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. 

Let's try "Peaceful Resistance"

I have a suggestion for all the "militia" leaders out there.

 

We know that there will be more Federal landgrabs in our future; this one for instance:





 http://www.infowars.com/texas-rancher-prepares-to-fight-back-against-blm-land-grab/

and there will be times when other citizens will be needed to try and protect people from this out of control Federal Government. The events in Harney County, Oregon have shown us that our current methods are not the best.

 

Forcing the Government to back down is not an easy task. They backed down at Bundy Ranch last year simply because They were outgunned and outnumbered at the time and decided to back down instead of calling in hundreds more agents for a pitched battle. At Bundy Ranch, the combination of helpful media; Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and others, and the overwhelming armed force presented at Bundy's made Them step back and reconsider. The illegal actions of the BLM were obvious and well documented so They backed off. It could just as easily have gone the other way if the BLM hadn't done such stupid things that were presented to the public via internet.

 

However, the situation in Oregon didn't go the right way. The press kept harping on the "armed militants" angle. I think it likely that the Feds learned from the Bundy ranch and changed Their tactics, getting the support They needed from Their pets in the media; thus gaining a large part of the public support They need in order to do what They do.

 

So, we need to learn also.

 

The situation in Burns was supposed to be an effort to protect the Hammonds from Federal assault. Somehow, that vision was lost by a few of the protesters and it turned into a mess. I could never see how the occupation of a remote Federal facility would keep the Hammonds out of jail. In their case, I think the best help would have been providing them funds for a good attorney.

 

Anyway, I believe I have a way for us to very effectively stop the Feds in their tracks and make them replan again.

 

Four "teams" or groups at a protest.

 

The largest group are UNARMED protesters who are prepared to accept arrest and jail. Unarmed. Did I mention that? Unarmed. If you don't have the guts to face Federal Troops while you are unarmed and unable to fight back then stay home. We need courage, not violence. Any idiot can pull a trigger. Can you do what this man did?

 

 

A team of videographers who will NOT be directly involved in the protest actions. Their job is to video everything that is happening and get it to their subteam, a group with wireless access to the active cameras and internet access, so pertinent video can be uploaded at almost real time to the internet for all to see. In addition, some of the videographers, if internet is available to them, could be uploading to places like Ustream in real time.

 

A team of Lawyers, ready to work for all those arrested at the protest.

 

If this is a longterm kind of thing, like Bundy's was, a support team; cooks, laundry, computer support and that kind of thing.

 

The protesters Do Not Fight with the police. They resist. There is a difference between fighting and resisting. For instance, let's use the Hammond situation. There were 300 protesters there who could have ringed the house, sat on the ground with linked arms and not allowed the Hammonds to be taken to prison. No punching, kicking or other kinds of assault towards any officer. Just don't let Them handcuff you. Make Them do stupid things, all on camera, so the American citizens can all be witnesses to illegal government action.

When people are arrested, their attorneys are waiting for them at the jail. The court system is innundated with 300 arrests, the jails are too full to handle it and it's all on the national news. And no one could be painted as a redneck gunnut who is just spoiling for a fight. Also, it's unlikely that anyone is arrested for a felony.

 

This kind of peaceful resistance worked in the 60s to help end the Vietnam War. It worked for Ghandi. All that Government Police understand is direct action...violence. The American people don't want to see that from either side.

 

 We need this:

Not this. 

 

　

　

　

　

　

　



FBI releases some video

Here is video, released by the FBI, of the stop, pursuit and, in my opinion, murder of Lavoy Finicum.

Someone dubbed the audio testimony of Victoria Sharp over this video and it obviously corroborates what she has to say.

At https://www.fbi.gov/portland/press-releases/2016/remarks-by-sac-greg-bretzing-at-a-press-conference-to-address-the-ongoing-situation-at-the-malheur-national-wildlife-refuge , you can read the FBI Agent's statement about this incident.  The only thing he really says differently from Victoria is that she claims there were multiple shots at the vehicle and he doesn't.  It would be nice to see the vehicle before it gets fixed up.

So, let's examine what Victoria tells us.  She says that, at the first traffic stop, the police shot at Ryan Payne without provocation but missed.  This caused fear in those left in the vehicle and Finicum drove away, not knowing he was headed into a roadblock.  Police were firing indiscriminately at the vehicle, knowing full well that the road was blocked ahead and knowing that there were non-combatants in the vehicle.

Once LaVoy drove off the road, he got out of the vehicle with his hands in the air.  At one point, as he's staggering through knee deep snow, he drops his hands towards his body.  At that point, for sure, he's shot by at least two officers, one in front and one behind and he goes down.  Then, still without any attack from the suspects, the police begin firing at the vehicle again.  We see flash-bangs going off and if you watch closely you'll see at least one passenger side window blown out.  All this with no firing from the vehicle towards the officers.

Much of my own police training was in the use of force and especially the use of deadly force.  To deploy deadly force...shoot someone...that suspect had to have three things:  the ability to cause me or someone grievous bodily harm or death.   The opportunity to cause that harm or death and he had to place someone in jeopardy of grievous harm or death.  It's not that complicated.  He's carrying a pistol.  Ability.  His possible victim is in range of that weapon and the weapon has been deployed...taken out of the holster.  Opportunity.  But, if he never raises the weapon to shoot, he has NOT placed anyone in jeopardy and so, deadly force cannot legally be used.  Let's be clear here.  Contrary to the hopes and prayers of most Liberals, simply possessing a firearm is NOT a capital offense.  If the weapon was under his jacket he could be charged with a misdemeanor for Carrying a Concealed Weapon but even that is not justification for summary execution.

So, let's give the police the benefit of the doubt here.  Let's say that he WAS reaching for his weapon; not reacting to multiple body hits or just opening his jacket to show them where his weapon was.  Let's pretend he was reaching for it.  Ability is there and he's working on opportunity.  Still hasn't put anyone in jeopardy yet.  Since half the state and federal cops in Oregon had their sights on him at the time, prudent officers, who cared about the law, would have let him fully commit and get his weapon up before they all blasted him out of his shoes.  So, just using this video as evidence, if I were on the shooting board, I would vote that the shooting was unjustified; i.e. Murder.  Guess it's a good thing for them that they'll be investigating themselves, huh?

As to opening fire on a vehicle full of unidentified and non-combatant people; well, there is NO justification for that.  Simple attempted Murder and in one case, Ryan Bundy, felony assault as he was hit by shrapnel and slightly wounded.

Whatever their actual goals were in this stop, these were some of the sloppiest cops in existence.  If they wanted to make some arrests with as little violence as possible; the stated and laudable goal, then they obviously screwed that up bigtime!  If they were planning to execute Finicum and Bundy and eliminate the witnesses, which I don't believe for a minute, they blew that, too, by leaving everyone but Finicum alive. 

In my opinion, based on this video and my former training and experience, no law enforcement agent at that roadblock, state or federal, who fired their weapon, has any business remaining in law enforcement.

The murder of a non-aggressive rancher in Oregon yesterday is a profound incident in our nation today. It isn't getting the media attention it deserves because it paints our all-powerful Federal Government in a bad light.

"They" are showing us that They can do whatever They want. The Mainstream media reports what they are told to and the Fed Police can do as They like. One of those arrested was Peter Santilli. Was he an armed protester? Was he one of those occupying the Fed property? No. He was an "Alternative Media" reporter. As in, not Mainstream Media but someone who reports what is happening, not just what the Fed tells him to report. Result? He's in jail now too. Doesn't this make you go...Hmmmmm?

I agree with the underlying issue that the "Bundy" group was protesting; unconstitutional Federal Land Grabs and the peripheral issue of the unfair imprisonment of the Hammonds. I never thought the takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge buildings was a good idea. I thought it took attention away from the Hammonds. On the other hand, it DID bring the situation to National attention.

But, the occupation of the Federal facility and the rhetoric involved is not the issue we should focus on today. The problem that should be at the forefront of National attention is the outright murder of a good man.

LaVoy Finnicum was not a known criminal with a long rap sheet and multiple convictions. He was a Rancher, husband and father with no criminal record. He was not fighting with police at the time of his murder, nor did he threaten them in any way. LaVoy Finnicum was truly a "Hands up, don't shoot" situation and he was gunned down, for no reason, by Federal troops at what amounted to a traffic stop.

Victoria Sharp was in the car that Finnicum was driving and she says that none of the occupants of the car even touched their weapons during the encounter. None were carrying "long guns" and none tried to "shoot it out" with the Feds. One of the things she says really struck me. Ryan Bundy, with his hands out of the car window, made his head visible while trying to talk with the Feds. Without provocation, They shot at him but missed. Anybody heard of Ruby Ridge? Anyway, here's Ms. Sharp's story:

Here are some other websites with some additional info:

http://unclesamsmisguidedchildren.com/refuge-occupiers-ambushed-by-the-feds/

http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_News/20160113/members-of-armed-group-occupying-refuge-meet-with-grant-county-sheriff-in-john-day

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/27/us/oregon-armed-group-arrest-bundy.html

http://tvoinews.com/featured/blood-sacrifice/

 

My understanding is that the Grant county Sheriff, Glenn Palmer, has expressed his opinion that this should be handled by local Law Enforcement and not the Federal force. With that, I would wholeheartedly agree.

What I would like to see happen now is for the Oregon Sheriff's Association all get together and take over the handling of this. Let the Oregon Sheriff's, who actually have jurisdiction, make this a local issue and get the Feds out of it.

For one thing, who investigates yesterday's murder? Do the Feds now investigate themselves and find it justified? The local Harney County Sheriff, David Ward, should be handling this whole thing.

I'm back again

Let's get this show back on the road!! I've kind of gotten used to doing my writing on Facebook as it's so easy there to make contact with so many people at once. But I'm planning to get back into keeping up this blogsite again.

As I look through the last few posts, I like what I was posting before and have every intention of doing essentially the same things.

I'll be posting opinions of current events, interesting stories I've heard or experienced, travels and travails as they happen and just basic "stuff".

Comments are welcome and I will allow negative comments, if presented with taste and respect. Remember, I'm an old fashioned "Old Guy" and not thrilled with profanity nor am I willing to give a forum to someone who is abusive or combative. I'll be doing my best to not insult the readers, although I know my opinions will likely offend some. There is a difference.

I'm also willing to entertain the idea of presenting posts from others who have things they want to say. Just e-mail me your proposed post to easygibson@gmail.com and I'll look it over.

Things you've seen or done out there in the world. Reports of Cowboy or Western shows or gatherings. Reports of pool tournaments or even good matches you have watched or in which you have participated. Anything like that expands the view from here and gets more content available to those who read this. Pictures are always good.

Lets have some fun. Let's be entertaining, informative and even a little controversial.

VERY BASIC communications advice

I spent a fair amount of time deciding what I wanted to do for personal communications. First, I considered what I want to accomplish.

I'm not greatly interested in communicating with the big world. I just want to keep in contact with my close group,family and friends and CB radio or the GMRS/FRS bubble pack radios meet my goals just fine for little expense.

But, in doing all this research, I read many posts and articles advocating an amateur (Ham) radio license and some radios to go with it so I started reading up on that. There is no longer a requirement for morse code to get your basic (technician) ham license, there is just a written test covering FCC rules and some basic radio and electronics information; most of which I have learned in 16 years of working on computers. I took the test and got my license.

Most ham radios are semi-expensive but I could afford an HT (handi-talkie) made in China that uses the VHF and UHF frequency bands. I bought the Bao-Feng UV-5R, got a better antenna for it, a battery replacement that plugs into my cigarette lighter and a magnetic antenna for the car; all for about $100 and kind of spread out these purchases over a month or so. There are several models of these. I have two UV-5Rs with better antennas, extra batteries, external mic and cigarette lighter battery. I would also recommend the programming cable as the keyboard programming is kind of a pain.
(http://baofengtech.com/compare)

On the 2 meter band (Very High Frequency or VHF), 144MHZ-150MHZ (give or take) the local Ham clubs have repeaters set up. These are non-government,privately owned and maintained. They link together giving me reliable communications from Great Falls to Billings to Vegas and Tucson, all with my little 4Watt HT! I was thrilled.

In addition, High Frequency (HF) radios and antennas are available which will provide good long range communications through what we CBers call "Skip"; bouncing the signal off the ionosphere. Those are a little more expensive but I'm saving my nickels to get one soon.

So, I now have a good SSB capable CB radio in the house and all vehicles, another UV-5R that I can set up in a car with a magnetic antenna or I can put the long "rubber ducky" antenna on it and carry it anywhere. I also splurged on Ebay and got a VHF mobile radio for my main vehicle.
When I'm at home, I just connect another magnetic antenna (I live in a metal trailer house) to a UV-5R and have a serviceable base.

Here's a rundown on basic radios available to us.

CB: Citizens Band: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_band_radio): No license required. We all remember these. CB was a big deal in the 70s but cell phones have made them less popular although most truck drivers still have and use them and there is a big hobby group who try to "skip" signals for distance (DX) contacts, mostly on the SSB channels. CB is good for between 5 and 15 miles and you can have mobiles in your car, walkie talkies in your hand and base stations in your house. They are easy to find but on the expensive side. A CB with SSB channels will run over $200 plus getting a decent antenna. The system in my house cost me about $350 and I was buying on Ebay. SSB radios aren't as easy to come by locally but they are worth it.

MURS: Multiple Use Radio Service (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service): No license required. Maximum legal transmit at 1watt. Five frequencies available. Iine of sight signal. This is a pretty good way to keep in local/close contact. A legal MURS radio will give you about one-two miles of communication range with a compact HT type radio but there are only five frequencies to choose from and I'm not sure where to buy the radios.

FRS: Family radio service (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service):
No license required. These are the bubble pack radios you can buy at sporting goods stores, Walmart, Amazon and so on. The radios that have a stubby little antenna and 14 channels are FRS radios. Legal transmit is .5 Watts (500 milliwatts), giving you about the same range; maybe a little less, as the MURS but these radios are easy to find and fairly inexpensive.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mobile_Radio_Service): Need a family license that requires no test but does require $85 for the FCC. These are also the bubble pack radios you find all over. If you find one that says it has two power ranges and/or has 28+ channels, this is a combination of FRS and GMRS in one handheld. GMRS has a lot of capabilities over FRS but GMRS requires a license. Licensed GMRS users can use up to 50 watts of transmit power, repeaters and radios with better antenna. If you check the fine print on the package of the little handi-talkie radios you just got from Amazon, it will tell you that you can't transmit on the GMRS channels without a license but I think the FCC is going to be kind of overwhelmed soon and I'd be surprised if the licensing thing lasts much longer.

The Baofeng radios are all programmable for MURS, FRS, GMRS and Ham frequencies. Certainly they provide much more transmit power than is legal for FRS and can for MURS. Also, they are not really type accepted by the FCC for those frequencies. They are only legal for licensed Amateur radio users to use on the approved Ham radio frequencies on the 2 meter and 70cm bands; VHF and UHF.

One of these little radios can be programmed to use everything listed here except CB if you want. It just isn't legal.

In addition, they can be set up as police scanners as you can program in the police frequencies. I strongly suggest, if you are going to do this,that you get the CHIRP software and a programming cable so you can tell the radio NOT to transmit on the police/fire/public service frequencies as it would be easy to accidentally do so when you are listening and I can guarantee a visit from the FCC if that kind of thing happens!

So, you can buy a nice little walkie talkie for around $40 which can be programmed to work with other radios you may have already gotten, can listen to Public Service agencies and can be used on ham radio frequencies, basically any VHF/UHF frequency, and will provide decent transmit power and communication range for almost any scenario.

After going down this road myself, I will say that I recommend getting your Amateur Radio license, joining a local Ham Radio club and learning more about this hobby. As I said at the beginning, I figured that CB and GMRS would meet my goals but I found that there is a lot more about radios and communication that I want to learn and be involved in.

When I was hiking in the mountains of Montana last summer I was often in areas where I had no cell coverage. Face it, in Montana, I'm often in my car on the freeway without cell phone coverage! But, now that I can use the VHF repeaters that are available almost anywhere, I am almost never without reliable communication. That can literally be a lifesaver if you travel much and the knowledge you gain in using these radios might serve you and your group very well in an SHTF situation.

Facebook has kind of taken over for the blog, I guess. I leave comments there quite often but forget to put anything here. I'll try to do better.

City Permits and Property Ownership

I really don't fit in in this world at all. I went to a City Council meeting yesterday. They had a public hearing about some changes to the zoning ordinances. As we all browbeat the council, I was reflecting, internally, that we were arguing the wrong issue.

It isn't the changes, it's the EXISTENCE of the zoning ordinances. What gives the city the right to make me ask "Mother, may I?" for ANYth...ing I want to do on MY property?! How have we been so complacent as to allow our "public SERVANTS" to dictate whether we can have a fence, a garden, a shed or anything else on the property WE OWN?

It isn't that Townsend, MT is any different than Helena, Bozeman, West Yellowstone or White Sulphur Springs. It's that, somehow, we have surrendered our private property rights to the government. It's wrong and now it's too late. I could go on and on but it doesn't make any difference. I think I'm the only one who thinks this is not right and I guess I should just shut up about it and learn to go along.

When you think about it, real property is actually the embodiment of socialism in our country.  All real property is owned by the state (government) and we just are allowed limitted use of it as long as we keep up the rent payments.  Try not paying your taxes (Rent to the state) for a while.  You'll get evicted.  The city tells us what we can and can't do on our own property and we go blissfully on, with the illusion of freedom.   And, there's nothing we can do about it now.  It's such an accepted situation that no one is going to get it changed, even if we wanted to try. 

When the city clerk was talking about permit charges yesterday, it was all i could do to keep my mouth shut.  What value do I get for paying a fee to the city so that I can put a shed on my property?  If I burned that money, I'd at least get a little heat out of it.  More leeching off of the populous by the government.  And so many people can't see why I'm so indignant about it.  Fees to the government...nothing new and won't be changed.

Springtime in the Rockies

It's been a great Montana spring so far. Lots of sunshine but also a reasonable amount of rain to keep things green. It looks like it's going to be a great summer.

I handled sound for the Motherin' Up Gathering in White Sulphur Springs, MT last weekend and had a lot of fun with all my friends who come so far to perform.

We will be holding our 11th annual Townsend Cowboy Entertainer Gathering at the Townsend Fire hall on June 2nd. Pancake breakfast, Day shows, Roast Beef/Pork dinner and Night show. A whole day of activities, all to benefit the Broadwater Rural Fire District.