Sanders Socialism DOESN'T WORK!!!!

The overwhelming majority of Bernie supporters are what are called "Millennials"; people who became adults around the year 2000 or later.

 

The Berlin wall came down in 1989 and the old Soviet Union formally ceased to exist in 1991. The events leading to the fall of the greatest socialist/communistic experiment in modern history are distant pre-history for most Bernie supporters.

 

Socialism sounds like such a great idea to anyone who hasn't seen it tried before. The concept of everyone being equal; workers treated fairly and paid well while those evil CEOs and corporate owners fund it all just seems like such a great idea.

 

None of this is new, folks. It's been tried and is being tried. I've had Sweden used as an example of successful Socialism but in fact that doesn't seem to be true. I won't go into the facts myself as this article does it better.

Federalist Papers

 

In order to distribute everything equally, someone must be in charge of everything. In Bernie's case, the Government. They decide who gets how much and what must be done to get it. A common joke in the old Soviet Union was: "the government pretends to pay us so we pretend to work."

 

The Socialist system has one primary sworn enemy..."The Rich". The Rich must pay "their fair share" of taxes so that more can be doled out to "The Poor". Already, in this country, the top 20 percent of earners pay 87% of the income tax collected by our Federal Government while the bottom 40% actually GET money from the government at tax time. Those pesky facts.

New York Post

 

I have a friend who is one of the richest people I know personally. He started life as a poor farm kid in Idaho. He invested his own money, time, effort and labor into a business which grew because of his efforts. Now, he's in his 70's and could relax a little but the work ethic dies hard and he's pretty much busy with some aspect of his business holdings every day.

 

Here's my advice to all you Bernie supporters out there. If you don't like your economic station in life...CHANGE IT. Start your own business. Put your money, your time and energy into building your own income instead of trying to get rich on wages. Suffer through those few years of poor business, of doing all the work yourself because you can't afford employees, learning to maintain your own appliances and infrastructure. WORK. After a few years, if you work hard, you can afford to hire good people to take your place here and there. After a few more years, maybe all you need to do is keep an eye on things and you'll be making money without your own overwhelming labor. At that point, you will be an evil Rich Person. You won't be paying enough in wages, not covering health care well enough, not providing enough paid time off and other benefits and you'll be hated and envied by all the socialist types because you are a Rich Capitalist.

 

That's how it works, folks. Not by taking away from those entrepreneurs who have risked everything they have to be successful. What works is that YOU risk everything you have, work hard and make yourself a success.  Only in our Capitalist system is this possible.  In a Socialist society this entire scenario is an unattainable dream.  Let your touchy feely feelings go for a minute and do something completely new...THINK.

Socialism story

I have a story here for all you Bernie Sanders supporters who think the world is unfair and Socialism is the answer to all your worries.

　

Over 15 years ago, I was a computer technician in a small shop in Helena, Montana. I was working for wages and doing ok and I'd have probably stayed that way for a long time. But, one day, the owner decided he wasn't going to deal with the hassles of employees and overhead and was shutting down the business and downsizing to a one-man shop.

　

He suggested that I go out on my own also instead of going back to school or finding another job and that is what I did.

　

January 1, 2000, I started Broadwater Computer Service, by myself with no backup job or even part time employment any where else.

　

The first couple of years were pretty tough and I was taking any repair/service/install...computer related job I could find. I did warranty work for the major companies; bending ears and ocaisional adams apples in order to get paid. I fixed home computers, I fixed business computers, I designed and installed small networks, I wrote simple websites and I sold parts. Anything to make a buck.

　

After about five years, I was too busy to keep up. I had many business clients as well as home customers and I was travelling all around this region with a trunkfull of computer and networking parts and tools. I no longer accepted warranty work unless they paid now. No more "net thirty". No more accepting their rates. If a warranty company wanted me, they had to pay my rates...now.

　

I got to a point where I either had to hire help or back off and reduce the amount of business I was handling. I had all the status indicators; a nice car, nice clothes, expensive toys and so on. At about that time I got a really good musician/entertainer job for the summer which took me away from my primary business area for several days at a time and I had to start making choices...play music or go home and handle computer calls. For a while, I did both and then the music/entertainment side of me won out.

　

I cut back on my standard of living, getting rid of the cars for which I was making payments, dumping cable TV (never home anyway) and basically reducing my financial burden so that I could live on less.

　

I still fix computers and networks, especially in the winter, but it no longer drives me. I work in a local cafe when they need me but not full time and I still do my sumer entertainer thing but I've basically "retired"...on nothing.

　

I have only the few college credits I earned in The U.S. Air Force, none of which are electrically or computer oriented. I learned the IT business the way Lincoln learned to be a lawyer. I read and studied at home and worked on them.

　

If I'd continued to work as hard at the IT business as I had been, I'd be much higher on the financial ladder today than I am. My current "class" is my choice. I chose to walk away from the higher paying business as I wanted less stress. Society or "the rich" didn't grind me down or keep me from making it. I'll say it again: It Was My Choice.

　

At this time in our country, it is still your choice whether you get ahead or not. All the self-help books are right! If you have a dream then go get it. Set goals. Make a plan and follow it. If you fail, get up and try again.

If you choose to stay in your wage-slave job; 9-5, same old schedule, same old cubicle and same old commute; well, that's your choice and I shouldn't have to pay more in taxes so that you can be more comfortable in your choice.

　

Socialism effectively takes away that choice. If the Government is supporting you, then you do what the Government tells you. Government run health care will be substandard. I use the VA so I know what I'm talking about here! If your education is paid for by the Government, then your professors will make much less, be less motivated and less effective. Your education will be substandard. What's worse, those of us NOT getting your education will be the ones paying for it.

　

If you want to know what a Bernie Sanders America will look like, take a field trip to an

Indian reservation.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

Comparing Cruz and Trump

Here is some information I found to give a little comparison between Ted Cruz and Donald Trump.

　

I firmly believe that the Primary Election this year comes down to these two. In my opinion, Rubio is simply the next in line for the GOP Establishment to push on us in an effort to take away from the only two real candidates on the Republican side and no other GOP candidate is even viable and should just get out now and save a few $.

　

As I have repeatedly stated, I am much more inclined towards Cruz as President. I think he has demonstrated his true Conservative values over the years and might actually be able to repair some of the awful damage which has been inflicted on our country by the Obama Regime. I plan to vote for Cruz in the Primary election, hoping to see him get the nomination.

　

However; if Trump wins the nomination, which seems likely at this point, I will be fine with voting for him in the General election.

　

I agree with almost everything Trump has said/is saying in this campaign. Often, it's as if he has read my mind and is speaking directly to me. But, my gut instinct and the research I have done makes me question his sincerity. He's saying what I want to hear but will he actually do the things he says he'll do?

　

I also agree with Ted Cruz on most of what he says and I can point to instances where he has done what he says he'll do. Cruz seems to not only speak Conservatively but he acts Conservatively and that is what I'm looking for.

　

Trump is villified by all the people and organizations for which I have nothing but contempt. The media misquotes him or outright lies about what he has said or done and that inclines me more towards him. Obviously, the Dems are afraid of him and that inclines me towards him. Many ridiculous Liberals have threatened to leave the country if Trump becomes President and that makes me want to get him elected in hopes that they really will!

　

A meme I saw recently was right on: "The people telling me Trump would be a bad President are the same ones who said Obama would be a good one."

　

Cruz, though, is universally hated by all Liberals and has endured his share of lies and misinformation from the main stream media. Anyone who attracts the ire of Harry Reid is someone I can respect.

　

Anyway, I found this website with very good information about each candidate and here are links to the Cruz and then the Trump pages.

Conservative Review-Cruz

Conservative Review-Trump

 

This blog page also had an interesting chart:

directorblue.blogspot.com

 

If we fail to elect one of these two as President this time I think it likely that our country will not recover. Please do some research and choose one or the other. If the one you don't like is nominated, please still go out and vote for the GOP nominee. A Felonious Grandma or a Socialist Grandpa are not the answer!

Feelings overpower logic today

I attended the American Security Rally of Montana on the Montana state Capital steps yesterday and got another dose of reality fed to me.

 

Those who are truly espousing liberal issues will NOT change their views because of anything you or I can say.  This is a truth that we just have to accept and find another way.  These people won't change their positions on gun control, refugee resettlement, minimum wage, taxing the rich, global warming, illegal immigration, government run health care, abortion or any other issue you can come up with based on a logical and fact based debate.  Not happening.

 

I've tried using facts, statistics, logic and common sense in debating some of these issues with rabidly liberal people and it's a frustrating exercise in futility. Feelings are all that matter.

 

 "These Syrian refugees are in trouble in their own country so we need to offer them sanctuary and sustenance here, as good compassionate people."  "Guns are an instrument of violence and are very bad so we need to take them all away and then everything will be peaceful and violence and murder will be banished from our society."  If we tax the rich and distribute their money more equally then everyone will be comfortable, fed and housed without strife and the middle class will grow."

 

Statements like these are absurd on the face but it doesn't matter.  It feels good to say these things. If you argue against resettling Syrian refugees in Montana you are just a cruel, heartless prick who cares nothing about human suffering and no fact or truth will change that.  You are just quoting cruel, hard facts and not taking into account the human side.

 

The Mainstream Media is just another arm of the Liberal Party in America and pushes this "touchy feely" thoughtless sheep attitude in an effort to shape our country to make us all toe the mark and they refuse to make any but token mention of anything which does not meet the Utopia test.

So, I have some ideas.

 

First, we need to build and strengthen the non-mainstream media.  Blogsites can be a strong voice for reason in our country and get the "opposing" view out there for all to see.  If you find a blog that you like, find interesting, agree with or whatever, share it on your social media page, such as Facebook or Twitter.  If you find other online media, such as alternative news pages or commentators with whom you are in agreement, don't keep them to yourselves!  Share the info!

 

Next, we need more Constitutional political candidates at all levels of government, including your small town councils, county commissions and, especially, Sheriffs.  Be active in getting these people elected. 

 

Two of our biggest enemies are Cable TV and Beer.  We must, somehow, shake the cobwebs off of people and get them out and informed.  Those guys sitting in the local cafe, complaining to their coffee cup about how 'Murica is going down the toilet must be made to take their complaints not only to the ballot box but to the streets.  There are a lot of us out there but only the coffee cups know who they are!

 

It was cold yesterday at the Capital with a brisk Montana wind making even my ears hurt but there still should have been a much better crowd.  Ravalli County had so many people at their commissioners meeting that they had to move it to the school gym but there were only about 100 people at the capital yesterday.  I realize that part of the problem is that most of those who feel the way we do are working people and can't just run down to any rally they hear about but we MUST somehow get those kind of people who have made this country what it used to be get out and be active.

 

 "Montana Standard" Ravalli county meeting

 

"Helena Independent Record" American Security Rally of Montana

 

We aren't going to change the opinions of those who think a Bernie Sanders Socialist Utopia is desirable and possible.  Feelings are more powerful than facts.  Our only hope is to outnumber them and get political leaders into office who remember and long for the Glory Days of America.

 

 

 

 

Time to quit trying to be "nice"

I'm getting tired of pussyfooting around these issues.  Europe is overrun with Muslim "refugees" and even our State Owned Main Stream Media has called them "Rapefugees".  There is no question that bringing a bunch of these "people" into this country will cause the same problems.

 

I lived in a Muslim country, Turkey, for 15 months.  Not on a base, insulated from the local culture, but in the city of Izmir, renting my apartment from Turks and living in and around them for all that time.  I know what they are like and I have an understanding of how they think. 

 

We are a waste of skin to them.  An Islamic extremist will feel no more about cutting off your head than he would stepping on a roach.  And, there are NO Islamic moderates. 

 

Look at the chart on this article.  Let's be charitable and say that only 8% of the rapefugees agree with ISIS and other extremist groups.  Bring in 10,000 rapefugees and that means 800 who identify with extremism.  9 brought down the Twin towers.

https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/13307.2.0.0/world/terrorism/how-many-syrian-refugees-are-terrorists"

 

Then, you add to the problem that many of those who do not strictly adhere to the extremist ideology will kill and rape indiscriminately, simply because that is how they are.  That is the culture they are from.  Look at what has been happening in Europe the last couple of years and then turn a blind eye to the chaos we will face if we allow these people into our country.  Do you really believe they will act differently here? 

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/01/02/political-correctness-protects-muslim-rape-culture/ 

 

But, the following is also true:

 

To all you terrorists, planning to come here to the United States and spread your crap; and to all you Muslim Rapefugees who think you can come here and do what you've been doing in Europe.

 

We know, when you look at this "man" you see one of your own who is opening the doors for you and doesn't have the balls to stop you anyway and you think he represents America.

 

Many of us are fighting to keep you from being brought here while he and the idiots who believe him try to find places for you.

 

We aren't working so hard to try and keep you out because we fear you or what you will do. We are trying to protect you. The whirlwind awaits you here. Use what little intelligence you might have to realize that the Pussy in Chief is NOT America!

 

Those in Montana who are concerned about this, come to the Capital steps in Helena Feb 22. 2016 at 11AM and let our voices be heard!  American Security Rally of Montana

 

American Security Rally of Montana - Helena

Mon 11 AM · Capitol Steps - no tickets needed

So much for lighthearted blog posts!

When I started using my blogsite again, I had envisioned more lighthearted and positive postings like the ones from years past.

 

I was thinking of posting fishing trips and pool tournaments and just general fun, intersperced with the ocaisional political rant.

 

It's an election year, so the opportunities for satire and sarcasm abound! I really was hoping to just get a few laughs while I voiced my myriad opinions.

 

Instead, I watched as the Oregon State Police murdered a Patriot for trespass and speeding. I've watched as others were arrested by the FBI for Federal crimes when all they did was Trespass.

 

Even the political ridiculousness that we've seen the past few days has not sparked my interest much as I listened to people who were in fear of their lives because of a nighttime raid on them by FBI; or whoever those Federal Troops were.

 

Today, instead of laughing at the Democrat Party for forcing the Felony Grandma onto the ballot, even though the Crazy Grandpa got more votes; Instead of poking fun at Trump for deliberately highlighting some womans "pussy" comment or Jeb desperately trying to get some applause from the "crowd" at one of his speeches, I'm thinking about how to be a part of protests against the taking and holding of Political Prisoners here in the United States.

 

Maybe I'm seeing more in this Federal assault on the "Armed Militants" than there is to see. Maybe it isn't as profound an incident as it seems.  But I have been distressed by it all and it seems to me to be a blatant attack on the freedom and liberty of our country as a whole. How much farther are They willing to go against American Citizens?

 

 

Will I be seeing Federal Agents at my door because I cook and heat with wood stoves? Will we be required to post travel plans before we go on vacation? Will you be arrested or even shot if you are seen in possession of a handgun? Will hunting be outlawed? Will my alternative power have to be licensed? Will my older vehicles be outlawed? How about healthcare? Will people who need expensive meds to stay alive have to prove they are worthy of being kept alive? Too old, too sick, not producing...You're gone!

 

Any of these things are in the realm of possibility and some are actually in the works now. You don't believe it? Maybe you should do a little historical research. A form of any or all of these outlandish suggestions was in place in Nazi Germany in the 1930s and if the 1st Amendment is overpowered and the 2nd Amendment is destroyed then all the other parts of the Constitution will be nul and void also.

 

We need to stand up and be heard about this kind of thing today or we'll be living in our version of Nazism tomorrow.

　

　

Let's help the political prisoners!

In my opinion, the arrests of the Bundys and anyone else arrested in connection with the Bundy Ranch incident or the Malheur occupation are political prisoners.

 

Arguing the merits or legalities of the charges is not our pervue now; it's in the hands of the defense attorneys involved. but I want to help somehow. I want to be involved in some way. Maybe the best we can do is send money for their legal fund but I'd like to think there is something more.

 

My focus today is to put my suggestion out there for something we can do in this situation. This is something that I think would be very effective, would help the prisoners and actually have some positive influence in our nation.

 

If you read my earlier post: http://cowboyentertainer.blogspot.com/2016/01/lets-try-peaceful-resistance.html you will find my ideas for peaceful protests that I think we should use in the future. Possibly, the trials of these political prisoners will be the place to use this kind of action. I don't even think we'll have to worry about being in legal trouble ourselves if we do it right.

 

First; UNARMED! Is there any way I can emphasize that more? No Weapons carried; not even concealed. Yes, we have our 2nd Amendment rights but I truly believe we can have a much more positive effect if we are not "armed militants". The 2nd Amendment protects the 1st Amendment but the reverse can also be true. Let's use our 1st Amendment power in this instance and leave the 2nd Amendment for a more appropriate action.

 

Let's fill the courtrooms during key trials. Lets pack the courthouse lawn, surround the building and show our support for the Bundy's and all those being persecuted by our rogue government for exercising their rights. 

I would suggest that any veteran who attends the protest wear the utility uniform of their era this to help illustrate our patriotism. For instance, I would be in woodland camoflauge. A more recent veteran might be in digital or desert camo. Do you have a more dress uniform? Wear that if you like. Carry American flags.  Make this as opposite of the rioting we've seen in the cities as we can. 

 

Show respect for the court and the process but also show our solidarity with the Bundys and the others involved. If the courtroom and around the courthouse is packed with supporters, even the Lib media will have to take notice. So will the court. But, we follow the laws as pertaining to protests, we follow the courts dictates on weapons and we maintain decorum and civility. All we are doing is voicing our grievances against the government and our belief that these are unfair charges, used only to try and suppress political activity. http://www.aclu-or.org/content/know-your-rights-your-rights-Oregon

 

We'd need a pretty big team to do this right. We'd need some videographers just in case the police do react violently, attorneys willing to help anyone arrested or to file suits against any Law Enforcement excesses. We'd need the computer and internet support as well as basic background support such as cooks and resource people. Mostly, we need as many people as possible to respond and be there.

 

Let's all get together and rescue the political prisoners being unjustly held in a U.S. Gulag!

I Love the United States of America

 

The way things are progressing in our country seriously distresses me but do I want to fight it or just hunker down and ride it out for the short time I have left on this earth?

 

I love the United States of America.  I cherish the memories of growing up in West Yellowstone, Montana with the fishing, hiking, hunting camping, skiing, snowshoeing and FREEDOM of the most people friendly country the world has ever known.

 

I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force when I was still in high school and proudly served our great country, not only for the training and education I was provided but because I wanted to be one of those, like so many of my family before me, who stood for true freedom.

 

 

 

 

 

I believe the Constitution of the United States was Divinely inspired in order to establish a nation, most blessed by God, where true freedom and real joy could be

experienced by His people.

 

This is a country which has never seen a despotic ruler.  We've never faced the nightime raids of secret police, dungeons and gulags filled with political prisoners...until today.

 

My children are saddled with an ever increasing tax burden as our nations leaders drive us deaper into national debt and deficit.  Our freedoms are eroded by unconstitutional actions by our governments at every level and any attempt to stand up to Them results in an extreme slap down from Their Police State.

 

The President circumvents Congress with his phone and his pen if Congress doesn't do as he asks...but Congress just Does What He Asks at every turn, no matter what.

We vote people into Congress because they promise to stand up to our rogue President and the Liberal Socialists who follow him but those we vote in then disregard our wishes and rubber stamp any program the socialists want to create.

 

I had family who fought and died to protect the world from the Socialist party (Nazis) and I had family and friends who fought against the spread of communism in the world.

 

Now, an avowed Socialist is a front runner for President of the United States and an active Socialist has been President for two terms. 

 

The results of Liberal Socialism have been: the largest number of Americans on food stamps and welfare programs since the Great Depression, the largest number of Americans out of work since the 1970s, the National Debt has more than doubled in the last seven years, our Constitutional rights are under assault at every turn, a wicked ideology, masquerading as a religion, is murdering, raping and burning people throughout the world and does so unchecked while we offer them homes and  benefits to come to this country and spread their evil with our governments blessing.

 

If either the Felony Grandma or the Crazy Socialist are elected President then this collapse of the

only really free country left in the world will continue, probably escalate and what is left will be unrecognizeable from what we old guys grew up in.  It's nearly unrecognizeable today.

 

Here's the good news...for me.  I live in a rural "flyover" area in a cold northern climate.  It's not likely that the worst of the effects of our crumbling society will really hit this area within the few years I have left and I do still have my memories of growing up in a free country.  I can conceivably hide here in my rusty old trailer house for the duration of my life without undue stress.

 

Let's face it; my own children have brought this on themselves!  All three girls voted for Obama both times.  I know that at least two of them are Democrats and I'm pretty sure those two are even Bernie supporters so, if he gets in, they'll get what they asked for!  Good luck! 

 

Get your unneeded health insurance or pay the exorbitant fines for not having it.  Pay ever more unfair and overwhelming taxes to try and pay for everyone elses education, health care, rent and food.  Better yet, join the crowd with your EBT card clutched in your hand and just keep right on building that National Deficit. 

 

I could join in the fight to protect our freedoms.  I could be one of those who protests the growing

Police State, sitting in at government buildings, facing down paid mercenaries against overwhelming odds while I live in a "hootch" again, eating MREs and watching the sky for drones.  But I'm getting kind of old and out of shape for that sort of thing and what is happening to this country is WHAT THE PEOPLE HAVE ASKED FOR! Obama not only got elected but REELECTED.  Look how many people are cheering on the government troops in Oregon for attacking a carload of people, murdering one of them and then arresting 16 (so far) people for trumped up charges; just to show us how futile resistance really is.

 

Look how well Bernie Sanders is doing in this Presidential campaign.  He should have been laughed off the ballot long ago but instead would probably win the Democrat nomination if the system weren't so corrupt that the Democrat Party will likely push a known felon in ahead of him, votes or no votes.

 

So, why should I care if my kids are living in a Socialist Police State?  It's what they want, isn't it?  They all voted for this mess and keep right on doing so.  Why should an old guy like me fight it?  I like my rusty old house.  I like a nice warm stove going in the winter and the fresh air and sunshine of the summer.  I'm a veteran so I get token medical care and I'm getting old enough to get enough of a monthly government stipend that I can keep my taxes paid...maybe.  I can live on an EBT card, too, like all the kids can.

 

Look at Cliven Bundy.  He stood up to our overbearing, unconstitutional Federal Police State and now, at 74, he's sitting in jail, waiting for his day in Their Court, with Their attorneys and Their system to rely on. 

 

I just don't know if I've got much fight left in me any more.  I like to think so.  Maybe; if a winnable situation or even a viable situation were to arise, maybe I will load my camper into the pickup and head out.  I can still be a good bunkhouse style cook or I can handle comms or keep the computer sytems going.  I'm a little fat and tired for crawling through the brush but I could still be one of those in the rear with the gear.  We're needed too, you know.

 

I don't know what to think any more.  I'm torn between my relatively comfortable lifestyle and my love for this country and what she once was.

 

 

Vern Woodbury...We'll miss you

A friend of mine went on his last ride today.  Vern was an incredible entertainer, both funny and serious.  He was a great father, husband and friend and will be missed.

 

Vern was won of the most popular members of the Cowboy Poets of Idaho and I was always happy to see him at any show.  I was thrilled that he was able to come to Townsend for a couple of our shows and I just wanted to post a video of his performance from a few years ago.

 

 

 

The following is a passage from a novel I've read a few times; John D. Macdonald's "Pale Gray For Guilt"  Since I first read this, I've always remembered it.  It's such a great analogy of our life on this earth.

 

     "Picture a very swift torrent, a river rushing down between rocky
walls. There is a long, shallow bar of sand and gravel that runs
right down the middle of the river. It is under water. You are born
and you have to sand on that narrow, submerged bar, where everyone
stands. The ones born before you, the ones older than you, are
upriver from you. The younger ones stand braced on the bar
downriver. And the whole long bar is slowly moving down that river of
time, washing away at the upstream end and building up downstream.

     Your time, the time of all your contemporaries, schoolmates, your
loves and your adversaries, is that part of the shifting bar on which
you stand. And it is crowded at first. You can see the way it thins
out, upstream from you. The old ones are washed away and their bodies
go swiftly by, like logs in the current. Downstream where the younger
ones stand thick, you can see them flounder, lose footing, wash away.
Always there is more room where you stand, but always the swift water
grows deeper, and you feel the shift of the sand and the gravel under
your feet as the river wears it away. Someone looking for a safer
place can nudge you off balance, and you are gone. Someone who has
stood beside you for a long time gives a forlorn cry and you reach to
catch their hand, but the fingertips slide away and they are gone.
There are the sounds in the rocky gorge, the roar of the water, the
shifting, gritty sound of sand and gravel underfoot, the forlorn cries
of despair as the nearby ones, and the ones upstream, are taken by
the current. Some old ones who stand on a good place, well braced,
understanding currents and balance, last a long time. A Churchill,
fat cigar atilt, sourly amused at his own endurance and, in the end,
indifferent to rivers and the rage of waters. Far downstream from you
are the thin, startled cries of the ones who never got planted, never
got set, never quite understood the message of the torrent."

 

Vern is gone from us now and our world is a little less enjoyable because of that.  Goodbye my friend.

 

 

I'm ashamed of my former profession

As most of you know, I served much of my adult life as a Law Enforcement Officer, in the U.S. Air Force, in Montana and in Oregon. Over 14 years wearing a badge.

 

In all those years, I served with many honorable and honest men and women who were not just there for a paycheck, but believed in the job we did. Without saying it at the time, we believed in our oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the citizens of our jurisdictions. 

 

Certainly, there were little things that most non-police citizens don't agree with. For instance, I never had to worry about getting a ticket for some minor traffic offense. My roommate got a ride to our apartment one night in another jurisdictions patrol car because of his off-duty conduct. Not arrested; just brought home.

 

But, major offenses? Hurt someone else? Forget it! You'd be arrested in a heartbeat and your badge taken for storage along with your watch and wedding ring. Violations of peoples rights on duty? Your partner might not "rat you out" but he'd sure as Hell make sure you knew not to do it again! If a supervisor did hear about you overstepping your authority you'd be in big trouble and I mean maybe not only lose your job but your freedom as well. CRIME by police officers is just not tolerated by other police officers, no matter what you see on TV.

 

That's probably one of the big reasons that this murder of LaVoy Finicum has been weighing on my mind so much this past week.

 

How could that many corrupt officers be found and work together in one place? Fifteen or twenty (or more) law enforcement personnel went along with the attack and now the coverup. Finicum was murdered, the vehicle shot up and people terrorized by the very men and women who have sworn to PROTECT us from that kind of thing! And now, all those officers are keeping their mouths shut, waiting for the furor to die down and the coverup to take effect.

 

In over 14 years of Law Enforcement, I cannot think of one officer with whom I served who would have gone along with this attack. I can think of several who would have moved to protect the innocent victims of this ambush. Why wasn't there one honest, courageous officer who would have moved between the vehicle and those shooting at it and stood to defend the two women and a man who were cowering on the floor of the truck, in fear of their lives? Why was there not one officer there who would move in and provide aid to the man who had been gunned down? Why is there not one officer who's concience has forced him to come forward and testify against those rogue killers he watched deliberately kill one man and try to kill another man and the two women?

 

I'm sad and ashamed about this. Even with the murder of Jack Yantis in Idaho and the questionable shootings and beatings we've seen by police this last year, I continue to stand up for Law Enforcement. My experience with the breed was such that I knew in my heart that most of them are good, honest, honorable and courageous people doing a dangerous and dirty job in service to their fellow men. What possible threat or bribe can buy these officers honor and integrity?

 

I've seen it postulated that the majority of those involved were hired mercenaries, not actual sworn law enforcement. Although this seems like far fetched conspiracy theory BS, I'd rather think that than think that such a noble profession has been corrupted to the point where, even in a group this large, there are no good and true officers who are willing to stand up for what they believe in and against such brutality and criminal behavior.

When are we allowed to defend ourselves?

FBI and Oregon State Police opened fire on the Finicum vehicle without provocation.

 

According to the statements of the two women who were passengers in the vehicle, some officer shot at Ryan Payne while he displayed his hands outside the passenger side window.  Either before they fled or during the flight from the first traffic stop, shots were fired at the fleeing vehicle.  Before and after Finicum was gunned down at the "roadblock", officers shot into the vehicle.

 

Both girls are adamant that no one in the vehicle shot at the police or made any other aggressive moves.

 

Victoria Sharp statement

Shawna Cox Statement

 



 

At what point are you justified in defending yourself against such an obviously illegal attack?  If the vehicle occupants HAD been armed, it seems to me that they would have been justified in defending their lives against these unlawful attacks by the police but, because They ARE police, They are allowed to attack first and shoot multiple rounds into an occupied vehicle without regard for the identities or mindset of those in the vehicle.  If any one of the occupants HAD returned fire, then would the police have been able to use that as an excuse to kill them all?

 

Because They are police; are They allowed to shoot us down without us being allowed to defend ourselves?

 

The argument rages about whether Finicum was in possession of a pistol and, if so, whether he reached for it before he was first shot.  I contend that this does not matter.  First, he did not have the weapon in his hand and so was not a threat to the officers yet.  He was covered by multiple police making it impossible for him to draw and fire at the closer officers without being shot down first.  I honestly don't care if he WAS "reaching" for a weapon.  He was not holding the weapon and thus was NOT a threat.

 

But, if officers had been shooting at his vehicle, without provocation, endangering his and his passengers lives with a negligent and possibly malicious attack, was Finicum not justified in trying to defend himself and others?

 

I maintain that, if it is true that the officers began shooting into the vehicle without any of the occupants even displaying a weapon first, then the police instigated the entire tragic incident.  The police were not threatened by anyone in the vehicle, nor was Finicum a threat after he exited the vehicle as he did not have a weapon in his hand at any time.

 

We have been focusing on the murder of LaVoy Finicum but his murder is simply a culmination of a long string of unjustified police assaults against Finicum and the other people in the vehicle.  The entire incident, from the initial stop until everyone was safely in custody is just one long crime scene.  There is no way that what we see on the current video, coupled with the statements of the two witnesses, can be construed as justification for the overwhelming police attack on these people.

 

If the police had kept their fingers off the triggers until a threat was evident then the arrests would have gone without incident and the whole situation would be over by now.

 

All the video; dashcam, body cam, the overhead that we have seen, the video that Shawna Cox says she took...everything, should be presented to a Grand Jury for intensive scrutiny.  If any of these officers shot at the vehicle then they should be prosecuted, at least for Felony Assault if not for Attempted Murder.  Certainly, no policeman who indiscriminately shoots at a vehicle containing innocent non-combatant people should be allowed to continue wearing a badge.