Dueling Barstools

As in THE Dream.

THE REEM SEASON 2 EPISODE 10: REDEMPTION from THE REEM on Vimeo.

You won’t see any posts here tomorrow because I’m joining the SOPA protest. If I had the technical ability to actually black-out DuelingBarstools, maybe put up a picture of me flipping the government the bird, believe me when I say I would. Unfortunately the best I can do is post this message expressing my wholehearted, vociferous opposition to SOPA and other bills of its ilk. NDAA, SOPA, and the year is very young. NO HALF MEASURES. Gary Johnson, Ron Paul, or BUST. Because those are the only two candidates who won’t let this kind of bullshit fly.

In light of the following article, which you should read in its entirety, consider joining me on the Gary Johnson, Ron Paul, or BUST wagon. THE TIME FOR HALF MEASURES IS LONG GONE. (A vote for Romney is a half-measure, in my view.)

Here’s law professor Jonathan Turley’s top ten reasons America is no longer the land of the free.

The column addresses how the continued rollbacks on civil liberties in the United States conflicts with the view of the country as the land of the free.  If we are going to adopt Chinese legal principles, we should at least have the integrity to adopt one Chinese proverb: “The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.”  We seem as a country to be in denial as to the implications of these laws and policies.  Whether we are viewed as a free country with authoritarian inclinations or an authoritarian nation with free aspirations (or some other hybrid definition), we are clearly not what we once were.

Read the whole thing.

In case you’re not aware, I hail from Waimea, Hawai’i, which is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Unlike most travel worthy places, including other Hawaiian locales, there is no single iconic photo encompassing Waimea’s grandeur. Fact. (For instance this is facing south. From a cattle pasture in low in the saddle between Mauna Kea and Kohala. From Waimea’s higher elevations you see (google the following wahi pana (placenames)) east towards Waipi’o Valley, Kohala to the North, and much of the western portion of the Big Island of Hawai’i, on which exist 12 of the planet’s 14 climate zones.)

Waimea’s farmer’s market, which is awesome, now has a website. And you can order from it. I especially recommend the vendors’ wares. and all of them.



NO ONE who actually believes in the principle of self ownership, and other basic tenets of individual freedom, much less the Constitution as written, would sully him/herself by voting for Mitt Romney a candidate who is pro NDAA, Patriot Act, War on Drugs, Interventionist Foreign and Military Policy, State Health Care (much less with an individual mandate), and is an outright Social Conservative. All of the foregoing, which are only the most prominent of the GOP field’s (save for Paul) liberty shortcomings, are deal-breakers. Therefore the moral choice–and by moral I mean most consistent with the principles of non-coercion and basic respect of each human’s natural rights–is Gary Johnson, and secondarily Ron Paul.

If Ron Paul is the GOP nominee I back him. If anyone other than Ron Paul (or Buddy Roemer) is the GOP nominee I will back Gary Johnson’s Libertarian Party bid. (Oh what I’d give for Gary Johnson to break the 15% polling mark (he’s 9% now) and be on the major debates. I’d buy that shit on pay per view.)

I’m all in for Gary Johnson or Ron Paul. That’s the 2012 wrap. Glad politics is out of the way.

ps: The speculative word is that if Romney enters the RNC with more delegates than Paul the “deal” Romney will offer Paul (to get his delegates) is to appoint Paul Secretary of the Treasury, which would be fucking awesome (except for Romney being President). On the other hand Ron Paul would have to utter an endorsement for Romney, who stands for nearly everything Paul rightly opposes. I can’t see a Romney-Paul horse trade. In that case Paul joins Gary Johnson in third-party wonderland and this time a miracle occurs. Gary Johnson-Ron Paul versus Obama in November. That’s my prediction.

Via:

I don’t know what percentage of Democrats and left-leaning Independents loathe the Republican Party because they believe it is characterized by people like Rick Santorum (as opposed to Gary Johnson), but you can add me to the list of people absolutely terrified of a Rick Santorum presidency. I’d rather have Palin.

Who are the assholes considering this man for President? Here’s Santorum on individualism:

One of the criticisms I make is to what I refer to as more of a libertarianish right. You know, the left has gone so far left and the right in some respects has gone so far right that they touch each other. They come around in the circle. This whole idea of personal autonomy, well I don’t think most conservatives hold that point of view.

In other words, “no true Scotsman”…

Some do. They have this idea that people should be left alone, be able to do whatever they want to do, government should keep our taxes down and keep our regulations low, that we shouldn’t get involved in the bedroom, we shouldn’t get involved in cultural issues. You know, people should do whatever they want.

Yeah, that’s the trend these days–see the Republican Liberty Caucus. More individual freedom and equal treatment now. Period.

Well, that is not how traditional conservatives view the world and I think most conservatives understand that individuals can’t go it alone. That there is no such society that I am aware of, where we’ve had radical individualism and that it succeeds as a culture.

No successful individualistic “culture”? Not even the one called America? Is America not characterized by individualism, its Constitution not specifically designed to enshrine the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness  every individual as the Declaration of Independence boldly declares? Now the shark is officially jumped.

If only Santorum would carry on and enlighten me as to the many successful cultures premised upon radical collectivism, which is the inverse implication of his terrible reductio ad absurdum assault on “argument” against individual freedom. Of course he won’t, because radical collectivism (e.g. Communism) was an abject failure that cost hundreds of millions of lives in the 20th century alone, and American individualism is hardly “radical” because each state is (and always has been) possessed of absolute police authority over individuals.

In addition to wrongly conflating government with society, which error is the root source of Santorum’s anti-Constitutional views (see also Huckabee, Mike), Santorum apparently operates under the impression that conservatism is a set of values rather than a sound political philosophy of abiding by limiting principles. The trouble with Santorum, like many other Republicans, is that his limiting principles, which he believes are divinely inspired, contradict the basic principles of self-ownership and individual freedom that inspired, however imperfectly, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

I’ll look forward to the day when the Santorums of the GOP are relegated to crazy uncle status.

[Updated and Edited Jan 3, 2012, because it needed it.]

Below are quotes from his announcement speech:

Today I am announcing that I will seek the Libertarian nomination for President of the United States. The Libertarian Party nominee will be on the ballot in all 50 states – as he was in 2008, and I will offer a principled alternative to the Republican and the Democrat.

This was both a difficult decision – and an easy one. It was difficult because I have a lot of Republican history, and a lot of Republican supporters. But in the final analysis, as many, many commentators have said after examining how I governed in New Mexico, I am a Libertarian — that is, someone who is fiscally very conservative but holds freedom-based positions on the issues that govern our personal behavior.

Frankly, I have been deeply disappointed by the treatment I received in the Republican nomination process. I had hoped to lay out a real libertarian message on all the issues in the Republican contest. The process was not fair and open.

This election is about issues larger than party or personal ambition. The future of our country is at stake. I believe this election needs a true libertarian voice. While Ron Paul is a good man and a libertarian who I proudly endorsed for president in 2008, there is no guarantee that he will be the Republican nominee. My Agenda for America, a libertarian agenda, is clear. It is not at an agenda you will hear from any other candidate or party.

I want to end deficit spending and cut federal spending by 43%. I want to enact the Fair Tax to stimulate real economic growth and job creation. I want to end the manipulation of our money by the Federal Reserve. I support the Second Amendment and oppose gun control. I oppose expensive foreign wars in places like Libya and Afghanistan where our national interest is not clear. I want to cut the over-regulation of our families, our businesses and our lives. I support a woman’s right to choose. I support marriage equality for gay Americans, as required by the Constitution. I support the legalization of marijuana, which will save us billions and do no harm. I demand a government free of special interest influence, crony capitalism and corruption. I support returning strict adherence to Constitutional principles to our government.

I am confident this agenda will resonate with the American people because it actually reflects the true beliefs of a clear majority of Americans. Sadly, neither the Republicans nor Democrats will offer this agenda to the American people. The Republicans talk about cutting spending and taxes but insist on government regulating our personal lives. The Democrats support more liberal social policies but they will tax and spend and borrow us into bankruptcy. America needs a third way.

I know first-hand that my governing philosophy works because of my experience as a successful two-term governor, elected and reelected as a Republican in a Democrat state. I know how to create jobs because I have created jobs. My record on job creation is superior to Barack Obama, Mitt Romney or any other candidate. I successfully governed as a Libertarian in everything but the name, and I am running for president as a Libertarian.

If I earn the Libertarian Party nomination, I will be on the ballot in all 50 states. I will not be held hostage to a system rigged for the wealthiest and best-known candidates in a handful of states who happen to have early primaries. And most important, we will offer a political “home” for millions of Americans who are not finding one in the current political establishment or its candidates.

I am excited by this challenge. I am liberated. And I am committed to shaking up the system as it has never been shaken up before. The tired old two-party system has failed America. When I read in the Wall Street Journal that Mitt Romney refuses to rule out an ad valorem tax I realized the American people must be offered another alternative.

America is ready for a President who will restore common sense to our fiscal and foreign policies and get government out of the boardroom and the bedroom. I believe the American people will see that a credible Libertarian candidate for president is the real path to liberty, economic growth, opportunity, and a government that is put into its proper and limited role.

In a recent national poll 63% of Americans said they wished there was a third choice for 2012. There is another choice, and I intend to educate the voters about what we offer America. Together I am convinced we can make history and restore America to greatness.

I love me some Gary Johnson. He best represents my political worldview, which is more individual freedom and pure equal treatment NOW. I think the Johnson is more akin to the signatories to the Declaration of Independence that you never heard of than the political swine, Ron Paul excepted, running for the Presidency now (Obama included). If it came to voting for Paul or Johnson, I’d vote for who ever had the best chance of winning. If neither has a chance, I’ll vote (or write in) Gary Johnson. Here’s Ron Paul, who is currently the liberty first candidate with the best chance of upsetting the Illuminati winning the Presidency. So here’s Ron Paul on the Leno show, with UFC commentator, among other endeavors, and Ron Paul fanatic Joe Rogan:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/VMUZIVYuluc” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Word is that Christopher Hitchens is dead. If true, RIP to one of my lifetime’s Intellectual Bad-Asses. Here’s one of my favorite Hitchens videos:

by Alex Fidel

Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick Santorum have signed a National Organization for Marriage pledge. Here’s the dirty details:

In the NOM pledge, signers are committing to five points:

• Sending a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman to the states for ratification.
• Defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which includes the traditional definition of marriage and bans states from recognizing gay marriage, in court.
• Appointing federal judges and an attorney general who are opposed to a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.
• Appointing a commission to investigate claims of harassment against those people who support marriage as being only between a man and a woman.
• Supporting legislation that would give people living in the District of Columbia the right to vote on marriage.

The federal government’s involvement in the definition of marriage is unconstitutional at best, bondage at worst. In 2012, let’s be mindful to choose a candidate who unequivocally supports individual rights …or bust.

Via:

“Federal, state, and local governments combine to spend roughly 40 percent of GDP. Washington indirectly spends another 12 percent of GDP by forcing businesses and consumers to comply with $1.75 trillion worth of federal regulations.”

Via LearnLiberty.org:

Prof. Aeon Skoble claims that if we really care about the wellbeing of communities, we should keep in mind the unique and autonomous individuals that make it up. Each individual is deserving of respect and dignity, and should be free to pursue their own ends as long as they don’t infringe upon the freedom of others. Although the concept of community is important, it does not warrant overlooking the individuals that comprise it.

Governor Johnson is much more mainstream, qualified and electable than any of his GOP opponents. Gary is a rigorous fiscal conservative, insisting that his Administration will return Federal spending to balanced budget levels as planned all the way back with the 2001 Congressional Budget Office projections for 2011. http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=2727&type=0&sequence=5 Gary Johnson promises to budget 2013 spending below 2013 revenues. He will balance the budget immediately. And America will be just fine. Gary Johnson will put an end to the legislative and enforcement stupidity that characterizes Washington and the White House today. His message is to reconcile our rule of law with the reality of American society.

It seems politically impossible for the Legislature to actually cut the spending levels they have already appropriated without offending some group of constituents large (with lots of votes) or small (with lots of money and power). We saw precisely that last month. They simply could not do it. What they propose instead is to slowing-down the rate of growth in the Federal Budget projected out over 10 or 20 years. But they really won’t actually cut spending and they are inclined to throw mountains of good money after bad at their problems. Our deficits will surely continue forever if this is left to the Congress and a business as usual Administration. We must have a President who will veto wasteful spending bills.

Only Gary Johnson has shown any inclination to actually do that. And the proof is his performance as the Governor of New Mexico. With his no-nonsense balanced budget policy Governor Johnson vetoed deficit spending during the eight years that he was in office. More than 740 such bills. More than all rest of the 50 Governors in the United States combined. All 49 of them. Combined! Is New Mexico still there? Yes it is. Are the people of New Mexico still happy with the performance of Governor Gary Johnson for two terms? Yes they are.

Our government in Washington should be smaller and spend less. We all know this. It follows that many of its programs must be cut back. Which programs? Those things that the government does poorly, of course. Those things the government was not projected to be doing at all by the CBO right now in 2011, all the way back in 2001 when we were just fine and we planned to continue being just fine into perpetuity. If we simply fell back to that 2001 line-item spending plan as projected for 2011 then we would already be right where we need to be. Were we so stupid in 2001 that we could have been so wrong? No. We just got crazy and now we need to stop.

Such a balancing of conflicting agendas, in the best interest of the United States, is precisely what the Chief Executive must do. If that’s not happening today then this President should not be re-elected. Simple as that. Blaming President Bush profits us nothing and does not excuse President Obama.

Our two-party practice of government is rapidly descending into raw dysfunction. We are literally living through the history of our own decline as a Nation. Will we let that happen? I don’t think so. Are we actually doing anything politically to reverse our own mistakes? Not quite yet. The Democratic Party’s President of the United States elected in 2008 has not made things better. The Republican Tea Party Congress elected in 2010 has not made things better. The GOP field of leading candidates for the White House in 2012 has degenerated into a circus act of clowns who cannot possibly be elected. And the RNC will not let Gary Johnson onto the stage?

This is the stark situation we face here in the first few days of December 2011 as we prepare to enter the Republican Primary season next month. This is the process of democracy that our Founding Fathers charged us with living by and working within. Stay engaged. The real contest is about to begin!

Thanks very much. Talk to you all soon.

Forest
Western States Director
Gary Johnson 2012

Support the man!!!

Watch Slave Ship Mutiny Preview on PBS. See more from SECRETS OF THE DEAD.

‎”The people cannot delegate to government the power to do anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves.” ~ John Locke

Who just passed the California bar exam. Congrats, Mike. [/insert "Just what California needs, another lawyer" joke here.] (Code probably isn’t correct.)

In the comments from this Dave Weigel article (brackets are mine, grammatical errors belong to the commenter):

I will be voting for Governor Gary Johnson! Pro-Choice, Pro-Gay rights, Anti war GOP candidate who wants to balance the budget and legalize marijuana! Johnson is also a good steward of tax dollars. He came into office with a huge deficit [billion dollar plus deficit] and left 8 yrs later with a billion dollar surplus [true]. His staff once asked him how he wanted his name read on the state welcome signs. He said Don’t put my name on those signs, If we change them at all put welcome to New Mexico from the citizens of New Mexico so we dont have to spend money to change them in the future. [WORD, Gary] As Governor he raised the speed limit to 75 on the highway and allowed people to buy beer on Sunday saying “this is a choice the people of New Mexico can make for themselves and don’t need the govt telling them on what day they can buy beer.” [Fucking right] He understand the proper role of govt to protect you from force or fraud [collectively, coercion] but to otherwise leave you alone unless your actions interfere with the rights of another. Check out Two term(one more than Mitt) Governor Gary Johnson! Dont let the media pick your candidate! Johnson’s socially liberal and fiscally conservative stances will be attractive to democrat and independent voters in the general election, I think he is the man to beat obummer.. Gary Johnson is who we need in the White House. [This is true.] The People’s President!

Keep spreading the word.

‎”The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, and intolerable” – H. L. Mencken

Via:

Watch the video here:

Philosophy professor James Stacey Taylor: “When there’s a transplant operation from a living donor into the body of a living recipient, everybody involved in the operation is getting paid: the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, the nurses, the hospital, etc. The only person not getting paid is the person who is actually giving up the most precious commodity of all – the kidney donor.  And I think that’s morally wrong.”

Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.

Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle.

The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.