Forgive me dear reader, I haven't been that focused this week. I failed to generate a Finance Friday post, so here is my haphazard attempt to satisfy your taste buds.
Reuters has an in depth look at the Sick Man of the World. Needless to say, it is quite somber in nature, as well as well written.
The WaPo has a liberal's look at taxes and the war. While I disagree with their lefitst agenda, I do have to ask the same question that the editorial directs us towards: How can we afford it? Short answer, we can't.
Ron Paul: Cane to Bernanke's Able, in a good way. I can't wait for those sub committee hearings. I'm sure we will have to come up with a drinking game of some sort. (Note to self and readers, taking suggestions on rules for this starting, NOW).
A Conservative's View on QE Justifaction: While quantitative easing is deplorable, National Review Online has a take on how it was justified. Make sure you wear your gas mask because the stench crawls through the intarwebs!
Finally, one interesting task for you dear reader, Google the Baltic Dry Index, and watch as the shipping prices do their best two step (down ward) since late July.
Enjoy your Finance Friday! More in depth stuff next week.
17 December 2010
Michael Bane on School Board Shooting
I obviously have no reason to reblog anything of Michael Bane's simply because he is so wide read, but I do feel a need to add an addendum to this post from Wednesday.
Michael and his colleagues made it quite apparent that the situation that occurred in the Florida school board meeting is a very real and very realizable for anyone. Unfortunately, as is discussed in the linked post, most states have felt the need to restrict "sensitive places" and carve out gun free niches in the purview of compelling interest. As illustrated this week, those gun free zones turn into "willing victim zones." Most of us in the gun blogging and pro-self defense community would agree that the best way to stop this attacker would have been to demand peaceful disarmament through compelling request (read good guy with a gun shouting for compliance) followed by superior firepower if the request was not honored. Unfortunately, that was a solution that could never manifest itself since the "rules" altered the game of the "gun fight."
Which leads to Michael's question posed: What do you we need to learn from this event? Unfortunately, the answers from the professionals leave a lot to be desired, simply because there is no clear cut answer. Every one of us can simply say the law needs to be changed. True. As the common sense world has shown, there is no such thing as a "gun free zone" when there is a bad guy with a gun meaning to cause good people harm. But what should the individual do to mitigate this problem? How should you or I prepare to deal with a potentially disastrous situation when we are forced to be unarmed?
I have noted before that, currently, I have the choice made for me on a statewide level since I am a Maryland resident. Permit Unobtainium is a serious problem where I reside. That said, several of us in the Maryland community have come across this theoretical question before. In Mr. Bane's post, I noted that several of the top tier trainers implied that they would consider disregarding the law and/or signs that create gun free zones. I can assume that the saying goes that it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. However, my libertarian mind works in mysterious ways; meaning, my rights stop at your door step. That applies to both "state" owned property and or private property and business that don't wish for you to be armed.
The biggest issue I take from some of the responses is this avocation for "bending" the rules. Considering there are varying degrees of punishment depending upon what state you are in, I don't know if I can agree with that assessment. My initial assessment of the Maryland Shooters thread with a "private gun free zone" was to ignore the sign, keep it concealed, and not get caught, thinking that the most that would happen would be a request to leave and or a potential trespass charge. In Virginia (where I carry the most) that would not be the case. Violation of a private property posting would result in the loss of the permit, and a potential weapons charge since a permit is no good where the permit is no good (sorry for the bad English). Further, as we learned this summer, that can compromise you when you end up the unwilling victim of bad police work and corporate policy.
Considering that there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out in a post-Heller/McDonald world, it is hard to completely agree with "bending the rules." If a permit violation were as cheap as a small civil fine and "don't do it again," I would completely agree with ignoring signs that create no gun zones. However, in states like Virginia, where the charge could be a high level misdemeanor that results in the loss of a permit as well as the potential to make me a prohibited person in the state of Maryland, the loss of the rights is my risk to the reward of remaining alive. Following the law should not allow someone to loose their life, but in the tyrant state, that's the rules as they have been carved out.
Currently, it is hard to feel completely unsafe in the United States. We are still extremely fortunate that crime has not degenerated into mass levels like seen in Mexico or even Argentina. That said, as the economy continues to degenerate, we will see the degenerates attempt to keep their money for nothing scheme alive. Desperate people will do desperate things, or as was illustrated in the Florida school board shooting, crazy people will do crazy things. Meaning? Be prepared!
Update: Fortunately, as I typed this, Michael Bane in his good ways, has an updated "what we've learned" post on how to deal with this type of threat. While the carry aspect of it does not fit in with the Maryland Permit Unobtainium, everything else in his latest post does. Some of his helpful tips are bulleted here in summary here:
Michael and his colleagues made it quite apparent that the situation that occurred in the Florida school board meeting is a very real and very realizable for anyone. Unfortunately, as is discussed in the linked post, most states have felt the need to restrict "sensitive places" and carve out gun free niches in the purview of compelling interest. As illustrated this week, those gun free zones turn into "willing victim zones." Most of us in the gun blogging and pro-self defense community would agree that the best way to stop this attacker would have been to demand peaceful disarmament through compelling request (read good guy with a gun shouting for compliance) followed by superior firepower if the request was not honored. Unfortunately, that was a solution that could never manifest itself since the "rules" altered the game of the "gun fight."
Which leads to Michael's question posed: What do you we need to learn from this event? Unfortunately, the answers from the professionals leave a lot to be desired, simply because there is no clear cut answer. Every one of us can simply say the law needs to be changed. True. As the common sense world has shown, there is no such thing as a "gun free zone" when there is a bad guy with a gun meaning to cause good people harm. But what should the individual do to mitigate this problem? How should you or I prepare to deal with a potentially disastrous situation when we are forced to be unarmed?
I have noted before that, currently, I have the choice made for me on a statewide level since I am a Maryland resident. Permit Unobtainium is a serious problem where I reside. That said, several of us in the Maryland community have come across this theoretical question before. In Mr. Bane's post, I noted that several of the top tier trainers implied that they would consider disregarding the law and/or signs that create gun free zones. I can assume that the saying goes that it is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. However, my libertarian mind works in mysterious ways; meaning, my rights stop at your door step. That applies to both "state" owned property and or private property and business that don't wish for you to be armed.
The biggest issue I take from some of the responses is this avocation for "bending" the rules. Considering there are varying degrees of punishment depending upon what state you are in, I don't know if I can agree with that assessment. My initial assessment of the Maryland Shooters thread with a "private gun free zone" was to ignore the sign, keep it concealed, and not get caught, thinking that the most that would happen would be a request to leave and or a potential trespass charge. In Virginia (where I carry the most) that would not be the case. Violation of a private property posting would result in the loss of the permit, and a potential weapons charge since a permit is no good where the permit is no good (sorry for the bad English). Further, as we learned this summer, that can compromise you when you end up the unwilling victim of bad police work and corporate policy.
Considering that there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out in a post-Heller/McDonald world, it is hard to completely agree with "bending the rules." If a permit violation were as cheap as a small civil fine and "don't do it again," I would completely agree with ignoring signs that create no gun zones. However, in states like Virginia, where the charge could be a high level misdemeanor that results in the loss of a permit as well as the potential to make me a prohibited person in the state of Maryland, the loss of the rights is my risk to the reward of remaining alive. Following the law should not allow someone to loose their life, but in the tyrant state, that's the rules as they have been carved out.
Currently, it is hard to feel completely unsafe in the United States. We are still extremely fortunate that crime has not degenerated into mass levels like seen in Mexico or even Argentina. That said, as the economy continues to degenerate, we will see the degenerates attempt to keep their money for nothing scheme alive. Desperate people will do desperate things, or as was illustrated in the Florida school board shooting, crazy people will do crazy things. Meaning? Be prepared!
Update: Fortunately, as I typed this, Michael Bane in his good ways, has an updated "what we've learned" post on how to deal with this type of threat. While the carry aspect of it does not fit in with the Maryland Permit Unobtainium, everything else in his latest post does. Some of his helpful tips are bulleted here in summary here:
- Always be aware of your surroundings! ALWAYS!
- Stay in a conditioned yellow (or moderate awareness) until you are certain you are in a safe environment. Don't look at people, but look at actions, emotions, and the "tell" of someone meant to do yourself, your family, or others harm.
- When a bad situation does present itself, don't just react for the sake of reacting, but be calculated in how you react. Non-action is the worst and almost always results in death or harm. Do something, even if that something is wrong.
- Every time you enter a new room, assess the situation. Where are exits? Where is cover? (Adding my own here) Where is the best place to stay out of the mass rush? People get trampled when panic sets in and flight takes hold. Evading a gunman only to be crushed by the sheep won't bring you home safely.
- Read the others on both posts for a complete understanding of what professionals would do if in this kind of a situation.
16 December 2010
WikiLeaks: Liberty vs Tyranny in Real Life
Where does one start in this saga? It is quite hard to grasp all the facts, simply because there are so many facts, and so many talking heads debating the facts. With the twenty-four hour news cycle, it is easy to react and debate the rumors, only to have to recant and face the truths, or rather half truths.
Obviously, over the past few weeks, we've seen calls for Assange to be tried for espionage, or even treason. The calls for the whistle blowing website to be shut down, permanently, have resonated from a multitude of Washington officials. We have even seen the CEO of WikiLeaks defended for his actions by people we wouldn't ordinarily consider as his supporters, including those whom often kill their political enemies with rare radioactive isotopes (speculative that is).
So, how is it that one of the most noted libertarians in the US as well as one of the most noted totalitarians in Russia can be in agreement on the same subject? Also, how is that foreign countries who were or are less free than the United States have leaders that sound more open towards freedom than our leaders? These are the questions that should be asked and answered, not the "how do we charge this guy" questions that are being asked.
Consider this; a brand new law made to be able to prosecute Assange for his dissemination of the cables, despite the legal precedent and tradition of the freedom of expression offered in the USA. Not to mention the fact that Assange is not a resident of the US nor has he stepped foot inside the country to commit any of his alleged crimes, there should be no over reach of sovereignty in this instance. Even if the man behind the leaks had been a state sponsored conspirator, countries don't simply hand over their spies in an effort to save the spied upon country's face. Not to mention that passing the SHIELD (Securing Human Intelligence and Enforcing Lawful Dissemination) Act and using it to charge Assange would be completely unconstitutional.
Not to worry, as it seems that law and justice are not something the US government bureaucrats are interested in any more. Have we gone the way of the Romans? An empire in such decline that we are witnessing the last gasp efforts to retain knowledge (which is power) in any and all efforts?
According to this guest post on Zero Hedge, that seems to be the way things are going. If you read no other link from this post, or this blog period, you should read the one by Charles Hugh Smith. His depth and brevity of the situation, and why there has been so much feigned outrage by the ruling elites, is
spot on in my opinion (emphasis added).
Obviously, over the past few weeks, we've seen calls for Assange to be tried for espionage, or even treason. The calls for the whistle blowing website to be shut down, permanently, have resonated from a multitude of Washington officials. We have even seen the CEO of WikiLeaks defended for his actions by people we wouldn't ordinarily consider as his supporters, including those whom often kill their political enemies with rare radioactive isotopes (speculative that is).
So, how is it that one of the most noted libertarians in the US as well as one of the most noted totalitarians in Russia can be in agreement on the same subject? Also, how is that foreign countries who were or are less free than the United States have leaders that sound more open towards freedom than our leaders? These are the questions that should be asked and answered, not the "how do we charge this guy" questions that are being asked.
Consider this; a brand new law made to be able to prosecute Assange for his dissemination of the cables, despite the legal precedent and tradition of the freedom of expression offered in the USA. Not to mention the fact that Assange is not a resident of the US nor has he stepped foot inside the country to commit any of his alleged crimes, there should be no over reach of sovereignty in this instance. Even if the man behind the leaks had been a state sponsored conspirator, countries don't simply hand over their spies in an effort to save the spied upon country's face. Not to mention that passing the SHIELD (Securing Human Intelligence and Enforcing Lawful Dissemination) Act and using it to charge Assange would be completely unconstitutional.
Not to worry, as it seems that law and justice are not something the US government bureaucrats are interested in any more. Have we gone the way of the Romans? An empire in such decline that we are witnessing the last gasp efforts to retain knowledge (which is power) in any and all efforts?
According to this guest post on Zero Hedge, that seems to be the way things are going. If you read no other link from this post, or this blog period, you should read the one by Charles Hugh Smith. His depth and brevity of the situation, and why there has been so much feigned outrage by the ruling elites, is
spot on in my opinion (emphasis added).
A Recipe for Breda: Toliet Paper Casserole
Noted guns & butter, recipe master, Breda, could have a field day with the notoriously high in fiber, with extra protein dish that constitutes a customary shopping trip every time the "ZoMG! WHITE DEATH is falling from the heavens, SAVE US GOD!"
Basically, if you are unfamiliar with Baltimore, nearly every time there is a snow storm, the TV stations will put out multiple reporters to various "live shots." One of those live shots will invariably show the obligatory "empty shelves" of the grocery stores. Of the empty shelves, the Baltamorons that are interviewed will be guaranteed to tell you that they have just bought milk, eggs, bread, and toilet paper. This phenomenon has come to be known as the "casserole" effect, appropriately named by my grandmother.
The reason being that those ingredients (milk, eggs, bread and TP) are the key necessary ingredients to making Toilet Paper casserole. Though there is no known formal recipe, one can surmise that it would read something like this:
1 Forecast of at least 1" of ZoMG! WHITE DEATH (snow)
3 cups of Baltimore News Channel Reporter and TV Crew
3 tbsp of panic
1 closed school system (prior to the snow)
1" of snow
1 gal 2% milk
Doz & 1/2 large eggs
1 full loaf of Wonder Bread (white preferred)
1 Charmin value pack (8 rolls)
Take one mixing bowl and place the Baltimore TV weatherman's forecast of at least 1" of snow on the 6 PM evening news. Watch this newscast until you hear the word "snow" repeated at least 6 times. At which point we then shake in 1 cup of the Baltimore News Channel Reporter & TV Crew doing live shots before one flake of snow can even be seen. This live shot may include canned footage of highway crews loading trucks with salt and placing chains on their tires.
At this point, take one of the 3 tbsp of panic and use it in the mixing bowl of sensationalism. Go to bed, and let the mixture percolate in the fridge over night. At 5am the next morning, arise from bed and check the local news to see that the TV crews are still indeed doing their live shots from last night. If they are, turn on your AM radio to 1090. If at least one school system has closed, look out your window to confirm no snow is on the ground. At this point, mix in the 2nd tbsp of panic, wake and dress the kiddies so you can get them ready to go to the store.
While at the store, head straight for the diary case first. Eggs and milk are the first things to be picked over, followed by bread. Toilet paper will be the last product to be picked over of the four main ingredients. Do not purchase any other products as this will prevent the casserole from being adequately formed. Use the express lines in the grocery store, and chat with as many people as possible about the yet to occur storm in hopes you will induce enough panic to cause your sensationalism to build to ludicrous speed.
Exit the store to head home, but if you would happen to see any TV crews, make sure you stop and talk with them, mentioning the fact that you were fortunate enough to be the last person to get any of the key ingredients to make your casserole. Safe guard these items with your life because if they should be stolen, your life will most certainly come to a screeching, panic induced end.
Once at home, retrieve your mixing bowl from the fridge and let warm. Once the TV crews report the first flake has hit the ground, you can then mix in 3cups of milk, and your remaining tbsp of panic. Crack open 2 large eggs and place the remainder in the fridge. Fold in one roll of toilet paper and 4 slices of bread. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Poor mixture into one medium sized casserole dish (preferably Pyrex) and let bake @ 350 degrees until the end of the snow storm.
Servings are variable by nature, and not known to contain any nutritious qualities.
Basically, if you are unfamiliar with Baltimore, nearly every time there is a snow storm, the TV stations will put out multiple reporters to various "live shots." One of those live shots will invariably show the obligatory "empty shelves" of the grocery stores. Of the empty shelves, the Baltamorons that are interviewed will be guaranteed to tell you that they have just bought milk, eggs, bread, and toilet paper. This phenomenon has come to be known as the "casserole" effect, appropriately named by my grandmother.
The reason being that those ingredients (milk, eggs, bread and TP) are the key necessary ingredients to making Toilet Paper casserole. Though there is no known formal recipe, one can surmise that it would read something like this:
1 Forecast of at least 1" of ZoMG! WHITE DEATH (snow)
3 cups of Baltimore News Channel Reporter and TV Crew
3 tbsp of panic
1 closed school system (prior to the snow)
1" of snow
1 gal 2% milk
Doz & 1/2 large eggs
1 full loaf of Wonder Bread (white preferred)
1 Charmin value pack (8 rolls)
Take one mixing bowl and place the Baltimore TV weatherman's forecast of at least 1" of snow on the 6 PM evening news. Watch this newscast until you hear the word "snow" repeated at least 6 times. At which point we then shake in 1 cup of the Baltimore News Channel Reporter & TV Crew doing live shots before one flake of snow can even be seen. This live shot may include canned footage of highway crews loading trucks with salt and placing chains on their tires.
At this point, take one of the 3 tbsp of panic and use it in the mixing bowl of sensationalism. Go to bed, and let the mixture percolate in the fridge over night. At 5am the next morning, arise from bed and check the local news to see that the TV crews are still indeed doing their live shots from last night. If they are, turn on your AM radio to 1090. If at least one school system has closed, look out your window to confirm no snow is on the ground. At this point, mix in the 2nd tbsp of panic, wake and dress the kiddies so you can get them ready to go to the store.
While at the store, head straight for the diary case first. Eggs and milk are the first things to be picked over, followed by bread. Toilet paper will be the last product to be picked over of the four main ingredients. Do not purchase any other products as this will prevent the casserole from being adequately formed. Use the express lines in the grocery store, and chat with as many people as possible about the yet to occur storm in hopes you will induce enough panic to cause your sensationalism to build to ludicrous speed.
Exit the store to head home, but if you would happen to see any TV crews, make sure you stop and talk with them, mentioning the fact that you were fortunate enough to be the last person to get any of the key ingredients to make your casserole. Safe guard these items with your life because if they should be stolen, your life will most certainly come to a screeching, panic induced end.
Once at home, retrieve your mixing bowl from the fridge and let warm. Once the TV crews report the first flake has hit the ground, you can then mix in 3cups of milk, and your remaining tbsp of panic. Crack open 2 large eggs and place the remainder in the fridge. Fold in one roll of toilet paper and 4 slices of bread. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Poor mixture into one medium sized casserole dish (preferably Pyrex) and let bake @ 350 degrees until the end of the snow storm.
Servings are variable by nature, and not known to contain any nutritious qualities.
Happy Birthday Bill of Rights (A Day Late) and Boston Tea Party (today)
HOW did the entire blogosphere miss this one? Happy Birthday to the Bill of Rights! (Though I am a day late, but not quite a dollar short).
On December 15th, 1791, the BoR was ratified by at least 3/4th of the several states. The document that enumerates certain freedoms and guarantees their exists to the individual and the states, has turned 219 years old, and generally went unnoticed.
A major H/T to krucam on the MD Shooter's board.
Of course, we should also be saying Happy Birthday day to the Boston Tea Party today! Let us all party like it's 1773!
On December 15th, 1791, the BoR was ratified by at least 3/4th of the several states. The document that enumerates certain freedoms and guarantees their exists to the individual and the states, has turned 219 years old, and generally went unnoticed.
A major H/T to krucam on the MD Shooter's board.
Of course, we should also be saying Happy Birthday day to the Boston Tea Party today! Let us all party like it's 1773!
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