Welcome to Galt's Gulch

First of all, I'm not John Galt, and I really don't envision a Galt's Gulch a la Atlas Shrugged. However, I am Galt in that I believe it's up to me to provide and protect my family and loved ones. For sure our benevolent government can't, and most likely will be what we need to be protected from. I am more convinced than ever that things have an increasingly high probability of going south in a big way and in a big hurry. That said, if you are convinced that the United States of America is eternal, that it could never cease to exist, and that horrible things could never take place in this country, I suggest you quit reading now, and immediately check out some books on world history from the library,

If you're not so blindly optimistic, but still think the odds of anything drastic upsetting the social fabric in this country are extremely remote, consider a few scenarios:

It was just reported today that a solar plasma surge like one that occurred 150 years ago would essentially cripple every advanced country in the world. This solar activity would create a massive electromagnetic surge which would essentially fry the transmission grid for months or years.

Too farfetched? Consider that a single nuclear warhead detonated in the atmosphere over the US would do almost the same thing. It's known as an EMP weapon, and would devastate us in much the same way. Iran is on the verge of producing a nuke, N Korea is getting ready to launch an ICBM, and Pakistan, with both missiles and nukes, is at risk from Islamic extremists.

Note that there has been no mention yet of a massive financial collapse, or terrorist attack, or a CAT 5 hurricane wiping out most of our oil refineries in the Gulf. Look, people in North Dakota don't expect that every year they'll find themselves stranded on the highway in a blizzard, or snowed in without power for days or weeks at a time. But happen it does, and because they're prepared, they survive.

So then, if bad things happen (and they always have), how do you take care of yourself and your loved ones? First of all, without making yourself into a tinfoil hat wearing paranoiac, you need to imagine- what you would do if you found yourself without power, water, easy access to food supplies, or gasoline to get where you needed.? Well, first things first.

Emergency supplies: This will include things like several days of drinkable water, food, flashlights and a first aid kit. This guarantees some precious insurance if a temporary emergency occurs What if it's a longer term crisis? The answer to this varies depends on where you live you, who you know, what your resources are, and what skills you can bring to bear. I'm fortunate to have some property with shelter, arable land, natural water supply, stocked fish pond, lots of woods with nuts, berries, and deer. I'm preparing for long term survival Everyone needs to consider the following essentials:

Shelter: If you can't see living in your current home for a week without power or running water, you need to find an accessible location that can at least provide the basics of shelter and water. Maybe this is a tent in a state park, or a friend's farm in the country – but you need to have someplace to go.

Defense: This might be issue number one, but if you can't make it a few days to begin with, you're probably hosed anyway. The 2nd Amendment is still in force, and you should avail yourself of your rights. If you are already a gun owner, great. If not, a basic 12 or 20 gauge pump shotgun is easy to buy, easy and effective to use, and ammunition is cheap and plentiful.

Provision: If possible, it would be a great idea to have at least a 30 day supply of some basic food supplies. This would include basics like beans, rice, sugar, flour, canned meats, etc. Vacuum sealed packets (if you have a FoodSaver type system) will take up small space and last a long time.

Sustainability – This covers a wide range of things necessary to survive in place for a period of months or even years. You will need to provide for things like seeds for vegetables, basic tools, fuel for heat and cooking, and possibly a renewable power source like solar panels or wind power. Don't forget the finer things, like good books (especially The Good Book), musical instruments and simple games to entertain and keep your mind fresh.

You are certainly free to take as much or as little of this advice as you wish. I truly feel that this is something that needs to be said, even if most everyone thinks it's nothing more than a sci-fi fantasy. There is abundant information available free and online, and a basic survival package is not expensive. Being prepared could well mean the difference between catastrophe and survival for you and those you hold dear. Mr Galt will continue to call, e-mail, Tea Party protest, and do whatever possible to return this country to its founders vision, but if it's not enough, come and see me in Galt's Gulch – all God-fearing patriots will be welcomed. Everyone else, enter at your own risk.

Jefferson's Nightmare

If you've occupied space on this planet for more than two generations, you know that America has changed dramatically in just your lifetime, and that maybe, on balance, it's not been a change for the better. Since we're stuck with the perspective of our lifespan, I wondered what it might look like for someone who lived way back in...

1809 – Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the United States, has retired to his beloved Monticello. He is greeted by a traveling delegation of his Congressman, his Senator, and a few bureaucrats from Washington DC, just arrived from 200 years in the future...

Jefferson is greeted by the delegation:

Mr President, we haven't met, but I'm Senator Fossell, and I'd like to introduce Representative Clymer, Ms Gaya from the EPA, Mr Theeves from the IRS, and Mr Minder from OSHA. And may I say sir, I have surely appreciated your support during my 24 years serving the great state of Virginia, as has Rep. Clymer for his 13 terms in Congress.

Jefferson: I'm somewhat confused, good sirs and madam. I've never heard of these aforementioned initials. I've never voted for you, Senator, while I was a member of the Legislature; and most certainly would never have supported any man, Mr Clymer, to serve so long in Congress.

Rep. Clymer: Uh, well, you see, Mr President, it's very important that Virginia have someone who knows the ins and outs of Washington, and with my seniority, I chair several committees and have great control over how much money comes back to this district. And of course, these days we elect Senators by popular election of the people- much more democratic, as I'm sure you'd agree.

Jefferson: Your pardon, sir, but America is a republic, not a democracy. A democracy is nought but mob rule, and not our form of government. And to both you gentlemen, have you no useful occupation to return to? We purposed that elective office should be a duty to the country, served for a season, and never a career.

Sen Fossell: (Harumph) Well, sir, you lived in much simpler times, and could not have conceived of the progress we've made in 200 years. We have challenges you cannot have imagined!

Jefferson: Indeed, has the nature of man become saintly and pristine? Is there no more greed, hypocrisy, or lust for power over one's fellow man? Whatever inventions have come, I dare say these are challenges that are eternal, and not solved by any mortal man.

Rep. Clymer: Well we have made great progress! We now realize the value in diversity, in fairness, and in concern for our environment. Actually, Ms Gaya would like to speak to you about a small issue – Ms Gaya?

Ms Gaya: I need to inform you that you must immediately cease disturbing the southwest corner of your property. That has been declared a protected wetland area, vital to the ecosystem, and you may not attempt to drain or alter it under penalty of law.

Jefferson: I know not what a Ms is, but madam, my property is mine to administer as I wish. Private property is the cornerstone of a free society, and you have no say in the matter!

Sen Fossell: Actually, Mr Jefferson, she does. And I hate to bring this up, but you apparently won't agree to sell the northwest 20 acres you own. I regret to inform you, but the government is exercising eminent domain and will take possession of that property. A large milling operation wishes to build there, and they will employ lots of people and pay a lot more tax than you currently pay on that land – it's for the greater public good!

Jefferson: Sir! Have you not read the 4th Amendment to the Constitution? A man's property is his own, and may not be seized by his government, excepting extraordinary circumstance. How I manage my estate, my business and those who labor for me is my affair and mine alone!

Mr Minder: Um, excuse me, sir, but we also have a little problem with your operations. It seems your buggy wheels are over the allowed dimensions, your outhouses are too far away from the fields, and I'm told you're using an unauthorized brand of kerosene in your lamps. It's not even stored in approved containers with mandatory warnings!

Jefferson: I cannot believe your arrogance! Would you tell me next that you would not only manage my land, run my business, but confiscate the fruits of my labor as well??

Mr Theeves: Not to add fuel to the fire, but it's come to our attention that you are seriously delinquent on not only your Federal Income Tax, but also your State Income Tax, FICA, Medicare/Medicaid, Workers Compensation and excise tax on your last crop of tobacco. I'm sorry, but Federal agents will be here tomorrow to formally take control of this property.

Jefferson::Well, good sirs and madam. I see am most certainly woefully short in my knowledge of the world's workings nowadays. I shall yield to your obviously superior knowledge and evolved approach to government. However, might I entreat you to all step behind the drying barn for just a moment? There is a rare and priceless bit of the ecosystem, if you will, that you simply must see before you depart. It is a bit of fauna that has rarely occurred in all of man's history, Right this way and you'll experience firsthand,,...

The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

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End Game II - the Finale?

I've talked about where we are now, and what our response should be. But what exactly are we up against, and where might we end up in the near future? Let's start with the forces that brought us to this point. This isn't just Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and (name your favorite target) selling this country into abject socialist slavery. They didn't just appear in the last 2 or 4 or 20 years to begin wreaking havoc on America The very fact that they are in the positions of power they currently enjoy has been made possible by a deliberately planned, patient and well executed assault on the very foundations of this constitutional republic

One can go back as far as the first chapter of Genesis for the answer, or if you want to stick to more modern political philosophy, look to the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramci and his theories of “cultural hegemony”. He believed that Ignatius Loyola (founder of the Jesuit Order) had it right when he said “give me a child until he is seven, and I will show you the man”. Unfortunately, Gramci and his adherents had quite a different end result in mind than Loyola. The left has for nearly 100 years made a concerted effort to infiltrate, dominate, and co-opt education from preschool to post graduate levels. For proof of their success, look no farther than one William Ayers, radical terrorist, accessory to murder, and self-described “communist with a small c”. Ayers, far from being locked away for life, or at least shunned by society, is now a distinguished professor of education training future generations of teachers. This relentless, purposeful radicalization of our public education system, in tandem with an equally determined assault on traditional, yes Christian, values by popular culture has finally reached critical mass. The majority of Americans no longer know where they came from, what kind of government the founding fathers bequeathed them, or what lessons history should teach us about the nature of political systems and how they affect those who must live under them. Most tragically, they have lost the ability to even think critically; to seek out, absorb, and analyze information to arrive at their own conclusions. One need only to look back to November 4, 2008 to see how close to this brave new world we've come.

So, is it twilight in America? Is there any hope for the future of the country, not as we see it now, but as it was envisioned over 200 years ago? In a word, no, not if things continue on their current trajectory. Entrenched forces in education, entertainment, and a gargantuan federal bureaucracy will not willingly give up their hard-fought positions. Unforunately for the rest of us, they also have enablers with enormous financial resources who lust for a one world government full of compliant serfs. We should not deceive ourselves that we are, right now, in anything other than a minority position. Reactions to the economy or a foreign policy crisis might temporarily shift political power in a a more conservative direction, but would be unlikely to effect a long-term change of direction.

Does this mean we're doomed? Well, not necessarily. If you consider that the American Revolution succeeded with only one third of the country in support of opposing the mightiest military power on the planet, then you would know that a small but determined force can once again change history. You might also recall the story of the Israelites fleeing the Egyptian army, stuck between the desert and the Red Sea with no way out. I cited Genesis earlier, so I'll look to the last book in the Bible, Revelation, for the way the final chapter ends (hint – there's no USA in the plot line) However, the same book tells us that we don't get to know the timing. In the meantime, I believe that, like that small but resolute minority in 1776, that the miracle that became the United States of America can happen all over again. There's work to be done and it's going to take a massive, public protest that can't be ignored. Tax day is coming with hundreds of Tea Party protests across America. Let's get to it!

End Game

While it seems like the whole of America (at least the literate, rational, thinking part of it) is on fire about the state of the: Congress, economy, stock market, popular culture, embryonic stem cells/StimulusII/TARPII/III/IV/Budget2010 - take your pick - I think it's time to take both a look behind, and at the same time a look over the horizon to see what lies ahead.

It doesn't take a person with more than a functional frontal lobe to know that we are, as the Chinese curse says, living in interesting times. Where we are now did not just materialize with the election of Barack Hussein Sotoero Obama II - or GWB, LGJ, RFK, or any other President in our lifetimes. It's been a many-decades long march toward the destruction of the great experiment we started in the Boston harbor over 200 years ago. So the question before us is twofold. How did we arrive at this point in America's history, and where do we go from here? More importantly, what will the United States of America look like in say, 2012 or 2015, and how does what we do today impact that future? Can this march toward a socialist/one world/totalitarian state be turned back by anything we do today?

First, the look back. How did we get to this state of affairs, and who's responsible? Well, if you read American history (or the Bible) you'll realize fairly quickly that it is not the godly and upright men who have driven this decline, or the decline of any civilization in all of recorded history. In fact, I would argue that it is precisely th.e ungodly, the egotistical, the lovers of material things and not spiritual wisdom who have brought us to this point. I would challenge you to find any prominent "progressive"/"liberal"/ yes, Democrat, who does not for the most part stand against conventional JudeoChristian belief. I would challenge you to put their policy positions up against the Constitution, or any of the words of those who wrote it. The last one hundred or so years have seen a relentless and inexorable march toward a diminution of the rights of the individual and an increase in the power and control of the government. The latest power grab by the current Congress and administration is just a continuation of that long term trend on steriods. If you've studied history, as our founding fathers did, you would know, as they understood, that this is the natural progression of all governments. Centralized power always tend to aggregate continually more control unto itself. So, while this is nothing more than an inevitable progession on first examination, I believe there is even more happening at this moment in history. I believe that we are nearing critical mass - we will fall irretrievably into a Brave New World of centralized control, or there will be a resurgance of human freedom. What will determine our future, and what is our part to play in it?

Which brings us to the next step - what do we do now? You could of course, be fatalistic "It's the end times and there's nothing we can do to stop it". Ultimately this is true; we are not the ones writing the novel - the Author is. It is also true that democratic republics such as ours have historically lasted about 200 years, but we've already beaten those odds. I don't believe that we have no part to play, regardless of how the story is destined to play out. However, there are forces at work that are shaping our future well beyond the daily antics of Obama, Pelosi and Reid. If you're really interested, there are some links below, but I would encourage you to do your own research on the Federal Reserve and the interconnections with the world's financial power brokers. Or check out how someone(s) engaged in deliberate naked short selling to take down major investment banks and hasten the current economic unrest. You might be wearing rose colored glasses, and think that this is just the up and down of the market, and the USA is forever and we'll see a Dow of 14,ooo again in the near future. You might be like me, and millions of like-minded patriots, and believe that with concerted effort we can reclaim the genius of the republic we were bequeathed.

In the end, if you are a citizen who wants to see this country return to its roots - the time for action is now. We are not called to sit on the sidelines and wait for the rapture. Indeed there is much work to be done, and if we the people don't stand up and take action, then the final act in this play is already written. We can make a difference! Check out the Tea Party protests in your area, and be loud and visible. If there's not an event in your area, start one yourself! Politicians live by polls, publicity and the fear of not being re-elected. Support and work hard for people who stand on principle, not political expedience. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option at this critical juncture. Later I'll give you my take on where we'll be in a few years, but for now I'll leave you with the words of St. Paul to to his young disciple Timothy, in a situation not unlike what we face today:

For the time is coming when when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.....I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:3-5,7 ESV

Your Federal Reserve: http://www.amconmag.com/article/2009/mar/09/00012/
Financial Market Manipulation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCcRT-y2_rg
Naked Short Selling?:http://antisocialmedia.net/lecture1/player.html

Remember our true Commander-in Chief

God helps them that help themselves.
Benjamin Franklin 1736

In the face of the socialist fusillade that assails us daily, our first impulse is either to take cover or furiously shoot back in all directions. Realistically, a more prudent and effective response is called for, and it's happening across the country. Slowly but surely, an organized army is gathering to take it to the enemy who has no idea what's happening outside of its Washington DC stockade. Being one of those volunteer militiamen, I'd like to act as a volunteer chaplain today.
While Benjamin Franklin was an eminently practical man, and his words still hold true today, it was a priest 200 years before who reminded us of an underlying truth.

Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen
Martin Luther 1521

Whatever your personal religious beliefs may be, believe this: our founders knew, and publicly acknowledged, that this great experiment did not arise from their own genius, but from God - Nature's God, Divine Providence, the Creator. They knew - all too well!-that ultimate authority does not rest with any Congressman, Senator or the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania. They were fully aware that a republic devoid of God and religious practice was doomed to fail, and prayed for His guidance and wisdom. While it is imperative that we mobilize and take action, it is even more important that we not forget He who is the true Author of our liberties, and earnestly seek his protection and favor. In the midst of what sometimes seems like an F-5 tornado ripping through the heartland, it's important to know where our real shelter is. I now yield my pulpit with these words from one of the greatest Americans.

The time is near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.

George Washington, August 27, 1776

Don't just take to the streets - take it to the MSM!

While the visible protests from productive Americans are increasing (and should really explode on April 15th http://taxdayteaparty.com/) I think we've overlooked one critical element. Even though hundreds, and thousands will take to the streets, most local media have a near-total blackout on any significant coverage. Like it or not, local television and newspapers still have a tremendous reach within our communities, and to a great extent, if they decide not to cover a story/issue/movement, well, then, it just doesn't exist. I'll give you a personal example:

I joined a protest of 500+ citizens in front of Dennis Moore's (D-KS) office in Overland Park on a cold and windy Saturday February 27th. This was a hastily organized event, and to my knowledge there has never been a public protest even approaching this size on any issue in this highly affluent, well educated county in its entire history, outside of public hearings on zoning or school board issues. Total media coverage of this event consisted of a less than 30 second clip on one of the four local stations that evening, and a 2 inch column on page 2 of the local section the next day in the Kansas City (Red) Star, and a quarter of that was a picture of Dennis Moore! The following Saturday I joined 200+ who showed up in a snowstorm to march on Claire McCaskill's office. Although there were 3 stations with crews there, I don't think they gave it any play. The Red Star actually gave it 6 inches on Page 1 of the Local section, with a picture from the event. Finally, last Saturday a group of 120+ commandeered a very busy intersection in Olathe KS - http://kansasmeadowlark.com/2009/03/07/tea-party-in-olathe-today/#more-1933 but again, not a peep from the Red Star. I actually went to high school with the editorial page editor and one of the political reporters, and am writing them to urge them to responsibly cover this unprecedented grassroots movement. I urge all of you to demand (loudly) the same from your local media. We're not ACORN/MoveOn types, but self-reliant individuals, so it's up to each of us to take it to the media - nobody else will do it for us. It's time to stand up and be counted.

Time for a break - my head's about to explode!

Like a large, and I hope growing, percentage of citizens, I daily find myself overwhelmed, dumbfounded and driven ever more fanatical by the incredible "Audacity of Hype" power grab coming from the cesspool that passes for our national capitol these days. I started getting really agitated (I've been merely disgruntled for a looong time) with the panicked TARP bill which GWB caved on. It's been nothing short of a roller coaster ride from Hell since then. Maybe it's time to just pause and take a deep breath, and consider some issues that aren't driven by the Messiah's daily press charades or the latest dive in the Dow.

I'll pose a simple question - if you wanted to start a car company, what model would you use for your business, and where would you look for talent? Would it be Mercedes-Benz, or maybe Yugo? If you were in charge of security for air travel, would you talk to Aero Mexico or El-Al? My point is, our elected officials, most of whom are freakin' lawyers, think they don't need to look to anyone, proven successes or pathetic failures, for guidance and solutions. They'd rather make up policies from thin air and convince themselves (and too often the public) that they're the second coming of Leonardo da Vinci.

I'm not sure what can change this fatal hubris, but if my grandson is to grow to manhood in anything remotely resembling the United States of America, we have to have some major systemic changes in the way we govern. God willing, we'll get the chance to consider some of these before it all goes south. I'll throw out three for starters, and would welcome any other ideas.

Term Limits! Probably the hardest to achieve, but the politicos of both parties will never willingly give up their exalted positions. It will probably take a Constitutional Convention to do it, but at least that option is still there. Dreams are still allowed in this country, at least as of today.

State's Rights More promising, as I think some 32 states have reaffirmed their rights under the 10th Amendment (anybody remember that one??)

Mandatory Rules for Budgets I'd recommend for a start that budgets for all federal agencies must be written and voted separately. No more omnibus/porkulus/throw the damn taxpayers under the bus bills. Mandatory online posting for a minimum of 2 weeks before any final vote can be taken. Moving to a 2 year budget might not be a bad thing either as it might remove the constant revisions and lobbying somewhat.

OK, I fell better now. Back to screaming at the television and working on my sign for Tax Day Tea Party protest. Or better yet, maybe I'll just take the Labrador for a long walk in the woods.

Okay, this will scare the bejeezus out of you! Click here

It was bad enough to hear about the run on money markets last September 11(!) Rush Limbaugh broke the story, and I've since seen the actual interview - here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCcRT-y2_rg . It shouldn't come as a surprise to any thinking, economically literate person that markets can be manipulated - I just had no idea how it was actually accomplished, and on such a massive scale. Two things are particularly troubling:

1) Any effective government regulation is non-existent or in (nearly) complete collusion with the behind the scenes power brokers. Just call them the Illuminati.
2)There are obviously people/organizations/nations/alliances which are actively influencing markets not only for personal gain, but with malevolent intent for America and free markets.

This is particularly troubling since any "recovery" is subject to massive assault and sabotage at any time, without warning or adequate defense. Long term, if there is not a complete overhaul and total transparency in the market, there will never be a true recovery. Given the current administration and entrenched power structure, we'd best look back to the Declaration of Independence for a solution.

One more thing to chew on - I heard today that George Soros's hedge fund actually had an 8% gain in 2008 hmmm.

At least someone's got your back!

I just ran across this YouTube link today. I've heard a lot of speculation about how the military might respond to what the government will term "civil unrest" and "a serious threat to social order". This Marine gave me a sense of pride in, and at least a little hope for, this great experiment called America. Both have been in dwindling supply of late, so I hope this gives you a boost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bggXQxhyo4s

Well, that didn't take long.. looks like there will be hundreds of thousands of fed-up Americans who will take to the streets on Tax Day. This just posted on Michelle Malkin's site - let's all make our voices heard! I had a great sense of freedom and liberation joining in the Kansas City protests- mainly because my phone calls/e-mails to our elected "representatives" got zero response, if I could even leave a voice mail or talk to a real person. The fire's starting to crackle...

http://taxdayteaparty.com/

The First Salvo

This last Friday and Saturday were the spontaneous (even if unorganized) beginnings of a taxpayer revolt in America. I predict more, larger, more organized and visible events by TaxDay 2009. Power to the People! (Hey, I'm an old geezer and actually remember those days)