The Importance of Secessionism

Anyone who has been around this blog for some time knows that I was a die-hard Huckabee supporter, not because of his religious beliefs, but because of his commitment to State's Rights. Unfortunately, the Republican Party selected a candidate who could care less about the constitution in general, especially the 9th and 10th amendments. Luckily he selected a VP candidate who fully respects a state's right to vote on their status with the union. Sarah Palin has reached out to legitimize the struggle of a group of "10th amendmenters", called the Alaskan Independence Party, simply requesting the vote which Alaskans were never granted - on whether or not they wanted to join the union.

In the light of the new powers granted to an un-elected official, the Secretary of Treasury, which are unbound and unchecked allowing this individual with no responsibility to the voters to exercise unconstitutional force on the free market, we have to ask ourselves what rights we still retain.

When our founding fathers constructed the proposed union, they established the rules for an inefficient government to avoid tyranny, and followed up their governmental structure to ensure that the government understood that it's existence was at the pleasure of the citizens of the individual states... not the other way around.

The Bill of Rights was 10 of 12 proposed amendments, guaranteeing that certain rights were specifically cited as being "off limits" to the functioning of the supposed small federal government.

First, there was a protection of speech, press, practice of religion, protest, and protest against government for grievances.

Second, there was a protection of the individual's right to self preservation, by way of arming the self.

Third, there was a protection of private land - namely against occupying federal forces.

Fourth, there was a protection of the self against search and seizure.

Fifth, there was a protection of the self against self-incrimination, unreasonable trials, and protection of private property against governmental growth.

Sixth and Seventh, there was a protection of the self via jury of peers, and reasonable due process of law.

Eight, there was a protection of the self against unreasonable punishment and torture by the government.

Finally - the ninth and tenth amendments stated clearly that rights not explicitly called out did not mean that those rights were not rights of the people, and that any power not explicitly given to the federal government in the constitution was therefor a power retained by the STATES and the PEOPLE of the states.

These last two points are the most powerful of the entire constitution - declaring that the power of the states is superior to the power of the federal government. This includes the power of secession from the union, a right not discussed in the constitution, thus retained by the states and the people to decide.

Unfortunately, our country went to war over the right of secession once before... though history would indicate that it was a war over slavery, the truth being told, the war was over the right of a state to opt out of a union that fails to represent or operate on behalf of the people of that state.
As I was saying, in light of the recent NEW POWERS, unchecked powers, that the federal government has just granted itself over the people, the markets, and the states... we have to ask ourselves what rights we still retain, and what power we still have over the federal government... Truth be told, those rights and powers are gone. The answer in plain sight is none. But let's discuss technicalities, and the strength that they have.

Technically we have the right to secede from the union, to cast off a form of government that no longer represents the will of the people or the states. It is the last right of the people to keep the federal government in check - stating loud and clear that it is the people who retain the power, not the government. If the people of this nation, of these collection of states, understands that they are not subjects of the federal government but rather the power behind a once "more perfect union", we can better understand our rights and our purpose for living in this nation.

I would propose a show of force across the nation - a ratification of the collective state constitutions, citing the rights retained by the 9th and 10th amendments to the US Constitution, explicitly stating that the right of the state does, in fact, include the right to secede from the Federal Union of the United States. This is not a proposition that any governor is going to propose - it has to be a grassroots effort of the people of the collective states.

Once this effort comes to a head, the Supreme Court decision of Texas v. White (in which the 1869 SCOTUS ruling indicated that the Constitution did not permit states to secede from the Union - the decision was 5-3), will come into question. Fortunately for the argument of future state's rights of secession, the decision of the court included a statement:

The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual,
and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. There was no place
for reconsideration, or revocation, except through revolution, or through
consent of the States.

This indicates that if the multitude of the states, and the people of the states, indicated that the right of secession was a right retained by the states by the 9th and 10th amendment, then secession could be voted on by any given state and enacted against the federal government's rule.

The right to secession benefits each state, and the people of the United States, as a protection against an overbearing federal government. Unfortunately, the people of this great nation feel defenseless in the current state of the economy and the strict authoritarian federal government that has sprung up in the name of freedom. What freedom does a caged dog have?

Am I advocating a civil war? I would argue that we are in the midst of a "cold" civil war - a class war, a war of values, a war of power over the people... and the people are losing. I am not advocating violence.

What I am advocating is that the People of the United States understand their rights... understand that we do not have to live in a country of corruption and tyranny at the upper echelons. And we do not have to sit idly by as we watch the powers of a KING granted to an unelected Cabinet Member of the Executive Branch.

I am advocating that We the People of the United States of America take back this country - take back our personal rights, and stop living under constant supervision, regulation, and fear of our government!

I am advocating for the freedom of the people of the several states/regions to decide whether or not the Federal Government has grown beyond its usefulness.

Secession is not a resolution that should come lightly. It is a decision that brings into question the very existence of the United States, and the ties that have bound our people together. It is necessary, from time to time, to have the option to pressure the Federal Government into submission on behalf of the people.

Our politicians swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America - but I wonder if any have read it lately or understand what it actually says, or what it MEANS!?!

Life in 2008 - Protecting the Unborn

Barack Hussein Obama: The first thing I would do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act

The first thing? Are your Super left tendencies so important that your "Unity" ticket would instantly federalize a generally state's issue, and instantly alienate 50% of Americans:

Obama's first order of business would be a law to reinstate partial birth abortion... What would that look like?

Obama will not yield on this issue - in his own words. If there are undecided voters out there, print out the above picture - see if that helps them change their mind. Refer them to Obama's position against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. And ask them if the federal government should be supporting infanticide.

Arguing over abortion in the first trimester is one thing... but being strongly in favor of killing children is another.

All men are endowed by their Creator to unalienable rights - among those is LIFE. When we cease to follow Natural Law and Natural Order, we cease to exist as a civil society!

Obama - too radical for the White House!

Pucker Factor or Market Correction?

The Dow Jones crossed a dangerous threshold, and may still have more to lose - should it cross below 6000 points it would represent the 2/3 sell-off which began the Great Depression. So, are we heading into a greater depression? Or is this a natural market correction cutting off years of fat acquired by indulgence in credit and living beyond our means?

We have to ask ourselves what values we hold most dear, what values we intend on "clinging to" in these times of 'lesser plenty', and what this may mean to how we conduct business, family, and life in general!

If one were to look at the Dow Jones, which is the canary to our economy, you would notice the importance of crossing the threshold of the 8000 point mark today. The 8000 mark is the exact mark where the United States would be had we been witness to steady and responsible market growth.
The Technology Boom in the late 1990's began a perceived era of prosperity - however, this era soon met it's demise as dotcom businesses proved unreliable and unstable on the market of industry. This stagnation was capped by the attacks of 9/11, which began an era of uncertainty in the US markets - and the world markets, as nations ceased to be defined by maps. This instability brought into question the reason and logic behind "business without borders", and the ideals of a fully global market without national interest. In fact, the US citizen ceased to exist, replaced with the title "consumer". When our nation was attacked, our marching orders were not to act as a Militia and strengthen our defenses - rather it was "keep shopping", an order to continue to purchase items made in China in order to stabilize the world markets.

This Unstable period saw excuse for the Bush administration to increase the government, and governmental spending to record sizes - But he is not fully to blame - Clinton's policies of credit in the 90's set the stage for this government take-over.

Alas - here we are today... cutting the fat from the rumps of the market - and returning to values that would be reasonable under stable economic growth, stable market growth.

In these times of "less plenty", we have to look at the signs around us, and ask if we really are seeing a depression. In the 70's, unemployment rates were 11%. Today they hover just above 5-6%. In the 30's, through the Great Depression, unemployment rates were in excess of 25%. As unemployment rates rise, we should not worry until the rates hit 10-15%.

We can little claim that we are in a depression when businesses like Circuit City and Best Buy continue to sell entertainment goods and personal communication devices... as long as we continue to operate as consumers, the market will survive.

What we will see is a need for jobs - an increase in the need to manufacture some goods of our own. Perhaps we will see the market bring a return to small town America, where mom and pop shops are preferred to Wal-Mart's "China Discount" Store. Who can be certain what direction we will decide to pursue.

Only one thing is for certain - some people are losing their shirts today. Those people need to pull themselves up from the bootstraps and decide not to be victims. The economy is sound - the basis of America is sound - we are just seeing a correction from a life of excess to a life of comfortable stability. Perhaps this is a good time to get to know your family again. Have dinner with them tonight, around the table. Turn off the TV. Remember what it is that makes America strong.

If you are having trouble at the end of the month, I hear you can give Obama a dollar in taxes and he will give you back some "change"...

SNL Satires the Bail-out - Upsets the Liberal Left

Saturday Night Live has an infamous history as of late regarding politics - coming down hard on Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, and the show's political voice is clearly left when former cast-members like Chevy Chase hope that the show goes further and "decimates" our next VP.

However, sometimes they get it right... as was the case in their representation of the $700 Billion Wall-Street Welfare plan. There has been much controversy surrounding this direct slam on the Democratic Party for it's actions regarding the bailout, as well as directly attacking Pelosi, Barney Frank, GW Bush, and labelling George Soros as "the Owner of the Democratic Party". They did a great job of calling out the leadership of this nation, and showing how ridiculous such "welfare" plans are and how Democratic ideology actually is the root cause of this entire mess.

If this gets high play, perhaps some on the left might question the truth behind the cause of the economic crisis. There is a long list of causes dating back to the creation of FDIC in 1933 and Fannie Mae in 1938 all the way through to the Clinton and Bush administrations' enforcement of CRA and the "ownership" society. This has nothing to do with the free market (as Obama would indicate, as he did in last night's debate) - our financial markets have not been "deregulated" and anyone who claims so is dishonest. The real key has been a fiat paper currency that is managed by a central bank who has continually tried to eliminate risk but has instead fostered malinvestment, bubbles, and increasing leverage throughout. The solution is to defend individual property rights, free banking and the gold standard.

McCain/Palin - Eeking Out Victory in '08?

After watching the lack-luster Presidential Debate last night, and reading the headlines over the past few days regarding presidential politics, I am willing to hedge my bets. John McCain and Sarah Palin will win the electoral vote by a spread of 10 points - 274 to 264, Colorado being the deciding vote and leaning McCain by less than 10,000 votes.

I am willing to predict that Obama/Biden pick up huge victories in NY and California, giving them a 2 million vote spread in the popular vote - bringing about the same arguments we saw after 2000, where Gore won the popular vote and Bush won the electoral vote, sparking disputes whether the electoral vote is representative of the will of the people.

In fact, the electoral vote is what keeps this country a Republic - and saves us from a mob-ruled Democracy in the Federal Government.

Barack Obama is going to have a tough race over the next few weeks. There is finally some more in depth reporting regarding his questionable associations, his economic policy, and his record. Obama's headlines this week include ACORN voter registration fraud on the order of tens of thousands in battleground states, Breaking his promise to his wife regarding smoking, Democrat tactics (including hacking e-mail accounts) in intimidating supporters of McCain and Undecided Voters... Dissenters of Barack Obama are going to spend the next few weeks ripping the Junior Senator apart, and it will be enough to swing the undecided voters in the traditionally red states back in to the McCain/palin camp.

McCain will take Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina by about 5%.
McCain will take Ohio and Colorado by 2%.

It will be tight, but the negative message about Obama is only going to be muted by Obama pumping tens of millions into counter ads attempting to repair his image - money that has been questionably raised - breaking numerous federal election laws... which will be made well known.

The upside is that this will all be over in a few weeks, and we will see the uneasiness in the markets settle down a bit, and the country will begin to move forward in one direction or the other.

Under Obama, we can be sure that the markets will hit about 8000 as investors pull out their money to avoid the "threshold of wealth" in the sights of Obama's "fairness tax". Small business and large business alike will be motivated to hide funds or under-perform to avoid the higher taxes. There will be a motivation for restraining business growth, whcih will lead to the elimination of actual economic growth. Jobs will disappear, unless the Federal Government creates a jobs program for the Green Energy "industry" which will actually be the Green Energy Administration - and jobs will be under the Federal Government Payroll.

Under McCain, there is at least some hope for allowing the American people the opportunity to fix their situation as part of a reprise of personal responsibility in spending, health, and energy. There will be tax breaks for all, spending reductions across the board, and an end to Bush's Big Government Boom! There is some hope with McCain's policy of ousting corruption in lending, lobbying, and leadership that the government will shrink, taxes will stay low, and local governments will feel the pressure to take over where the federal government has intruded on their authority.

There will be no unity in 2008. If McCain wins, the angered and trained Obamanites will partake in the practice of civil disobedience. Leftist Fascism will be at an all time high through Code Pink, ACORN, and Move-On groups trying to quiet the conservatives/Republicans from conducting a clean-up operation in our government. It will be no better from the left than it is now, under Bush - because those on the left HATE anyone who disagrees with them. If Obama wins, there will be tactics from the right to stall any of his policies from becoming law. There will be a massive failure of the government to operate under these extreme bills and regulations (which is why the congressional and Senate races are more important than the Presidential race).

Either way, we are at a societal crossroads in America. The left has become so left that socialist/communist would be a compliment to them. The right has been abandoned for the middle-left, and those who remain on the right are radically outside of common thinking, even if they are spot on classically for American Politics.

Assuming I am right, and McCain/Palin wins, there is hope that the future of the country will begin it's pendulum swing back to the center, giving hope for true reform in government towards a smaller, less authoritarian "master" federal government.

Assuming I am wrong and this nation continues left, there could be a collapse of the Union under the pressure of the overbearing federal government - leading to possible civil war, or in the least a new form of a confederation between states or regions. What happens next in America is anyone's guess... but as it was once said: Keep your powder dry. Save your resources and be prepared for anything, because uncertainty is staring us in the face!

When in the Course of Human Events...

The Declaration of Independence, written by men no longer able to idly allow usurpation of their natural right to freedom from tyranny and excessive and burdensome law, has been forgotten by most and ignored by more. What is worse, the importance and relevance of this document is further il-understood in the context of the sequence of events which have recently elapsed.

Over the weekend, the United States ceased to exist as a free nation, as a nation of free men.

This statement has been closer to reality for some time, but the events of the last week have ensured an end to the free society which was so nobly defended by the blood of our forefathers - the same blood that now boils in my veins.

The United States Government, under the guise of security in the financial markets, has simply cast aside the Constitution - a document which identifies the limited government which was allowed by the free peoples of this nation to be established with the limited roles of providing for the common defense of this nation and it's people - and have instituted in it's place an entity with limitless power over finance, business, banking, and the very core of the market system.

This nation ceases to be a Republic, and has now boldly stated that Republics are unnecessary - instead relying on a socialist democracy where the mob rules and the government remains in power of business, jobs, and the once free market. Free thinking minds need not apply - the United States of Freedom has officially gone bankrupt.

Free thinking men continue to do nothing, insisting instead that it is actually a good thing for an entity of once limited power to have unlimited power over businesses - and now has the ability to cease failing businesses for the cause of financial security.

Benjamin Franklin noted: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety"

So what about those of us who acknowledge the error in the government - what choice do we have but to dissolve the political bands between ourselves and the Federal Government - to declare that we are the Harbinger of Liberty, the protectors of our inalienable rights! Experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

Our Federal Government has violated the contract in which WE ALLOW THEIR EXISTENCE. They have proclaimed themselves rulers of their people, masters of the land, and have shown intent to bring slavery and military force upon her people.

The Federal Government is guilty by their own admission of the following:

*It has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies with the purpose of combat against citizens in protest against them
*It has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power, usurping jurisdiction from rightful local citizens.
*It has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving its Assent to their Acts of unwanted Legislation:
- For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us
- For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent
*It has violated the trust of the people, conducting unreasonable search and seizure of persons and property without just cause or due process under the guise of Homeland Security and the "patriot act"
*It has moved to establish itself as superior in all matters where rights and laws are naturally reserved for the people or the states, including but not limited to marriage, education, and local security
*It has established evidentiary proof against itself to be called into question its intention of treason against the good will of the free people of the nation

All these actions occur in violation of the contract between the people and the government. We are under siege, yet we remain distracted and indifferent to action.

My recent near detention at the SeaTac airport in Seattle Washington emboldened me to action. I refused to cooperate with additional screening three hours after I went through security as the TSA agents conducted "random searches" of citizens at my gate. My refusal was on the grounds of the 4th amendment protection against unreasonable search or seizure without probable cause - unless they could present me with a warrant or some other document authorizing such a search of my secure person. They were unable to provide a warrant, and unwilling to show me an authorizing document to conduct this additional and unreasonable full body search. Their response to my protest was to call in their management, who was equally unable to cite any directive or authority to conduct such a search, and when fully frustrated that they could not beat me in a battle of constitutional wits, they threatened to have me arrested. I answered back that there is no need to show unnecessary force, when all I am requesting is documentation of their right to search my person. Needless to say, after a 25 minute stand-off, I took down their names and their position and informed them that i intend to file a full complaint - and allowed them to perform their search under my protest so that I could board my plane. I am currently investigating legal action against the TSA for failure to provide warrant or authority to conduct unreasonable searches under force.

And I call into question any citizen who is unwilling to question the actions of our government. What has this society become? Am I mourning the death of the Republic while others are celebrating the birth of whatever our nation has become?

We should never forget that a government that ceases to act on behalf of the people becomes an enemy of the people. This is just as true today as it was in 1776 - when our Founding Fathers - those brave souls - proclaimed that enough was enough.

Palin: Pointing Fingers at Bush, in the past, is NOT Change

Perhaps one of my favorite clips from the Vice Presidential debate last night was when Sarah Palin challenged the "change" that Obama/Biden represent, versus the reform that McCain/Palin represent. Obama and Biden are pushing the blame game, attempting to play off the emotion of the people, insisting that "A Republican by any other name is still a Bush!"

Palin struck back with the following:

h/t to Brigate for posting this clip at: Desde la resistencia - where she also explains why McCain may be hesitant to visit with her President in Spain.

Sarah Palin is right. Once the next President gets in office the fingers are going to be pointed at him! So your strategy had better be more than pointing fingers to bring the country together.

Real change is a reform in government - not a societal change of leftist policies and hate politics - there is no "Unity" in that... merely a political catch phrase. Obama has no record of Unity, and is openly disgusted by conservatives and Republicans in General. So much for "Change"

Palin Clear: Energy Independence GOP VP Focus

Sarah Palin cleared the muddied air about her ability and role as the next Vice President of the United States - she is there to take on the hurdle of ensuring energy independence in the Untied States. As the Vice President, she will ensure that the policy of "All of the Above" will bring about true energy independence in the United States!

The plan that she will enforce is a plan that will make the United States dependent on no one other than ourselves for energy. That includes a phased set of milestones, not a complete and immediate withdrawal from carbon based products (immediate withdrawal seems to be a common trend to Obama/Biden)

The plan will play out thusly:

1. Increase production of America's oil reserves - including shale. This will allow the current infrastructure to survive the transition to alternative energy. Obama/Biden see the need for alternative energy, but they refuse to admit that their policy will be grossly ineffective if they do not sustain the current infrastructure as we build the bridge to the future.

2. Invest in the capital of America's Future - Alternative Energy. Begin a process to incentivize car companies to steer away from Gasoline engines, tending towards Natural Gas or Electric. Establish an incentive program to encourage households to install solar panels - enough to reduce the need for residential power by a large percentage across America. Then begin to convert power usage from coal and oil to wind, solar, and the remaining nuclear plants built to initially sustain the energy system.

Palin is undoubtedly and undeniably the perfect candidate to take on energy independence. McCain giving her full reign in this arena was the best move for America's energy future.

In contrast, and as a side note, Biden's role as VP would be to council Obama, but let him be President... what kind of an answer is that?

Regardless - it is clear that Palin will be the leader in Energy Independence starting on day one as Vice President of these United States.

Huffington Post Predicts Palin Win?

A backhanded compliment, but the Huffington Post is predicting that Sarah Palin wows America with her debating skills tomorrow night. This could be pre-damage control to ensure the base that her oratory skills and demeanor under the pressure of debate should not detract from her "poor showings" on her two liberal media news interviews.

The Huff even went as far as placing a video compilation of Sarah's debating skills, after targeting her style as "just words" with no substance:

Perhaps this is the Liberal Left's way of some pre-debate damage control. Lowering the bar on Biden while suggesting that even if Palin wins, it is not a worthy feat...Unfortunately, McCain has allowed the leftist media to use the last month to define Sarah Palin as an ignorant 2nd rate leader not worthy of her PTA post - I think they have another thing coming.

My hope is that Palin creams Biden, as she did the gentlemen from Alaska in the clip above - and once this is complete, she then takes the vigor to the campaign trail, and that the McCain campaign let's Sarah Palin be what I know she can be: A fighter, A Reformer, and the Next Vice President of These United States.

Maybe THAT is the GOP October Surprise.

McCain and the Bail-Out

On July 17, 2007 I wrote a short article about John McCain's failure as his campaign seemingly fell apart. It was an article no more than two-three sentences that left me eating crow when his campaign rallied back to win the nomination. It was inspired by the following cartoon:


So now we are seeing the second crumbling of the McCain campaign - and I am left wondering if the strong finishing maverick has what it takes to turn it around?

As early voting is already underway in the battleground state of Ohio, it is necessary to look at McCain's failures and what he must do to turn them around NOW!

1. McCain saw his biggest bump when he picked Sarah Palin, but has spent the last month trying too hard to conform her to McCain Jr. What he needs to do is let the tiger out of her cage! Sarah Palin works best when she is allowed to lead - not when she is being micromanaged and shielded from being the hardball player that she naturally is. Hopefully tomorrow's debate will be the beginning of the Palin rally, and she will come out swinging against Joe Biden.

2. McCain has stayed negative. John's constant attacks of Obama are failing to succeed. This is a time when McCain needs to lay out his economic plan, his energy plan, his tax plan, etc. No more attack ads. Everyone knows WHO John McCain is, but he has failed to say what he stands to do - besides making the authors of earmark legislation famous... Unfortunately Earmarks are not the source of the problem right now!

3. Focus on leadership. John McCain gathered 60 votes in support of the failed bailout plan - there were 4 House votes originally - McCain brought over 60 additional. McCain has the ability to lead the party and the country - He just needs to do it in a way that is not supporting a growing government and bad policy!

4. Come out against Bush. McCain needs to run an ad, or give a speech that hits Bush hard on the size of government. He needs to say that bush was distracted from his role as a conservative leader, and caused the government to grow - and then lay out a plan to shrink the size and the authoritarian nature of this government. Bush has not campaigned for McCain, and endorses him only as a Republican - so why not send a Conservative/Libertarian message that enough is enough on government growth, and He is the only candidate pledging to reduce the size and spending of the government by ~25% in four years.

5. Buy a two minute spot before the Vice Presidential debate on all channels in which he can make a case for his presidency. Everyone is going to be watching the VP debate to see Palin perform, so this is the perfect time to catch the attention of America. He needs to spell out his plan, and lay it all on the line then. Early voting is already under way in some states, and Mail-in ballots are a week away in Colorado. Now is the time!

If John McCain is going to make a move, it needs to be done NOW. The general election is one month away, but a majority of ALL voting will be complete within the next two weeks. Americans have been encouraged to become a "mail-in" ballot country - what is more patriotic than staying home and voting in your pajamas? If McCain intends on finishing first, all cards need to be laid on the table, all bluffs need to be called, and he needs to go all-in... This is it, folks... all or nothing!