, water heaters, etc.
  • 2027-2035: Existing homeowners will be given a deadline to pay for expensive home retrofits to remove ALL of their existing gas appliances – all stoves, ovens, water heaters, furnaces! The Bay Area got hit with a 2027 deadline; San Diego already announced 2033 is their target. Every week a new region proposes a new deadline for costly retrofits!

Here's how much it will cost you:

  • What will the mandatory home retrofits cost you? An average cost of $30,000 or more per home! (READ FULL COST ESTIMATE HERE)
  • Home owners will pass the costs to their renters thus reducing the stock of currently affordable housing or, alternatively, sell their properties and evict current renters.             

Bottom line…

I don’t recall voting to give unelected ideological-driven bureaucrats the power to change life in California without the consent of the governed.

These people hate carbon-free nuclear energy. These people would impose hardships on the state’s businesses and residents rather than using cost-effective clean-burning natural gas. These people want to reward their billionaire friends with mandatory use regulations to secure their special interest friend’s investments in unsustainable, unreliable “green power.”

There is no doubt in my mind that the California legislature, run by ideologically-driven progressive communist democrats and sexual perverts needs, needs to be decommissioned like a faulty nuclear reactor — with great care and precision, mindful of the deadly radioactivity and the potential to cause a catastrophic nuclear meltdown and explosion that would spread a fatal cloud of radioactivity over the land.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS: BETRAYAL OF THE AMERICAN ETHIC

Many a truth is spoken in jest, and no one distills the situation more than editorial cartoonist Michael Ramirez…

Ramirez-pc

In any discussion about restoring our constitutional republic and restoring fundamental American values, we must consider the malignant influence of public employee unions on our local, state, and federal institutions.

Before examining the problem and proposed solutions, let me say that it is essential to separate the rank-and-file members from their corrupt self-dealing partisan leadership. I think highly of my postal carrier, my past teachers, and other individual members of public employee unions who are politically coerced into union membership using physical (thuggery), psychological (peer pressure), and financial (raises and promotions) means.

Public employee unions, a corrupt progressive communist democrat fundraising, and vote-gathering machine…

There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that public employee unions overwhelmingly support Democratic politicians and candidates – driven mainly by the false perception that Democrats are more likely to be supportive of workers' rights, social safety net programs, and other issues beneficial to union members. Unlike private sector unions, which tend to be more politically diverse in their support, a 2018 report by the Center for Responsive Politics described how over 90% of political contributions from public sector unions went to Democrats during the 2016 election cycle. This pattern continued for the next seven years, partly because most public workers tend to be more politically liberal.

It's important to note that not all public sector union members necessarily support the political positions of their union leadership; they are rarely surveyed to determine how many employees may hold more conservative or moderate political views. Thus, they become accomplices to a cycle of the political corruption of the collective bargaining system and captives to their leadership's partisan position.

Corruption and Communism… 

The union’s march to communism…

While most people think of unions as patriotic institutions, the politics of their leadership points leftward towards communism where Marxist theories resonate and reinforce the importance of collective action and the struggle between workers and capitalists.

  1. Solidarity and Collective Action: Marxist ideas emphasize the importance of workers coming together in solidarity to achieve their goals. Public employee unions, which represent workers in government jobs, have historically used collective bargaining and strikes to negotiate better working conditions, wages, and benefits.

  2. Opposition to Capitalism: Marxist ideas emphasize the struggle between workers and capitalists. Some public employee unions have used this framework to argue that their members are exploited by government and corporate elites, and that their struggle for better wages and benefits is part of a broader movement for social and economic justice.

  3. Critique of Neoliberalism: Marxist ideas are critical of neoliberalism, which emphasizes free-market policies and privatization. Public employee unions have been critical of neoliberal policies that they argue have led to job cuts, wage stagnation, and the erosion of workers' rights.

  4. Political Activism: Marxist ideas emphasize the importance of political activism and social change. Some public employee unions have been involved in political campaigns and social movements, advocating for policies that purportedly benefit their members and working-class people more broadly.

By definition, the politics of public employee unions are the inverse of the capitalist system that subsidizes the union’s very existence. Union leaders promote equity, the equality of outcomes, which destroys the workers’ incentive for superior performance and achievement relative to the lowest performing and achieving employees. Leading to both moral and financial bankruptcy as the elite leadership relies on the wealth redistribution of a shrinking pool of assets to maintain their power, until power must be enforced at the point of a gun wielded by a regime thug who is compensated above the wages of the truly oppressed. 

The matter of internal union corruption…

  1. Embezzlement: This occurs when union officials use union funds for personal gain. For example, in 2018, the former president of the Boston Carmen's Union Local 589, a public transit union, was sentenced to prison for embezzling more than $180,000 from the union.

  2. Bribery: This occurs when union officials accept bribes in exchange for favors or to influence union decision-making. For example, in 2016, a former president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, a union representing New York City correction officers, was sentenced to prison for accepting bribes in exchange for union endorsements of political candidates.

  3. Vote Rigging: This occurs when union officials manipulate union elections to ensure that their preferred candidates win. For example, in 2014, the former president of the Longshoremen's Union in Los Angeles was sentenced to prison for rigging union elections.

  4. Intimidation: This occurs when union officials use threats or other forms of intimidation to prevent members from speaking out or challenging union leadership. For example, in 2017, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, a public transit union in Toronto, was removed from his position for allegedly engaging in intimidation tactics against union members who disagreed with him.

  5. Nepotism: This occurs when union officials give preferential treatment to family members or friends in union hiring or other decisions. For example, in 2019, the former head of a union representing Illinois tollway workers was sentenced to prison for taking bribes and engaging in nepotism by hiring family members and friends for union jobs.

The matter of external political corruption…

  1. Bribery: Public employee union officials may accept bribes or kickbacks from contractors or other parties in exchange for influencing municipal support and preferential treatment of vendors and contractors.

  2. Racketeering: Public employee union officials may engage in racketeering activities, such as using their municipal connections to force kickbacks from contractors or other parties doing public business.

  3. Conflict of interest: Public employee union officials may force public workers to support activities that conflict with their duties to the public in favor of the union agenda.

  4. Election fraud: Public employee union officials officials may engage in election fraud, such as using union resources to support or oppose candidates, or by manipulating election results using union employees who agree to become election workers. Public employee union officials officials may provide off-the-books funds to cover a candidate's personal expenses and support their political campaigns.

  5. False representation: Public employee union officials may misrepresent union policies or actions to members of the public, or may make false claims about public activities involving the union agenda.

  6. Intimidation: This occurs  when public employee union officials use threats or other forms of intimidation to prevent politicians from speaking out or challenging union positions, or voting for union contract provisions which disadvantage the public or artificially increase the cost of doing the public’s business. This includes the demand for the use of union-backed DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)factors in decisionmaking or mandated instructional programs.

The benefits of eliminating public employee unions.

Consider the impact of eliminating public employee unions:

  1. Cost Savings: Eliminating public employee unions could potentially reduce costs for governments and taxpayers. This could be achieved by reducing wages and benefits for public employees or outsourcing services to the private sector.

  2. Increased Flexibility: Without unions, governments may have more flexibility to change staffing levels, work hours, and other working conditions. This could allow governments to respond more quickly to changes in demand for public services or to budgetary constraints.

  3. Improved Accountability: Eliminating public employee unions could improve public employee accountability by making it easier to discipline or terminate employees who are not performing adequately. This could enhance the quality of public services and increase public trust in government.

  4. Reduction of Political Influence: Public employee unions have too much political influence, and eliminating them could reduce the power of special interests in government decision-making.

Corrupted Pension plans are bankrupting government entities…

The most significant drag on a municipalities expenses is the artificially inflated pension funds resulting from "sweetheart" labor contracts or outright pension fraud that has been contractually or tacitly approved by politicians beholden to their union masters.

Unlike the private sector with its defined contribution pension plans (where both the employer and the employee contribute to an individual account for the employee, and the employee assumes the investment risk and has control over how the funds are invested), the public sector uses a defined benefit pension plan (where the municipality guarantees a specific retirement benefit to employees based on a formula that typically takes into account the employee's salary and years of service).

The critical difference between the two is how retirement benefits are determined and who assumes the investment risk. In defined benefit programs, the employer assumes the investment risk, which is guaranteed by the taxpayers no matter how much the benefits may actually cost. In contrast, in defined contribution plans, the employee assumes the investment risk.

There is no doubt that the defined benefit program is far superior to that offered in the private sector and has the potential to bankrupt a municipality over time. It is also rife with fraud, such as allowing officials to take early retirement, bump pension benefits upward by issuing an undeserved promotion before retirement, or allow municipal employees to "purchase" additional years of service using unused vacation pay or actual cash. Not to forget the lax investigation of disability claims or allowing multiple pensions for different public employee job functions. And for politicians, pensions and other benefits for minimal political service.

The dangers of defined benefit pensions are well known…

  1. Funding Risk: Defined benefit pensions are usually funded by employers, who are responsible for ensuring that there is enough money to pay the promised benefits. If the investments of the pension fund perform poorly, or if retirees live longer than expected, the employer may be left with a funding shortfall.

  2. Employer Liability: With defined benefit pensions, the employer is on the hook for ensuring that the promised benefits are paid, regardless of how well the investments perform. This can create significant liability for employers, especially if they are unable to meet their pension obligations.

Solutions…

One, eliminate public employee unions and rely on well-developed and established legal mechanisms to provide employee protections in matters of safety, security, and employee exploitation and abuse. To implement these legal protections, I suggest that we turn to the judiciary and use the lessons of small claims court, with no attorneys or advocates, to deal with minor grievances. The higher courts would handle more serious matters.

Two, eliminate defined benefit pension plans in favor of defined contribution pension plans with no special considerations for extraordinary plan contributions or benefits.

Three, eliminate double dipping and early retirement for employees working in an environment that would not be generally considered life-threatening, such as police, fire, and medical first responders: no early retirements and the opportunity to return as a consultant or per diem employee at higher wages.

Four, strengthen safeguards on medical benefits regarding disabilities, stress, and other common disabilities used to obtain early retirement or bump benefits upward. 

Bottom line…

I find it abhorrent that we are allowing the use of the voters' own tax money to push pro-union candidates and positions in such a manner as to encourage political corruption and the violation of our democratic principles.

Eliminating public employee unions is both a controversial and complicated issue requiring a significant change to public perception and existing labor laws -- and likely face strong opposition from politicians who benefit from union endorsements, the union leadership, and their Marxist supporters.

Some potential steps to eliminate employee unions:

  1. Legal Action: It is possible, but unlikely, for government entities to file legal action against unions if they are found to be engaging in illegal political activities or violating labor laws. However, this would require overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing and would likely face significant legal challenges, especially from those benefitting from the current system.

  2. Union Decertification: Public employees may seek to decertify a union by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a decertification election. This would require a majority vote of public employees in favor of decertification and protections against union thuggery and coercion.

  3. Anti-Union Legislation: A state legislatures could pass laws “right to work” laws that restrict the activities of unions or make it more difficult for unions to operate, again these measures would would most likely face significant opposition and legal challenges.

  4. Employee Choice: Perhaps the best way to eliminate employee unions is to give employees the choice to opt out of union membership. This would require changes to labor laws to make union membership optional, rather than mandatory and would force public employee unions to prove a net tangible benefit to their membership. Off the table would be union-negotiated labor contracts and the promise of continually rising wages and benefits without a corresponding increase in productivity or a reduction of superfluous employees in a practice known as “featherbedding.”

Until the system is reformed, we are totally and thoroughly screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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