The New Aristocracy

America is a republic democracy. We are a nation of laws, not of men. We rebelled against a tyrannical king and overthrew a monarchy in favor of a constitutional republic.

Or at least that's what is constantly fed to us in civics class.

Assuming all of the above are true, recent trends and events only serve to highlight how far we've come from those cherished ideals of limited government and individual liberty that was the cornerstone and hallmark of our republic.

The latest news is that the White House’s acting “cyber czar” has just resigned, with no permanent replacement in sight.

Carol Browner is the administration's "Energy Czarina". Gil Kerlikowski is the much touted "Drug Czar". And the list doesn't stop there. We also have Homeland Security Czar (John Brennan), Economic Czar (Paul A. Volcker), Car Czar (Ron Bloom) and so on and so forth. 16 "Czars" at the last count!

Obama isn't the first President to use 'Czars'. Nixon named William Simon as his "Energy Czar". Bush appointed Tom Ridge as his "Homeland Security Czar".

What's with this sudden obsession with naming 'Czars'? I thought Art.I, Sec.9 of the US Constitution prohibited nobility in the United States?

Are we so desperate for solutions that we are willing to entrust people who are not non-elected and accountable to no-one-but-the-President with power and responsibility?

Never mind the insulting implication of an idolatrous term as 'Czar' - which implies said person is not a government servant but some kind of noble being.

The rash of 'strongmen' appointed to 'important positions' shall only serve to undermine the barely existing checks-and-balances in our government while further strengthening an already run-away and "imperial" Executive.

The fawning media coupled with the lack of concern by the public only demonstrates how far we the people have come in rejecting limited government and respect for liberty. When faced with a crisis or a problem, instead of looking towards ourselves and our community for solutions; we clamor for government intervention. We call upon 'Czars' to take care of us, 'the subjects'.

This does not bode well for the future.

Dum Spiro, Pugno!

The logical conslusion of widespread Taser abuse

"There's always a good time to use a Taser".

No. This isn't some Hollywood idiot mouthing off in yet another State worshipping movie.
It's an actual quote, from a Sheriff of Boward County.
Here - check it out for yourself.

And these are the people who are tasked "to protect and serve"?
Un-fucking-believable.

How else do you think incidents like these are possible:

MOBILE, Ala. — Police in Mobile, Ala., used pepper spray and a Taser on a deaf, mentally disabled who they said wouldn't leave a store's bathroom.

The family of 37-year-old Antonio Love has filed a formal complaint over the incident on Friday.

Police tell the Press-Register of Mobile that officers shot pepper spray under the bathroom door after knocking several times. After forcing the door open, they used the stun gun on Love.

Police spokesman Christopher Levy says police didn't realize Love had a hearing impairment until after he was out of the bathroom. The officers' conduct is under investigation.

The newspaper says the officers attempted to book Love on charges including disorderly conduct, but a magistrate on duty wouldn't accept the charges.

Full story

What I especially loved was that the cops wanted to press charges - including the ubiquitous "disorderly conduct". How the hell was that 'disorderly conduct'?

"Shit. Or get off the pot (or else)?"
I'm glad there seems to be at least one magistrate with just a lick of sense left in him to refuse the charges.

Dum Spiro, Pugno!

Peter Schiff says he is considering Senate run

While he hasn't made a definitive statement yet, this is good news.

YouTube link

If Peter does decide to run, I can't help but think that the resulting media exposure will give free market libertarianism a shot in the arm - much like how Dr. Paul's presidential bid last year.

Though I'm skeptical (cynical?) about the actual difference one man can make in the Senate, I nevertheless cheer him on.

Go Peter, Go! We need more men like you.
And who knows who else might be inspired to join the cause?

Dum Spiro, Pugno!

What's it all about?

"Dum Spiro, Pugno!"

Translated to understand: "As long as I live/breathe, I fight!"

And that's the gist of it.
But fight against what?

Ahhh, for that; you'll just have to stay tuned!

PS: This blog is "for the moment" very much under construction. Stay tuned for more developments...