It's been a little over fourteen years after the event that CHANGED EVERYTHING, which equates to a little over fourteen years of the creation (or possibly, acceleration) of a vast security apparatus. This apparatus collects data, seemingly, on all activity everywhere, foreign and domestic, as confirmed by Edward Snowden. If this weren't enough, this apparatus has since branched out into security ventures at home and abroad. All in the name of keeping everyone safe from terrorists, everywhere, at all times.
Participants include:
- Various alphabet soup government agencies. NSA, CIA, DHS, TSA, FBI and likely many more.
- Tech companies. Google, AOL, Microsoft, and likely many more.
- Telecom companies. Verizon, Sprint, Charter, Time Warner, and likely many more.
- Social Media, such as Facebook (likely the largest voluntary database that ever was) and Twitter
- Boots on the ground throughout alleged hotbeds of terrorist activity, throwing fuel on the fire.
- Mainstream media, stalwart in their duty to remind us of the necessity, and to parrot the State's claims of how effective all of this is.
That sure is a lot of muscle being brought to the fight, let's call it the Juggernaut from here on out. Boy, I'm glad Juggernaut is on our side. Juggernaut's there to read our emails and text messages. Juggernaut is there to listen to our phone conversations, and to spy on our internet activity. Juggernaut is also there to liberate the sh!t out of us. All of this to, you know, keep us safe and free.
Here's a list of those terrorist attacks that Juggernaut let slip through the cracks so far this year. Granted, a lot of these invoke a very loose definition of the word Terrorism.
All of this to say, on the day of the event that CHANGED EVERYTHING, everyone was left scratching their heads. Despite having the intelligence from existing sources that an attack was imminent, and perhaps even some inclination as to how the attack could be carried out, somehow acting on the intelligence became a non issue. Maybe a memo fell behind someone's desk. I don't necessarily imply inside job, but I do insinuate, at least, incompetence.
So the answer? Warantless wiretaps, waiting in line for a cheap date at the airport, surveillance of all of your activity, endless warfare so we don't have to fight them over here (until we import them ourselves, creating job security for Juggernaut), spying on the State's friends and enemies alike.
Should you object, you're rhetorically asked if you want another 9/11. Or, if you've forgotten 9/11. As if they expect you to answer "Yes, I forgot all about the day that CHANGED EVERYTHING, it only dominated the airwaves, broadcasts, and bandwidth for four months after the fact. Thanks for reminding me, and spying on me to protect my freedom."
Then Paris happened, and changed nothing. Nobody is asking how effective the large paperweight in Utah actually is.
Nobody is asking what Juggernaut did to stop it. The suspects in question allegedly did all of this without encryption. It was even made easy for Juggernaut, and Juggernaut still failed. To knock Juggernaut down another peg, it sounds like there was plenty of warning.
I think it's time to retire Juggernaut, unfortunately Juggernaut is only likely to get a pay-raise from all of this.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Your rights end where my hypersensitivity begins
This was all made by me (quite sloppily, and just for fun), from scratch, using photoshop and a wacom tablet.
For your viewing pleasure, enjoy!
*PS - In case Adobe sees this and is curious, yes I use a legal and paid for Photoshop license.
Monday, November 9, 2015
The TSA's mad, mad world.
I get a little nervous when government recognizes how ineffective it is. It's answer is always to try and be more effective. Consider what government considers effective, and how they reach this goal post. More tyranny, more taxes, more control. Government - city, state, or federal, produces nothing. They're stationary highwaymen, they understand two principles: Consumption, and force. They consume to enforce, and enforce to consume, and continue in this cycle perpetually. They produce nothing. They have no factories, no ability to innovate, no means to improve the human condition. When they have any of these things, they've taken from Person A to give to Person B - they rearrange the suffering and insist an imperfection has been eradicated. Once it's become clear that a problem either hasn't been solved, or has only grown worse, they vainly advocate more effective measures. These effective measures are typically an amplification of what they already do, the only measures they already have: Consume to enforce, enforce to consume.
In the wake of the Russian Jet crash, Representatives Adam Schiff , and Peter King do just this. With the infinite wisdom that comes from being an elected official, he recognizes that if someone wants avoid a hindrance to their goals, they utilize a method to get around it. Per Adam Schiff, when they test the TSA, they fail. Why wouldn't they? Allegations of a co-opted agent aside (hold your surprise at the revelation, and if true only helps to reach the conclusion of this writing), where is the incentive to do otherwise?
Imagine that for a moment. They've created a job position where someone with the mental capacity of a gold fish can draw a substantial salary paid by their victims, all the while they are free to grope, rob, and humiliate their customers - and have no shortage of tools or methods to do so. They're well insulated from repercussions (until their bosses are caught being caught in protecting their goons), being members of the AFGE. If anything, they have an invested interest in ensuring the lack of safety, and reveling in the failure that Adam Schiff points out. Simpletons they may be, but fools they are not. They can cite a lack of funding, whether true, false, or somewhere in between. Likely false. Here's why.
More funding means more employees, more equipment, more methods. More employees means more Union dues, and more votes to coerce. More equipment means that Michael Chertoff and his buddies still get a slice of the pie. More methods equates to a greater variety of ways to engage in otherwise antisocial behavior, domesticating individuals into submission. Everyone wins, except the individual.
Contrast all of this with a private sector incentivized to respond. One doesn't even need to look at a vast commercial enterprise, one needs to look no further than the individual.
Risky behavior and risky property comes with potential costs. Have dangerous animals or dilapidated property? The risk and responsibility is yours to shoulder, along with your insurance company. Provided they even choose to insure your risky behavior. The insured who have a dangerous situation within an acceptable threshold face higher premiums, and are encouraged to provide safety. Those who throw safety to the wind go uninsured, and may end up losing it all.
In a functioning market, airline safety would be provided as a means to mitigate costly catastrophe. Who would shoulder this burden? Provider of the service, whether the airlines, the security company, the airport, or another invested party such as an insurance company. It's hard to say who all of these parties are or could be, as there's no free market in airline security. Who knows what innovations in security could come about, all the while preserving a customers dignity. Whoever these stakeholders are, their service would be a safe airline experience. Contrast this with an apparatus that has an invested interest in preserving the opposite, which we have today.
As the creation of the TSA has ensured a non-functioning market where there is no market response , we're at further risk of airline catastrophe. Much to the great misfortune of us all, powerful parties are delighted by this, and are likely licking their chops at the most recent sum of their great failure.
In the wake of the Russian Jet crash, Representatives Adam Schiff , and Peter King do just this. With the infinite wisdom that comes from being an elected official, he recognizes that if someone wants avoid a hindrance to their goals, they utilize a method to get around it. Per Adam Schiff, when they test the TSA, they fail. Why wouldn't they? Allegations of a co-opted agent aside (hold your surprise at the revelation, and if true only helps to reach the conclusion of this writing), where is the incentive to do otherwise?
Imagine that for a moment. They've created a job position where someone with the mental capacity of a gold fish can draw a substantial salary paid by their victims, all the while they are free to grope, rob, and humiliate their customers - and have no shortage of tools or methods to do so. They're well insulated from repercussions (until their bosses are caught being caught in protecting their goons), being members of the AFGE. If anything, they have an invested interest in ensuring the lack of safety, and reveling in the failure that Adam Schiff points out. Simpletons they may be, but fools they are not. They can cite a lack of funding, whether true, false, or somewhere in between. Likely false. Here's why.
More funding means more employees, more equipment, more methods. More employees means more Union dues, and more votes to coerce. More equipment means that Michael Chertoff and his buddies still get a slice of the pie. More methods equates to a greater variety of ways to engage in otherwise antisocial behavior, domesticating individuals into submission. Everyone wins, except the individual.
Contrast all of this with a private sector incentivized to respond. One doesn't even need to look at a vast commercial enterprise, one needs to look no further than the individual.
Risky behavior and risky property comes with potential costs. Have dangerous animals or dilapidated property? The risk and responsibility is yours to shoulder, along with your insurance company. Provided they even choose to insure your risky behavior. The insured who have a dangerous situation within an acceptable threshold face higher premiums, and are encouraged to provide safety. Those who throw safety to the wind go uninsured, and may end up losing it all.
In a functioning market, airline safety would be provided as a means to mitigate costly catastrophe. Who would shoulder this burden? Provider of the service, whether the airlines, the security company, the airport, or another invested party such as an insurance company. It's hard to say who all of these parties are or could be, as there's no free market in airline security. Who knows what innovations in security could come about, all the while preserving a customers dignity. Whoever these stakeholders are, their service would be a safe airline experience. Contrast this with an apparatus that has an invested interest in preserving the opposite, which we have today.
As the creation of the TSA has ensured a non-functioning market where there is no market response , we're at further risk of airline catastrophe. Much to the great misfortune of us all, powerful parties are delighted by this, and are likely licking their chops at the most recent sum of their great failure.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Boo hoo, says Rand.
Boo hoo Trump. Boo hoo Hillary. Boo hoo socialism.
All valid concerns that I share, but I blame Rand Paul.
Rand could have been another champion of liberty. He could have continued his father's legacy, with a legion of excited volunteers at his disposal - with the fortune of being in a period of history where Liberty is proven right and true - after the grim warnings of his father have come to fruition.
But he didn't. He chose status instead of principle. Rand seeks the approval of those who only like him as long as he's useful. Rand is a good "sanitized" libertarian, the sort of libertarian the establishment likes. He may as well be in the Koch Party.
Yes, the income tax is bad. But it shouldn't be replaced. Not with a flat tax, not with a fair tax, not with a VAT tax - replace it with nothing, and don't apologize for it. If it bankrupts the cruel machinations of the State, so be it.
Rand could have been an alternative to Statism. He chose to be the apologist for the state. He could have stood out from his opponents, both in and out of the Republican party. Rand chose to blend in.
All of his hard work against the NSA was for nothing. He chose to be the rust in the machine, instead of being the sledgehammer that takes it down.
I can't take you seriously Rand Paul, and unless you change course I'm not certain other advocates of liberty will either. This was a wasted opportunity for Liberty, and the Statism you allegedly fight against is only more likely for it.
I blame you.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Star Wars: A New Hope(lessness)
Fair warning. I'm a fan boy. I love Star Wars. In my youth I loved the movies and some of the expanded universe material. In fact, Star Wars may have helped me come to the Libertarian conclusions that I've held for quite some time. Which is ironic, considering Murray Rothbard's critique of Star Wars. Sorry Murray.
But that was then. I'm not sure what to expect from Episode 7 or Episode 8, currently being filmed. I like the work of J.J Abrams fine. Though I'm not a Star Trek fan, I'm told by friends that are fans that he took a step away from the blatant socialism of the series during his venture into the franchise.
I guess there's hooting and hollering over the casting choices for the new film for a number of reasons, in particular would be Disney induced political correctness. Maybe true, maybe not. We won't know for sure for a couple of months. For a great critique on the subject, Alex Jones discusses it objectively. But I do recall rumors of casting calls in London specifically asking for a white female and a black male for lead roles (which isn't a problem in itself). I could be very wrong though. Here's some merit to the rumor a few paragraphs in.
Okay, you were warned. Libertarian-Nerd rant approaching at rapid speed. My apologies to readers expecting serious subjects. I take that back, no apologies. You gave a nerd the internet.
Unless you've been too responsible to pay attention, you noticed the decline. The Prequel Trilogy that began hitting theaters over a decade ago and came to it's conclusion in 2005 failed (at least, in the sense of a good saga). when compared to it's original predecessor. A lot of people cite George Lucas as the problem. This may be true up to a certain point, but I'm not so certain the blame can be thrown at the man who conceived the original saga. I would lay the blame at whoever decided the Jedi moral compass should be ambiguous, likely a writer. You know, "living breathing document" arguments.
Consider the depictions of the Jedi in the original saga. Talented, wise, stoic, and fatally committed to peace - even at their own peril.
The Jedi in the original trilogy, perhaps by coincidence, embody the Libertarian Non-Aggression Principal.
In the above scene, Obi-Wan is ambushed by Darth Vader. This is the individual against the State. Darth Vader's intentions are clear, as his weapon is drawn and has no moral objection to the logical conclusion to the likely outcome. Amidst the dialogue where Obi Wan may be making an effort to diffuse the duel, Obi Wan makes few, if any, efforts to strike down Vader. If there are efforts, they're not very strong, Obi Wan obviously carries no malice in his heart. Darth Vader, however, is clearly more aggressive in his efforts.
Upon seeing that his newest pupil is spectating, Obi Wan yields. I'd like to think that, in light of the two minutes leading to this point, Obi Wan sees no glory in violence. Darth Vader delivers the killing stroke, and displays uncertainty and fear. He steps on the remains to ensure his foe is defeated - as if the vanishing body wasn't enough of a confirmation. The State lacks confidence, it sees enemies where there are none.
Even post-mortem, Obi Wan Kenobi dissuades Luke from engaging, as he and his friends escape.
With Obi Wan dead, Luke has lost his moral compass. He's been given the tool of "The Force", but doesn't understand it's righteous use. Still yet, from beyond the grave, Obi Wan leads Luke to Yoda. Yoda attempts to coach Luke, who is likely struggling with thoughts of revenge - on Obi Wan's behalf, and for Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca, who are currently at the mercy of Darth Vader, a bounty hunter, and an old friend of Han's that has since bent a knee to the Empire. Both Yoda and the ghost of Obi Wan plead with Luke - he must remain and finish his training to better understand what he's using and why. Running off in an act of vengeance will be a terrible error. Though the loyalty to his friends is admirable, unfortunately for Luke both Yoda and Obi Wan were right.
Contrast this scene to the duel between Darth Vader and Obi Wan. Luke Skywalker draws his lightsaber first - Perhaps to Darth Vader's delight, as he goes on to taunt Luke Skywalker about Obi Wan. Luke, contrasted to Obi Wan, makes no attempt to diffuse the fight. Both Luke and Vader are focused on the same thing - laying waste to the other. Again, contrasted to Obi Wan, Obi Wan was only struck when he wanted to be. Otherwise, no injury was sustained. He was at peace, focused, and clearly in control of the situation.
The wanton, unfocused melee only ends when Luke loses his hand. At the revelation that Darth Vader is in fact Luke's father, Luke escapes the situation. He then gets a mechanical graft to replace his missing hand. Remember this, it's important later. What's worse, the bounty hunter Bobba Fett has delivered Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt.
Luke's outfit has changed in Return of the Jedi. He no longer has his white garb from the first film, or even his rebel uniforms from the second. He is clad in black, bearing a more prominent resemblance to the enemy he has taken up arms against instead of the moisture-farming teenager we met in the first film. In an attempt to free Han Solo from the crime-boss Jabba the Hutt, Luke delivers ultimatums. Crime bosses being crime bosses, they aren't much for tolerating disrespect - especially when the goons are watching. Luke is then at the mercy of Jabba the Hutt's vicious pet, which Luke bests. Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca are taken to the desert, to face execution via the Sarlaac - a wild beast that devours anything within reach of it's gaping maw. Luke offers Jabba a final chance, and verbatim, two choices: "Free us, or die".
We can see that Luke is at a pivotal development in his struggle, he runs risk of becoming another Darth Vader, embodiment of force and coercion.
Contrast this to Yoda, or Obi Wan. Obi Wan in particular, who faced off against a greater evil and initiated no threats, or violence. Luke may very well be heading towards the dark side of the force, by fighting evil with evil. A battle ensues, so on and so forth.
After a conversation with the apparition of Obi Wan, Luke comes to the revelation he's not alone. He has a sister, and it's Leiah (aaaawkward). There is a light disagreement between Obi Wan and Luke, regarding the fate of Darth Vader - should Luke engage him? Obi Wan believes so, Luke doesn't. This seems contradictory to what we've examined about Obi Wan. But, consider what Obi Wan considers a confrontation, from his duel with Darth Vader aboard the Death Star. It is a confrontation of the mind, not a confrontation of violence. Obi Wan won. Why not Luke too?
Luke turns himself in to Imperial forces, and it naturally catches Darth Vader's attention. Luke attempts to reason with his father, but, much like the State of the real world, Darth Vader hears none of it, even rejecting the fact that he is an individual and a person cursing Luke's use of his name, Anakin Skywalker. Luke Skywalker is taken aboard the Death Star, where he endures a spiritual tug of war, with the Emperor playing the role of "Devil on the Shoulder", successfully taunting a vulnerable Luke towards violence. Much like the State Apparatus of the real world, the Emperor sews strife where there otherwise would be little conflict, if any at all.
Luke is much like an evenly balanced scale throughout his time spent on the second Death Star, requiring only the slightest tip in balance to embrace the way of Obi Wan, or to embrace the ways of the dark side. To our surprise, it is not the Emperor who taunts Luke into a fit of aggression. It is Vader, who makes a deep, cutting threat against Leiah. Luke bursts with a fury that we haven't seen, even from the villains of the story - to remove Darth Vader's hand, exposing the wiring and machinery that is beneath Darth Vader's black shell. This causes pause in Luke, as he examines his own hand. Both Luke and Vader are losing their humanity to darkness, by giving in to evil. When Luke refuses to further engage or entertain the Emperor's evil, and Vader is clearly to weakened to continue, the Emperor intervenes, engaging Luke. Luke is unable to fight back, essentially forced into a similar position as Obi Wan. Darth Vader then intervenes, using the last of his strength to save his son. Lessons are learned by all, and we've witnessed character growth.
Long winded, maybe. But to highlight the success of the initial trilogy, I felt compelled to talk about what made it great. It wasn't the lasers or the spaceships, or even the detail of the universe this story takes place in - it was the principles of the Jedi that defined the series. It became a time honored classic, and ultimately went on to define other sagas that depicted the struggle of right and wrong, or good and evil, a struggle all of us can relate to in some way.
Then, the prequel trilogy happened. You'll notice I've got less to say on the prequel trilogy. There is little to analyze, and much to criticize.
The Jedi here are unrecognizable from the Jedi of the original trilogy. Foolish, arrogant, violent, and tools of the state. Charging into a fight lightsabers ablaze is the rule, not the exception. No question of methods, no moral compasses. They even seem to delight in the melee and use of force, holding weapons at the necks of their adversaries.
If that's nothing to glare at then one has to wonder how Obi Wan and Yoda of the prequels somehow turn into the wise Jedi of the original trilogy. Maybe it was their major errors.
Characteristically, they're no different than the Sith that they claim a moral superiority towards. The conflict is bland. It's team red vs team blue, indistinguishable from the next save for minor aesthetics.
The big enemy for the first film of the prequel trilogy is the Trade Federation. Their great act of evil? Collecting payment for unpaid goods. I expect to be paid when I provide product, service or labor. I imagine merchants are the same way.
Throughout the trilogy, the enemy evolves into secessionists, with their proper noun changed to "Separatists". This is their only crime elaborated on at length. As the enemy evolves into this, the warfare grows more aggressive, with Jedi leading the charge, with a ready-made, mass produced army of clones right behind them.
The prequel trilogy only begins to gain it's merit towards the end of it's final film, upon the revelation that all major contributors to the conflict were being manipulated towards evil by a Chancellor who desired to be an Emperor. But of course, this doesn't dissuade the Jedi from perpetuating evil - seeking to confront the Emperor in an armed conflict, operating under the assumption that violence is their only chance at victory.
At the Emperor's victory, he recruits a younger Anakin Skywalker into becoming Darth Vader. Vader is tasked with eradicating the remaining Jedi - even the children, to achieve peace for the new Galactic Empire.
Despite the violence and aggression leading up to this point, all major characters privy to the situation are scratching their heads wondering how Anakin could come to the conclusion that butchering people, even kids, is just fine.
So effective was the Galactic Empire that it's even the envy of real world Sith Lords. Why not? Emperor Palpatine used a young, confused man to murder innocents - not dissimilar to the means endorsed by Darth Kristol's think tank. You gotta understand, Emperor Palpatine was just a misunderstood one-man patriotic think tank who really, really loved his government. He'd sing the anthem in between showering and brushing his teeth every morning. He'd even wave a flag before executing Jedi. So it's okay. Right? Right?!
What does this mean for the new trilogy? It's an ideal time to re-examine elements of the original trilogy, and the righteous struggle against cruel and corrupt power. I'm not optimistic this will manifest, but I hope I'm wrong. Flashy, loosely-defined violence dotted with hints of political intrigue doesn't challenge the sanitized mind of a viewer so it's safe territory. Questions of the individual and the state aren't acceptable - Questions about who should rule are just fine, questions about what those who rule do aren't. Questions on the necessity of a ruler are heresy.
Bundle all of this up, throw some Mickey Mouse ears on it, and inject a dose of Disney induced political correctness, then we may have an inkling of what to expect from the resurrection of a story that lost it's way long before Darth Mickey acquired the rights to Lucasfilm.
Oh. Yeah. Copyrights to respective owners. Not sure if I should credit Lucasfilm or Disney.
But that was then. I'm not sure what to expect from Episode 7 or Episode 8, currently being filmed. I like the work of J.J Abrams fine. Though I'm not a Star Trek fan, I'm told by friends that are fans that he took a step away from the blatant socialism of the series during his venture into the franchise.
I guess there's hooting and hollering over the casting choices for the new film for a number of reasons, in particular would be Disney induced political correctness. Maybe true, maybe not. We won't know for sure for a couple of months. For a great critique on the subject, Alex Jones discusses it objectively. But I do recall rumors of casting calls in London specifically asking for a white female and a black male for lead roles (which isn't a problem in itself). I could be very wrong though. Here's some merit to the rumor a few paragraphs in.
Okay, you were warned. Libertarian-Nerd rant approaching at rapid speed. My apologies to readers expecting serious subjects. I take that back, no apologies. You gave a nerd the internet.
Unless you've been too responsible to pay attention, you noticed the decline. The Prequel Trilogy that began hitting theaters over a decade ago and came to it's conclusion in 2005 failed (at least, in the sense of a good saga). when compared to it's original predecessor. A lot of people cite George Lucas as the problem. This may be true up to a certain point, but I'm not so certain the blame can be thrown at the man who conceived the original saga. I would lay the blame at whoever decided the Jedi moral compass should be ambiguous, likely a writer. You know, "living breathing document" arguments.
Consider the depictions of the Jedi in the original saga. Talented, wise, stoic, and fatally committed to peace - even at their own peril.
The Jedi in the original trilogy, perhaps by coincidence, embody the Libertarian Non-Aggression Principal.
In the above scene, Obi-Wan is ambushed by Darth Vader. This is the individual against the State. Darth Vader's intentions are clear, as his weapon is drawn and has no moral objection to the logical conclusion to the likely outcome. Amidst the dialogue where Obi Wan may be making an effort to diffuse the duel, Obi Wan makes few, if any, efforts to strike down Vader. If there are efforts, they're not very strong, Obi Wan obviously carries no malice in his heart. Darth Vader, however, is clearly more aggressive in his efforts.
Upon seeing that his newest pupil is spectating, Obi Wan yields. I'd like to think that, in light of the two minutes leading to this point, Obi Wan sees no glory in violence. Darth Vader delivers the killing stroke, and displays uncertainty and fear. He steps on the remains to ensure his foe is defeated - as if the vanishing body wasn't enough of a confirmation. The State lacks confidence, it sees enemies where there are none.
Even post-mortem, Obi Wan Kenobi dissuades Luke from engaging, as he and his friends escape.
With Obi Wan dead, Luke has lost his moral compass. He's been given the tool of "The Force", but doesn't understand it's righteous use. Still yet, from beyond the grave, Obi Wan leads Luke to Yoda. Yoda attempts to coach Luke, who is likely struggling with thoughts of revenge - on Obi Wan's behalf, and for Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca, who are currently at the mercy of Darth Vader, a bounty hunter, and an old friend of Han's that has since bent a knee to the Empire. Both Yoda and the ghost of Obi Wan plead with Luke - he must remain and finish his training to better understand what he's using and why. Running off in an act of vengeance will be a terrible error. Though the loyalty to his friends is admirable, unfortunately for Luke both Yoda and Obi Wan were right.
Contrast this scene to the duel between Darth Vader and Obi Wan. Luke Skywalker draws his lightsaber first - Perhaps to Darth Vader's delight, as he goes on to taunt Luke Skywalker about Obi Wan. Luke, contrasted to Obi Wan, makes no attempt to diffuse the fight. Both Luke and Vader are focused on the same thing - laying waste to the other. Again, contrasted to Obi Wan, Obi Wan was only struck when he wanted to be. Otherwise, no injury was sustained. He was at peace, focused, and clearly in control of the situation.
The wanton, unfocused melee only ends when Luke loses his hand. At the revelation that Darth Vader is in fact Luke's father, Luke escapes the situation. He then gets a mechanical graft to replace his missing hand. Remember this, it's important later. What's worse, the bounty hunter Bobba Fett has delivered Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt.
Luke's outfit has changed in Return of the Jedi. He no longer has his white garb from the first film, or even his rebel uniforms from the second. He is clad in black, bearing a more prominent resemblance to the enemy he has taken up arms against instead of the moisture-farming teenager we met in the first film. In an attempt to free Han Solo from the crime-boss Jabba the Hutt, Luke delivers ultimatums. Crime bosses being crime bosses, they aren't much for tolerating disrespect - especially when the goons are watching. Luke is then at the mercy of Jabba the Hutt's vicious pet, which Luke bests. Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca are taken to the desert, to face execution via the Sarlaac - a wild beast that devours anything within reach of it's gaping maw. Luke offers Jabba a final chance, and verbatim, two choices: "Free us, or die".
We can see that Luke is at a pivotal development in his struggle, he runs risk of becoming another Darth Vader, embodiment of force and coercion.
Contrast this to Yoda, or Obi Wan. Obi Wan in particular, who faced off against a greater evil and initiated no threats, or violence. Luke may very well be heading towards the dark side of the force, by fighting evil with evil. A battle ensues, so on and so forth.
After a conversation with the apparition of Obi Wan, Luke comes to the revelation he's not alone. He has a sister, and it's Leiah (aaaawkward). There is a light disagreement between Obi Wan and Luke, regarding the fate of Darth Vader - should Luke engage him? Obi Wan believes so, Luke doesn't. This seems contradictory to what we've examined about Obi Wan. But, consider what Obi Wan considers a confrontation, from his duel with Darth Vader aboard the Death Star. It is a confrontation of the mind, not a confrontation of violence. Obi Wan won. Why not Luke too?
Luke turns himself in to Imperial forces, and it naturally catches Darth Vader's attention. Luke attempts to reason with his father, but, much like the State of the real world, Darth Vader hears none of it, even rejecting the fact that he is an individual and a person cursing Luke's use of his name, Anakin Skywalker. Luke Skywalker is taken aboard the Death Star, where he endures a spiritual tug of war, with the Emperor playing the role of "Devil on the Shoulder", successfully taunting a vulnerable Luke towards violence. Much like the State Apparatus of the real world, the Emperor sews strife where there otherwise would be little conflict, if any at all.
Luke is much like an evenly balanced scale throughout his time spent on the second Death Star, requiring only the slightest tip in balance to embrace the way of Obi Wan, or to embrace the ways of the dark side. To our surprise, it is not the Emperor who taunts Luke into a fit of aggression. It is Vader, who makes a deep, cutting threat against Leiah. Luke bursts with a fury that we haven't seen, even from the villains of the story - to remove Darth Vader's hand, exposing the wiring and machinery that is beneath Darth Vader's black shell. This causes pause in Luke, as he examines his own hand. Both Luke and Vader are losing their humanity to darkness, by giving in to evil. When Luke refuses to further engage or entertain the Emperor's evil, and Vader is clearly to weakened to continue, the Emperor intervenes, engaging Luke. Luke is unable to fight back, essentially forced into a similar position as Obi Wan. Darth Vader then intervenes, using the last of his strength to save his son. Lessons are learned by all, and we've witnessed character growth.
Long winded, maybe. But to highlight the success of the initial trilogy, I felt compelled to talk about what made it great. It wasn't the lasers or the spaceships, or even the detail of the universe this story takes place in - it was the principles of the Jedi that defined the series. It became a time honored classic, and ultimately went on to define other sagas that depicted the struggle of right and wrong, or good and evil, a struggle all of us can relate to in some way.
Then, the prequel trilogy happened. You'll notice I've got less to say on the prequel trilogy. There is little to analyze, and much to criticize.
The Jedi here are unrecognizable from the Jedi of the original trilogy. Foolish, arrogant, violent, and tools of the state. Charging into a fight lightsabers ablaze is the rule, not the exception. No question of methods, no moral compasses. They even seem to delight in the melee and use of force, holding weapons at the necks of their adversaries.
If that's nothing to glare at then one has to wonder how Obi Wan and Yoda of the prequels somehow turn into the wise Jedi of the original trilogy. Maybe it was their major errors.
Characteristically, they're no different than the Sith that they claim a moral superiority towards. The conflict is bland. It's team red vs team blue, indistinguishable from the next save for minor aesthetics.
The big enemy for the first film of the prequel trilogy is the Trade Federation. Their great act of evil? Collecting payment for unpaid goods. I expect to be paid when I provide product, service or labor. I imagine merchants are the same way.
Throughout the trilogy, the enemy evolves into secessionists, with their proper noun changed to "Separatists". This is their only crime elaborated on at length. As the enemy evolves into this, the warfare grows more aggressive, with Jedi leading the charge, with a ready-made, mass produced army of clones right behind them.
The prequel trilogy only begins to gain it's merit towards the end of it's final film, upon the revelation that all major contributors to the conflict were being manipulated towards evil by a Chancellor who desired to be an Emperor. But of course, this doesn't dissuade the Jedi from perpetuating evil - seeking to confront the Emperor in an armed conflict, operating under the assumption that violence is their only chance at victory.
At the Emperor's victory, he recruits a younger Anakin Skywalker into becoming Darth Vader. Vader is tasked with eradicating the remaining Jedi - even the children, to achieve peace for the new Galactic Empire.
Despite the violence and aggression leading up to this point, all major characters privy to the situation are scratching their heads wondering how Anakin could come to the conclusion that butchering people, even kids, is just fine.
So effective was the Galactic Empire that it's even the envy of real world Sith Lords. Why not? Emperor Palpatine used a young, confused man to murder innocents - not dissimilar to the means endorsed by Darth Kristol's think tank. You gotta understand, Emperor Palpatine was just a misunderstood one-man patriotic think tank who really, really loved his government. He'd sing the anthem in between showering and brushing his teeth every morning. He'd even wave a flag before executing Jedi. So it's okay. Right? Right?!
What does this mean for the new trilogy? It's an ideal time to re-examine elements of the original trilogy, and the righteous struggle against cruel and corrupt power. I'm not optimistic this will manifest, but I hope I'm wrong. Flashy, loosely-defined violence dotted with hints of political intrigue doesn't challenge the sanitized mind of a viewer so it's safe territory. Questions of the individual and the state aren't acceptable - Questions about who should rule are just fine, questions about what those who rule do aren't. Questions on the necessity of a ruler are heresy.
Bundle all of this up, throw some Mickey Mouse ears on it, and inject a dose of Disney induced political correctness, then we may have an inkling of what to expect from the resurrection of a story that lost it's way long before Darth Mickey acquired the rights to Lucasfilm.
Oh. Yeah. Copyrights to respective owners. Not sure if I should credit Lucasfilm or Disney.
Monday, October 19, 2015
It could have been me, it could have been you
The greater liberty movement suffered a loss on October 16th. Irwin Schiff, a prominent income tax protester and father of Peter and Andrew Schiff passed away. He did not die comfortably, having succumbed to cancer whilst chained to a bed in a Texas prison. Despite the pleas of a caring family, Irwin was not released to enjoy his final moments with his family.
Certainly Irwin must have been a danger to you and me if he had to be chained to a bed during his last days. What could have been his crimes? Answering a question about one of his books on the Income Tax, in public. After a judge ordered him not to discuss his book further.
Let that sink in. Irwin harmed nobody. He committed no murder, no rape, and inflicted no loss upon any individual.
However, he was sentenced to one-hundred and fifty one months in prison.
It's not uncommon for inmates to be released early, regardless of crime. Provided they behave. This includes murderers and rapists - those who have clearly initiated aggression against another individual and caused real damage.
But a tax protester? Obviously, this is the cardinal sin of the State religion. Ba'al demands his tithes and slaughtered lambs, after all. To shackle an ill and dying eighty-seven year old man to a bed would otherwise be called elderly abuse. But for heresy against the State, this may be invoked as a righteous retribution against an unruly sinner.
It begs to ask, what champion of liberty is immune to the state? In an age of increasing hostility toward individual liberty, it's getting a little less hard every day to foresee a near future where disenters of State action could be rounded up as a "National security risk". Irwin was sentenced in 2006. We're now in 2015, an age where State Aggression is no longer something talked about in the corners of Conspiracy Theorists. It's out in the open, no longer disguised, openly admitted to by it's executors without shame, regret, or apology. Just the opposite, in fact.
When will the communication of any idea hostile to the State apparatus be punishable? A day where the likes of Ron Paul or Lew Rockwell being in the same position as Irwin Schiff doesn't seem as unreal now as it would have on October 15th.
Irwin Schiff's strength and conviction are praise worthy, willing to take his fight against theft to his grave. Though ill and elderly, his strength clearly frightened a weak, fragile Leviathan.
I'd say in many ways, Irwin won this fight. It takes a monster to make a martyr.
Certainly Irwin must have been a danger to you and me if he had to be chained to a bed during his last days. What could have been his crimes? Answering a question about one of his books on the Income Tax, in public. After a judge ordered him not to discuss his book further.
Let that sink in. Irwin harmed nobody. He committed no murder, no rape, and inflicted no loss upon any individual.
However, he was sentenced to one-hundred and fifty one months in prison.
It's not uncommon for inmates to be released early, regardless of crime. Provided they behave. This includes murderers and rapists - those who have clearly initiated aggression against another individual and caused real damage.
But a tax protester? Obviously, this is the cardinal sin of the State religion. Ba'al demands his tithes and slaughtered lambs, after all. To shackle an ill and dying eighty-seven year old man to a bed would otherwise be called elderly abuse. But for heresy against the State, this may be invoked as a righteous retribution against an unruly sinner.
It begs to ask, what champion of liberty is immune to the state? In an age of increasing hostility toward individual liberty, it's getting a little less hard every day to foresee a near future where disenters of State action could be rounded up as a "National security risk". Irwin was sentenced in 2006. We're now in 2015, an age where State Aggression is no longer something talked about in the corners of Conspiracy Theorists. It's out in the open, no longer disguised, openly admitted to by it's executors without shame, regret, or apology. Just the opposite, in fact.
When will the communication of any idea hostile to the State apparatus be punishable? A day where the likes of Ron Paul or Lew Rockwell being in the same position as Irwin Schiff doesn't seem as unreal now as it would have on October 15th.
Irwin Schiff's strength and conviction are praise worthy, willing to take his fight against theft to his grave. Though ill and elderly, his strength clearly frightened a weak, fragile Leviathan.
I'd say in many ways, Irwin won this fight. It takes a monster to make a martyr.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Just a theory
Another day, another massacre in a gun free zone. I can beat this dead horse into glue, but it's not going to matter. It's been done by better writers than me, and little if anything has changed as a result.
I'm also not a fan of addressing symptoms and treating them as causes - it's a fatal error that allows the disease to continue. What compels someone to pick up a weapon and engage in wanton and murder where people can't fight back?
Violent films and video games? I have my doubts but I can't say it's not a factor. However, Japan boasts a strong participation in the industry as both producers and consumers, and they don't suffer through the same frequency of massacres as we do, committed with a firearm or another tool.
Private firearm ownership? NBC claims that one in three Americans privately own firearms, and a google search claims that there are 318 million people in the United States. It's likely fair to say that this isn't necessarily an accurate estimate, as not everyone is likely to fess up. For the sake of argument lets try our best to believe NBC is accurate. This would mean 106 million Americans are firearm owners - and 105,999,999 didn't turn a school into a shooting gallery.
Lax gun laws? Well, ask Chicago. Don't count on a straight answer that isn't draped in excuses.
Being a young straight white male? This likely was a popular narrative at some point at the MSM drawing board. Shucks, someone ruined that.
Mind altering drugs, of a legal variety? There's merit to this. Plenty of mass shooters over the past couple of decades have been prescribed a variety of pills that have destructive side effects of the violent sort. Seventy million Americans are on mind altering drugs. According to Huffington Post, one in four women uses a mind altering drug. So if we follow this theory to it's logical conclusion, why haven't any of these mass shooters been female?
Consider for a moment, that you're a young male. Aged anywhere from five to twenty-five. You're full of piss and vinegar, infinitely inquisitive and curious about the world around you. The world is a pie, and you want your piece. The only thing holding you back is a lack of curiosity, which you certainly don't have. The following is an accurate depiction of public education last I was imprisoned in the apparatus barely over a decade ago. I'm sure it's only worse today. It was infinitely hostile towards all things male. While I don't have any sympathy for murderers, I can see how the anti-male establishment that has seized control of a young male's development has nurtured the development of sociopaths.
Cool your jets, little Bobby. You will sit in your chair with your hands folded atop your desk. You will listen to a complete stranger drone on for hours on end about nothing at all. You will not rough house. You will not laugh. You will not question. You will agree with me. You will adhere to a pre-defined curriculum irrespective of your interest and talents. You will not tease. You will not be teased. You will play these games because we tell you they are fun. Then, you will go home and do it all over again for roughly three hours. Then, we'll repeat the process again tomorrow.
Oh little Bobby, you've still got a hard time paying attention to a bitter old crone that has an infinite disdain for you. These are the pills you're going to take. Congrats little Bobby, now you are Bob the High School student. You're growing up into a model citizen! But, keep doing the things we've demanded of you since you were five.
Whoa Bob. A thug took a swing at you and you swung back? This isn't acceptable. You're supposed to curl into a ball and call for help, while we discuss what social inequalities would lead the thug to this behavior. You didn't come to the conclusion outlined in our curriculum after reading Of Mice and Men? And did you have the nerve to ask Kristy to the dance? That made her upset, you put her in the awkward position of potentially having to say no to something she didn't want. This is indicative of that evil white-male "Rape Culture". We're going to have to talk to your parents.
How are those new pills, Bob? Good news, you're on your way to achieving a passing grade. We lowered the bar yet again, which has made everyone a model student. Have you been listening to the college recruiters that have paid very good money to come in? You're not interested in college? But if you don't go to college, you'll just be a burger flipper. You don't want to be a burger flipper, do you? Oh good, we'll write some recommendation letters for you. You should go to a public university. Two hundred grand plus interest is a small price to pay for a chance at a slightly above average income. You don't know what you want to be? You better decide very quick, enrollment deadlines are approaching. Oh, Psychology doctorate? Why not Art History? A lot of people are doing it, so it must be a growing industry.
Hi Bob, welcome to your first day at University of Mediocrity. Oh Bob, everything you've ever been taught is wrong. As a straight white male, you've had plenty of opportunity. What do you mean? Nobody held you back, you got
What do you mean this University is a waste of time? You're halfway through it, don't you feel well informed and educated? Maybe you need to see a therapist if you're having some trouble.
How are the new pills, Bob? Bob? Put the gun down, this is a gun free zone!
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