One Citizen Speaking

The days of kinetic warfare are almost over, as bombing and shooting individual clusters have become some of the least effective weapons in our arsenal.

Only fools prepare to fight the last kinetic war when artificial intelligence-driven cybercrimes, disinformation/persuasion campaigns, and anonymized biological agents have been shown to cause widespread damage, with the aggressor, even if known, not suffering instant and overwhelming retaliation.

In recent years, there has been an alarming trend of mysterious seed packets arriving at people’s doorsteps worldwide, especially in the United States, often from China. These unsolicited seed shipments have sparked concern and curiosity and are far more than a random, unusual package. They pose potential biohazard risks to local ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Here’s everything you need to know about the dangers associated with these seed packets.

The Mystery of Unsolicited Seed Shipments

It started innocently enough: individuals started receiving unsolicited seed packets from unknown senders, often marked as “jewelry” or “toys” on the customs declaration. The seeds appeared harmless, but soon, experts and authorities began to raise alarm. Most of these packets were postmarked from China, although the precise origin and purpose remained unclear.

While some seeds were easily identifiable, others were of unknown species, including invasive plants, fruits, and vegetables. However, the genuine concern wasn’t about receiving unusual plant seeds in the mail but about the potential risks these seeds could introduce into local ecosystems. Seeds that were not toxic to humans could cripple food-stock animals, which then impacts humans.

Why Are These Seed Shipments Dangerous?

Invasive Species: One of the biggest threats these unsolicited seed packets pose is the potential for invasive plant species. These foreign plants can harm local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can lead to the decline of native flora and fauna, disrupting the balance of local habitats. Invasive plants can also affect agriculture by spreading disease or attracting pests that may damage crops.
Pathogens and Pests: Another danger associated with these mystery seeds is the possibility that they may carry harmful pathogens, viruses, or pests that could devastate local agriculture and natural plant life. Seedborne diseases, transmitted through infected seeds, can spread quickly if introduced into an area without proper quarantine measures.
Contamination and Cross-Contamination: Foreign seeds could inadvertently lead to cross-contamination between local plant species and new, potentially harmful organisms. Even seeds that appear to be benign may contain harmful bacteria, fungi, or viruses capable of infecting plants, animals, or even humans under certain circumstances.
Public Health Risks: Some plants carry toxins or allergens that may pose serious human and/or animal health risks. For example, certain seeds might contain chemicals that can be dangerous if consumed or touched. Without knowing the specific nature of the seeds, it’s hard to determine whether they could be harmful to children, pets, or farm animals.

The Government’s Response

In response to this growing issue, authorities like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and local agricultural agencies have warned about these unsolicited seed packets. In many countries, receiving such packages has been considered a potential biosecurity concern, with authorities urging recipients not to plant seeds or discard them improperly.

In some cases, the USDA has coordinated with customs officials to track and intercept suspicious shipments. They also encourage recipients to report the arrival of mystery seed packets immediately to avoid further complications.

What Should You Do If You Receive an Unknown Seed Packet?

If you’ve received an unsolicited seed packet, here’s what you should do:

Do Not Open or Plant the Seeds: Avoid handling or planting the seeds. Even seemingly harmless seeds can have consequences when introduced into new environments.
Report It to Authorities: Contact your local agricultural agency or the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). They will guide you on correctly disposing of the seeds and ensure no environmental risk.
Dispose of the Seeds Safely: Do not throw the seeds away in your regular trash or garden. Follow any guidelines provided by authorities for safe disposal to prevent the seeds from potentially spreading.
Follow Local Regulations: Comply with your county’s regulations regarding foreign plant materials to avoid legal issues and protect agriculture and the environment.

The Bigger Picture: Biosecurity and International Trade

These seed shipments highlight an increasing concern over biosecurity in global trade. In today’s interconnected world, international shipments can carry risks far beyond the goods we’re familiar with. Both consumers and governments must take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect local environments from the unintended consequences of foreign imports.

With increasing awareness, international collaborations to ensure the safety of plant shipments are becoming more critical. Countries are enhancing regulations on importing seeds with stricter border controls and biosecurity measures to prevent potential threats to biodiversity.

Bottom line…

While the mystery of the unsolicited seed packets may seem like an isolated incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global trade and the potential dangers that can arise from unforeseen circumstances. Consumers must remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited packages and cooperate with authorities to mitigate possible risks. With stronger biosecurity measures in place, we can help protect our ecosystems, agriculture, and public health from emerging threats in the future.

Stay informed, stay safe, and be cautious with your mail and unsolicited or disguised packages—they could contain more than just a surprise! And never approach anything dropped from a balloon.

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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EXPEL & DEPORT PALESTINIAN ANTI-SEMITIC TROUBLEMAKERS

Our colleges and universities located in dense population areas have become hotbeds of radical ideological warfare, made more dangerous because of their research laboratories that non-vetted students and faculty members can access.

Pro-Palestinian protestors slapped bloody handprints on the home of a powerful Hollywood agent during a protest outside his Los Angeles home.

Jonathan 'Jay' Sures, the 58-year-old vice chairman and managing director of the United Talent Agency, saw his Brentwood home targeted by at least 50 UCLA demonstrators early Wednesday morning, Deadline reported.

Sures, who is Jewish, represents superstar clients that include Ryan Seacrest. He is a member of the University of California Board of Regents, which voted to ban political statements from university homepages.

At around 6.15am Wednesday morning, officers from the LAPD were called to Sures' residence in response 'to a large group, blocking the street and driveway.'

Along with 'bloody' handprints smeared across his garage door, protestors put up caution tape throughout the front yard.

Dozens of demonstrators held up massive signs at the front gate of his home while chanting 'intifada revolution,' Daily Bruin reported.

One sign read 'disclose, divest - we will not stop, we will not rest' while another said 'Jonathan Sures you will pay until you see your final day.'

An additional sign that was lying in the street soaked from the rain, read: 'divest now or you will pay.'

Nearly 50 pro-Palestinian protestors targeted the Los Angeles home of Hollywood agent Jay Sures

Sures, who is Jewish, represents superstar clients that include Ryan Seacrest

'It's one thing to peacefully protest, but to go to an administrator or a Regent's house to violate the hundred foot rule, which is what it is in Los Angeles, to disturb the entire neighborhood by pounding on drums, to surround my wife's car and prevent her from free movement and to put up signs, threatening my family and my life and vandalize the house - that is a big escalation,' Sures told Deadline.

A neighbor, who was granted anonymity for safety reasons, told the Daily Bruin that they were pushed by a protestor while attempting to film the demonstration before roughly 20 police officers responded to the scene.

When officers arrived at the home, they were met with nearly 50 masked protestors 'banging on drums, making loud noises and causing disturbance.'

'Our job was to keep the peace,' an LAPD officer told Deadline. 'There were no arrests.'

Due to the size of the crowd, UCLA police officers were also requested to the scene.

After police successfully dispersed the protestors at around 8am, three police cars remained outside the home, Daily Bruin reported.

Sures said that the early-morning protests 'scared the living s***' out of his wife, adding how the 'whole situation is unfortunate' and that 'threatening my family is so disappointing,' The Daily Beast reported.

The protest was organized by the Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine group at the University of California.

The 15 months of conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has left at least 46,000 Palestinians dead and displaced more than a million, ended with a ceasefire deal last month. <Source>

Bottom line...

It is time for the University to expel and request deportation for disruptive international students and to seek administrative separations for staff members engaging in similar nonpeaceful protest activities.