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Adventures with Al: Hunting, Fishing, and Getting Stranded on Lake Crowley

Beached
My best friend Al is constantly bugging me to write something happy. I have told him, time and time again, as one dealing with today’s dangerous and chaotic politics, “I don’t do happy.” 

However, if it makes him happy…

The thrill of the great outdoors is unmatched, especially when I'm with my best friend, Al. We’ve had our share of hunting and fishing trips, but one adventure stands out as an actual test of the ever-changing weather in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. It’s immortalized on my wall: a 2-by-3-foot framed photo of me, stranded in a beached boat, bundled in cold-weather gear and waving a bright red rain poncho on the end of an oar, signaling for help to return to the marina.

Our day began like any other—with an early morning drive to Lake Crowley alongside our fishing buddies. Al, ever the organized one, had meticulously planned every detail. With our gear stowed and that familiar thrill in the air, we set our sights on a secluded spot far from the rental-boat marina. The day was picture-perfect: the sun sparkled on the water, the air was crisp and cold, snow capped the surrounding mountains, and it felt like we had the entire lake to ourselves.

We launched our small aluminum boat, its motor sputtering to life as we glided across the calm surface. For hours, we cast our lines, sharing stories and soaking in the tranquility—though we caught nothing. But as the afternoon wore on, the wind began to shift. What started as a gentle breeze quickly escalated into an increasingly gusty wind that took us by surprise.

In just minutes, the serene lake transformed into a choppy mess, rocking our little boat like a cork. Al, ever calm amid the rising wind and aware that the entire marina rental fleet had suffered significant wind damage in recent weeks, wisely decided to beach the boat rather than risk capsizing. He took the helm and steered us toward the shore. We battled against the increasing chop, the wind gusting and the spray of cold water—the motor sputtering. But with Al’s steady hands and unwavering determination, we finally beached the boat on the sandy shoreline.

Exhausted but grateful to be on solid ground, we quickly realized we were stranded. The wind howled, and we were destined to be stuck for hours, unable to refloat our boat safely. Yet that’s the magic of Al—no matter how dire the situation, he knows how to turn it into an adventure.

We spent those hours laughing at the absurdity of our predicament, cold but determined to make the best of it. Al, ever the planner, pulled out snacks from his pack—because, of course, he had packed snacks—turning our potentially miserable wait into something surprisingly enjoyable.

An onshore resident spotted my makeshift distress signal and notified the Sheriff. As the wind began to die down, we saw a Deputy Sheriff approaching in a much larger boat. He backed down into the shallow water, threw us a line, and began towing us back to safety. But just as we thought our troubles were over, the larger boat’s engine started to falter.

After consulting the Deputy, Al lashed our small boat to the larger one, and with the outboard motor at full throttle, we managed to slowly make our way back to the marina. As we neared the marina, the Deputy, keen to avoid the embarrassment of being rescued himself, suggested that Al take our smaller boat back just around the bend while he limped the larger boat into the marina.

As we approached the marina, the Sheriff—who lived on the lake—demanded to know how the larger boat had become disabled. Suspicion dripped from his voice as he questioned whether the Deputy had backed it into shore and fouled the impeller with sand. Al and I quickly swore it wasn’t the case, insisting a tow rope had been used to rescue us after we pushed our boat into the water so the rescue boat could avoid the shallow sandy bottom. The Sheriff remained skeptical, but I later wrote a letter of commendation for our Deputy, which ended up on the bulletin board, much to the Sheriff’s chagrin. We later learned the larger boat was down for three days while they repaired the damaged inboard impeller and cracked casing.

That day reinforced why Al is the best friend anyone could wish for. In moments of calm, he’s the perfect partner for a peaceful day on the lake. But in the face of chaos, he’s the steady presence that makes even the toughest challenges manageable.

So here’s to Al, the ultimate hunting and fishing partner, who turns getting stranded into an unforgettable adventure.

And now, back to contemplating how screwed we are as our country is facing a near-existential catastrophe in the 2024 presidential race!

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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Terrorist Hassan Nasrallah Cries 'Genocide'—While Hezbollah Rains Rockets on Israel for Years!

Virgins rejoice as up to 4,000 or more potential rapists lose their balls…

In an ironic twist, the terrorist group Hezbollah’s attempts to circumvent Israeli surveillance through alternative communication devices resulted in catastrophe for its own operatives. Explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies—distributed to Hezbollah fighters to evade Israeli intelligence—mysteriously detonated nearly simultaneously. The blast inflicted death and severe injuries on those who had been issued the devices, leading to internal chaos within the terrorist organization.

These unexpected explosions have raised questions about whether Israeli counterintelligence played a role in this devastating misfire. While Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Nasrallah seeks to accuse Israel of war crimes, Hezbollah’s increasingly reckless tactics, including their use of explosive-laden vests, highlight the group’s willingness to sacrifice its own fighters in the ongoing conflict. As Nasrallah’s accusations escalate, so too does the internal unraveling of Hezbollah’s dangerous and self-destructive strategy.

Nasrallah’s first televised speech after the explosive turn of events…

Nasrallah
Responding to Israel’s alleged attack on Hezbollah terrorists with explosive-filled pagers and walkie-talkies, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Lebanese Shia Islamist cleric Hassan Nasrallah, once again took to the airwaves and accused Israel of genocide and committing an “act of war.”

“There is no doubt that we have been subjected to a major security and military blow that is unprecedented in the history of the resistance and unprecedented in the history of Lebanon,”

“This type of killing, targeting, and crime may be unprecedented in the world.”

“The enemy went beyond all controls, laws, and morals.”

“How can this criminal act be characterized? It is nothing but a terrorist act. It is nothing but a genocide.

“And this is the word that we are going to adopt, genocide, to be added to the Israeli enemy's crimes and massacres perpetrated over decades since the creation of this cancerous entity in our region. It is an act of war against the people of Lebanon, Lebanon's sovereignty. It is a declaration of war.”

“It is an act of war and can be characterized as such.” ~Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, September 19, 2024

However, these accusations come after years of Hezbollah launching relentless rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, creating a devastating cycle of violence across the region. Nasrallah’s rhetoric deliberately omits Hezbollah’s own role in stoking tensions through continued aggression while casting blame solely on Israel. This calculated narrative deflects from the group’s strategy to escalate conflict and undermine Israel’s right to self-defense.

The Israeli army evacuated residents from 28 communities that are located within 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of the border with Lebanon.

MAP-IR-NORTH

In addition to the barrage of rockets, Hezbollah has launched numerous cross-border terrorist attacks, forcing many Israelis living near the northern border with Lebanon to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer regions. Entire communities have been displaced as Hezbollah’s rocket fire, designed to terrorize civilians, turns once-thriving areas into ghost towns. Schools, hospitals, and businesses have been emptied as families flee from a territory that has become a dangerous frontline.

The Israeli government’s efforts to safeguard its citizens have been undermined by the sheer scale of Hezbollah’s attacks. The constant threat of rockets raining down has made everyday life impossible for those living near Lebanon, pushing Israel to take defensive actions to protect its people and territory.

Iranian Ambassador Injured—Holding Hezbollah’s Explosive Pager.

Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was reportedly among those injured in this week’s explosions. However, what raises even more questions is why the ambassador was carrying a pager that had been distributed to Hezbollah terrorists. No formal explanation has been given, but none is really needed. It is widely known that Hezbollah operates as a proxy group for Iran, much like Hamas and the Houthis. Iran’s deep ties to these militant organizations have long been part of its strategy to extend influence in the region through armed groups that serve its geopolitical interests.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will duly follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon, which resulted in his injury, and reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.”

Blinken’s cowardice.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a known “friend of Iran,” rushed to the media to assure his Iranian pals that the U.S. was not involved.

“I'm not going to speak to that except to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations."

This is credible because, had the State Department known in advance, they would have been the first to leak the information to their Iranian pals.

Bottom line…

With the region on edge and lives on both sides hanging in the balance, the truth behind Hezbollah’s reckless aggression and failed plots are becoming impossible to ignore.

Nasrallah continues to point fingers at Israel, accusing it of war crimes and genocide. However, Hezbollah’s relentless rocket fire and orchestrated terrorist attacks have forced thousands of Israeli civilians to flee from their homes, leaving behind livelihoods and communities. The organization’s own reckless methods and disregard for human life—on both sides of the border—speak volumes about the true nature of the conflict.

While Nasrallah’s claims grow louder, the reality on the ground shows a different picture: one of a terrorist organization sowing fear and destruction while pushing the region towards more profound instability.

Until we see the reform or defeat of the Islamists, we are so screwed.

-- Steve

HAMAS-CHILDREN

“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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FREE SPEECH: HILLARY WANTS TO LOCK YOU UP!

Hrc-motto

It is not hypocrisy or a lack of self-awareness, it is malignant narcissism and a sense of entitlement…

Responding to despicable progressive communist democrat Rachel "Madcow" Maddow’s question about whether the U.S. government is taking foreign attempts to spread propaganda “seriously enough,” Hillary Clinton displayed her true colors and dark heart.

On Maddow’s MSNBC show, one of the most corrupt, lying, entitled, elitist, and hated bitches in the world, Hillary Clinton, suggested that Americans who, whether knowingly or not, share political misinformation should face potential civil – or even criminal – legal consequences.

“I also think are Americans who are engaged in this kind of propaganda, and whether they should civilly, or even in some cases, criminally charged, is something that would be a better deterrent. Because the Russians are unlikely, except in a very few cases, to stand trial in the United States. We need to uncover all of the connections. You can vote however you want, but we are not going to let adversaries — whether it is Russia, China, Iran, or anybody else — basically try to influence Americans as to how we should vote in picking our leaders.”

Commenting on Donald Trump...

“He has said what he wants to do — he and his allies with Project 2025. His desire to be a dictator, at least on Day 1, all of that is in the public record.”

Unbelievable!

Ignoring, for the moment, her criminal behavior as the First Lady of Arkansas, the First Lady of the United States, a United States Senator, and as Secretary of State, consider the malicious disinformation of the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax and her attempts to subvert a Presidential election.

Few did more to assist China in obtaining precision-guided missiles and Russia in securing uranium assets mined in the United States.

Bottom line…

In the pantheon of corrupt, divisive, and disingenuous politicians, I can think of few who match Hillary Clinton’s treasonous, anti-America behavior.

Yet she is feted by the progressive communist democrats, given an honored platform at their convention, and consulted regularly by the media’s progressive propagandists. 

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

CLINTON-LAUGHING QUID

“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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Mastering the Art of Climate Change Propaganda

There is no doubt that the politicization of climate change has turned into a pro-Marxist, pro-authoritarian agenda, pushing wealth redistribution and corrupting the integrity of scientific research to favor funding sources and their political backers.

Climate-iceberg

The truth about global climate change is simple and unimpeachable at this point in time.

1. Man cannot identify, isolate, and measure man’s climate signal against the noise of natural climate variability.

2. Man cannot determine the optimum temperature of the Earth that is beneficial to life from the equatorial latitudes to the polar regions.

3. Carbon dioxide is required for life, is not a pollutant, and is not a significant driver of climate change other than in computer models with incomplete or faulty assumptions and highly manipulated suspect data.

4. The significant drivers of climate change are: the Sun’s energy output in all spectral bands, cosmic ray production, the Earth’s position relative to the Sun, the Earth’s rotational and precessional dynamics, plate tectonics and vulcanology, deep ocean currents, and the most significant greenhouse gas: water vapor. All seemingly interlinked with feedback and response mechanisms to support life on our planet. And all impervious to man’s control.

5. There is no evidence that any public policies or initiatives have altered or can alter our short-term weather or long-term global climate.

6. It appears that the elite climate change activists and supporters have accumulated additional wealth and power at humanity’s expense.

Another study designed to generate disinformation and propaganda based on a false premise.

The Public Relations…

Framing Climate Action as Patriotic and Status-Quo Friendly Increases Liberals’ and Conservatives’ Belief in Climate Change
Psychology study offers messaging roadmap for changing attitudes on environmental issues and policies

Conservatives and liberals may be at odds in their views on environmental issues, but a new psychology study shows that framing the need to address climate change as patriotic and as necessary to preserve the American “way of life” can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both groups.

“Framing climate change action as a way to protect and preserve patriotic values and familiar ways of life can improve climate awareness and motivate action across the American political spectrum,” says Katherine Mason, a New York University doctoral student and the lead author of the study, which appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). “This approach encourages people to see climate action as a way to celebrate and sustain cherished cultural traditions, rather than having to relinquish or replace them.”

The paper…

Effects of system-sanctioned framing on climate awareness and environmental action in the United States and beyond

Significance

The study investigates the impact of an experimental intervention that frames climate action as patriotic and system-sanctioned on environmental attitudes and behaviors in 63 countries. In the United States, this intervention significantly increased liberal-leftists’ and conservative-rightists’ belief in climate change; support for pro-environmental policies; and willingness to share information about climate change on social media. Tailored messages were also effective in an aggregated analysis involving 63 countries. More granular analyses at the country level revealed that the intervention was successful in some non-U.S. countries (e.g., Brazil, France, Israel), but it backfired in others (Germany, Belgium, Russia). Using system justification theory to design communication strategies may improve climate awareness and action in the general public.

[OCS: There are few things more un-American and un-Patriotic that misleading Americans with false and misleading propaganda based on perverted scientific research that is inherently flawed and easily falsified.]

Abstract

Despite growing scientific alarm about anthropogenic climate change, the world is not on track to solve the crisis. Inaction may be partially explained by skepticism about climate change and resistance to pro-environmental policies from people who are motivated to maintain the status quo (I.e., conservative-rightists). Therefore, practical interventions are needed. In the present research program, we tested an experimental manipulation derived from system justification theory in which pro-environmental initiatives were framed as patriotic and necessary to maintain the American “way of life.”

[OCS: Science is blind, apolitical, and is based on observations and experiments that are open to the inherent skepticism of the scientific method, which demands free and open debate over research that is subject to replication, verification, falsification, and expansion. To demand individual accept speculative findings of computer models as fact is wrong.]

In a large, nationally representative U.S. sample, we found that the system-sanctioned change intervention successfully increased liberal-leftists’ as well as conservative-rightists’ belief in climate change; support for pro-environmental policies; and willingness to share climate information on social media. Similar messages were effective in an aggregated analysis involving 63 countries, although the overall effect sizes were small. More granular exploratory analyses at the country level revealed that while the intervention was moderately successful in some countries (e.g., Brazil, France, Israel), it backfired in others (Germany, Belgium, Russia). Across the three outcome variables, the effects of the intervention were consistent and pronounced in the United States, in support of the hypothesis that system justification motivation can be harnessed on behalf of social change. Potential explanations for divergent country-level effects are discussed. The system-sanctioned change intervention holds considerable promise for policymakers and communicators seeking to increase climate awareness and action.

Selected References

  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “AR6 synthesis report: Climate change 2023” (AR6 Synthesis Report (SYR), IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 2023). https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/.
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Climate plans remain insufficient: More ambitious action needed now (2022). https://unfccc.int/news/climate-plans-remain-insufficient-more-ambitious-action-needed-now. Accessed 4 February 2022.
  • S. Clayton et al., Psychological research and global climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 5, 640–646 (2015).
  • R. E. Dunlap, A. M. McCright, J. H. Yarosh, The political divide on climate change: Partisan polarization widens in the U.S. Environ. Sci. Policy Sustain. Dev. 58, 4–23 (2016).
  • M. J. Hornsey, S. Lewandowsky, A toolkit for understanding and addressing climate scepticism. Nat. Hum. Behav. 6, 1454–1464 (2022).

[more references]

[OCS: There is no more corrupt institution in the world than the United Nations and its Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.]

Public Relations Release

Abstract

Full Paper

Excerpts from the published paper.

Introduction

Climate change is a politically polarized issue, with liberals often supporting climate action and conservatives more likely to deny the existence of climate change. This is particularly the case in Anglosphere nations, including the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom [2, 3]. The conservative movement against climate science has damaged climate change mitigation efforts by undermining the perceived strength of the evidence for climate change, as shown by the United States failing to meet obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and its more recent withdrawal from the Paris agreement.

[OCS: While the climate is constantly changing and has done so since the formation of the atmosphere and oceans, the authors’ certitude that this natural phenomenon has been perverted by man and that it must be politically addressed is to ignore the actual science in favor of speculative fiction.]

A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that conservative ideology and right-wing votership are stronger predictors of climate change denial than other demographic correlates such as gender, age, and education. This means that the denial of climate change is potentially driven by stable ideological factors, thus explaining the ineffectiveness of climate change communication strategies that rely on merely conveying the scientific information. Climate change communication strategies must overcome ideological barriers, not information deficits, to motivate action.

[OCS: Regardless of political belief, one should be skeptical, especially when the politically-connected deploy academic elites to push a life-altering pseudo-solution that has no basis in scientific fact.]

One proposed strategy to increase the effectiveness of climate change communication for conservatives has been to employ message frames that align with their apparent preference for the past. Previous research has shown that message frames that use a past-focused frame (for example, by comparing the current state of the environment to how it used to be) rather than a future-focused frame (comparing the current state of the environment to how it will be in the future), eliminates the negative effect of conservatism on pro-environmental attitudes . Our research aims to replicate and extend on literature that positions the temporal framing of environmental issues as a way to bridge the ideological divide between conservatives’ and liberals’ environmental attitudes in several important ways. Firstly, explanations for the effect are limited and were not tested in the original research. Secondly, it is unclear if the temporal framing effect observed on pro-environmental attitudes extends to motivate more meaningful forms of environmentalism, such as increasing pro-environmental action, support for climate policy, or acceptance of climate change. Finally, the effect has yet to be replicated with a multidimensional representation of political ideology. Our program of research aims to address these limitations.

Conservative denial of climate change

Political affiliation is an important predictor of environmental attitudes. When compared to their left-wing or liberal counterparts, those with a right-wing or conservative political orientation are typically more skeptical of climate change science, hold less positive pro-environmental attitudes, and are more opposed to climate change policy. Given this, much focus has been on understanding the mechanisms that drive conservatives’ denial of climate change and climate inaction.

[OCS: Perhaps the reason conservatives are reluctant to accept the political prescriptions offered up for climate change is because the remedies as rooted in bigger government, higher taxes, more authoritarian government intervention, fewer personal freedoms—all of which are antithetical to conservatism and American exceptionalism.]

One likely reason why climate change is politically polarized is that from the 1990s, conservative think tanks responded to the environmentalist movement with a series of messages that sought to undermine action on climate change. These messages attempted to shroud the scientific basis of climate change in doubt, emphasized the harm that mitigating action would cause to the economy or national security, and claimed that on balance, the effects of climate change would be positive (e.g. benefitting agriculture, human quality of life and health).

[OCS: Given the fact that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant and is a necessary component of life, and that increased amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide are beneficial to oxygen-making and food-creating plants, one wonders why it is being demonized. Perhaps it is because controlling carbon dioxide leads to controlling the economy and the population at large.]

Over 90% of books that refute climate change have since been linked to conservative think tanks, and climate change counter-movement organizations appear to draw the majority of their financial support from conservative foundations. Oreskes and Conway suggest that conservative opposition to international agreements on climate change is also driven by the perception that such action threatens the free market economic system.

[OCS: Whereas the majority of pro-climate change studies originate and are funded by self-serving, overtly-biased governmental institutions and their non-governmental organizations.]

Promoting (or demotivating) conservative engagement with climate change

Currently, some evidence suggests conservatives are sensitive to subtle changes in the framing of climate change. For example, denial is higher among conservatives when the issue is referred to as ‘global warming’ rather than ‘climate change,’ while liberals are concerned about the issue regardless of wording. Liberals and conservatives also differ on dimensions such as personality, values, and moral foundations, which have been leveraged in communication campaigns to increase conservative support for climate action.

[OCS: When “warming did not occur, they changed the name so that everything is covered under climate change. Note the propensity of liberals to rename something that has negative connotations based on observations over time. Thus the many names of communism: Socialism, Marxism, Leninism, Progressivism, Stalinism, Maoism, Trotskyism, Democratic Socialism, Revolutionary Socialism, Collectivism, Statism, Utopian Socialism, Marxist-Leninism, and Proletarianism.]

[Original Study DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405973121]

Bottom line…

Climate change propaganda is increasingly used as a tool to undermine capitalism and erode personal freedoms. Exaggerating environmental crises promotes drastic government intervention, wealth redistribution, and the stifling of free markets. This propaganda pushes for regulations that cripple industries, restrict individual choice, and empower state control over private enterprise. It fosters a narrative where personal responsibility and innovation are replaced by centralized planning, all in the name of “saving the planet.” These actions diminish economic growth and personal liberty while serving ideological agendas rather than scientific truth.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

Marx-gas

“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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Why Money Can't Buy Morality: The Dangerous Myth of Wealth and Ethics

Wealth-moral

While wealth may elevate an individual to prominence, it neither confers wisdom nor moral authority, as many who reach such positions owe their success as much to luck, timing, and the efforts of others as to their own endeavors.

Money, while undeniably influential, does not confer moral authority. Wealth can buy influence, amplify voices, and shift the balance of power, but it cannot purchase the inherent qualities that define ethical leadership: integrity, compassion, and justice. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of wealthy individuals and entities using their financial power for altruistic and self-serving purposes. The accumulation of money often leads to control over decision-making processes, but that does not inherently justify those decisions as morally sound.

A dangerous misconception lies in equating financial success with moral superiority. This fallacy is particularly evident when billionaires, corporations, or political elites use their platforms to push agendas that, though lucrative, may not be in the best interests of society. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few does not mean their actions or viewpoints should hold more weight than those rooted in fairness or equity. Moral authority stems from the courage to stand by principles, especially when they challenge the status quo or threaten profit margins.

Consider the philanthropic efforts of the ultra-wealthy. While many use their fortunes for charitable causes, the question remains: should their wealth grant them moral elevation, or are they simply using their resources to balance out systemic issues that often benefited them in the first place? Authentic moral leadership requires accountability, transparency, and the pursuit of justice, not just generous donations or financial power plays.

Ultimately, moral authority is earned through actions that align with values like empathy, fairness, and justice. Those who fight for the voiceless, uphold principles even when inconvenient, and refuse to prioritize profit over people truly embody moral leadership. Wealth, in contrast, is merely a tool—it can be used for good or ill—but should never be mistaken as a proxy for ethical or moral standing.

Bottom line...

The very people who seize the moral high ground have no basis for moral certainty, but they start lecturing you like you're a terrible person.

The entire progressive communist democrat scheme is to grab power and give money and prestige to useless people who, in a fair society, would be screwed because they perform no useful function other than to criticize you and tell you to do what they say and not what they do.

And that's the truth. So, all the things you actually need to know can be found in the Ten Commandments and our Constitution, both of which are anathemas to the progressive communist democrats.

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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Kamala Harris: The Least Qualified and Most Dangerous Candidate in American History

TRUMP-WARNING

The progressive communist democrats continue to call former President Donald Trump a “threat to democracy” when it is evident that the actual threat to democracy is communism and its advocates like Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

Suspect in Trump assassination attempt called former president a threat to democracy

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been identified as the man who was arrested in the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, a man the suspect called a threat to democracy.

According to authorities, he was spotted by Secret Service agents Sunday in the bushes outside Mr. Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Officials said they found two backpacks, a GoPro camera and an AK-47 style rifle with a scope where Mr. Routh was hiding. He fled in a black SUV but was located and detained after a witness gave police the vehicle tags.

On his X account, his bio says he feels “lucky to have been born in America, with freedom and opportunity and hope that I do not waste such a valuable thing; to do more and take less.”

On his account he frequently derided Mr. Trump and described the 2024 election as a referendum on democracy — one of the central claims of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in their Democratic presidential campaigns.

“Your campaign should be called something like KADAF. Keep America democratic and free. Trump’s should be MASA…make Americans slaves again master,” he said in one post in which he tagged Mr. Biden’s official @POTUS account.

“DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose. We cannot afford to fail. The world is counting on us to show the way,” the post from April 22 concludes. <Source>

Consider the following:

  • Record and Ideology: Harris cannot run on her record or ideology because of perceived failures, such as the economy, inflation, border security, and crime. Her ideology can be characterized as Marxist and Islamist, which is seen as radical by the majority of Americans.

  • Deception and Evasiveness: She lies about her record, plays “Catch Me If You Can,” and evades serious discussion about her policies. She’s accused of running a “Rope-a-Dope” campaign to obscure her true positions, relying on media complicity to help her avoid exposing her beliefs to the public before the election. To paraphrase House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, we have to elect Kamala Harris to see what she is about.

  • Economic and Social Failures: Harris is responsible for economic struggles (inflation, high interest rates), rising crime, and poor border management. She has undermined women’s rights, particularly in sports and education, and allowed chaos on the southern border.

  • Foreign Policy and National Security: Harris is complicit in creating war and global destabilization, weakening the U.S. military, and being anti-Israel by withholding arms during a war.

  • Media Collusion: The media, especially outlets like ABC News, act as state-run “apparatchiks” protecting Harris from scrutiny and aiding in her deception during debates.

  • Comparison to Reagan and Trump: Unlike Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, who are presented as forthright about their positions and accomplishments, Harris has zero accomplishments that she can say benefited the American public. Reagan and Trump are noted for being proud of their records, while Harris is accused of hiding hers.

  • Coronation: Kamala Harris’s rise to the top of the Democratic Party was an undemocratic coronation by party elites rather than a victory earned through primary elections. Millions of Democratic voters who invested their time, energy, and money in the primary races were effectively disenfranchised when the party bypassed the traditional process. Instead of letting voters determine the nominee, the establishment selected Harris, prioritizing their radical agenda over the will of the people. This undermines the integrity of the primary system and sends a message that the voices of grassroots voters don’t matter when party insiders have already made their choice.

Democrats are attempting to steal the election through lawfare and procedural manipulation designed to undermine election integrity.

By using the courts to target their political opponents and push for procedural changes that favor their agenda, they aim to corrupt the voting process. Whether through relaxed voting regulations, expanded mail-in voting without proper safeguards, or selective legal challenges, these tactics are seen as a deliberate effort to disenfranchise legitimate voters and sway the outcome. This strategy erodes public trust in the electoral system, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election process.

Bottom line…

In the final analysis, Harris is unqualified and dangerous, with her success attributed to media manipulation rather than merit.

HARRIS-LIABILITY

-- Steve

HARRIS-BORDER

“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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YOU CHOOSE

What more can be said?

KAMALA-WS

TRUMP-WARNING

Bottom line...

You are screwed if you make the wrong choice.

 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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AUSTRALIA: WHO IS KILLING YOUR KANGAROO?

Australia-risk

In an era when global information, even when originated by ordinary individuals, is at our fingertips, the line between free speech and censorship has never been more blurred.

Enter Australia’s Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024—a piece of legislation intended to curb the spread of falsehoods online but with broad implications for free expression.

At first glance, this bill seems like a reasonable attempt to tackle misinformation that has flooded social media and other platforms.

However, in practice, the bill could end up stifling voices that share literally true statements, simply because these truths contradict the government's preferred narrative. This scenario raises a critical question: What happens when factual information is labeled "misinformation" just because it disrupts the story the authorities want to tell?

When Facts Become Forbidden

Under the broad scope of this bill, government agencies and regulators could decide that certain statements—despite being factually correct—pose a threat to public order or contradict "official" interpretations of events. For example, data that doesn’t fit neatly into government-approved categories or challenges prevailing assumptions could be deemed problematic. This form of censorship is particularly troubling because it strikes at the heart of the open debate necessary for a healthy democracy.

Censorship by Redefinition

One of the dangers inherent in this type of legislation is how easily definitions of "misinformation" and "disinformation" can shift. The terms themselves may begin by targeting only blatant falsehoods but could expand to include opinions or analyses that question mainstream interpretations. A true statement, which in an ordinary context would be part of a robust debate, can suddenly become dangerous in the topsy-turvy world of censorship where speech that is inconvenient or unpopular is silenced.

Truth as Misinformation: An Orwellian Paradox

Take, for example, a scenario where an independent well-educated, well-credentialed, and well-experienced researcher publishes a report with data that contradicts the official government narrative on climate change, public health, or social policy. Even though the data may be backed by evidence and peer-reviewed, it could be flagged as "misinformation" under this law simply because it introduces a viewpoint that runs counter to government-endorsed positions.

What this law risks creating is an environment where censorship disguises itself as protecting the public from harm, when in fact it is protecting the government from scrutiny.

Bottom line: Protecting Speech in a Post-Truth Era

The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 reflects a growing tension between the desire to control harmful narratives and the fundamental right to free speech. We must remain vigilant about how such legislation is applied and be cautious of its potential to suppress truths that simply don’t fit into the government’s version of events.

In this topsy-turvy world, we must ask ourselves: If literally true statements can be labeled misinformation, how can we trust what we are allowed to say? Will the future of free speech be one where truth itself is forbidden?

We are being 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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Why Voting Beats Virtue Signaling: The Truth They Don't Want You to Know!

Ballotbox-VOTE
To the normies…

We all know it’s more productive to vote than to spend your energy trying to explain emotional issues to someone who is ideologically incapable of understanding them. Let’s face it: you’re not going to convince Uncle Alfred that climate change is a hoax by shouting over Thanksgiving dinner. Voting, though? That’s the real deal.

Selling yourself, your country, and your community out just to feel good in the moment? Hard pass. If you think virtue signaling helps, it’s like giving your dog a treat for barking at the wind—it feels good but does nothing to change the weather.

Now, you might be wondering, “Where are we?” “Why would they do that?” and the all-time favorite, “Are they fucking serious?” Congrats, you’ve just asked the top three questions in politics. Just throw a dart, and you’ll find a media program, news headline, or social media post that makes you ask at least one of them.

Oh, and political polls? They’re horoscopes written by a partisan with a math degree. Sure, they throw some numbers around, but they’re about as reliable as your cousin’s astrology app predicting you will find true love next week.

To be a competent voter, you need at least two of three things: knowledge, attitude, or brains. Take your pick. But seriously, if you’re lacking two of those, maybe just stay home and, I don’t know, read up on the issues?

Campaign wins? Pure luck most of the time. Two wins in a row? That’s luck, plus uninformed voters. But three wins? That’s when things start looking a little… shall we say… suspicious.

California Communism.

Here in California, where the progressive communist democrats rule the state with an iron hand, we are overwhelmed by deceptive and misleading ballot propositions placed on the ballot by politicians and their special interests, not the public.

To add insult to injury, the uni-party, which controls the corrupt Attorney General’s office, massages and manipulates the propositions with misleading, false, deceptive, and confusing titles to confuse and confound voters into voting against their own interests.

The only remedy is to sue for corrections. Unfortunately, cases are often heard by activist judges who are skilled at delaying their rulings until the last minute—and after progressive media propagandists have saturated the public with deceptive rhetoric.

It is not unusual to find hidden tax increases and loose restrictions that allow for repurposing bond money from one cause to another. Or find that infrastructure is used as collateral for state loans or is manipulated by sale and leaseback agreements. Or a tranch of money in a so-called lockbox has been replaced with a worthless state IOU.

Consider Proposition 5, which guts Proposition 13, a measure that requires the assessment of each taxable property based on its fair market value and limits a property owner’s general levy tax to 1 percent of the assessed value. Of course, the measure doesn’t say it guts Proposition 13; it “allows local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval.” Sounds relatively innocent for a massive tax increase.

Proposition 33, Rent Control, expands local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property. This alters private property rights and makes investing in income property a risky proposition.

Or Proposition 32, which raises minimum wages and destroys entry-level jobs. The idea that a burger-flipper should earn $35,000 or more plus benefits is ludicrous.

Look at Proposition 2, which authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for the repair, upgrade, and construction of facilities at K–12 public schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and career technical education programs, including for improving health and safety conditions and classroom upgrades.

Look closer, and you may find that this is $10 billion or more of state debt, is to be spent on unspecified expenditures in school districts with money flowing to politically connected consultants and union contractors without fair bidding procedures--or siphoned off to pay off teachers’ unions. And the progressive communist democrats are continuing their fight against charter schools on behalf of the corrupt teachers’ unions who believe they own your children and parental rights harm children.

Gay marriage was settled by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015, yet the Democrats need to get out the gay vote, hence Proposition 3, to recognize a fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race.

Proposition 4 funds the money machine that is climate change. Yes, we want clean water, land, and air. We don’t want our progressive communist democrats to kill fossil fuels, including clean-burning natural gas, and destroy the energy lifeblood of our economy.

Proposition 6 purports to end slavery by removing current provisions that allow jails and prisons to impose involuntary servitude to punish crime. It will enable prisoners to unionize and demand pay hikes from taxpayers for cleaning their cells and maintaining the grounds.

Proposition 35 is a tax increase on healthcare, permanently increasing the existing tax on managed healthcare insurance plans.

There are many bad things on the ballot, and it takes an informed Californian to decode and discern the truth. Want to see for yourself? Look at the California Official General Election Voter Information Guide.

Bottom line…

At the end of the day, real change happens when people get out and vote.

It’s not about feeling good momentarily by posting the perfect tweet or crafting an argument that’ll never change anyone’s mind. It’s about showing up, making your voice heard, and refusing to let anyone—or any flawed political poll—steer your future.

So next time you’re tempted to dive into a social media shouting match or stare blankly at another pollster’s prediction, remember: voting is the one action that’s exponentially more important than all the noise. It’s like showing up to the gym of democracy—you don’t get stronger by just talking about it. You’ve got to lift; in this case, lifting means showing up at the ballot box.

And who knows, maybe someday we’ll stop asking, “Are they fucking serious?” and start asking, “How do we fix this?” But until then, vote like your democracy depends on it—because it probably does.

Remember, folks: vote as early as possible to avoid election day glitches, and don’t sell yourself and your country short.

Steve

GODBLESSAMERICA

“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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Tyreek Hill: The Dangers of Media-Manufactured Racism

Police

There are those individuals and their lawyers who will go to any lengths to mischaracterize police encounters to advance their own personal and professional agenda.

The facts: Tyreek Hill, the 30-year-old wide receiver for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, was en route to the stadium when he was allegedly stopped by a Miami-Dade motorcycle officer for a routine traffic stop. Hill was driving a 2018 Black McLaren with heavily tinted windows. Police bodycam footage shows the officer yanking Hill out of his vehicle and taking him to the ground after he refused to comply with police orders.

What has Tyreek Hill said about the incident?

Hill said Wednesday that he wishes he “could go back and do things a bit differently” during his encounter with police.

“Yes, I will say, I could’ve been better. I could’ve let down my window in that instance,” Hill said in a news conference. “... I don’t want attention, I don’t want to be cameras out, phones on you in that moment. But at the end of the day, I’m human. I’ve got to follow rules. I’ve got to do what everyone else would do.

“Now, does that give them the right to literally beat the dog out of me? Absolutely not. But at the end of the day, I wish I could go back and do things a bit differently.”

This came one day after Hill and his legal team called for one of the officers involved in the matter, Danny Torres, to be fired.

“We are of the opinion that the officer’s use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless,” Hill and his lawyers said Tuesday night in a statement. “We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately.

Hill reiterated later Wednesday that he believes Torres should be “gone.” <Source>

Tyree Hill Mocking the Police With “Arrest” on the Playing Field After 80-yard Touchdown.

Tyreecelebrating-touchdown

Whatever the reason for the traffic stop, Tyreek Hill was at fault and created the situation.

  • Heavily tinted windows pose a significant risk to officer safety during traffic stops by obscuring the view inside the vehicle. This lack of visibility prevents officers from assessing potential threats, such as the presence of weapons or suspicious movements. The inability to clearly see the occupants increases uncertainty and heightens the danger, forcing officers to approach more cautiously, potentially escalating tensions during routine stops.

  • Noncompliance with police orders or displaying an argumentative attitude during a traffic stop can significantly escalate the situation, increasing the risk of misunderstanding and potential use of force. Officers are trained to prioritize safety, and any perceived resistance or refusal to follow instructions can heighten their sense of threat. This can lead to more aggressive responses and complicate what might otherwise be a routine stop. Staying calm, cooperative, and following instructions would have de-escalated the situation dramatically and ensured the interaction remained safe for both the driver and the officer.

The media was quick to characterize the encounter as a racist police-on-black-man event.

The Dangers of Media-Manufactured Racism

In today’s hyper-connected world, the media wields immense power over how people think, act, and perceive societal issues. One of the most dangerous byproducts of this influence is the manufacturing of racism—where the media amplifies, distorts, and sometimes creates narratives of racial conflict. These narratives are often tailored for sensationalism, stirring emotions, and boosting ratings rather than fostering genuine understanding or solutions.

  • Creating Division for Profit: At its core, the media thrives on attention. In an era of shrinking attention spans and constant competition for clicks and views, controversy sells. Stories of conflict, especially racial tensions, are guaranteed to captivate audiences. Headlines become more provocative, and stories are framed in ways that amplify the idea of “us vs. them,” encouraging division rather than unity.

    In pursuit of profit, news outlets often cherry-pick stories and manipulate facts to fit a particular narrative. This sensationalism obscures the full complexity of racial issues, focusing on isolated incidents or inflating minor conflicts, which can make it seem like society is on the brink of racial collapse. By doing so, media outlets contribute to a sense of fear and mistrust, reinforcing racial stereotypes and deepening divisions between communities.

  • Ignoring Context for Sensationalism: One of the most insidious aspects of media-manufactured racism is the selective presentation of facts. Events are taken out of context or are disproportionately covered to fit an overarching narrative of widespread racism. Stories that would otherwise be local news are catapulted to national attention, creating a false sense of widespread racial hostility.

  • Weaponizing Identity Politics: Media-driven racism doesn’t just manifest in news stories; it infiltrates sports, entertainment, social media, and political discourse. Many media outlets have learned to weaponize identity politics to pit racial groups against one another. By elevating certain voices and suppressing others, they construct narratives that villainize entire communities or portray them as perpetual victims. This binary view of race relations benefits no one.

  • Exploiting Racism for Personal or Professional Publicity: In addition to the media’s role, there is a growing trend where individuals, including influencers, activists, and even some public figures, exploit racial issues for personal or professional publicity. These individuals understand that aligning themselves with trending social justice causes can increase their visibility, attract followers, and boost their brand, whether committed to the cause or not.

    Social media has made it easy for people to amplify their personal brands by joining movements or engaging in “call-out culture,” often with little understanding of the issues. For some, the allure of publicity outweighs the responsibility to engage thoughtfully. By turning complex racial matters into opportunities for self-promotion, these individuals risk trivializing serious issues.

Professional opportunists such as attorneys, agents, and media consultants also seize this moment. Some executives and public relations teams have used racial tensions as a marketing tool in corporate spaces.

Bottom line…

This was not racism, as the exact same thing happened to PGA Tour golfer Scottie Scheffler, and Scheffler happens to be white. It was even more unwarranted in Scheffler's case and the officer deserved the consequences of his actions.

While some police officers can be overly aggressive at times and deserving of discipline, this should be judged in the context of events from the officer's perspective.

In the end, combating media-manufactured racism is about reclaiming the conversation around race from those who profit from division. Only through thoughtful engagement, a commitment to justice, and a focus on truth can we hope to continue building a better nation.

In my opinion, Tyreek Hill should be sanctioned by the NFL and his team for his disrespectful celebratory mockery of the police.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

Flag-bl

“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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