Patriotism is everywhere thought to be a virtue rather than a mental disorder. I don’t get it.If I told the Rotarians or an American Legion hall that “John is a patriot,” all would approve greatly of John. If I told them that patriotism was nothing more than the loyalty to each other of dogs in a pack, they would lynch me. Patriotism, they believe, is a Good Thing.
Of course the Japanese pilots who attacked Pearl Harbor were patriots, as were the German soldiers who murdered millions in the Second World War. The men who brought down the towers in New York were patriots, though of a religious sort. Do we admire their patriotism?
Of course not. When we say “John is a patriot,” we mean “John is a reliable member of our dog pack,” nothing more. The pack instinct seems more ancient, and certainly stronger, than morality or any form of human decency. Thus, once the pack—citizenry, I meant to say—have been properly roused to a pitch of patriotism, they will, under cover of the most diaphanous pretexts, rape Nanking, bomb Hiroshima, kill the Jews or, if they are Jews, Palestinians. We are animals of the pack. We don’t admire patriotism. We admire loyalty to ourselves.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Don't Miss Fred: On Patriotism
LS Tornado Relief Update
Compatriots:
We've been busy for another week with our tornado relief fund. I went to the little town of Hodges in western Franklin Co. (Ala.), where they have set up a storage facility at the Missionary Baptist Church that is run by local folks. There I met two young folks--Josh Ables and his wife--who have been a great help to us this week. Also, Josh's sister, Stephany Dedman, helped us find a needy and deserving family--the Wiggintons--who lost everything and had no insurance. They are currently living with friends and will soon move into a mobile home; however, it will have no furnishings. We are looking into buying them the basic furniture they will need to live.
Sara and I will make a delivery to Phil Campbell (eastern Franklin Co. Ala.) this Saturday on the way down to my Mama's house (we're going down to visit, plant some roses for her, and get a little rest).
Presently, we've raised just a little over $6500. Not much is coming in at present, but we've had a good response overall. If you have not yet donated, please do so if you are able. Many of these we're helping are low-income rural folks who have little left to them but the clothes that were on their backs on 27 April when the storms hit. Again, most have no insurance.
Sara and I will keep giving some time to this effort every week. Please keep us in your prayers and help us out any way you can. I can assure you that those receiving help greatly appreciate it.
FSI,
Michael Hill
The Changing Face of the Police and the Death of the Fourth Amendment
�Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one�s house. A man�s house is his castle; and while he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege. Customhouse officers may enter our houses when they please; we are commanded to permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter, may break locks, bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice or revenge, no man, no court can inquire. Bare suspicion without oath is sufficient.�--James Otis
In early America, citizens were considered equals with law enforcement officials. Authorities were rarely permitted to enter one�s home without permission or in a deceitful manner. And it was not uncommon for police officers to be held personally liable for trespass when they wrongfully invaded a citizen�s home. Unlike today, early Americans could resist arrest when a police officer tried to restrain them without proper justification or a warrant--which the police had to allow citizens to read before arresting them. (Daring to dispute a warrant with a police official today who is armed with high-tech military weapons and tasers would be nothing short of suicidal.) This clear demand for a right to privacy was not a byproduct of simpler times. Much like today, early Americans dealt with problems such as petty thievery, murder and attacks by foreign enemies. Rather, the demand for privacy stemmed from a harbored suspicion of law enforcement officials and the unbridled discretion they could abuse.Via Steve
The Fourth Amendment, which assures that �the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,� was included in the Bill of Rights in response to the oppressive way British soldiers treated American colonists through their use of �Writs of Assistance.� These were court orders that authorized British agents to conduct general searches of premises for contraband. The exact nature of the materials being sought did not have to be detailed, nor did their locations. The powerful new court orders enabled government officials to inspect not only shops and warehouses, but also private homes. These searches resulted in the violation of many of the colonists� rights and the destruction of much of the colonists� personal property. It quickly became apparent to many colonists that their homes were no longer their castles.
Revolutionary patriot James Otis was Advocate-General when the legality of these warrants came under question by the colonists. Called upon to defend that legality, he promptly resigned his office. After living through an age of oppressive policies under the British empire, those of the founding generation, such as Otis, wanted to ensure that Americans would never have to face intrusive government measures again.
Fast forward 250 years and we seem to be right back where we started, living in an era of oppressive government policies and a militarized police whose unauthorized, forceful intrusions into our homes and our lives have been increasingly condoned by the courts.
GOA Alert
Sen. Rand Paul Seeks Gun Exemption
in so-called Patriot Act Legislation
Judge wrote me- “all” Courts are by consent.
I Paul Hansen got this letter in response to a blog on state / court authority.
Paul,
I’m a retired Florida District Judge. I don’t do this stuff anymore and was simply interjecting some guidance. The best I will do for you is point you…..however you must understand some basic principles first:
1] The republic of United States of America still exists. It has been concealed in the closet by your elected officials and replaced with “United States, Inc.” and you and it are being controlled by corporate law, which is called Statutory Law. If you are not a corporation, then these laws are not applicable.
2] All Courts under United States, Inc, which includes all the State Courts are Tribunals and all the Judges are Administrators and not Judges, meaning that no real Courts exist! [The concept of a Court is intended to be a last resort to resolve disputes and therefore you must develop your proof that you are right before you enter. If you can avoid a Court, do so by all means because everything is stacked against you]!
3] Since they are Tribunals, you must agree to be sued and agree to the intervention of the Court to resolve the dispute! Return a summons and a suit using this method. Print this boldly across it with your signature notarized.
“I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS OFFER TO CONTRACT AND I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS PROCEDURE.”
Dan 4-21-2011
The false hope of Herman Cain
So, it should come as no surprise that after having been ambushed by Barack Obama's unexpected defeat of an uncharacteristically inept campaign by Hillary Clinton, some Republicans have decided that they need a "magic negro" of their own.
Former assistant Treasury Secretary: "The Whole Thing Is a Fraud"
===============
Among things he said:
On what recourse for the ordinary people exists: "Overthrow the government .... and put these people in jail." (!)
"(Would default be "catastrophic"? - Max) PCR: Catastrophic for who? The American bankers?"
"We think we have democracy...... but where is the democracy?"
He's also on the same page as I am with offshoring and its consequences.
Call him a kook? Uh, maybe not.
Take the 25 minutes. It's important.
Old Man Frank Wilkinson – a legendary educator
 The Mayo Pippen House (My great grandfather's) ======================================== The Daily Southerner — When discussing the history of education in Edgecombe County, one considers the early academies of the 19th century through the public schools of the 20th century. The many schools from the first academy in 1813 to the present 15 public schools have employed hundreds of teachers. Many are loved or hated by their students, but one set a high standard for all who followed him. Frank Smith Wilkinson, often referred to as “Old Man Frank” was an icon among Edgecombe educators. Born in 1833 in the Lower Fishing Creek township of Edgecombe County, Frank was the youngest of 11 children. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1857 and taught school for one year before coming home to Edgecombe County to take a position at the Tarboro Male Academy. Old Man Frank began a career in education that spanned five decades. Shortly after moving to Tarboro, Frank met and married Annie Stronach. The couple had five children that would live to adulthood. Frank and his family were active members of Calvary Church. Frank joined the faculty of the Tarboro Male Academy in 1858. He taught all levels of young boys ranging in age from 10 to 16 from around the region until late November in 1885 when the school was destroyed by fire. The fire didn’t stop Frank. He just moved the boys to his home on the corner of Wilson St. and St. Patrick St. He built an addition to his home and taught the boys there. According to an article by former student Dr. Spencer Bass, Frank had his school furniture made by a local carpenter. He had a homemade desk and a favorite thick yardstick. He was known as a strict disciplinarian who would not spare the rod to spoil a child. Not only did many young men experience his “stout switch,” they respected him and mastered not only the subjects he taught but also the values he lived by. According to a biographical sketch by Dorothy Wilkinson, Frank “was a man of moral and gentlemanly deportment, stern in manner and exacting absolute obedience from his pupils.” He taught classical subjects of rhetoric, history, science, mathematics, and also instructed the boys in both Latin and Greek. According to one of his students, the Right Reverend Joseph B Cheshire, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, Wilkinson “ was devoted to the profession of teaching, laboring faithfully to interest his pupils and giving them the best of himself.” Wilkinson’s students were well prepared for college and many went on to become physicians, attorneys, judges, state politicians, and founders of successful businesses. Frank was so well admired as an outstanding teacher that the “University would admit any student certified by him without requiring an entrance examination. ========Columbia/Swiss/Negro (My G Uncle, G & G,G Grandfathers) 1. "In 1827 the Columbia Academy was established and incorporated on the lands of Joseph John Pippen (my great, great grandfather. BT) who was one of the incorporators and founders. were Columbia Academy grew to be one of the largest schools in the State and turned out men who afterwards achieved notable success." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An Act to establish Columbia Academy, on the lands of Joseph John Pippen, in the county of Edgecombe, and to incorporate the trustees thereof Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That Asa Jones, Allen Jones, Frederick Jones, Kenneth Hyman, Kenneth C. Staton, Bythel Staton and Joseph John Pippin, and their successors, be, and they are hereby declared to be a body politic and corporate, to be known and distinguished by the name of the Trustees of Columbia Academy; and by that name shall have perpetual succession, and they, or a majority of them, by the name aforesaid, shall be able and capable in law to receive subscriptions and donations, possess all monies, goods and chattels, that shall be given for the use of said academy, and by gift, purchase and devise, take, possess and enjoy, to them or their successors, any lands, tenements and hereditaments in trust for the use of said academy, and apply the same according to the will of the donor, and dispose of the same, when not forbidden by the terms of the gift. And be it further enacted, That the said trustees, or their successors in office, shall be able and capable in law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any court of law or equity within this State. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said trustees and their successors, or a majority of them, shall have power and authority to make, ordain and establish all such bye-laws, rules and regulations for their own government, and for the regulation of said academy, as to them may seem necessary for the promotion of learning and good morals, and may do and perform all other acts and things as are incident to and usually exercised by bodies politic and corporate for the promotion of science, not inconsistent with the laws of the State or of the United States; and upon the death, resignation or refusal to act, or removal out of the State of any of the trustees aforesaid, or in the appointment of a tutor or tutors for said academy, the remaining trustees, or a majority of them, shall call a meeting of all the stockholders or persons interested in the establishment of said academy, who shall have power and authority to appoint a tutor or tutors, and to fill such vacancies as may thereby be occasioned. Source: NC Archives Public and Private Laws of North Carolina 1827 Chapter CV Page 74 |
Oppose Imminent Patriot Act Extension
With more and more Americans newly awakened to the dangers of the Patriot Act, particularly the loss of civil liberties once secured by the Fourth Amendment, a vote on extending the measures of the Act for another four years is predicted to be the closest ever in Congress. The Senate is set to take action on S. 1038 this very afternoon at 5 PM ET. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is calling for a cloture vote to end debate. A 60 vote majority is needed to do so, but then only a simple majority of 51 is needed to pass the bill, which could come either today, or within a day or two, before the May 27 provisions' sunset deadline. If passed in the Senate, this deadline date would force action in the House before May 27 as well.
All three of the most objectionable measures to patriots and constitutionalists are included in S. 1038; the “lone wolf’ provision that permits government surveillance of individuals for no reason; the “library records” provision which allows national security investigators to issue seizure orders for “any tangible thing”; and the “John Doe roving wiretap” provision that ignores the Fourth Amendment’s guarantee of probable cause and proper court order in favor of indiscriminate searching of citizens’ private information.
Even though passage in the Senate is expected, Senators can force votes on various amendments. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) will attempt to somewhat temper the effects of the worst provisions in the Patriot Act by introducing amendments that would limit the government’s surveillance powers by restricting the collection of “suspicious activity” reports by financial institutions and also require judges to sign off on national security letters which federal law enforcement officials issue to obtain records and other personal information.
Many of the popular Tea Party candidates elected last November failed to demonstrate a complete understanding of the principles of the Fourth Amendment when they voted to extend the Patriot Act in early 2011 using the safety-from-terrorists canard. Help educate your elected officials on these principles and protections and demand that they honor their oath to support and defend the Constitution by not extending the provisions set to expire, and to repeal the permanent provisions of the Patriot Act through amendments that will be introduced by Sen. Rand Paul.
This is the most opportune moment Americans have ever had to stop the Patriot Act in its deadly tracks. Please add your voice to a growing chorus of outraged freedom lovers by contacting your Senators and Representative immediately. Only intense pressure from American citizens can stop the Patriot Act described by Judge Andrew Napolitano as “the most abominable, unconstitutional assault on personal liberty since the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.”
Thanks,
Your friends at The John Birch Society
Witness to Sorrow
Though opposed to his State's secession, South Carolinian William J. Grayson saw the true face of Northern sectionalism as their armies of emancipation plundered his neighbors and fellow citizens. Far from being patriotic liberators who desired to save the territorial Union, the invaders were seen as mere vandals in search of loot.
Bernhard Thuersam, Chairman
North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission
www.ncwbts150.com
"The Official Website of the North Carolina WBTS Sesquicentennial"
========
Witness to Sorrow: William J. Grayson
"For this calamity, this crime of War between North and South, Northern people are chiefly chargeable. The cupidity and intermeddling spirit of New England were the main causes of dissention. Her greedy tariff exaction, her perpetual irritating interference with Negro slavery in the Southern States, her avaricious monopolists & political priests sowed the seed of which we are reaping the natural harvest. If ever a people destroyed their own prosperity it is the people of New England. They are accustomed to call the brain of New England the brain of the Union---it is the brain of a lunatic who cuts his own throat. No chain of cause and effect in all history is more clearly traceable than the destruction of the Federal Union by Northern folly and madness.
If they succeed in the war they will be the rulers over insurgent provinces ready at the first opportunity to renew the contest. The restoration of the union is an impossibility. There must succeed to it another government with standing armies, enormous taxes and despotic power beneath whose influence Northern liberty will wither and perish.
In the early part of November (1861) the Northern government began a series of predatory expeditions on the Southern coast. The first under Sherman and Dupont disembarked at Port Royal. They presented to the world a striking evidence of the ease with which men strain at gnats and swallow camels. They were prosecuting as felons in New York the captured privateersmen of the South, and were seizing all the cotton and other property of widows, children and noncombatants on the islands of South Carolina, contrary to every usage of civilized war. The robbery has been approved and applauded throughout the Northern States. They talk with exultation of cultivating the plantations of Port Royal on Federal account as a sort of financial appendage to the Washington government. The rights of the owners are disregarded. To the people of St. Helena parish and the adjoining country the disaster was incalculable. They lost everything; houses, plantations, Negroes, furniture, clothing. They became fugitives.
Northern men engaged formerly in surveying the coast served as guides for the marauding parties. With their wives and children they had spent months in the families of the planters, had eaten dinners and drank wine, and now they acted as pioneers of plunder to the scenes of the feast. They were better able to discover the stores of old Madeira from having frequently joined the owners in drinking it. Their first question asked of the servants on entering a house from which their cannon had driven the owner was---"where is the wine kept?" There was something indescribably mean in the conduct of these parties but very characteristic of the people whose officers they were. They are a thrifty race, not scrupulous about the means if their end be attained.
Our worthy friends of Massachusetts treat us (as) they did the Indians, witches, Quakers, Baptists and other heretics of earlier times. There are many pious Christians but not a voice is heard in favor of peace. So far as we can judge from their acquiescence in Sewardism, they have fallen into the strange delusion that Christian Charity is consistent with rape, rapine and murder. They pray and preach not for peace, but for the more earnest prosecution of a bloody war and the enactment of general confiscation acts. They (Northerners) exulted...a manifest judgment of Providence on the home of rebels and traitors. They believed that Heaven had put the torch to Southern homesteads to avenge the abolition party and support the cause."
(Witness to Sorrow, The Antebellum Autobiography of William J. Grayson. University of South Carolina Press, 1990, pp 185-201)
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Witness to Sorrow