Libertarian Tone

security and defense network

2011-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

far too often, i have seen friends either harassed or kidnapped or even both by agents of the state who falsely believe they hold authority over us. of course, this false belief is reinforced by the willing acceptance of the masses. however, mass acceptance does not necessarily mean something is right. if that were the case, then we would still have plantations and witch burnings. for this reason, i would like to engage myself in bringing to fruition an idea i have had for some time.

i share the following with you because you all offer much knowledge and experience in varying ways. some of you may already be engaged in something along the lines of what i am interested in. some in my area have even tried to implement this very type of idea with little success. this is the reason why i now reach out. things are getting worse out there and it is time to get prepared.

the idea is to build something that many of us usually refer to as an agorist defense network. for those not familiar with that term…think of a group or organization that would eventually compete with local law enforcement and even the armed forces. at first, it would operate out of sight as a standard black market enterprise due to limited strength. however, eventually all operations would be done in direct competition with the state. i will emphasize now to avoid any misunderstanding though that all actions must be in accordance with the non-aggression principle.

since the initial phase of this network would only consist of yourself and a few others in your locale, the offered services would be very limited. they would primarily consist of providing limited assistance to active members when they are in need. most assistance would likely be financial in nature. the funding for this assistance could easily be pooled by voluntary contributions made on a regular basis by each member. since each network will be an independent entity, how the money is raised and collected will vary. the only factor that would be consistent is that it must be voluntary. if any member decided they were not comfortable with contributing, they would be free to depart at any time. if the departure was due to hardship, the other members could decide to allow the other to remain a beneficiary even though not paying in.

once the core of the network is developed, it could then work to grow its membership ranks by having each member recruit friends that are known to be of a similar mindset. the immediate benefit to each member for recruiting will be the obvious factor of having access to a larger pool of funds. the long term benefit to all for recruiting would be the growth of the network and the eventual fulfillment of its true purpose.

once membership reaches a certain level, to be determined by each network, the purpose of the network could then shift. now, with a more robust group of active members the network could begin to enter the stage of providing real services and products. anything that is regulated or restricted by the state would be an opportunity for any enterprising individual to profit. the funding pool could be maintained for the existing members...but that would be up to each network. a system would be implemented to advertise the skills and abilities of each member. commissions would be placed by existing members to be filled by other members. this way, the benefits provided by being an active member would be expanded. not only would there be a certain level of security...but there would be the addition of potential supplemental income.

once the amount and variety of services were sufficient enough, they could then be used to increase the size of the network to now include those who are unaware of non-coercion alternatives. of course, they would not be attracted by anarchist teachings or libertarian philosophies. however, they would be attracted to the benefits of reliable services at highly discounted rates. at least, they would see the rates as highly discounted simply because they will be far lower due to the lack of state regulation and taxation.

in the past, many have been resistant to anarchism due to the negative images portrayed by the state and media. many see anarchists as violent thugs who crave nothing but destruction. once they begin to participate with members of the network, seeking savings, they will be exposed to the truth. we are simply people who want nothing more than to live our lives as we see fit. once this is learned, many will then be more open to learning more about various anarchist and libertarian philosophies. as a good friend of mine often says, you just plant the seeds and wait to see which ones will grow.

at this point, i would like to think that each network would be sufficient and strong enough that they would be able to begin interacting with each other. this would be where we would finally enter the final stage. the final stage being the ability to provide the services of rescue and defense against state aggression. since this will most certainly mean direct confrontation with the state, this is why it is necessary to wait until the networks were well connected and in place to serve its true purpose.

as anyone can imagine, 5 guys standing against a sheriff would be nothing more than a punchline on the evening news. however, tens of thousands standing across the country will have the desired impact. that impact being to show the same masses who accept what is forced upon them now that there is indeed an alternative. once this is accomplished, more will be willing to stop paying taxes and stop obeying laws that criminalize victimless crimes for the benefit of the state. this will then bring about the opportunity to strangle the state into non-existence. then, with the network fully entrenched, there will be no void to be filled by another wannabe statist and life will be able to go on in a voluntary and productive manner.

The Establishment of a Local Free Economy

2010-01-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

The goal of this endeavor is not to engage in any overtly illegal activities such as gambling or the distribution of drugs even though the legal status of these victimless crimes are questionable. Instead, the goal is to simply provide myself with an alternative to the continued support of the State by withdrawal from it's system.

For far too long, the State has been involved in activities that I consider to be immoral and I want to know that I am no longer supporting them in any way imaginable. Being that the State is funded through involuntary taxation, you can imagine the difficulties that will be faced. However difficult though, it is not impossible.

Being that the State is the sole cause of much of today's ills, the long term solution can ultimately be nothing short of its abolishment. This abolishment can be best achieved, peacefully, through two steps. First, cease the futile act of voting. Elections serve no purpose other than to be misconstrued as a mandate from the people for the victorious politicians own agenda. Second, secure means to conduct trade and business in a manner that does not participate within the States own system. Take away their money by avoiding their taxes and you take away their means to control or threaten you.

At this point in life, I have decided that I prefer the idea of taking the difficult road to achieve my goal as opposed to continuing on the easy path of obedience to the State. Does this mean I am evil or untrustworthy? I am sure some would decide so. Also, if my choice does bring me into conflict with the State, I am certain my name and reputation will be greatly tarnished. After all, negativity is their
standard.

To go about this, I will be required to make a significant change to my way of life. This is primarily due to the numerous ways we are all subjected to taxation whether we agree with it or not. If you are a productive member of society and work, federal taxes are withheld from your paycheck with or without your consent. If you are a consuming member of society, sales taxes are collected upon the purchase of eligible merchandise. Numerous taxes and fees are added into your telephone, cable and internet bill. Do you own a car? Taxes! Do you own a house? Taxes!! Do you do anything with your money to enrich your life or condition? Taxes!!!

To avoid these uncountable intrusions into my life, I only see one solution. That being a truly free economy where all interactions and agreements are done completely on a voluntary basis. Unfortunately, as long as the State exists, this idea of free economies will have to remain at the local level with, perhaps, some level of inter-connectivity via the internet. As more begin to see that there is an alternative and a better way, these economies will certainly grow. With this growth, the power and scope of the State will be equally diminished. As more withdraw and funding is withheld, the State will eventually die and the doors to true freedom will then be opened for all. Quite a day that will be!

No longer will the young inner-city entrepreneurs be denied the means to provide for their family because they cannot afford the requirements placed upon them by the State to start a business. No longer will a family be forced to send their children to sub-standard government schools simply because they cannot afford a better school due to taxation. No longer will the State be able to fund it's agenda of murder through money that is stolen from us.

How will this unparalleled opportunity for full liberty be achieved? Easily, through a free economy. Or, as it is discredited with the sense of something sinister, a black market! Again, due to limited participation, these economies will be small and limited to small interactions such as easily produced goods and services. These goods and services will be produced with no regard to government
regulations or requirements which will quickly lower their selling prices. These lower prices will bring about an increase in the level of participation which will result in a growth of the scope of the economies. The larger the growth, the more extensive the products and services offered will be which will again bring about more
participation. It will be a self-sustaining cycle of prosperity.

Some may be concerned about a lack of regulation, however, these concerns can easily be put to rest. If I have a product I sell and wish to be successful, what must I do? Provide quality at a competitive price. If I develop a reputation for selling shoddy merchandise, am I going to be successful? No. With an influx of new customers, I may be able to stay afloat. But, with no returning customers due to poor service, success will not be mine. Also, the cost associated with complaints would be to restrictive on any small business trying to survive in a market with vast competition.

One may ask what will attract potential consumers to a free economy and keep them there. Simply put, excellent service and products at a rate far below the going market rates. The way a free economy would be able to compete with lower prices goes back to the fact that it circumvents the established system. First consider the cost added onto your purchases just from the mandatory sales tax. Granted, it
may not seem you are paying much due to a sales tax when thinking of everyday items. However, consider it when making a larger purchase or simply all the small purchases added up over the course of a year. That small percentage does grow and I am certain you could find far better uses for those dollars than your local politicians could.

When considering avoiding the sales tax, some may argue that the local government must exist to tend to any and all local needs. But, since the State fails at any and all endeavors, this certainly is a flawed argument. However, let's examine some of the services that are provided at the local level and are funded via various direct and indirect taxes, license fees and in some places, with lotto sales. Take schools for example, due to their necessity. Even though millions are collected, somehow the schools are always running short on funds. Even though we spend a nationwide average of well over $10,000 per child for public education, how many times do schools have fund raisers a year? Ironically many top notch private schools charge similar amounts for their tuition. Which provides the better service? Yes, schools are a necessity. However, it is not required that they
be run by the State which has proven itself incapable of properly managing the taken funds and resources.

Another commonly given example of a need that can only be provided for by the State is public roads and highways. All I have to say is when was the last time you took a trip and were not inconvenienced by congested traffic, horrific road conditions or bothersome law representatives? I am willing to bet it has been quite a while.

These problems would be eliminated if roads were provided for by the market on the basis of satisfied customers paying for the use of them. With no State to depend on, companies would solely rely on a customers satisfaction for its survival. This would mean every effort would be made to provide exceptional service at a competitive price.

So far, we have seen how a free economy would benefit the consumer through lower prices and better service thanks to no cumbersome government regulations and costly taxes. But, how can a free economy benefit those that would be providing the products and services at a much lower cost. After all, if the prices were so significantly cut, would that not also cut greatly into their earning potential? To easily answer that question, I would simply request that you take a look at your most recent pay stub. How much were you paid? How much did you actually take home? Take this difference and consider it over the whole year. Right off the start, much has already been saved just by avoiding the State and its many burdens of taxation.

However, withheld federal taxes are just the beginning of the savings. The avoidance of the same government regulations that affect a products price also affect your earning potential. Every regulation requires more paperwork to verify you are within guidelines which is costly. Every regulation requires non-essential staffing which is costly. Every regulation requires numerous unnecessary benefits to be provided which is costly. I could go on, but it is likely that you get the picture. The avoidance of these regulations not only provide for better pricing for your customers, but also lowered business expenses so that there is more left over. This abundance could be kept for yourself, invested into the growth of your business or even given away to charity. That is the best part! Instead of having the
State dictate how your earnings are spent, you now get to do it.

So, now that we have seen how a free economy can benefit all that are involved, it is time to begin working towards one. As the last year has shown us all, going to protests and writing your local representative does nothing to enhance your liberty. So, why waste your time on futile efforts that will do nothing but leave you stressed and scared. Instead, invest your time and energy into something that will benefit you by living outside the system. Who knows, maybe enough will catch on and the State will be brought down to its knees. That would be another great day!

So, who's in?

Don't Be Lulled By Detroit!

2009-12-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

When I heard the news reports of the attempted act of terrorism about a Detroit bound airliner, something did not sit right with me. After a few days of looking up some information, I am now quite certain that the incident was fake. By fake, I mean it was planned to bring about a desired consequence.

For most of the year, there was a desire by the current Administration to implement new screening technology in airports all across the nation. The first official endorsement I can recall would have been on February 25th, 2009 by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. However, there was a hitch in the Administration's plans. Many, including organized privacy advocates, stood against what was believed to be an unnecessary and overly intrusive invasion of people's privacy. Incidentally, these new machines that would do the scanning cost approximately $200,000 each. Lets not even consider the cost associated with operating and maintaining them or even upgrades that will certainly be needed on an annual basis.

Now, months later, we have an incident which has scared people in believing that something must be done. Unfortunately, many fail to realize that problems such as this cannot be solved by government. Instead, they tend to only make things worse.

The machines that many want to place into our airports are of a relatively new technology making use of millimeter waves which tend to give a very detailed image of a person's body even underneath their clothing. This technology was developed by Farran Technology which is based out of Ireland. Imaging technology is not all that Farran is involved in. They also develop equipment in the fields of wireless broadband, satellite, defense and radar technologies. All fields likely to thrive on government contracts.

In 2005, Farran Technologies was acquired by the UK based company Smiths Detection. Smiths Detection is a global company with a long history of technologies involved in the sensing and detection of chemical, narcotic, biological and explosive agents. In other words, they thrive on defense contracts. Smiths Detection is a part of a much larger entity know as Smiths Groups.

Smiths Groups is another global entity that has a presence in many ways that most of us would not even be aware of. They have the standard government contracts that would be expected. However, they also do a great deal of technology based work within the medical, communications and engineering fields.

In 2007, many of Smiths Groups components were acquired by or merged with various portions of General Electric. Smiths Aerospace was bought outright by GE. Smiths Detection was merged with GE's Homeland Protection to form Smiths GE Detection. In regards to the merger, GE CEO Jeff Immelt had the following to say. “We are delighted to bring our detection assets to the Smiths GE Detection joint venture. Under the leadership of Stephen Phipson and the combined executive team, there is no doubt that our complementary capabilities will enable us to bring new enhanced detection solutions to customers more rapidly. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Smiths to create a dynamic and innovative business to serve the growing global detection market.”

Some will bring up the point that in less than a year, plans for this proposed merger of GE Homeland Protection and Smiths Detection collapsed. However, the circumstances that surrounded the collapse could easily allow one to believe that the break-up was more mutually planned than an actual collapse. First, Smiths Detection was not made to pay the $70M break fee that it was obligated in the event of a breakdown in the merger. I am not aware of many business people that will just walk away from that amount of money for the sake of being a nice guy. Also, both Jeff Immelt, GE CEO, and Keith Butler Wheelhouse, Smiths Detection CEO, are on record saying that both companies would maintain a strong working relationship in the screening business regardless of the status of the merger. This can be evidenced by seeing the many links to GE on the Smiths Detection website.

By now, anyone should be able to see the conflict of interest involved here being that Jeff Immelt was named to President Obama's Economic Advisory Board and has a direct link to the President on a daily basis.

Now, that people are likely to be fearful of someone being on their plane with some manner of homemade explosive, there will be far less resistance when the attempt to implement this new screening technology is again made. As a matter of fact, many groups and networks are now calling for immediate action to prevent another similar occurrence in the future. So, thanks to one man, which I believe to have been planted, we can only count the days until yet another multi-billion contract is announced so that government may keep us safer. I will not be surprised when the contract is awarded to Smiths Detection. Neither will I be surprised when the merger attempt is renewed between GE and Smiths.

Many will think I am paranoid and crazy as usual. Some may even agree with my thoughts on this. Only time will tell. Either the fear and panic will settle and we will be allowed to go on with our lives. Or, we will begin to be forced to this new invasion into our privacy and health at any airport if we continue to try to fly. I am willing to bet the $200,000 machine will be bought in bulk and will become a daily part of people's lives to the point that it will simply be accepted. I am also willing to bet that I will never fly again. Of course, a suspended license may be a factor there also!

Yet another reason to justify my personal desire to be completely detached from government and shun what has become considered as the standard American way of life. Many may be content with being controlled and coddled....but I am not. Fuck government and it's criminal ways!

Limited Government and Unicorns

2009-12-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a small child, I believed in Unicorns. Being that I was from the country, what could be better than a horse that could spear you with a sharp horn projecting from it's own forehead? I know, not the typical reason people like Unicorns. But, then again, I have never been your typical person.

During the majority of my adult life, I believed in a concept called limited government. This being the form of government where our elected officials actually serve our interests and the State is held in check by the Constitution. In striving for this idea of limited government, I supported libertarian candidates that best represented my believes. Plain and simple, if they advocated for government growth and expansion, I was against them.

Now that I am getting close to middle age, I have come to a profound conclusion. Unicorns may very well be real and limited government is a myth! After all, if limited government was a realistic possibility, the State would not have grown as powerful as it has and we would not be in our current situation.

After many years of supporting libertarian candidates, I have finally realized that I have done nothing but waste my time in a futile attempt. The few electoral successes that I have experienced have resulted in no increase in my own freedom. No matter who has been placed into office at any level, the State has continued to grow and expand at our expense.

Many may criticize my choice to withdraw from this system, but it is my choice. However, when you consider the make-up of our system, not participating makes perfect sense. Would you ask a child to choose which physically abusive parent he or she wants to remain living with? Would you choose which burglar would be allowed to rob your home on a daily basis? Hopefully, you would answer no to both. So, why should I be expected to continue choosing which criminal will be allowed to control my life?

I am a responsible, grown adult and only I know what is best for me. The idea of giving consent to the State to control my life just makes no sense. Instead of continuing this game of politics, I will continue on the path of finding ways to expand my liberty and enjoyment of life on my own at the expense of no one but myself.

This path will not be without obstacles. At times, it most likely will bring me into conflict with the State and the established powers. When this occurs, I will have to choose the most appropriate course of action to take. Of course, once one gets a taste of freedom, one rarely wishes to give it up. So, the eventual outcome may not be pleasant to some. But, that is my choice and mine alone to make.

So, while others will continue to fight for this mythological concept of limited government, I will be living my life on my own terms. On my path, I may even spend time looking for the Unicorns I loved as a child. At least that will be a far more worthwhile pursuit than continuing the illusion that the State has my best interests at heart.

Screwed Again! Can I Get a Cigarette?

2009-11-19T08:12:00.001-08:00

There is only one thing worse than being bent over and raped. That is being bent over and raped by someone that expects you to not only be grateful to them but to also believe it was for your own good! That is how I have grown to see government and it's desire to control and regulate our lives and productivity. One big sexual predator running around forcing itself upon any person it deems necessary in the goal of spreading decay and poverty...err, I mean safety and prosperity.

Once again, government has stepped in to do economic harm to the very people it claims to protect all under the very stale guise of looking after the little man. As you may recall, the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 was passed last year in response to numerous cases of unsafe toys being sold in America. It brought about tighter regulations that required manufacturers of goods geared towards children to be tested for various toxic ingredients by independent and government approved labs. This law went into effect earlier this year.

For the sake of this piece, we will have to make one huge assumption being that the majority of the goods covered under this regulation are plastic. We will assume there is a safe and non-toxic manner to combine multiple toxic ingredients and run them through the toxic process that results in plastic. If we ignore the idiocy of this belief that plastic can even be safe in the first place, we will be able to move on.

If we go back into the recent past and study the cases that brought about this new law, we will see that many of them had something quite significant in common. Whether we consider the recalls of Barbie, Cars, Dora the Explorer or Sesame Street toys, we see that the majority of them were manufactured by either Mattel or one of it's subsidiaries. In fact, Mattel was such a large offender that they were issued a $2.3 million fine in 2007 over the use of lead based paint.

Now, considering that Mattel was responsible for the bulk of the tainted toys found, you may think they were the target of the new legislation. Of course, considering the corrupt nature of government, you would be wrong. As of now, toy manufacturers are required to submit their toys to government approved labs for testing at hefty prices. Recently, a new provision has been approved that renders an exemption to this requirement.

For large corporations such as Mattel, these added costs may be of only minimal concern. However, consider the numerous small companies that manufacture goods aimed at children. Think of your favorite educational toy that is not made by a mega-corporation. These small, often family owned, operations have one of two options when faced with these unplanned for expenses. Downsize and risk going out of business or raise prices and still risk going out of business. Nice set of choices!

Now that it is the holiday season, many of you are surely shopping around for toys. Perhaps you have noticed an increase in toy prices. A quarter here and a dollar there. Many companies are being hurt by the restrictive new law which of course eventually trickles down to both the employee and the consumer. Ironically enough, one company will no longer be suffering courtesy of a new provision that was recently added to the regulation.

After spending over $1 million in lobbyist fees, Mattel is now exempt from having to have it's products tested by independent and government approved labs. They, and only they, are now able to do their own testing internally. Labs have been authorized and established in Mexico, China, Malaysia and California. So, the very company that caused the crisis that gave us this new regulation will now be exempt from it. Like they say, money talks!

So, now Mattel will be able to sit back and watch as many small competitors are slowly ran out of business. Yet another case of the true purpose of government regulation being exposed for what it essentially is....corporate welfare. Small companies will likely go out of business which will result in increased unemployment and us consumers will have fewer options on the shelves and higher prices. On the bright side, our children will be safer! Wait, the company that caused all this will still be doing it's own safety testing. Testing that is now government approved and indisputable. Well, I am sure there is a bright side somewhere.

If you are as pessimistic about government as I am, you may actually consider this to have been planned out between Mattel and the bill's sponsoring politicians. However, considering the initial sponsor of this regulation was Congressman Bobby Rush, I would say that was unwarranted. I doubt that much foresight was used and this was nothing more than the result of good old fashioned corruption. If nothing else, there are two things government excels at, coercion and corruption.

Well, now that I have been screwed once again by government, I am still wondering where that cigarette is! Then again, maybe they are looking out for my health and are waiting until the next screwing to give it to me.

Would You Pay To Drive On A Road?

2009-10-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, the answer for everyone is yes whether you like it or not. If you buy gas, own property or a number of other actions depending on where you live, you already do pay for roads.

The next question to consider is what are you getting for your investment. Are the roads you use on a daily basis well maintained? Does traffic always flow in a smooth manner? Are they secure so that you would feel safe on them at any time of the day? Chances are, your answer to all of these questions was “No”. As an educated consumer, I believe it is my obligation to give my financial support to only those that give me the best value for my money. If a business gives me poor service, I move on to a competitor. If I receive exceptional service, I remain with that provider until the service goes down. Shouldn't this idea also apply to services I use every single day?

How would you feel if the roads you drove on were always maintained at a level of high quality? Imagine never having to dodge another pothole or struggle to see the painted lines on a rainy day! How would you feel knowing that roads would be extended when the growing traffic volume demanded it and the construction was actually done in a timely manner? Imagine no more traffic jams and congestion! How would you feel knowing your roads were always safe and sound at any time of the day with security present to actually prevent crime as opposed to investigating crime after the fact? Imagine no longer having to be worried about your loved ones when they are out on the town either alone or at late hours! Also imagine no more nitpicking law enforcement officers looking to meet quotas!

Since so much money is taken from us to provide funding for road construction and maintenance, why is it that we cannot have these very simple things? I believe it is because we have allowed and continue to allow the most inept group of people to handle this very necessary need. Namely, government. If the roads were privatized, then we would have a number of companies striving to earn our business in a free market environment. Their success and failure would solely be determined by where we were willing to spend our money. That is simply how a true free market works and is not the case with government. They take with or without our permission and spend as they see fit. There is no regard to quality because how could there be when they get their money whether we are satisfied or not? Poor service is not going to run the government out of business. Otherwise, there would be no governments.

There will be those who argue that many services have to remain in the public sector or everything will devolve into chaos (as if things are not already chaotic!). However, lets briefly examine a few industries in both the public and private sectors. Home electronics is a prime example of how successful the free market could be when allowed to freely compete for your hard-earned dollars. Consider back to your childhood and think of how various items such as radios, televisions and possibly computers were. They were bulky, of lower quality and very expensive. Now, consider those same items today. In a short 20 years, you can visit any number of stores and get state of the art equipment for a fraction of the previous price that will easily outperform your older televisions, radios or computers. Now compare these to various public sector fields such as education, the Post Office and the topic of this piece, roads. All have gotten more expensive while decreasing in both quality and efficiency. Schools are now riddled with crime, the Post Office raises its rates almost annually while managing to actually get slower and roads are...well, just horrible.

Why is it that we cannot have what certainly would be a far better option? Unfortunately, until more people begin to see that government is not what George Washington labeled as a “necessary evil” but more simply an “unnecessary evil”, we will not have this option. For years, I have been a libertarian who advocated for limited government. It wasn't until recently that even I began to finally realize that this concept of “limit government” was a fantasy and simply is not possible. Sure, we may render government to a limited state. But, for how long? After all, did we not begin with a limited government and where did that get us? Anyway, what is the difference between being beaten a limited amount of twice a week or being beaten every day of the week? Your still being beaten! As long as there is an organization that attracts the lowest moral element of society and places them in a position of control over the rest of us and renders them unaccountable for their actions, we will never see an improvement in our condition.

In the end, you just have to ask yourself which you prefer. Would you rather pay for something voluntarily and have some say in how your money is spent? Or, are you happy going along with the status quo and having money taken from you by force and with no regard to your input? Basically, do you want to finally have a taste of true liberty or do you want to go on being a mindless slave working away for the benefit of others? This argument holds true to any function that is performed by the government since there is nothing that could not be done better by a free market than a system of coercion.