Houston, we have a problem
I'd like to address something that has become a serious sticking point with both myself and Marcie. We don't want to tick off any of our friends, colleagues, or associates, but this has gone on long enough, as far as we're concerned. The subject is simple. I'm referring to our sides incessant desire to locate conspiracies surrounding this president, and what those theorists claim is going to happen under Barry's leadership. (And yes, I use "leadership" loosely as he's anything but a leader to this nation.)
A few of those we know have discussed the various so-called conspiracies surrounding the president. The one we've grown rather tired with is the birth certificate issue. For the last time he is a natural-born citizen, and eligible to be president. Shouting to high Heaven that he's not doesn't change the fact that he was, in fact, born in Hawaii. (Don't believe me? Follow that link, and read Andrew Walden's thorough debunking of the conspiracy theory.) I know a lot of people out there still cling to the idea that he's not a natural-born citizen, and you know what, that's fine. Cling to the fallacy, but frankly, we're tired of hearing about it. Get a life already and move on. We've got this rube for the next three-and-a-half years. At the very least, we have him for the next year-and-a-half, provided that A) We retake the Congress overwhelmingly (fat chance, folks), and B) He directly violates the Constitution calling for his impeachment and removal from office. And yes, some argue he has already, to which we agree, but you're not going to get him removed by a Democrat-controlled Congress, so give it up.
Another issue that bugs me is this new meme floating around the Internet that anyone who doesn't agree with the president, his administration, or his followers will be rounded up and thrown into already made FEMA camps. Google "FEMA camps" and you will get a whole slew of links to conspiracy nuts claiming that we have concentration camps set up in this nation to deal with an unruly populace should martial law be declared. Let me be clear here. When I used to spend night after night up (insomnia sucks, folks) I used to listen to Coast to Coast with Art Bell and his nutter ilk. While it was interesting enough radio, he and his cronies, callers, and guests were literally nuts. These people saw conspiracies under every rock, behind every bush, and questioned everything happening in the world today. This is where I first heard about these supposed camps. Guess when that was?
Under President William Jefferson Clinton. THAT's how far back this theory goes. Before, it went back to the days of Jimmy Carter when people were warned if they screamed about higher taxes, gas lines, and our hostages, they'd be thrown into these camps. Hell, I don't know the origin of these camps, or who actually built them. I've seen what appears to be these sorts of camps around the American southwest (again, misspent time listening and researching the Art Bell files), but when you see them for yourself, you're left scratching your head. They're not kept up. Many of them are dilapidated, and falling apart. But yet people still contend we'll be thrown into these camps should martial law be declared.
Let me be succinct on that particular note. In strict dictionary terms, martial law is the suspension of civil authority and the imposition of military authority. When we say a region or country is "under martial law," we mean to say that the military is in control of the area, that it acts as the police, as the courts, as the legislature. Now we have a president that's not exactly "friendly" with the military, so when these nutters claim that the president would declare martial law, they really aren't all that familiar with the term. If martial law were declared in the United States, it would be done so on the cusp of a military coup. Nowhere in the Constitution is "martial law" addressed or delineated; powers given to any branch whatsoever.
Furthermore, it should be noted, despite the passing website that declares the contrary US soldiers would be committing a crime should they fire on civilians. Need I remind people of the "friendly-fire" incidents in Iraq where soldiers were brought up on charges for shooting civilians? Haditha, anyone? (YES, ALL the Marines involved have been cleared of those charges, and I'm simply noting a significant story the LEFT perpetuated.) There are rules of war that soldiers must abide by. No order given by anyone -- from the president on down to commanders in the field -- is a legal and moral order if it violates the UCMJ, military code of conduct, or the Geneva Convention. Firing on civilians deliberately would fall under those aforementioned rules.
While we can appreciate the frustration our colleagues have with this president, delving into the conspiracy side of the debate serves no purpose. It helps no one. Worse, it makes those people pushing these memes look like insane fools. We went through this under Clinton, and the claims he would order a round up of people after ordering military and law enforcement personnel to go around and seize our guns. Let me address that. While the administration and Congress is busy making it more difficult to purchase firearms, they're not going to go door-to-door and confiscate our weapons. That would be a costly mistake by the government, and would be seen, by many, as the straw that breaks the camel's back. The federal government would be facing an armed populace intent on protecting their rights. And while some would still contend that we'd be outgunned, I contend whoever is doing the confiscating would be facing a nightmare scenario that would make the Iraq insurgency pale in comparison. We have always been a free nation, and that freedom is secured by the fact that the population is armed. Recall, if you will, what Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist #29 about the militia. In that piece, Hamilton argues that there is nothing to fear from the militia -- the armed and trained citizenry -- especially if it comes to facing down the federal government.
In short, should it come down to it, this nation is fully prepared to resist an overreaching federal government.
Doing the conspiracy theory two-step isn't going to help our side at all. Worse, it makes us look 100 times more loony than the loony left in the KosKiddies sandbox. We are a reasoned and enlightened crowd, folks. We're better than delving into conspiracy nutter ravings. So can we please put this stuff aside, and focus on what really matters? We have a nation to save right now, and the first step in doing so is retaking the Congress from the overreaching, and power-drunk Democrats. Talking about birth certificates, FEMA camps, or any other kooky conspiracy theory isn't going to help us.
As I have noticed, especially among my colleagues, it will serve to divide us. These are distractions to keep us off guard, and out of sync. NONE of these kooky theories can be proven, have been proven, or likely will ever be proven TRUE. (Some of my colleagues and associates have shunned me because I don't buy into their ideas, so I know what I'm talking about here.) Folks, we have bigger fish to fry in the next two-to-four years, and we shouldn't be wasting our time on such trite and meaningless drivel.
Do they really believe what they're saying? If so, then they can prove it. They won't go dumpster diving like Phil Berg did on his birth certificate lawsuits -- a number of which he has backed himself. (It's telling when you buy the word of a man who believes that 9-11 was an inside job by the federal government, under the direction of President Bush, just to take us into a war for oil.)
If they claim they can prove it, let them present their case. Nine times out of ten, you will be told to visit a website that is anything but reputable or convincing. What you'll read there will be something akin to a late-night talk show host ranting on about innumerable conspiracies that you can't keep them all straight. (And yes, I still have to deal with the JFK conspiracy nuts, from time to time.)
If they can't prove it, you'll be attacked as a skeptic. You're not on the same page as they are, and more often than not, your intelligence will be assailed. You'll become one of the lemming masses; a cog in the machine of the grand conspiracy itself. This is a typical response by those who can't back up their claims.
I only wish to sound a warning to our side when it comes to giving into such insane rantings. No offense, but you do our side as much good as a RINO does. Do us a favor and fix that tin-foil hat you're wearing, and let the adults talk. Come back to the conversation when you have grown up or come to your senses. These petty issues seem a tad insignificant while the government is busy spending our children's and grandchildren's economic stability and independence away. It's pretty petty compared to the expansion the federal government is going through right now. And it's fairly insignificant given the lack of leadership coming out of the white House when it comes to matters of national security.
This government may be inept. It may be drunk on power. But by no means is it evil, and plotting to take away the very freedoms and liberties in the fashion the conspiracy nutters claim. The Statists will seize those incrementally, and they will do so without anyone batting an eyelash. This is what we should be focused on, not the rantings and ravings of those who see black helicopters, jack-booted soldiers, and FEMA camps behind every door, and under every rock.
So, in short folks, can we please get those on our side to grow up already?
Publius II
A few of those we know have discussed the various so-called conspiracies surrounding the president. The one we've grown rather tired with is the birth certificate issue. For the last time he is a natural-born citizen, and eligible to be president. Shouting to high Heaven that he's not doesn't change the fact that he was, in fact, born in Hawaii. (Don't believe me? Follow that link, and read Andrew Walden's thorough debunking of the conspiracy theory.) I know a lot of people out there still cling to the idea that he's not a natural-born citizen, and you know what, that's fine. Cling to the fallacy, but frankly, we're tired of hearing about it. Get a life already and move on. We've got this rube for the next three-and-a-half years. At the very least, we have him for the next year-and-a-half, provided that A) We retake the Congress overwhelmingly (fat chance, folks), and B) He directly violates the Constitution calling for his impeachment and removal from office. And yes, some argue he has already, to which we agree, but you're not going to get him removed by a Democrat-controlled Congress, so give it up.
Another issue that bugs me is this new meme floating around the Internet that anyone who doesn't agree with the president, his administration, or his followers will be rounded up and thrown into already made FEMA camps. Google "FEMA camps" and you will get a whole slew of links to conspiracy nuts claiming that we have concentration camps set up in this nation to deal with an unruly populace should martial law be declared. Let me be clear here. When I used to spend night after night up (insomnia sucks, folks) I used to listen to Coast to Coast with Art Bell and his nutter ilk. While it was interesting enough radio, he and his cronies, callers, and guests were literally nuts. These people saw conspiracies under every rock, behind every bush, and questioned everything happening in the world today. This is where I first heard about these supposed camps. Guess when that was?
Under President William Jefferson Clinton. THAT's how far back this theory goes. Before, it went back to the days of Jimmy Carter when people were warned if they screamed about higher taxes, gas lines, and our hostages, they'd be thrown into these camps. Hell, I don't know the origin of these camps, or who actually built them. I've seen what appears to be these sorts of camps around the American southwest (again, misspent time listening and researching the Art Bell files), but when you see them for yourself, you're left scratching your head. They're not kept up. Many of them are dilapidated, and falling apart. But yet people still contend we'll be thrown into these camps should martial law be declared.
Let me be succinct on that particular note. In strict dictionary terms, martial law is the suspension of civil authority and the imposition of military authority. When we say a region or country is "under martial law," we mean to say that the military is in control of the area, that it acts as the police, as the courts, as the legislature. Now we have a president that's not exactly "friendly" with the military, so when these nutters claim that the president would declare martial law, they really aren't all that familiar with the term. If martial law were declared in the United States, it would be done so on the cusp of a military coup. Nowhere in the Constitution is "martial law" addressed or delineated; powers given to any branch whatsoever.
Furthermore, it should be noted, despite the passing website that declares the contrary US soldiers would be committing a crime should they fire on civilians. Need I remind people of the "friendly-fire" incidents in Iraq where soldiers were brought up on charges for shooting civilians? Haditha, anyone? (YES, ALL the Marines involved have been cleared of those charges, and I'm simply noting a significant story the LEFT perpetuated.) There are rules of war that soldiers must abide by. No order given by anyone -- from the president on down to commanders in the field -- is a legal and moral order if it violates the UCMJ, military code of conduct, or the Geneva Convention. Firing on civilians deliberately would fall under those aforementioned rules.
While we can appreciate the frustration our colleagues have with this president, delving into the conspiracy side of the debate serves no purpose. It helps no one. Worse, it makes those people pushing these memes look like insane fools. We went through this under Clinton, and the claims he would order a round up of people after ordering military and law enforcement personnel to go around and seize our guns. Let me address that. While the administration and Congress is busy making it more difficult to purchase firearms, they're not going to go door-to-door and confiscate our weapons. That would be a costly mistake by the government, and would be seen, by many, as the straw that breaks the camel's back. The federal government would be facing an armed populace intent on protecting their rights. And while some would still contend that we'd be outgunned, I contend whoever is doing the confiscating would be facing a nightmare scenario that would make the Iraq insurgency pale in comparison. We have always been a free nation, and that freedom is secured by the fact that the population is armed. Recall, if you will, what Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist #29 about the militia. In that piece, Hamilton argues that there is nothing to fear from the militia -- the armed and trained citizenry -- especially if it comes to facing down the federal government.
In short, should it come down to it, this nation is fully prepared to resist an overreaching federal government.
Doing the conspiracy theory two-step isn't going to help our side at all. Worse, it makes us look 100 times more loony than the loony left in the KosKiddies sandbox. We are a reasoned and enlightened crowd, folks. We're better than delving into conspiracy nutter ravings. So can we please put this stuff aside, and focus on what really matters? We have a nation to save right now, and the first step in doing so is retaking the Congress from the overreaching, and power-drunk Democrats. Talking about birth certificates, FEMA camps, or any other kooky conspiracy theory isn't going to help us.
As I have noticed, especially among my colleagues, it will serve to divide us. These are distractions to keep us off guard, and out of sync. NONE of these kooky theories can be proven, have been proven, or likely will ever be proven TRUE. (Some of my colleagues and associates have shunned me because I don't buy into their ideas, so I know what I'm talking about here.) Folks, we have bigger fish to fry in the next two-to-four years, and we shouldn't be wasting our time on such trite and meaningless drivel.
Do they really believe what they're saying? If so, then they can prove it. They won't go dumpster diving like Phil Berg did on his birth certificate lawsuits -- a number of which he has backed himself. (It's telling when you buy the word of a man who believes that 9-11 was an inside job by the federal government, under the direction of President Bush, just to take us into a war for oil.)
If they claim they can prove it, let them present their case. Nine times out of ten, you will be told to visit a website that is anything but reputable or convincing. What you'll read there will be something akin to a late-night talk show host ranting on about innumerable conspiracies that you can't keep them all straight. (And yes, I still have to deal with the JFK conspiracy nuts, from time to time.)
If they can't prove it, you'll be attacked as a skeptic. You're not on the same page as they are, and more often than not, your intelligence will be assailed. You'll become one of the lemming masses; a cog in the machine of the grand conspiracy itself. This is a typical response by those who can't back up their claims.
I only wish to sound a warning to our side when it comes to giving into such insane rantings. No offense, but you do our side as much good as a RINO does. Do us a favor and fix that tin-foil hat you're wearing, and let the adults talk. Come back to the conversation when you have grown up or come to your senses. These petty issues seem a tad insignificant while the government is busy spending our children's and grandchildren's economic stability and independence away. It's pretty petty compared to the expansion the federal government is going through right now. And it's fairly insignificant given the lack of leadership coming out of the white House when it comes to matters of national security.
This government may be inept. It may be drunk on power. But by no means is it evil, and plotting to take away the very freedoms and liberties in the fashion the conspiracy nutters claim. The Statists will seize those incrementally, and they will do so without anyone batting an eyelash. This is what we should be focused on, not the rantings and ravings of those who see black helicopters, jack-booted soldiers, and FEMA camps behind every door, and under every rock.
So, in short folks, can we please get those on our side to grow up already?
Publius II
posted by Syd And Vaughn | 10:28 AM
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