Posted On: Friday - July 24th 2020 8:57PM MST
In Topics: Pundits Liberty/Libertarianism
This post is just a little bit of commentary on the latest columns from Peak Stupidity favorite pundits, Ron Paul and Ann Coulter. The long-term reader should understand by now that, here at Peak Stupidity, we got BOTH KINDS of ideologies, Libertarianism AND Conservatism.
Uhhh, yeah, where were we? Dr. Paul has been doing a bang up job documenting the totalitarianism of the Kung Flu Panic-Fest, especially now during Season 2. His latest writing on this is Big Holes in the Covid 'Spike' Narrative . Here's the first 1/3 or so of the column:
Motorcycle accidents ruled Covid deaths? In the rush to paint Florida as the epicenter of the “second wave” of the coronavirus outbreak, government officials and their allies in the mainstream media have stooped to ridiculous depths to maximize the death count. A television station this weekend looked into two highly unusual Covid deaths among victims in their 20s, and when they asked about co-morbidities they were told one victim had none, because his Covid death came in the form of a fatal motorcycle accident.I've hardly had any real disagreement with Ron Paul. It's not a disagreement really to think that he is just a bit naive on the immigration issue, perhaps thinking that a significant number of new arrivals to America will be the Libertarian Ron Paul-voting type. That's because I never really read anything from him pushing the immigration invasion. He just does not come across as understanding the existentially of the problem.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. In fact the “spike” that has dominated the mainstream for the last couple of weeks is full of examples of such trickery.
Washington state last week revised its Covid death numbers downward when it was revealed that anyone who passed away for any reason whatsoever who also had coronavirus was listed as a “Covid-19 death” even if the cause of death had nothing to do with Covid-19.
In South Carolina, the state health agency admitted that the “spike” in Covid deaths was only the result of delayed reporting of suspected Covid deaths.
I did have an unz commenter give me a pretty convincing argument that Dr. Paul wasn't exactly straight honest, covering his ass regarding accusations of his being associated with the alt-right, in the '12 primary campaign. I do remember some of that. Other than these two problems, I've agreed with the man 100%. In reading his words on the COVID-19 stupidity, he comes across as the sanest man in the room ... any room. Please take the couple of minutes (if that) to read his latest.
Next, our favorite literary pundit, discussed too many times under the Pundits topic key to list links, we have Ann Coulter. We noted 3 1/2 years back New Column by Ann Coulter proves she is a Libertarian. Miss Coulter bats a .980 by our estimation. This one brings her average down.
The column is Dems Are The Party Of Antifa .
In Portland, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Atlanta and elsewhere, children are not merely being blocked from the schoolhouse door—they’re being killed. They’re being maimed. Citizens are having their property looted and their public spaces destroyed, all with the connivance of local Democratic officials.Miss Coulter points out the left-wing's hypocrisy (4th paragraph), as she always does so well, but it's just that I happen to agree with the policy the left is being hypocritical on here.
And once again, the Democrats are championing states’ rights to protect domestic terrorists.
“Trump & his stormtroopers must be stopped.”—Nancy Pelosi
Democrats and the media want the federal government to brutally crack down on people who don’t wear masks—whatever the states say—but faced with an actual violent rebellion, the feds are supposed to stand back and let the governors lead!
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler called the federal officers protecting American citizens “an attack on our democracy.” Yes, Orval, Portland is “occupied territory”—just like Little Rock in 1957!
Sorry, maybe it's too hard-core a Libertarian position even for Ann Coulter, but just as with the segregated school houses in Arkansas 63 years back being none of the Feral Government's business, neither are the riots in Portland, Oregon and elsewhere today. OK, one can pick the loophole that the destruction of Federal property should be prosecuted by the Feds. That's a good foot in the door.
Sure, we'd probably all like to see President Trump send troops into Portland to kick in some heads. Other than in defense of piece of Federal property, however, no, the left is right, even if for their own evil reasons. The people of Oregon should petition the Governor, or their State Reps. With no help there, it is up to the people themselves to stop this destruction. That's whose business it is.
Peak Stupidity has bad-mouthed the President to no small degree lately for not doing things that ARE the job of the US Chief Executive. Other than the use of the bully-tweet, to encourage the people of Oregon to do something, sorry, it's not the President Trump or any part of Fed-Gov's job. This is a good example of the American people thinking the one guy is supposed to do it all.
Still, you may want to read Ann Coulter's column for her description of what's been going on in Portland over the last 7 weeks or so. You probably can't get all this from the Lyin' Press.
Enjoy these two tales from these two favorite pundits.
Comments:
Mr. Anon
Saturday - July 25th 2020 4:27PM MST
PS
US Constitution, Article IV, Section 4
"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence."
What happens when the State or local governments themselves encourage mob rule (which is not a republican form of government). Is the federal government obliged to intervene to protect the citizens against the mobs enabled by thier own elected officials? I don't know. And I certainly don't think it's gone that far yet.
Right now, governors and mayors are just doing a lousy job and permitting rioting mobs to run riot in their major cities. This is what the people of those cities voted for when they elected people like Jenny Durkan and Jacob Frey, whether they realized it or not. I say they should, per Mencken, get what they voted for good and hard.
And as a political matter, Trump is better off letting those cities sit in a pile of their own antifa, and tying the rioters to the Democratic party.
US Constitution, Article IV, Section 4
"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence."
What happens when the State or local governments themselves encourage mob rule (which is not a republican form of government). Is the federal government obliged to intervene to protect the citizens against the mobs enabled by thier own elected officials? I don't know. And I certainly don't think it's gone that far yet.
Right now, governors and mayors are just doing a lousy job and permitting rioting mobs to run riot in their major cities. This is what the people of those cities voted for when they elected people like Jenny Durkan and Jacob Frey, whether they realized it or not. I say they should, per Mencken, get what they voted for good and hard.
And as a political matter, Trump is better off letting those cities sit in a pile of their own antifa, and tying the rioters to the Democratic party.
Moderator
Saturday - July 25th 2020 12:59PM MST
PS: Yes, Adam, the dyn-o-mite! Jimmy Walker, that's right. I saw a picture but didn't recognize him. Ann Coulter may very well sound a bit different on TV. I put a youtube clip of a British show with her getting asked questions by the audience a couple of years ago (will have to find it later), and she did a good job. Otherwise, I haven't seen her on the TV. Right after 9/11 she made this statement about the Moslems "converting to them to Christianity with the sword" or some such thing, but that was just impulsive anger that would have been in a tweet in these times. She did come across to me as a neocon, but that was long ago, almost 20 years.
Yeah, I agree completely about the hero worship of the police. From her column, you could see that Mrs. Malkin learned a big lesson. You learn much better and quicker when it gets personal, as it did. (I couldn't make out that much from the video she put up, but there are probably others that are clearer.)
Yeah, I agree completely about the hero worship of the police. From her column, you could see that Mrs. Malkin learned a big lesson. You learn much better and quicker when it gets personal, as it did. (I couldn't make out that much from the video she put up, but there are probably others that are clearer.)
Adam Smith
Saturday - July 25th 2020 11:41AM MST
PS: Good afternoon Mr. Moderator, Mr. Curmudgeon...
I have seen her on the idiot plate, but I have not read much from Miss Coulter other than some articles on Vdare or such. I trust your instincts regarding her Libertarianism and I defer to your knowledge of her and her writing. My opinion was likely shaped years ago, probably from some odd television appearances where she couldn't be herself. Perhaps, as you say, she used to be a statist.(?) Or perhaps she merely had to play one to be a regular on fox.(?) The interviewer might have backed her into a corner or asked some loaded questions.(?) They do that sometimes... As you know...
Turns out her “boyfriend” is J.J. Walker (J.J. Dyn-o-mite Evans from Good Times).
Interesting. Never heard that before.
I read that Michelle Malkin article last night and I did notice your comments, but it was late and I was a little sleepy. I just re-read the article and your first couple comments. Yes Achmed, we’re really on our own. (I'm glad I learned this years ago. It takes some getting used to once you realize it. For some people it is quite a shock. The cognitive dissonance can be overwhelming when objective reality conflicts with one's deeply held beliefs.)
I'm somehow not surprised that Miss Malkin didn't notice this before as plenty of Americans haven't noticed it either. American propaganda is powerful and it really resonates with some people. I think all that hero worship of ThinBlueIsis over the last 18+ years has shaped the public's perception of the police and it contributes to the situation we find ourselves in today. Without the hero worship police state violence would not have gotten so out of hand. I'd imagine that Miss Malkin has enjoyed enough female and celebrity privilege that she has always assumed she could rely on the police for protection. Until recently, she probably could.
Be as water, my friend.
☮
I have seen her on the idiot plate, but I have not read much from Miss Coulter other than some articles on Vdare or such. I trust your instincts regarding her Libertarianism and I defer to your knowledge of her and her writing. My opinion was likely shaped years ago, probably from some odd television appearances where she couldn't be herself. Perhaps, as you say, she used to be a statist.(?) Or perhaps she merely had to play one to be a regular on fox.(?) The interviewer might have backed her into a corner or asked some loaded questions.(?) They do that sometimes... As you know...
Turns out her “boyfriend” is J.J. Walker (J.J. Dyn-o-mite Evans from Good Times).
Interesting. Never heard that before.
I read that Michelle Malkin article last night and I did notice your comments, but it was late and I was a little sleepy. I just re-read the article and your first couple comments. Yes Achmed, we’re really on our own. (I'm glad I learned this years ago. It takes some getting used to once you realize it. For some people it is quite a shock. The cognitive dissonance can be overwhelming when objective reality conflicts with one's deeply held beliefs.)
I'm somehow not surprised that Miss Malkin didn't notice this before as plenty of Americans haven't noticed it either. American propaganda is powerful and it really resonates with some people. I think all that hero worship of ThinBlueIsis over the last 18+ years has shaped the public's perception of the police and it contributes to the situation we find ourselves in today. Without the hero worship police state violence would not have gotten so out of hand. I'd imagine that Miss Malkin has enjoyed enough female and celebrity privilege that she has always assumed she could rely on the police for protection. Until recently, she probably could.
Be as water, my friend.
☮
Moderator
Saturday - July 25th 2020 10:04AM MST
PS: Thanks for writing in, Curmudgeon. (Hey, we have a whole topic key named after you, but honestly 1/2 of the posts on PS could have that tag.)
Yes, it's legit for the Feds to defend the Federal property, but I think the call for the Feds has been about the big picture. This one aspect is to me, legit, yes, but a small loophole to get the Feds in town.
Anyway, agreed.
Yes, it's legit for the Feds to defend the Federal property, but I think the call for the Feds has been about the big picture. This one aspect is to me, legit, yes, but a small loophole to get the Feds in town.
Anyway, agreed.
Moderator
Saturday - July 25th 2020 10:01AM MST
PS: Mr. Smith, though it would be satisfying to see Commies and thugs get their heads kicked in, yes, it is the people's job to do that, when necessary or when the time comes.
I'm not sure I agree with your statist-at-heart description of Miss Coulter. I think she used to be. I've read a lot of her over the last 10 years, maybe 15, and my Libertarian side has not had too much to dispute in her writings. There is that thing with the Affirmative Action from her - black boyfriend, I think, per some folks... I dunno.
BTW, regarding your 1st paragraph, I meant to comment on Michelle Malkin's latest personalized account of her learning last weekend in Denver, CO that, no, the cops are not particularly on our side either. That one has been on unz.com as of yesterday. Have you read it, Adam?
I'm not sure I agree with your statist-at-heart description of Miss Coulter. I think she used to be. I've read a lot of her over the last 10 years, maybe 15, and my Libertarian side has not had too much to dispute in her writings. There is that thing with the Affirmative Action from her - black boyfriend, I think, per some folks... I dunno.
BTW, regarding your 1st paragraph, I meant to comment on Michelle Malkin's latest personalized account of her learning last weekend in Denver, CO that, no, the cops are not particularly on our side either. That one has been on unz.com as of yesterday. Have you read it, Adam?
Curmudgeon
Saturday - July 25th 2020 9:10AM MST
PS Unless I missed it, and I may have, I understood the purpose of sending troops was to protect Federal property under attack in Portland, which would appear to be legit. Expanding beyond that IMO would not.
Adam Smith
Saturday - July 25th 2020 8:58AM MST
PS: Good morning Mr. Moderator...
Sending federal shock troops to Portland to "kick in some heads" would only further inflame the situation. Aren't these people (allegedly) protesting police violence? How would more state violence help resolve this situation?
I agree with you, it isn't the presidents job to handle the civil unrest in Portlandia. Let the governor and people of Oregon take care of this. It's probably good that the people and business owners realize the state is not there to protect them. We are all truly on our own when it comes to providing for our safety, something many of us realized long ago. It's always been this way, and no all powerful nanny state will ever change this.
Miss Coulter seems a bit too authoritarian at times to be a real Libertarian. I think she is a statist at heart.
Hope you have a nice day.
☮
Sending federal shock troops to Portland to "kick in some heads" would only further inflame the situation. Aren't these people (allegedly) protesting police violence? How would more state violence help resolve this situation?
I agree with you, it isn't the presidents job to handle the civil unrest in Portlandia. Let the governor and people of Oregon take care of this. It's probably good that the people and business owners realize the state is not there to protect them. We are all truly on our own when it comes to providing for our safety, something many of us realized long ago. It's always been this way, and no all powerful nanny state will ever change this.
Miss Coulter seems a bit too authoritarian at times to be a real Libertarian. I think she is a statist at heart.
Hope you have a nice day.
☮
A republican form of government is one in which the powers of sovereignty are vested in the people and are exercised by the people, either directly, or through representatives chosen by the people, to whom those powers are specially delegated. Unlike the democratic form of government, in which the powers of sovereignty are vested in the whole body of free citizens, individuals retain sovereign prerogatives over their private property rights (absolute ownership) of their person, labor and property.
https://www.conservapedia.com/Republican_form_of_government
I think that definition brings up a few important elements of a republican form of government.
• Sovereignty. Under a republican form of government sovereignty remains with the people. The current “government” has subverted this with the 14th amendment. One cannot be a subject and a sovereign simultaneously. Until “the people” reverse this perversity, the people do not have a republican form of government.
• Absolute ownership of private property. States used to guarantee allodial title rights in their state constitutions. These rights have been taken from the people. The allodial clauses have been removed from all the state constitutions, as far as I know. Most states guaranteed allodial title until the 50's or 60's. Allodial title is of paramount importance as one cannot be free on some other persons land. Allodial title can still be obtained in some places. Texas is possibly(?) the easiest state in which to do this. The real reason allodial title language has been stripped from the constitutions is because all the land in the u.s. has been pledged as collateral for the glorious war debt. The bankers do not want people to own their land as they make money on usury. The “government” does not want the people to have their allodial title rights because a sovereign people secure in their property cannot be so easily taken advantage of. The government cannot extract “property taxes” from people who own their property. When the people enjoy allodial title rights their land cannot be taken under eminent domain or asset forfeiture schemes. The “people of government” clearly do not want Americans to be a free people. The “people of government” profit off the peoples indentured status. Until the people regain their allodial title rights they do not have a republican form of government.
• A debtor cannot exercise sovereignty. If someone has a lien on your property, you are in a master/slave relationship. If you are a debtor, you have a master. This is why the banks gets bailed out at the expense of the subjects. This is why the u.s. “government” spends hundreds of billions servicing the debt each year. The masters are extracting wealth from their slaves. The federal reserve has sovereignty over the u.s. “government” as the u.s. “government” has been in a perpetual state of bankruptcy since 1933. As long as there is a $26.5 trillion debt to be extracted from the people, the people do not have a republican form of government.
The U.S. has not enjoyed a “republican form of government” for a really long time. The u.s. constitution is merely lipstick on a pig, a necessary illusion of sorts, as the u.s. is ruled by the uniform commercial code. The people have been stripped of their property in accordance with the first plank of the communist manifesto.
The people lost the republic years ago.
In short, democracy is mob rule.
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