Independence Day Weekend Thoughts (updated 3jul16)

George Rebane

This will be America’s 240^th birthday celebration observed by divers cohorts of “real live nephews of our Uncle Sam” not all of whom wish him a long life.  Our divisions today are at least as great as those which gave rise to the South’s War for Independence – aka the Civil War.  Americans grouped under the Left banner no longer share anything of significance in common with those who assemble themselves as various forms of the Right.  By this I am referring to a comprehensive intellectual, spiritual, and ideological break.  No common history, worldview, socio-political ideals, sense of Man, interpretation of foundational principles, application of logic and modes of critical thought are shared.  And recently even the scientific method has donned a distinct and politically correct mantle.

The Left’s existential blindness and intellectual insularity has ascended to newly achieved heights.  Today our socialist elites in the federal government (joined by most grass roots locals) are oblivious to –

** Russia’s impending demographic doom that builds upon its historical absence of a liberal experience and mandates its kleptocratic leadership to re-embark on a campaign of stealing entire countries.  ‘If we can’t create it, we must conquer it’ sums their realpolitik.

** China’s unavoidable mandate to double its middle class, while maintaining strict communist party control, is still a conundrum to Beijing’s leadership.  And while they are puzzling on the answer, they must divert the attention of their poverty bound masses with heavy doses of manufactured nationalism.  Hence the de facto conquest of its surrounding seas and military build-up to counter conjured enemies as a self-evident prescription of patience for its people.  This also lays the foundation of China’s own far eastern ‘Co-prosperity Sphere’ first introduced to the region by Imperial Japan in the 1930s.

** Islam is not now and never has been a ‘religion of peace’.  It has always conquered by the sword and today has reached a do-or-die collision with the west.  It has always been and continues today as a theo-political ideology of unexpected and under-appreciated power that has given rise to its centuries long on/off war with the west.  Today, given new communication and transport technologies, Islam is in a war that it knows it must win.  This is also a conflict that our Left believes to be a mysteriously motivated spate of disparate acts of worldwide terrorism that definitely draws no support from “true Islam”.

** Islam has markedly impacted western life and culture through 1) deployment of its terror dealing shock troops of Al Qaeda and ISIS, and 2) its ongoing program of colonizing Europe that is now abetted by a surge of illegal Muslim migrants.  Islamism and its jihad are ideas that need no specific land areas or enduring leaders to survive and continue their globally inspired and locally brewed acts of terror.  Without identifying and countering these ideas, the west will continue its current retreat into an autocratic fortress in which we abandon our liberal cultures in the vain search for a security that promises nothing better than what the Islamists have in store for us.

** The intra- and international birth and growth of cultural independence movements.  People worldwide are again discovering that it is really the faiths and traditions of our fathers which turn out to define us, and not a doctrine from distant elitists that points to a global state inhabited by the soon to be perfected Homo Homogeneous.

In America our own Leviathan has declared its aim to have us disappear as a Westphalian sovereign nation-state, and meld into the coming Grand Amalgam (cf UN’s Agenda21).  In response to the ever more embracing tentacles of Leviathan, groups seeking to preserve federalism (i.e. more regional autonomy) and even separation have arisen.  All of these are either ignored or reproached by the Left with the argument that ‘we are stronger together’, not bothering to explain that this shibboleth holds only when that togetherness includes heavy doses of common beliefs and values.

In California, we are witnessing the seemingly futile efforts of the State of Jefferson Movement, and today columnist Thomas Elias reports on "Caleavefornia" - the exodus of the productive - and the California Independence Campaign.  The CIC is yet another Great Divide movement that one ups SoJ on the current futility index – these folks want our state to leave the Union or at least be recognized by the UN as a separate jurisdiction.  In any event, all of these stirrings communicate strong beliefs held by millions of Americans that are neither shared nor visible to our ruling elite in Sacramento and Washington.  Appropriate thoughts for a weekend during which we celebrate the spirit of independence.

[3jul16 update]  One of the constant themes in these pages is the utter disregard that the American Left has for the Constitution.  Ignoring the Constitution has become such a normal course of business for Democrats that they don’t give it much thought any longer – and of course, the rot starts at the top.  But to get an idea how casually Democrats dismiss the Constitution today, consider this sanguine statement by California Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer speaking in committee – “… the legislature sometimes ignores whether it’s constitutional or not.  We make laws because we’re California, we do it anyway.” (video here)  And some useful idiots still wonder how the stacks of the state’s insane laws have come to be.  Something more to reflect on this weekend.  (H/T to RR reader)

 

Comments

[fish]

250th maybe.......260th.....not a chance! As the Rebanes Ruminations court jester is fond of saying......MARK THE TAPE.

[fish]

Posted by: Todd Juvinall | 02 July 2016 at 02:58 PM

Wow.....better than fireworks!

[Todd Juvinall]

Too fun.

[Gregory]

A number of China hands are expecting a great depression style crash in China... they've been using smoke and mirrors propping up their house of cards. It can't go on forever.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-economist-thinks-china-is-headed-for-a-1929-style-depression-2016-06-30

[Bill Tozer]

Re: Independence Day Weekend Thoughts:

I could not believe my eyes on this one. At first I dismissed it as an anomaly, but unfortunately, it is not: quote is not from the 30's, it's up to speed.

Village Idiots: “I see absolutely no value to a judge of spending decades, years, months, weeks, day, hours, minutes, or seconds studying the Constitution, the history of its enactment, its amendments, and its implementation. … Eighteenth-century guys, however smart, could not foresee the culture, technology, etc., of the 21st century. Which means that the original Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the post–Civil War amendments (including the 14th), do not speak to today. … In short, let’s not let the dead bury the living.” —7th Circuit Court of Appeals judge Richard A. Posner

Short version:
Western values are superior to all others. But one need not be a Westerner to hold Western values. A person can be Chinese, Japanese, Jewish, African or Arab and hold Western values. By the way, it is no accident that Western values of reason and individual rights have produced unprecedented health, life expectancy, wealth and comfort for the ordinary person. There’s an indisputable positive relationship between liberty and standards of living. There is also indisputable evidence that we in the West are unwilling to defend ourselves from barbarians. Just look at our response to the recent Orlando massacre, in which we’ve focused our energies on guns rather than on terrorists.
Long version:
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/43487

After ready this, the word "populism" is an equal opportunity employer for the Left and the Right, depending on what's going down. I will think twice before casually tossing the word around. Nice brief history

http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/">http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/">http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/

[Bill Tozer]

Gregory. I had no idea that Britain has been keeping Denmark's economy afloat and from going under and was equally surprised by the nightmare scenario of France's financial and economical situation ....pre-Brexit. I feel like Rip Van Winkle.

[Bill Tozer]

4:13pm. A glitch. Populism.

http://time.com/4389939/barack-obama-donald-trump-populism/.

[Gregory]

bt 4:20

I've no f'ing clue what you are referring to. While those issues may be worth discussing, my link was about China, not Europe.

[Walt]

You speak of freedom? In Kalifornia??
http://dailycaller.com/2016/07/01/ccw-weekend-california-doubles-down-on-gun-control-with-safety-for-all-act-of-2016/
I have yet to read what Gov.Goose stepper has signed into law yet. As they say, "when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have them." And the Commie Progs are well on the way to making that a full blown reality.
Time to by another gun or two while I still can.

[Bill Tozer]

Gregory: Take 2, rewrite.

Gregory, good link. I was unaware of the depths or the problem in China. Heck, I just found the economies of Denmark and France wil be singing "when the walls come tumbling down." Where have I been? I feel like Vip Van Winkle waking up.

Did that make some sense? Darn, I can't even through a guy a bone anymore without messing up. BTW, Gary Johnson will be a factor.. A bigger factor that most are aware of..

[Gregory]

Walt, you have the freedom to live the life Jerry Brown lives. Hire people with lots of guns to protect your home and workplace.

I think the worst provision is the flat ban on magazines (center or rim fire) holding more than 10 rounds; you have until 1 July 2017 to get rid of all of them. 2nd worst is the new assault weapon definition (basically, any centerfire that looks like an AR or similar); they will no longer be sold and if you have one legally, you'll need to register it in time to avoid a criminal penalty for having it if found out.

[Walt]

Lets see. Anything over 10 rounds has been forbidden for a while now. Now why are "retired" cops and those still with a badge special? I recall a cop who nutted up a few years back and went on a rampage.
Count on it. Registration will lead to confiscation. The damned LIBS love making criminals out of law abiding citizens. There will be plenty who just won't get the news.

Read about the dope bust? They caught a guy with an AR with an "illegal" mag. Go figure.

I hope ya'all have a great "independance day"... While you still have a little left.

[Bill Tozer]

Walt, remember when...not so long ago....
https://www.facebook.com/RowdyConservatives/photos/a.217983685002343.55586.217926015008110/869218653212173/?type=3&theater

Guns 101:
https://www.facebook.com/RowdyConservatives/photos/a.217983685002343.55586.217926015008110/869499396517432/?type=3&theater

Did find notice a Turk terrorist used an AK-47, a weapon I am fimiilair with. More dependable than the M-16s (jams) and who can resist that beautiful wood stock? Haven't fired a fully auto of those or even heard the name in Ak-47 in many, many moons. Nor probably ever seen one again.

https://www.facebook.com/RowdyConservatives/photos/a.217983685002343.55586.217926015008110/869439969856708/?type=3&theater

Stepping out for a couple days or so. Y'all have a pleasant and good 4th. Chao.

[Gregory]

More than 10 rounds have been illegal to sell in California for awhile, but it was legal to keep the ones you have. This time, they are illegal to possess after next 1 July.

Mere possession of an illegal-to-sell magazine isn't really an offense now, but that might not keep cops and DA from trying to get you to admit you didn't own it when the last curtain dropped and bullying you into making an incriminating statement; a skilled interviewer can be very good at maneuvering you into enough of a logical trap to get a jury to not believe you even if you were telling the truth. Shut up and demand a lawyer... telling the truth, even if exculpatory, isn't an option.

Making cops and retired cops special help them to buy into it but if large magazines are only good for killing lots of people, why do law enforcement still have them?

[Gregory]

BT a link about the Danes and the Frogs might have gone a long way towards making sense.

Yes, a number or European economies are on the ragged edge, but not like China.

[George Rebane]

re Gregory 944pm - "Making cops and retired cops special help them to buy into it but if large magazines are only good for killing lots of people, why do law enforcement still have them?"

Because there are many more of us than them.

Americans will not give up their 2nd Amendment rights (to par force) especially when they are certain that it is a rogue government that seeks to disarm them.

[Bill Tozer]

Gregory: Yes, and it was a kind admonishment. I need to work on clarity first and foremost and dump the side bars. "China as well as a couple of countries"...was the orginal wording in my head.....only took 3 attempts to get it from the noggin to the finger tip.
Hold down the fort... And yes, China smells ripe for '29 Depression....great article. Best insight I have read on what's going on behind the Bamboo Curtain besides the Sleeping Giant awaketh usual stuff. Ok, how can you miss me when I won't go away. Adios for tres dias.

Side Bar: this is what being an American means to me. On topic almost! No, not his accomplishments, but his opportunity. First man ever in the Western Hemisphere to pull it off. Even had some Lakota in him of all things. You can skip to the 3 minute mark to jump over the boring stuff. Semper fidelis and all those other Latin words. What America means to me. His win is our win. Good Marine.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5F5iCsymMj0

Side Bar: sports. Heard late last night as I feel to sleep with the transistor Ray-Dee-O on that the Cleveland baseball squad won in 19th inning. Big deal. "Who cares about those cellar dwellers anywho," I thought. Then the news guy said that's 15 straight, longest in the Majors this season. Hmmm. Cleveland? Cleveland? My, Cleveland and 2016 are sure full of omens....if you believe in that kind of stuff. Where is that R Convention this year? Bye, and this time I mean it.

[Walt]

" Lets me szzzz you'r PAPERS!!"
http://www.truthandaction.org/california-passes-ammo-permit-fee/

[Bill Tozer]

Road trip thoughts on Dr. Rebane's post:
This gal get it. She want America to be the real safe place to speak freely and have the dialogue.
http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2016/07/01/sonnie-johnson-blacks-trump-want-greatness-not-want-free-sht/
This link is what I really wanted to post on my "What Ametica means to me", not some TV sanitized video of Billy Mills. This is why I got a red flag when seeing the Orlando Omar Lover's interview on Univision. Something is missing. Too neat, too packaged, too devoid of the emotion or feelings..something is missing (FBI said zero evidence Omar had same sex affair).. ....same with Hillary.... Something is missing, by I digress.
Live Music is Best! USA, USA, USA, USA, USA.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VVlKVWFmfhk

Back to two hands on the wheel, eyes on the road...500 miles away from home...and miles to go before I rest, miles to go before I rest

[George Rebane]

Administrivia - this post sports a 3jul16 update.

[Account Deleted]

re today's update - Back when Glen Beck was on TV, he played a clip of a Dem House Rep bragging that: "We don't have to follow the Constitution, we just do whatever we want".
Fellow Dems surrounding him all laughing and agreeing.
The comment was in regards to folks pointing out that Obama Care was probably un-Constitutional.
As to California's new regs on bullets. I'm sure you'll find that law makers will point out that the 2nd amendment doesn't mention ammunition.
Doesn't matter - there's plenty of prime real estate just across the border next to Cabelas for Bob's Bullet Barn and Sherm's Shooter Shack.
I notice there's no law preventing a California citizen from bringing in ammo for 'personal use'.
And the border to the south is wide open 24/7.
I predict at least 7 people paying 50 bucks to buy 22 LRs because they're too busy or too lazy to go to Nevada and they have no friends to buy from.

[Todd Juvinall]

So when that idiot took his oath and swore to uphold the Constitution he was funnin us? To me he should be forced to resign, but I bet the four democrat voters of his Watts (or wherever) District could care less.

[Walt]

Good thing I learned to reload. The price went down per round big time.
It sucks not being able to reload rim fire.. But we can't have everything.

Drive careful Bill. We want you home in one piece.

[Account Deleted]

Todd at 2:15 - Fingers crossed behind his back when he took his oath.
Let us remind ourselves of the honorable mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom - who took an oath of office to:
"obey and uphold" the law.
He openly broke the law by 'marrying' homosexuals in clear defiance of the laws of San Francisco and California.
Big Whoop.
Go ahead Todd - just break any law you want and see how far you get.
Oops - forgot - you're white, male, straight and conservative.
You have to obey the law.
See how that works?
Now - be sure to obey the new ammo law. Right.

[Walt]

Is it Tyranny yet?

[Don Bessee]

Here is an interesting twist in gun law. Tennessee passed SB1736 which holds the owner of a self declared gun free zone business liable should any concealed carry persons be threatened after disarming to enter the establishment. ;-) Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July Gang!

[Bill Tozer]

Now boys, you don't want to lose you coveted title of "law abiding citizens", do ya?

http://www.newsy.com/videos/gun-rights-activists-say-they-won-t-follow-california-s-new-laws/

There is always a few in every bunch. Hey, why is it that stealing a gun is not a felony here, but having ammo.........

[Jon Dozer]

"He (Newsome) openly broke the law by 'marrying' homosexuals in clear defiance of the laws of San Francisco and California." Scotty Idaho

OMG! I didn't realize it was such a heinous act of defiance, making Rosa Parks look like a saint or something....

[Jon Dozer]

"Time to by another gun or two while I still can." Walt

LOL, exactly as predicted on Friday afternoon.:0 I was even kidding for gods sake.

Dum Dee Dum Dum comes through again!

[Account Deleted]

Don't worry Jonnie boy - I realize an oath of office doesn't mean anything to you.
Being a good leftie puts you under the Ann Coulter maxim - "If you didn't have double standards, you wouldn't have any standards".
Rosa Parks didn't take any oath to obey un-Constitutional laws. She followed the law.
Equal protection.
Please explain why Gavin wasn't thrown in jail as Kim Davis was.

[Bill Tozer]

S
https://www.facebook.com/lastamericapatriots/photos/a.235087906641439.1073741826.235086849974878/671335579683334/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/lastamericapatriots/photos/a.235087906641439.1073741826.235086849974878/671613686322190/?type=3&theater

[fish]

Posted by: Scott Obermuller | 04 July 2016 at 06:46 AM

Because he's pretty.

[Bill Tozer]

Fish @ 07:47 am

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=258654717825770&set=p.258654717825770&type=3&theater

[fish]

Posted by: Bill Tozer | 04 July 2016 at 08:03 AM

Mr. Tozer I assure you that the feeling is mutual!

[fish]

For years people competed to become president of the United States.....now you have two people surreptitiously trying to shirk their responsibility!

"Clinton has admitted to destroying “private personal emails” as secretary of state. But Abedin’s admission that she used so-called “burn bags” — a container that material is placed in before it is destroyed — for some of her schedules is the first time anyone close to her has disclosed destroying public records."

http://nypost.com/2016/07/04/huma-abedin-admits-that-clinton-burned-daily-schedules/

[fish]

In which the "Payoff" is revealed....

"NYT: HILLARY WANTS TO KEEP LYNCH....

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/us/politics/hillary-clinton-president.html

[George Rebane]

fish 903am - Wouldn't even a hint of Clinton proposing to keep Lynch at this stage be the most compelling evidence of corruption of which that broad is capable?? Why would the NYT publish that whether true or not - not sure the link you provide demonstrates that?

[Bill Tozer]

~
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209715080412291&set=p.10209715080412291&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/RowdyConservatives/photos/a.217983685002343.55586.217926015008110/870918083042230/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/RowdyConservatives/photos/a.217983685002343.55586.217926015008110/871112486356123/?type=3&theater

Loretta Lynth, our esteemed and intelligent top law enforcer in the USA, said the solution to difficult problematic challenges is love. Well, she might be half right.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206770203233806&set=p.10206770203233806&type=3&theater

[Gregory]

"Dozer"'s back, snotty as ever. What a shame... I had hoped they'd grown a pair and left the dirty sock behind... maybe go back to posting under a real name and trying to be civil. Apparently not.

On a happier note, there's a nice article in The Union today about the local named Wikipedian of the Year. The first time two were given the honor, the first time an American was named, the oldest and the youngest. Rosie was in the Wikimania 2016 audience in Esino Lario (Italian Alps near the Swiss border) when Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales made the announcement, much to her surprise.

[fish]

Good catch kind sir....I went with the "Drudge Report" headline which implied more than was actually in the article presented in the "Old Fey Lady".

[fish]

Modifying requirements.......

"Dems drop platform requirement that illegals learn English for amnesty..."

Yes....they have substituted a test where the non english speaking or reading pre-citizen has to identify the "D" on a simulated ballot and then pull the lever for the simulated democratic candidate.

[fish]

In which the simple "Facepalm" is inadequate.....

https://sierrafoothillsreport.com/2016/07/04/we-are-america-a-message-of-acceptance/

[Account Deleted]

George at 9:29 - "Wouldn't even a hint of Clinton proposing to keep Lynch at this stage be the most compelling evidence of corruption of which that broad is capable??"
The Clinton voters don't know and/or don't care.
Notice how the sentence was crafted - "...Democrats close to Mrs. Clinton say she may decide to retain Ms. Lynch, the nation’s first black woman to be attorney general, who took office in April 2015."
It sends a clear signal to Ms Lynch and since it's coming from those unnamed 'close' associates and is posed as a speculative statement, there's no way you can prove any sort of quid pro quo.
Once we get past the fact that Hillary hasn't already been brought up on charges for keeping her own secret, private email server for the purposes of controlling info about her money laundering and selling US interests to foreign nationals for personal payoffs while she held the position of Sec of State, we might as well give up on the idea of her being held accountable for any and all of her public corruption.
It goes beyond Hillary and gets to the core of how corrupt and power mad most of DC is at the top.

[Bill Tozer]

Mr. Fish @ 10:21 am

Remember the last time the fat comments got out hand and he posted this. .

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

They way that guy sings that song gets me everytime, truthfully. Good selection, Mr. Pelline. Maybe I will check out meditating.

Now, Mr. Dozer gets pounded on and Pelline posts another love video? Jeff is right. Yo Mr. Pelline, I love you. You I can handle. It's that little toothless chihuahua somebody cut his chain and let out......it's that little yapper moi practices tolerance with. I am getting better....progress....like in progressive, but I digress.

I can feel the love from here.

[Bill Tozer]

Re: Update. Our Government shredding the Constitution? Threaten residents with prosecution yet for a second time? Turn the concerned citizens into the ones prosecuted....for Hate Speech??? Hey, there is a 5 year old precious American child with special needs that may never ever get beyond what happened to her.
Oh. Ms. Wendy Government lawyer even said it may be a Federal Crime to "harass" politicians...for asking for answers from City Hall? Like, "do you know if will the Islamics involved will be deported? They were not fleeing the Syrian Civil War."
Take those hateful bigoted questioners to Devil's Island. Silence them all and give no answers. Talk about the ruling class.
Can you say "Beam me up, Scottie!" There, I knew you could

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/06/28/obama-justice-official-retracts-threat-americans-discussing-refugee-sex-crime-national-uproar/.