lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Flying in the Age of Covid-19

Flying in the Age of Covid-19

I recently had to fly to Ohio to fulfill a speaking commitment I made back before the coronavirus insanity swept the nation .
Since this is the first time I have flown in the age of Covid-19 , I thought I would issue a report of my experiences to help those who are thinking about flying anytime soon .
I flew on American Airlines from Orlando to Dayton with a stop in Charlotte .
I returned to Orlando on Southwest Airlines from Columbus with a stop in Chicago ( Midway ) .
My itinerary sounds convoluted , but after numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best I could do .
There were signs on all of the entrance doors at the Orlando airport about maintaining social distancing and that wearing a mask was recommended .
I made no attempt at social distancing and did not wear a mask .
When I checked my bag with the masked American agent ( curbside check-in was closed due to the coronavirus ) , she did not inform me of the American mask policy .
According to the American website : The War on Drugs Is a ... Laurence M. Vance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.95 A face covering is required while flying on American , except for very young children or anyone with a condition that prevents them from wearing one .
You also may be required by local law to wear a face covering in the airport where your trip begins , where it ends or where you connect .
• Please bring your own face covering to use while traveling .
While limited quantities of face coverings may be available at the gate , they will not be available for every customer on every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on before you board the plane and wear it during your flight • Your face covering may be removed to eat or drink , but please put it back on when you ’ re done .
Keep in mind , a face covering can be a mask or any secured cloth like a scarf or bandana that covers your nose and mouth .
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) website for more information .
The security line in the airport had signs throughout reading “ Travel smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the TSA agents were wearing masks .
Since the airport was not busy , I saw more TSA goons standing around talking with each other than checking bags and groping fliers .
I saw some TSA personnel on break sitting in various places around the airport .
They either wore no mask or wore it below their mouth like a chin strap .
The Orlando airport was deserted—a sight I have never experienced .
As I walked around the airport , I noticed that none of the pilots who were walking around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport personnel who did not work for the airlines , some had no masks , some wore masks , and some wore their mask below their mouth .
Only about half of the travelers in the airport were wearing a mask .
Most shops in the airport were closed .
Just a few fast-food restaurants were open .
When I bought a coke at Wendy ’ s , the girl behind the plexiglass shield wore neither mask nor gloves .
Good for her .
The Free Society Laurence M. Vance Best Price : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I got to my gate , there were regular announcements from American that wearing a mask on the plane was required .
But the announcements also basically said to be respectful of those who may not be wearing a mask because of some condition that prevents them from doing so .
About half of the people waiting for my flight were already wearing their masks .
Most of the rest had their mask below their mouth , hanging from their ear , or in a pocket .
When it was time to board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practiced by anyone , and neither was there an announcement from American about the need to practice it .
I put on a mask right before I scanned my boarding pass , and then lowered it to my chin as I walked on the plane .
Once in my seat , I put my mask ( which I had cut slits in so I could breathe if I was forced to wear it ) in my brief case .
Since I boarded almost last , I could see that everyone was still wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane was about 80 percent full .
No seats were blocked off .
I was assigned to sit in 22B , a middle seat .
Someone was in 22A by the window .
No one was in 22C so I moved over to the aisle seat .
So much for social distancing by the airline .
Although the stewardesses all had on masks and gloves , I could see that the pilots had neither .
Stewardesses walked by me many times before and during the flight .
Not one said anything to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No passengers on the plane gave me a dirty look for not wearing a mask like I get when I go into Walmart .
I saw only a couple of people around me lower their mask once the plane took off .
I was near the back of the plane so I could not see what people were doing toward the front of the plane .
Of the passengers who passed me on their way to the lavatory , only one was not wearing a mask .
War , Empire , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : $ 5.24 Buy New $ 9.79 When the plane landed in Charlotte , there was no announcement about practicing social distancing when exiting the plane and no one practiced it .
In the Charlotte airport , which was much busier than the Orlando airport , there were regular announcements by the mayor about the importance of face coverings and social distancing .
Most of the people I saw in the airport were wearing masks .
Like Orlando , most shops in the airport were closed and just a few fast-food restaurants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines .
Of the pilots I saw in the airport , about half of them were wearing masks .
When I boarded for my next flight , I only put on my mask when I had to scan my boarding pass .
The American agent standing there had his mask pulled down to this chin .
Good for him .
Before I walked on to the plane , I removed my mask .
After I sat down on the plane , none of the stewardesses said anything to me about the absence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see , everyone on the plane was wearing a mask .
After the plane landed , there was an announcement about maintain social distancing while exiting the plane .
No one paid any attention to it .
I also heard some people behind me mocking the idea that they just sat next to a stranger for two hours but were supposed to maintain social distancing as they left the plane .
My return flight was out of Columbus .
The airport was not very busy .
Most shops were closed .
I only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thank God I had already eaten .
Most everyone in the airport was wearing a mask .
The TSA personnel I saw on break throughout the airport were not wearing masks .
The masked TSA goon I had to deal with as I went through security asked me if it were okay to pat down my shoulder .
I asked him whether I had a choice .
He replied in the affirmative .
He then told me that I could choose not to be patted down but then he could not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Sounds to me like I don ’ t have a choice.
” I was on a Southwest flight this time .
When I checked my bag , the masked Southwest worker did not inform me of the Southwest mask policy .
According to the Southwest website : War , Christianity , and ... Laurence M. Vance Best Price : $ 8.95 Buy New $ 9.95 Customers are required to wear a face covering in the airport and on the plane .
Customers will be required to wear a face covering in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you forget your face covering at home , a mask will be available for you .
In accordance with the current CDC guidance , any well-secured cloth or mask that covers your nose and mouth will be accepted .
• Young children who may not be able to keep a face covering on .
• Customers who have a disability or underlying medical condition that may prevent them from being able to wear a face covering .
• Anyone who has trouble breathing , is incapacitated , or otherwise unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we expect Customers to wear face coverings In accordance with the current CDC guidance , Customers will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times during their Southwest travel experience—while checking in , boarding , inflight , deplaning , retrieving baggage ; and any other time they may engage with a Southwest Employee or another Customer .
Customers will be required to wear a face covering in order to board the plane beginning May 22 .
There may also be times when a Customer needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance , to eat or drink .
However , we expect Customers to put their face covering back on as soon as possible .
Customers should also remove face coverings if a decompression event occurs and they are asked to use an oxygen mask , or in the event a Customer is supporting an onboard emergency , like performing CPR .
Only ten people at a time were allowed to board the plane .
I did not wear a mask when waiting for my flight , scanning my boarding pass , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Southwest said a word to me about not wearing a mask .
The Southwest magazine , which I usually enjoy reading , was not to be found .
“ Because of the coronavirus , ” said the stewardess .
When the plane landed in Chicago , everyone exited the plane as usual , but it was only about 20 percent full .
Most of the pilots I saw walking around the airport were wearing masks .
Not a single shop or restaurant was open in concourse B. I had to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to eat .
There were only two fast-food places open , both with horrendous lines .
I saw only one shop open .
Again , I did not wear a mask when waiting for my flight , scanning my boarding pass , or sitting on the plane .
This time , however , after I sat down on the plane , a stewardess asked me if I needed a mask .
I answered in the negative .
She never said another word to me .
And unlike my previous Southwest flight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plane took off about wearing a mask being required , and how if you need one , one will be given to you for free .
I did not take up Southwest on the mask offer .
My advice to those of you who have to fly in the age of Covid-19 is this .
• Eat and drink before you fly .
The airport bars are all closed and there are only limited places to eat—with long lines .
• Don ’ t wear a mask .
You might want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the airline ’ s mask policy since they all allow exceptions for medical conditions .
I had a copy in my brief case but never had to pull it out and argue with anyone about not wearing a mask .
To avoid a confrontation , the easiest thing to do is just put on a mask to board and then take it off .
Every airport is different , every airline is different , and every flight is different .
Don ’ t let the coronavirus insanity keep you from flying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through this nonsense when we fly .
Just like we shouldn ’ t have to endure the TSA security theatre when we fly .
But that is not my point here .
I just wanted to provide some information and recommendations .
The Best of Laurence M. Vance

I recently had to fly to Ohio to fulfill a speaking commitment I made back before the coronavirus insanity swept the nation. Since this is the first time I have flown in the age of Covid-19, I thought I would issue a report of my experiences to help those who are thinking about flying anytime soon.
I flew on American Airlines from Orlando to Dayton with a stop in Charlotte. I returned to Orlando on Southwest Airlines from Columbus with a stop in Chicago (Midway). My itinerary sounds convoluted, but after numerous flight changes and cancellations, it was the best I could do.
There were signs on all of the entrance doors at the Orlando airport about maintaining social distancing and that wearing a mask was recommended. I made no attempt at social distancing and did not wear a mask.
When I checked my bag with the masked American agent (curbside check-in was closed due to the coronavirus), she did not inform me of the American mask policy. According to the American website: The War on Drugs Is a ... Laurence M. Vance Best Price: $5.87 Buy New $5.95 (as of 09:10 UTC - Details)
A face covering is required while flying on American, except for very young children or anyone with a condition that prevents them from wearing one. You also may be required by local law to wear a face covering in the airport where your trip begins, where it ends or where you connect.
Please bring your own face covering to use while traveling. While limited quantities of face coverings may be available at the gate, they will not be available for every customer on every flight
Be sure your face covering is on before you board the plane and wear it during your flight
Your face covering may be removed to eat or drink, but please put it back on when you’re done.
Keep in mind, a face covering can be a mask or any secured cloth like a scarf or bandana that covers your nose and mouth. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information.
The security line in the airport had signs throughout reading “Travel smart, stay six feet apart.” All of the TSA agents were wearing masks. Since the airport was not busy, I saw more TSA goons standing around talking with each other than checking bags and groping fliers. I saw some TSA personnel on break sitting in various places around the airport. They either wore no mask or wore it below their mouth like a chin strap.
The Orlando airport was deserted—a sight I have never experienced. As I walked around the airport, I noticed that none of the pilots who were walking around were wearing a mask. Regarding the airport personnel who did not work for the airlines, some had no masks, some wore masks, and some wore their mask below their mouth. Only about half of the travelers in the airport were wearing a mask. Most shops in the airport were closed. Just a few fast-food restaurants were open. When I bought a coke at Wendy’s, the girl behind the plexiglass shield wore neither mask nor gloves. Good for her. The Free Society Laurence M. Vance Best Price: $13.55 Buy New $17.54 (as of 04:55 UTC - Details)
When I got to my gate, there were regular announcements from American that wearing a mask on the plane was required. But the announcements also basically said to be respectful of those who may not be wearing a mask because of some condition that prevents them from doing so. About half of the people waiting for my flight were already wearing their masks. Most of the rest had their mask below their mouth, hanging from their ear, or in a pocket.
When it was time to board the plane, no social distancing was practiced by anyone, and neither was there an announcement from American about the need to practice it. I put on a mask right before I scanned my boarding pass, and then lowered it to my chin as I walked on the plane. Once in my seat, I put my mask (which I had cut slits in so I could breathe if I was forced to wear it) in my brief case. Since I boarded almost last, I could see that everyone was still wearing their mask on the plane.
The plane was about 80 percent full. No seats were blocked off. I was assigned to sit in 22B, a middle seat. Someone was in 22A by the window. No one was in 22C so I moved over to the aisle seat. So much for social distancing by the airline.
Although the stewardesses all had on masks and gloves, I could see that the pilots had neither. Stewardesses walked by me many times before and during the flight. Not one said anything to me about my not wearing a mask. No passengers on the plane gave me a dirty look for not wearing a mask like I get when I go into Walmart. I saw only a couple of people around me lower their mask once the plane took off. I was near the back of the plane so I could not see what people were doing toward the front of the plane. Of the passengers who passed me on their way to the lavatory, only one was not wearing a mask. War, Empire, and the M... Laurence M. Vance Best Price: $5.24 Buy New $9.79 (as of 09:10 UTC - Details)
When the plane landed in Charlotte, there was no announcement about practicing social distancing when exiting the plane and no one practiced it.
In the Charlotte airport, which was much busier than the Orlando airport, there were regular announcements by the mayor about the importance of face coverings and social distancing. Most of the people I saw in the airport were wearing masks. Like Orlando, most shops in the airport were closed and just a few fast-food restaurants were open. However, there were long lines. Of the pilots I saw in the airport, about half of them were wearing masks.
When I boarded for my next flight, I only put on my mask when I had to scan my boarding pass. The American agent standing there had his mask pulled down to this chin. Good for him. Before I walked on to the plane, I removed my mask. After I sat down on the plane, none of the stewardesses said anything to me about the absence of a mask. From what I could see, everyone on the plane was wearing a mask. After the plane landed, there was an announcement about maintain social distancing while exiting the plane. No one paid any attention to it. I also heard some people behind me mocking the idea that they just sat next to a stranger for two hours but were supposed to maintain social distancing as they left the plane.
My return flight was out of Columbus. The airport was not very busy. Most shops were closed. I only saw a couple of fast-food places open. Thank God I had already eaten. Most everyone in the airport was wearing a mask. The TSA personnel I saw on break throughout the airport were not wearing masks. The masked TSA goon I had to deal with as I went through security asked me if it were okay to pat down my shoulder. I asked him whether I had a choice. He replied in the affirmative. He then told me that I could choose not to be patted down but then he could not let me through security. I replied, “Sounds to me like I don’t have a choice.”
I was on a Southwest flight this time. When I checked my bag, the masked Southwest worker did not inform me of the Southwest mask policy. According to the Southwest website: War, Christianity, and... Laurence M. Vance Best Price: $8.95 Buy New $9.95 (as of 09:10 UTC - Details)
Customers are required to wear a face covering in the airport and on the plane. Customers will be required to wear a face covering in order to board the plane beginning May 22. If you forget your face covering at home, a mask will be available for you. Acceptable forms of face coverings In accordance with the current CDC guidance, any well-secured cloth or mask that covers your nose and mouth will be accepted. Exemptions to face coverings Young children who may not be able to keep a face covering on.
Customers who have a disability or underlying medical condition that may prevent them from being able to wear a face covering.
Anyone who has trouble breathing, is incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. When we expect Customers to wear face coverings In accordance with the current CDC guidance, Customers will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times during their Southwest travel experience—while checking in, boarding, inflight, deplaning, retrieving baggage; and any other time they may engage with a Southwest Employee or another Customer. Customers will be required to wear a face covering in order to board the plane beginning May 22. There may also be times when a Customer needs to temporarily remove their face covering, for instance, to eat or drink. However, we expect Customers to put their face covering back on as soon as possible. Customers should also remove face coverings if a decompression event occurs and they are asked to use an oxygen mask, or in the event a Customer is supporting an onboard emergency, like performing CPR. Only ten people at a time were allowed to board the plane. I did not wear a mask when waiting for my flight, scanning my boarding pass, or sitting on the plane. No one from Southwest said a word to me about not wearing a mask. The Southwest magazine, which I usually enjoy reading, was not to be found. “Because of the coronavirus,” said the stewardess.
When the plane landed in Chicago, everyone exited the plane as usual, but it was only about 20 percent full. Most of the pilots I saw walking around the airport were wearing masks. Not a single shop or restaurant was open in concourse B. I had to make a long walk to concourse A to find something to eat. There were only two fast-food places open, both with horrendous lines. I saw only one shop open.
Again, I did not wear a mask when waiting for my flight, scanning my boarding pass, or sitting on the plane. This time, however, after I sat down on the plane, a stewardess asked me if I needed a mask. I answered in the negative. She never said another word to me. And unlike my previous Southwest flight, there was an announcement this time before the plane took off about wearing a mask being required, and how if you need one, one will be given to you for free. I did not take up Southwest on the mask offer.
My advice to those of you who have to fly in the age of Covid-19 is this.
Eat and drink before you fly. The airport bars are all closed and there are only limited places to eat—with long lines. Don’t wear a mask. You might want to bring one, and also a copy of the airline’s mask policy since they all allow exceptions for medical conditions. I had a copy in my brief case but never had to pull it out and argue with anyone about not wearing a mask. To avoid a confrontation, the easiest thing to do is just put on a mask to board and then take it off.
Every airport is different, every airline is different, and every flight is different. Don’t let the coronavirus insanity keep you from flying. We shouldn’t have to go through this nonsense when we fly. Just like we shouldn’t have to endure the TSA security theatre when we fly. But that is not my point here. I just wanted to provide some information and recommendations.
The Best of Laurence M. Vance


lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Can NYC Be Destroyed?

Can NYC Be Destroyed?

Now , as uncontrollable violence continues to escalate against citizens , law enforcement and critical infrastructure for communities throughout the US , a public-safety issue has become a national security issue .
The key question that must be addressed is the danger to critical infrastructure without which New York City can survive .
I worked with the present Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House Jerrold Nadler on issues of critical infrastructure where we had proposed a freight tunnel under the Hudson River to alleviate the strain on the George Washington Bridge which is a part of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also as a backup to the George Washington Bridge .
Jerry was on the transportation committee in the Assembly and is active on these issues in Congress .
Critical Infrastructur ... Lewis , Ted G. Best Price : $ 121.91 Buy New $ 113.00 If the George Washington Bridge were bombed , New York City could not survive in its present state .
We could not supply the food and supplies required for the city ’ s population .
We do not have sufficient alternative supply routes .
The City would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right about ANTIFA ( antifaschistisch ( “ anti-fascist ” ) , this organization is somewhat akin to the Red Brigades .
And the key targets must be guarded now .
This is more a job for trained military personnel rather than policemen .
When the Red Brigades kidnapped the Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro , the Brigades used trained military commandos .
Another critical infrastructure is the New York City water supply .
Water Tunnel No .
3 is the largest capital construction project in New York City history .
The tunnel will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ km ) long , travel 500 feet ( 150 m ) below street level in sections , and will cost over $ 6 billion .
Construction began in 1970 and is expected to be completed in 2020 .
The tunnel will serve as a backup to Water Tunnel No .
1 , completed in 1917 , and Water Tunnel No .
2 , completed in 1936 .
If these two tunnels were sabotaged , New York City would die .
There would be no water .
A third critical infrastructure is the electrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located in one room exists the control of the entire New York City electrical system .
If that were to be bombed , it could take six months to repair and the city would be destroyed .
Anatomy of the Red Bri ... Orsini , Alessandro Best Price : $ 22.63 Buy New $ 25.00 I have worked on these issues in New York City , but they exist in every major city .
These are national security issue of the gravest portent .
ANTIFA operates under a sophisticated barrage of AgitProp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operatives are sophisticated and operational .
If two hundred cities were taken down , the very existence of the United States Government would be in jeopardy .
We would then not be talking about just having tanks go down Fifth Avenue but a nationwide marital law .
It was through the most sophisticated PYSOP operations that the US brought down the Soviet system and many other governments such as the Ukraine , Yugoslavia , etc .
As Steve Pieczenik points out above , it looks like the roosters are coming home to roost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explains what is happening now in the US in reverse .
The apparent rebellion of the generals against following Trump ’ s orders to intervene can be sourced back to the Weimar Republic ’ s General Hans von Seeckt who remodelled the German Army as a apolitical force .
This was one of the key reasons that the German Army did not intervene in the battle between the communists ( our ANTIFA ) and the national socialists who are not yet seen on the landscape of the US but we can be sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precedent here that it will not enter domestic turmoil to stop ANTIFA , then we can expect when our national socialists rise they will also do nothing though the liberals will be screaming for help .
Perceptions Are Realit ... Army University Press Buy New $ 16.99 As long as Pyotr Rachovsky ran the Okhrana in Tsarist Russia he had every left wing organization infiltrated such as the Bolsheviks , and one of his agents was Joseph Stalin .
The joke was that most of the leaders of the Bolshevik were his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Okhrana fell apart .
The Tsar no longer had any sources of reliable information not that he would have acted anyway as he was so incompetent .
The problem of the US today is that the FBI does not seem to have any reliable sources inside ANTIFA and so we are travelling blind into the storm .
We do not know what is planned next .
This is a total breakdown in intelligence .
This is very dangerous situation .
I would like to point out about Colin Powell that he testified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction in Iraq which were pure lies , and now he has the audacity to accuse the President of lying .
Nor are we surprised that the retired generals who have their jobs on the boards of the military contractors will demonstrate such disloyalty to the US paralleling their having given contracts to such contractors at exorbitant costs to ensure their retirement compensation .

Now, as uncontrollable violence continues to escalate against citizens, law enforcement and critical infrastructure for communities throughout the US, a public-safety issue has become a national security issue.
Hard-core agents provocateurs infiltrate US protests
The key question that must be addressed is the danger to critical infrastructure without which New York City can survive. I worked with the present Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House Jerrold Nadler on issues of critical infrastructure where we had proposed a freight tunnel under the Hudson River to alleviate the strain on the George Washington Bridge which is a part of New York City’s critical infrastructure. It was also as a backup to the George Washington Bridge. Jerry was on the transportation committee in the Assembly and is active on these issues in Congress.
Critical Infrastructur... Lewis, Ted G. Best Price: $121.91 Buy New $113.00 (as of 04:20 UTC - Details) If the George Washington Bridge were bombed, New York City could not survive in its present state. We could not supply the food and supplies required for the city’s population. We do not have sufficient alternative supply routes. The City would be terribly damaged. If this article is right about ANTIFA (antifaschistisch (“anti-fascist”), this organization is somewhat akin to the Red Brigades. And the key targets must be guarded now. This is more a job for trained military personnel rather than policemen. When the Red Brigades kidnapped the Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro, the Brigades used trained military commandos.
Another critical infrastructure is the New York City water supply.
Water Tunnel No. 3 is the largest capital construction project in New York City history. The tunnel will be more than 60 miles (97 km) long, travel 500 feet (150 m) below street level in sections, and will cost over $6 billion. Construction began in 1970 and is expected to be completed in 2020. The tunnel will serve as a backup to Water Tunnel No. 1, completed in 1917, and Water Tunnel No. 2, completed in 1936.
If these two tunnels were sabotaged, New York City would die. There would be no water.
A third critical infrastructure is the electrical supply. In one central control system located in one room exists the control of the entire New York City electrical system. If that were to be bombed, it could take six months to repair and the city would be destroyed.
Anatomy of the Red Bri... Orsini, Alessandro Best Price: $22.63 Buy New $25.00 (as of 04:20 UTC - Details) I have worked on these issues in New York City, but they exist in every major city. These are national security issue of the gravest portent. ANTIFA operates under a sophisticated barrage of AgitProp.
OPUS 225 AgitProp and our Republic
There is no doubt that the ANTIFA operatives are sophisticated and operational. If two hundred cities were taken down, the very existence of the United States Government would be in jeopardy. We would then not be talking about just having tanks go down Fifth Avenue but a nationwide marital law.
It was through the most sophisticated PYSOP operations that the US brought down the Soviet system and many other governments such as the Ukraine, Yugoslavia, etc. As Steve Pieczenik points out above, it looks like the roosters are coming home to roost. Pieczenik who participated in those PSYOPS explains what is happening now in the US in reverse.
The apparent rebellion of the generals against following Trump’s orders to intervene can be sourced back to the Weimar Republic’s General Hans von Seeckt who remodelled the German Army as a apolitical force. This was one of the key reasons that the German Army did not intervene in the battle between the communists (our ANTIFA) and the national socialists who are not yet seen on the landscape of the US but we can be sure are around. If the military sets a precedent here that it will not enter domestic turmoil to stop ANTIFA, then we can expect when our national socialists rise they will also do nothing though the liberals will be screaming for help. Perceptions Are Realit... Army University Press Buy New $16.99 (as of 04:20 UTC - Details)
As long as Pyotr Rachovsky ran the Okhrana in Tsarist Russia he had every left wing organization infiltrated such as the Bolsheviks, and one of his agents was Joseph Stalin. The joke was that most of the leaders of the Bolshevik were his agents. When he died in 1910 the Okhrana fell apart. The Tsar no longer had any sources of reliable information not that he would have acted anyway as he was so incompetent. The problem of the US today is that the FBI does not seem to have any reliable sources inside ANTIFA and so we are travelling blind into the storm. We do not know what is planned next. This is a total breakdown in intelligence. This is very dangerous situation.
I would like to point out about Colin Powell that he testified in Congress about the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which were pure lies, and now he has the audacity to accuse the President of lying. Nor are we surprised that the retired generals who have their jobs on the boards of the military contractors will demonstrate such disloyalty to the US paralleling their having given contracts to such contractors at exorbitant costs to ensure their retirement compensation.
Reprinted with permission from David Lifschultz.


Washington Leanings

If there were a Russian version of the website PropOrNot , Academician Arbatov could find himself listed there as “ American agent/dupe.
” Arbatov directs the International Security Center of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
He demonstrates his Washington leanings by his recommendation that Russia avoid a strategic alliance with China .
This , of course , is a Washington position .
It seems curious coming from a Russian security expert at a time when US foreign policy is dominated by neoconservatives who are hostile to both Russia and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American hegemony .
Washington demonizes both Russia and China , imposes sanctions and threats , conducts aggressive military maneuvers in the spheres of influence of both countries , dismisses the Russian president as “ the new Hitler , ” threatens China with a trade war , and blames China for the coronavirus and threatens to make China pay for it .
China and Russia : The ... Lukin , Alexander Best Price : $ 23.18 Buy New $ 18.00 Confronted by such a hostile and unreasonable power as the US presents itself to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China seems to be precisely what is required in order to deter Washington from its hostile intentions .
With the American organized and financed Hong Kong riots and efforts to destabilize a Chinese province and with the neoconservatives ’ intention of overthrowing the Iranian government and sending jihadists into the Russian Federation , Washington has demonstrated its intention to destabilize first one country and then the other .
A common front evidenced by a strategic alliance would represent power greater than Washington and prevent Washington miscalculations that could lead to the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to such a desireable result ?
Why does he want Russia “ to keep its distance ” from China ?
Does he trust Washington more than China ?
He gives this answer : A half century ago the Soviet Union “ officially proclaimed in its program that China was the greatest threat to the world .
We can not go back and forth between extremes , from China being the world ’ s greatest threat to it being our strategic ally or partner .
One can not play with such concepts .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send your soldiers to fight for the interests of your ally , and vice versa .
I am confident that we don ’ t have and will not have such a situation with China.
” The Shadow War : Inside ... Sciutto , Jim Best Price : $ 12.90 Buy New $ 12.29 What strategic sense does it make for Arbatov to use a minor conflict of a half century ago between China and a government and country that no longer exist to discourage a strategic alliance that would prevent a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer is that some Russians , despite Washington ’ s demonstrated aggressive intentions toward Russia , are more enamored of America than they are of China .
The romanticism of the Atlanticist Integrationists remains Russia ’ s greatest threat .
Arbatov is not alone in his view .
A number of Russian experts believe that Russia should not get too close to China whose economic position they believe is stronger than Russia ’ s .
They fear that a close relationship would result in Russia becoming a servant of China ’ s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a source of natural resources .
Russia ’ s experts should remember that it is Washington ’ s plan to limit the Russian economy to the export of raw materials except for energy to Europe .
Do the experts who are discouraging alliance with China prefer for Russia to be Washington ’ s servant ?
The prevention of a strategic alliance between Russia and China is essential to US hegemony .
Russians should avoid being manipulated into a fear of China that exposes them to the danger of being Washington ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best way for Russia and China to protect themselves from Washington ’ s machinations .
It makes sense for Russia , threatened as it is by Washington , to make friends and build bridges to other countries .
Russia ’ s concession to Norway in the Barents Sea , to China over an island in the Amur River , and consideration of Japan ’ s request for the return of the Kuril Islands are marks of thoughtful diplomacy .
Whatever the basis for Russian distrust of China , it makes less sense for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare the path for war by dismantling the last remaining agreements put in place to ensure peace .
Nothing is more important to Russia and China , and to world peace , than a solid alliance between Russia and China .
This is the best way for the two countries to protect their sovereignty and perhaps the only way of preventing the drive for American hegemony from resulting in nuclear war .
If Russians can not understand this , they are doomed along with the rest of us .
The Best of @ @ @

If there were a Russian version of the website PropOrNot, Academician Arbatov could find himself listed there as “American agent/dupe.”
Arbatov directs the International Security Center of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He demonstrates his Washington leanings by his recommendation that Russia avoid a strategic alliance with China. This, of course, is a Washington position. It seems curious coming from a Russian security expert at a time when US foreign policy is dominated by neoconservatives who are hostile to both Russia and China because the two countries are obstacles to American hegemony.
Washington demonizes both Russia and China, imposes sanctions and threats, conducts aggressive military maneuvers in the spheres of influence of both countries, dismisses the Russian president as “the new Hitler,” threatens China with a trade war, and blames China for the coronavirus and threatens to make China pay for it. China and Russia: The ... Lukin, Alexander Best Price: $23.18 Buy New $18.00 (as of 04:21 UTC - Details)
Confronted by such a hostile and unreasonable power as the US presents itself to be, a strategic alliance between Russia and China seems to be precisely what is required in order to deter Washington from its hostile intentions. With the American organized and financed Hong Kong riots and efforts to destabilize a Chinese province and with the neoconservatives’ intention of overthrowing the Iranian government and sending jihadists into the Russian Federation, Washington has demonstrated its intention to destabilize first one country and then the other. A common front evidenced by a strategic alliance would represent power greater than Washington and prevent Washington miscalculations that could lead to the outbreak of war.
Why is Arbatov opposed to such a desireable result? Why does he want Russia “to keep its distance” from China? Does he trust Washington more than China?
He gives this answer: A half century ago the Soviet Union “officially proclaimed in its program that China was the greatest threat to the world. We cannot go back and forth between extremes, from China being the world’s greatest threat to it being our strategic ally or partner. One cannot play with such concepts. A strategic ally is when you are ready to send your soldiers to fight for the interests of your ally, and vice versa. I am confident that we don’t have and will not have such a situation with China.”
The Shadow War: Inside... Sciutto, Jim Best Price: $12.90 Buy New $12.29 (as of 04:21 UTC - Details) What strategic sense does it make for Arbatov to use a minor conflict of a half century ago between China and a government and country that no longer exist to discourage a strategic alliance that would prevent a much more serious conflict today? One possible answer is that some Russians, despite Washington’s demonstrated aggressive intentions toward Russia, are more enamored of America than they are of China. The romanticism of the Atlanticist Integrationists remains Russia’s greatest threat.
Arbatov is not alone in his view. A number of Russian experts believe that Russia should not get too close to China whose economic position they believe is stronger than Russia’s. They fear that a close relationship would result in Russia becoming a servant of China’s, with the Russian economy being limited to being a source of natural resources.
Russia’s experts should remember that it is Washington’s plan to limit the Russian economy to the export of raw materials except for energy to Europe. Do the experts who are discouraging alliance with China prefer for Russia to be Washington’s servant? The prevention of a strategic alliance between Russia and China is essential to US hegemony. Russians should avoid being manipulated into a fear of China that exposes them to the danger of being Washington’s servant. A strategic alliance is the best way for Russia and China to protect themselves from Washington’s machinations.
It makes sense for Russia, threatened as it is by Washington, to make friends and build bridges to other countries. Russia’s concession to Norway in the Barents Sea, to China over an island in the Amur River, and consideration of Japan’s request for the return of the Kuril Islands are marks of thoughtful diplomacy. Whatever the basis for Russian distrust of China, it makes less sense for Russia to trust Washington, which continues to prepare the path for war by dismantling the last remaining agreements put in place to ensure peace. Nothing is more important to Russia and China, and to world peace, than a solid alliance between Russia and China. This is the best way for the two countries to protect their sovereignty and perhaps the only way of preventing the drive for American hegemony from resulting in nuclear war. If Russians cannot understand this, they are doomed along with the rest of us.
The Best of Paul Craig Roberts


lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Fifty Years Later, NSA Keeps Details of Israel’s USS Liberty Attack Secret

an Israeli torpedo tore through the side of the unarmed American naval vessel USS Liberty , approximately a dozen miles off the Sinai coast .
The ship , whose crew was under command of the National Security Agency , was intercepting communications at the height of the Six-Day War when it came under direct Israeli aerial and naval assault .
Reverberations from the torpedo blast sent crewman Ernie Gallo flying across the radio research room where he was stationed .
Gallo , a communications technician aboard the Liberty , found himself and his fellow shipmates in the midst of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 171 wounded .
Remember the Liberty !
: ... Phillip F. Nelson , Ron ... Best Price : $ 12.75 Buy New $ 10.00 This week marks the 50th anniversary of the assault on the USS Liberty , and though it was among the worst attacks in history against a noncombatant U.S. naval vessel , the tragedy remains shrouded in secrecy .
The question of if and when Israeli forces became aware they were killing Americans has proved a point of particular contention in the on-again , off-again public debate that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Navy Court of Inquiry ’ s investigation proceedings following the incident were held in closed sessions , and the survivors who had been on board received gag orders forbidding them to ever talk about what they endured that day .
Now , half a century later , The Intercept is publishing two classified documents provided in the cache of files leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden related to the attack and its aftermath .
They reveal previously unknown involvement by Government Communications Headquarters , the U.K. signals intelligence agency ; internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signals intelligence analyst ’ s account of the incident , which framed it as an accident ; as well as a Hebrew transliteration system unique to the NSA that was in use at least as recently as 2006 .
The Attack on the Libe ... James M. Scott Best Price : $ 4.00 Buy New $ 13.99 The first document , a formerly unreleased NSA classification guide , details which elements of the incident the agency still regarded as secret as of 2006 .
The second lists a series of unauthorized signals intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on our ability to produce intelligence against terrorist targets and other targets of national concern.
” Remarkably , information relevant to the attack on the Liberty falls within this highly secret category .
Though neither document reveals conclusive information about the causes of the assault , both highlight that at the time of their publication — approximately four decades after the incident — the NSA was determined to keep even seemingly minor details about the attack classified .
The agency declined to comment for this article .
Six Days of War : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best Price : $ 2.49 Buy New $ 17.27 The classification guide , dated November 8 , 2006 , indicates previously unknown GCHQ involvement in the ship ’ s intelligence gathering .
The specifics of this involvement remain classified , and it is therefore unclear if involvement was of a material nature on board the ship or through other means .
GCHQ declined to comment .
The guide also reveals NSA ’ s own classified Hebrew transliteration system , the existence of which underlines that the agency has historically counted Israel as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a key partner in signals collection .
This inherent tension in the U.S.-Israeli relationship was also manifest on the Liberty , where the Hebrew translators brought aboard the ship were referred to as “ special Arabic ” linguists , according to journalist James Bamford , in order to conceal their surveillance of Israeli communications .

ON JUNE 8, 1967, an Israeli torpedo tore through the side of the unarmed American naval vessel USS Liberty, approximately a dozen miles off the Sinai coast. The ship, whose crew was under command of the National Security Agency, was intercepting communications at the height of the Six-Day War when it came under direct Israeli aerial and naval assault.
Reverberations from the torpedo blast sent crewman Ernie Gallo flying across the radio research room where he was stationed. Gallo, a communications technician aboard the Liberty, found himself and his fellow shipmates in the midst of an attack that would leave 34 Americans dead and 171 wounded.
Remember the Liberty!:... Phillip F. Nelson, Ron... Best Price: $12.75 Buy New $10.00 (as of 07:20 UTC - Details) This week marks the 50th anniversary of the assault on the USS Liberty, and though it was among the worst attacks in history against a noncombatant U.S. naval vessel, the tragedy remains shrouded in secrecy. The question of if and when Israeli forces became aware they were killing Americans has proved a point of particular contention in the on-again, off-again public debate that has simmered over the last half a century. The Navy Court of Inquiry’s investigation proceedings following the incident were held in closed sessions, and the survivors who had been on board received gag orders forbidding them to ever talk about what they endured that day.
Now, half a century later, The Intercept is publishing two classified documents provided in the cache of files leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden related to the attack and its aftermath. They reveal previously unknown involvement by Government Communications Headquarters, the U.K. signals intelligence agency; internal NSA communications that seem to bolster a signals intelligence analyst’s account of the incident, which framed it as an accident; as well as a Hebrew transliteration system unique to the NSA that was in use at least as recently as 2006.
The Attack on the Libe... James M. Scott Best Price: $4.00 Buy New $13.99 (as of 04:23 UTC - Details) The first document, a formerly unreleased NSA classification guide, details which elements of the incident the agency still regarded as secret as of 2006. The second lists a series of unauthorized signals intelligence disclosures that “have had a detrimental effect on our ability to produce intelligence against terrorist targets and other targets of national concern.” Remarkably, information relevant to the attack on the Liberty falls within this highly secret category.
Though neither document reveals conclusive information about the causes of the assault, both highlight that at the time of their publication — approximately four decades after the incident — the NSA was determined to keep even seemingly minor details about the attack classified. The agency declined to comment for this article.
Six Days of War: June ... Oren, Michael B. Best Price: $2.49 Buy New $17.27 (as of 03:21 UTC - Details) The classification guide, dated November 8, 2006, indicates previously unknown GCHQ involvement in the ship’s intelligence gathering. The specifics of this involvement remain classified, and it is therefore unclear if involvement was of a material nature on board the ship or through other means. GCHQ declined to comment.
The guide also reveals NSA’s own classified Hebrew transliteration system, the existence of which underlines that the agency has historically counted Israel as an intelligence target even as the nation acted as a key partner in signals collection. This inherent tension in the U.S.-Israeli relationship was also manifest on the Liberty, where the Hebrew translators brought aboard the ship were referred to as “special Arabic” linguists, according to journalist James Bamford, in order to conceal their surveillance of Israeli communications.
Read the Whole Article


lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Why Are US Troops Fit for the Streets of Afghanistan, But Not for the Streets of America?

58 % of Americans want regular military deployed to help police control riots and looting .
That still leaves 30 % who are opposed .
On the opposed side is also the entire Democrat establishment , the liberal media , the never-Trump Republicans , including George Bush , the retired torturer of Fallujah detainees , Jim Mattis , as well as the National Endowment for Democracy , and presumably Nike and JP Morgan and other corporate entities who have sided with the protest despite its violent and criminal elements .
Moreover privately the military establishment itself does not want it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons why you would want the military to move in , there are also many very good reasons why you would not .
The police have largely abandoned shops to the mercy of the looters .
If you had the military standing on commercial streets to deter looting that is something many business owners and their patrons would welcome .
The Original BenShot B ... Buy New $ 19.99 On the other hand , that is probably not how the military would be used .
Most likely the military would also ( or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and control and limit those protests which are peaceful .
They would crack down on looters , but they would also crack down on law-abiding people and usher in a soft occupation and martial law .
This is to say that both sides have valid arguments , and if anything my personal hunch is that those who are opposed are correct in erring on the side of caution .
That said the “ opposers ” are also extraordinarily hypocritical .
Since 2001 the US military has been occupying Afghanistan and waging a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to US occupation .
Since 2014 it has been occupying eastern Syria where in Arab-populated areas it is not welcome , as sporadic protests against it show .
Since 1999 it has been occupying Serbia ’ s Kosovo where in the Serb-populated north it is not welcome , as many acts of unarmed resistance over the years attest to .
2003 to 2011 it occupied Iraq and killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis , fighters against the occupation and civilians alike .
The Original BenShot P ... Buy New $ 25.99 Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat establishment , the liberal media , George Bush , Jim Mattis , the National Endowment for Democracy , Nike , JP Morgan , and the fashionably liberal horde on these occupations ?
In twenty years they have not raised a peep .
In many cases , they are even the people who organized these continued crackdowns .
So this is very strange .
These are people who absolutely want the US military inflicted on foreigners .
Who see no problem with ordinary people in far-away lands having power exerted against them by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not want that for themselves .
Why not ?
If the US military is such a force for good , advancing the rights of little girls to attend school in Afghanistan , then if anything you ‘ d want it to be doing more of that fine social work at home .
BenShot Bulletproof- R ... Buy New $ 19.99 [ set of 6 ] The Origina ... Buy New $ 69.99

58% of Americans want regular military deployed to help police control riots and looting. That still leaves 30% who are opposed.
On the opposed side is also the entire Democrat establishment, the liberal media, the never-Trump Republicans, including George Bush, the retired torturer of Fallujah detainees, Jim Mattis, as well as the National Endowment for Democracy, and presumably Nike and JP Morgan and other corporate entities who have sided with the protest despite its violent and criminal elements. Moreover privately the military establishment itself does not want it.
Just as there are some good reasons why you would want the military to move in, there are also many very good reasons why you would not. The police have largely abandoned shops to the mercy of the looters. If you had the military standing on commercial streets to deter looting that is something many business owners and their patrons would welcome. The Original BenShot B... Buy New $19.99 (as of 04:26 UTC - Details)
On the other hand, that is probably not how the military would be used. Most likely the military would also (or primarily) be used to enforce curfews, and control and limit those protests which are peaceful. They would crack down on looters, but they would also crack down on law-abiding people and usher in a soft occupation and martial law.
This is to say that both sides have valid arguments, and if anything my personal hunch is that those who are opposed are correct in erring on the side of caution. That said the “opposers” are also extraordinarily hypocritical.
Since 2001 the US military has been occupying Afghanistan and waging a war against that country’s resistance to US occupation. Since 2014 it has been occupying eastern Syria where in Arab-populated areas it is not welcome, as sporadic protests against it show. Since 1999 it has been occupying Serbia’s Kosovo where in the Serb-populated north it is not welcome, as many acts of unarmed resistance over the years attest to. 2003 to 2011 it occupied Iraq and killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, fighters against the occupation and civilians alike. The Original BenShot P... Buy New $25.99 (as of 04:26 UTC - Details)
Now, where is (or was) the Democrat establishment, the liberal media, George Bush, Jim Mattis, the National Endowment for Democracy, Nike, JP Morgan, and the fashionably liberal horde on these occupations? In twenty years they have not raised a peep. In many cases, they are even the people who organized these continued crackdowns.
So this is very strange. These are people who absolutely want the US military inflicted on foreigners. Who see no problem with ordinary people in far-away lands having power exerted against them by M-16-wielding American troops, but who absolutely do not want that for themselves. Why not? If the US military is such a force for good, advancing the rights of little girls to attend school in Afghanistan, then if anything you ‘d want it to be doing more of that fine social work at home.
Read the Whole Article
BenShot Bulletproof- R... Buy New $19.99 (as of 04:26 UTC - Details) [set of 6] The Origina... Buy New $69.99 (as of 04:26 UTC - Details)


Dealing With Heretics

Too many quotes by Chesterton have come my way for me to continue to relegate his work to some future date .
I am starting with Heretics ; here he is criticizing various writers of his time – his time being more than one hundred years ago .
One can get an idea of what Chesterton means by heretics through the following : Well , he isn ’ t shy .
In his first chapter , he begins with an examination on the importance of orthodoxy : The Three Apologies of ... Chesterton , G.K. Best Price : $ 18.88 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put it in the context of much of my writing : something foundational must come before liberty is possible .
Read Chesterton ’ s sentence and tell me if you can make “ anything peaceful ” libertarianism work if such differences matter , and matter deeply .
Do the differences matter ?
Perhaps not , if we believe that economic trade is sufficient to hold a society together .
But I look around at the most broadly affluent society in the history of the world and see nothing but growing tension , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning .
If economic trade is sufficient , then Steven Pinker is right : what are we complaining about ?
Yet we are complaining , more than ever .
Why ?
What ’ s missing ?
Chesterton wonders : Does it matter when we hear the pessimist toss out the throwaway line , “ life is not worth living ” ?
The “ old Liberals , ” as Chesterton calls them , “ removed the gags from all the heresies.
” By doing this , they believed all sorts of new religious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is great , as long as one believes that there is no such thing as cosmic ( objective ) truth , or if there is it is rather unimportant .
Yet this is the world we see around us .
Chesterton wrote these essays in 1905 , a decade before the calamity that gave meaning to the destruction of the old order .
He was able to see and write such things at the time when the West was at the peak of its ( classical ) liberal experience .
He sees the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order in the previous decades .
We are exhorted to consider the horrendous actions of the Church during medieval times – men cross-examined for preaching some immoral attitude .
Yet Chesterton offers us the example of Oscar Wilde , flattered by his admirers in the nineteenth century for preaching immoral attitudes , who then subsequently… In Defense of Sainty : ... Chesterton , G.K. Best Price : $ 10.00 Buy New $ 13.99 At least the Inquisition was not hypocritical .
Kind of like citing from Martin Luther King has now been labeled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of ideals , has resulted in a weak people : Isn ’ t this the standard measuring stick for many , including many libertarians ?
We need no foundation ; we just need to maximize efficiency .
But vigorous organisms , as Chesterton puts it , do not speak of their processes ; they speak of their aims .
With the loss of foundation , we have lost the possibility of blasphemy : Well , good thing Chesterton didn ’ t live to see the day that Thor came out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lack of reverence for anything sacred ; when reverence is lost , eventually nothing is sacred .
What we revere today is worldly wisdom .
But what is considered wise when there is no foundation ?
How are we to judge ?
Do we allow the wise to also judge their wisdom ?
At least these men of the fourth century were fighting over what was to be considered holy .
What are men killing each other for today ?
The moderns are after religious liberty without understanding what is meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” At least the priests of old took the trouble to define and explain their concepts , what it was that was meant .
Chesterton ends this first chapter with an analogy .
A commotion rises on the street ; many influential men want to knock down a lamp-post : The Abolition of Man Lewis , C. S. Best Price : $ 3.15 Buy New $ 6.30 The people then rush the lamp-post and pull it down in a few minutes , congratulating each other on their efficiency and practicality .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down : some wanted the bulb , some the iron , some wanted darkness in which to practice their evil deeds .
We speak of liberty , equality and fraternity in the dark .
We speak of life , liberty and the pursuit of property or happiness ( take your pick ) without the vaguest notion of the meaning of these terms and without understanding what is the necessary precondition to realize the meaning .
As C. S. Lewis would offer a few decades later : The Best of Bionic Mosquito

I wish to deal with my most distinguished contemporaries, not personally or in a merely literary manner, but in relation to the real body of doctrine which they teach.
Heretics, Gilbert K. Chesterton (eBook)
Too many quotes by Chesterton have come my way for me to continue to relegate his work to some future date. I am starting with Heretics; here he is criticizing various writers of his time – his time being more than one hundred years ago. One can get an idea of what Chesterton means by heretics through the following:
I am not concerned with Mr. Rudyard Kipling as a vivid artist or a vigorous personality; I am concerned with him as a Heretic—that is to say, a man whose view of things has the hardihood to differ from mine. I am not concerned with Mr. Bernard Shaw as one of the most brilliant and one of the most honest men alive; I am concerned with him as a Heretic—that is to say, a man whose philosophy is quite solid, quite coherent, and quite wrong.
Well, he isn’t shy. In his first chapter, he begins with an examination on the importance of orthodoxy: The Three Apologies of... Chesterton, G.K. Best Price: $18.88 Buy New $19.63 (as of 04:28 UTC - Details)
…whatever else we think of as affecting practical affairs, we do not think it matters whether a man is a pessimist or an optimist, a Cartesian or a Hegelian, a materialist or a spiritualist.
I read this and put it in the context of much of my writing: something foundational must come before liberty is possible. Read Chesterton’s sentence and tell me if you can make “anything peaceful” libertarianism work if such differences matter, and matter deeply.
Do the differences matter? Perhaps not, if we believe that economic trade is sufficient to hold a society together. But I look around at the most broadly affluent society in the history of the world and see nothing but growing tension, destruction, and a complete loss of meaning. If economic trade is sufficient, then Steven Pinker is right: what are we complaining about? Yet we are complaining, more than ever. Why? What’s missing?
Chesterton wonders: Does it matter when we hear the pessimist toss out the throwaway line, “life is not worth living”? The “old Liberals,” as Chesterton calls them, “removed the gags from all the heresies.” By doing this, they believed all sorts of new religious and philosophical truths would be discovered. This is great, as long as one believes that there is no such thing as cosmic (objective) truth, or if there is it is rather unimportant.
Yet this is the world we see around us. Chesterton wrote these essays in 1905, a decade before the calamity that gave meaning to the destruction of the old order. He was able to see and write such things at the time when the West was at the peak of its (classical) liberal experience. He sees the dwindling of the ideals of liberty and order in the previous decades.
We are exhorted to consider the horrendous actions of the Church during medieval times – men cross-examined for preaching some immoral attitude. Yet Chesterton offers us the example of Oscar Wilde, flattered by his admirers in the nineteenth century for preaching immoral attitudes, who then subsequently… In Defense of Sainty: ... Chesterton, G.K. Best Price: $10.00 Buy New $13.99 (as of 04:28 UTC - Details)
…broke his heart in penal servitude because he carried it out. It may be a question which of the two methods was the more cruel; there can be no kind of question which was the more ludicrous.
At least the Inquisition was not hypocritical. Kind of like citing from Martin Luther King has now been labeled a dog-whistle. This hypocrisy, this loss of ideals, has resulted in a weak people:
When everything about a people is for the time growing weak and ineffective, it begins to talk about efficiency.
Isn’t this the standard measuring stick for many, including many libertarians? We need no foundation; we just need to maximize efficiency. But vigorous organisms, as Chesterton puts it, do not speak of their processes; they speak of their aims. With the loss of foundation, we have lost the possibility of blasphemy:
Blasphemy is an artistic effect, because blasphemy depends upon a philosophical conviction. Blasphemy depends upon belief and is fading with it. If any one doubts this, let him sit down seriously and try to think blasphemous thoughts about Thor. I think his family will find him at the end of the day in a state of some exhaustion.
Well, good thing Chesterton didn’t live to see the day that Thor came out of the closet. But I digress. Blasphemy is a lack of reverence for anything sacred; when reverence is lost, eventually nothing is sacred. What we revere today is worldly wisdom. But what is considered wise when there is no foundation? How are we to judge? Do we allow the wise to also judge their wisdom?
I see that the men who killed each other about the orthodoxy of the Homoousion were far more sensible than the people who are quarrelling about the Education Act.
At least these men of the fourth century were fighting over what was to be considered holy. What are men killing each other for today? The moderns are after religious liberty without understanding what is meant by “religious” or “liberty.” At least the priests of old took the trouble to define and explain their concepts, what it was that was meant.
Conclusion
Chesterton ends this first chapter with an analogy. A commotion rises on the street; many influential men want to knock down a lamp-post: The Abolition of Man Lewis, C. S. Best Price: $3.15 Buy New $6.30 (as of 12:15 UTC - Details)
A grey-clad monk, who is the spirit of the Middle Ages, is approached upon the matter, and begins to say, in the arid manner of the Schoolmen, “Let us first of all consider, my brethren, the value of Light. If Light be in itself good—” At this point he is somewhat excusably knocked down.
The people then rush the lamp-post and pull it down in a few minutes, congratulating each other on their efficiency and practicality. But they each had different reasons for pulling it down: some wanted the bulb, some the iron, some wanted darkness in which to practice their evil deeds.
So, gradually and inevitably, to-day, to-morrow, or the next day, there comes back the conviction that the monk was right after all, and that all depends on what is the philosophy of Light. Only what we might have discussed under the gas-lamp, we now must discuss in the dark.
We speak of liberty, equality and fraternity in the dark. We speak of life, liberty and the pursuit of property or happiness (take your pick) without the vaguest notion of the meaning of these terms and without understanding what is the necessary precondition to realize the meaning.
As C. S. Lewis would offer a few decades later:
We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings to be fruitful.
Reprinted with permission from Bionic Mosquito.
The Best of Bionic Mosquito


lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Vaccination: How the West Invades the World

“ A great wave of missionaries brings a fairy tale to the Third World .
These outsiders are the priests in white coats .
They offer medical treatments for problems they can ’ t possibly solve .
The self-generated delusions of the doctors about their ‘ success ’ are stupendous.
” ( The Underground , Jon Rappoport ) Vaccination is the prow , the leading edge of the invasion .
Convincing nations that vaccines are absolutely essential opens the way for all the other practices of Western medicine .
Especially mass drugging .
In recent years ( think Swine Flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including COVID-19 ) , the World Health Organization has played a major role in insisting—with threats of sanctions and quarantines and travel advisories—that nations vaccinate their citizens to the hilt , in order to protect the world against “ the deadly spread of viruses.
” The WHO wields significant power in this regard .
It is a pharmaceutical enforcer .
The Three Apologies of ... Chesterton , G.K. Best Price : $ 18.88 Buy New $ 19.63 There is a hidden aspect of the vaccination-invasion : the local political leaders of “ backward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine ruse .
Instead of having to admit they are causing widespread death and devastation by maintaining poverty , hunger , starvation , unsanitary overcrowded living conditions , and contaminated water supplies—all of this on purpose , in order to keep their populations weak and under control—the leaders in those countries can say : “ Our people are suffering from specific diseases , over which we have no control .
We are afflicted with viruses .
We must take steps .
We must upgrade our medical care programs .
The first step is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ con lets them off the hook .
This con is a cover story that obscures what these leaders are actually doing to their own people .
This con obscures the fact that , when living conditions are execrable and miserable , disease arises independent of what particular germs are circulating .
The imposed conditions of life destroy immune systems , period .
Vaccination , as a “ bonus ” for repressive leaders , actually makes things much worse for populations .
It pushes already weakened immune systems ( and healthy systems , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how mega-corporations benefit .
After making deals with local dictators to set up shop , hire workers for pennies a day , steal land and resources—keeping populations weak , sick , debilitated , and therefore less able to rebel against the outright theft of their countries—these corporations also have a built-in cover story : “ It ’ s shame what ’ s happening to the people here , all this disease .
Therefore , we wholly support bringing in medical aid , to stem the tide… ” As if doctors and drugs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abject poverty and starvation .
The degree of brainwashing propaganda about the miracle of medicine is extraordinary .
People watch/read news stories about doctors and medical supplies going to impoverished countries , and casually assume there is some connection between that and bringing health to millions of people .
Nothing could be further from the truth .
“ Yes , I see you ’ ve been hungry for 20 years .
Here is a drug .
And roll up your tattered sleeve for 10 vaccines.
” In Defense of Sainty : ... Chesterton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buy New $ 13.99 Any doctor worth his salt understands these things .
He knows .
He knows he is being used as a prop in a fantasy stage production of The Cure : A Great Deception .
The man in the white coat comes to dinner , but there is no dinner .
“ Hello .
I represent a few mega-corporations who , in conjunction with your leaders , have stolen your country from you , taken the best farm land , the richest minerals , and put you to work at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re sick .
So now I ’ m going to help you with a shot in the arm that will do nothing to raise your level of health .
But I ’ ll pretend it will.
” Many years ago , in my college bulletin , a young doctor wrote a piece about his experiences in Africa .
He grasped a fraction of the truth .
He mentioned that severe dehydration/diarrhea was a leading cause of death there , but the medical people refused to give out simple packs that would at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sufferers .
Instead , they insisted on administering antibiotics—which of course made the problem worse by killing off beneficial gut bacteria .
Thirty years later , while I was writing my first book , AIDS INC. , I got a call from a doctor who had set up a small AIDS clinic in Uganda .
He simply gave his patients clean rooms and nutritious food , and helped them start a little farm , where they grew beans and sold them .
That ’ s all .
He said to me , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What do I do now ?
” The first thing he could do was realize that HIV was a stupendous cover story to explain “ why so many people in Africa were sick.
” He was something close to a healer , and he had done his job well .
But because of his indoctrination , he didn ’ t know it .
When experts rattle on about how vaccination has wiped out many diseases in the Third World , what they really mean is : vaccines have suppressed the visible symptoms that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But new symptoms will arise , and they will be called other disease-names .
It ’ s a shell game .
I challenge anyone to show me large , correctly done studies that track people in the Third World who have received the usual batches of vaccines .
Show me that the overall health level of these people has improved over time .
In other words , show me that people who are chronically affected by hunger , starvation , contaminated water , and unsanitary overcrowded living conditions are somehow enjoying improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arm .
The Abolition of Man Lewis , C. S. Best Price : $ 3.15 Buy New $ 6.30 “ Well , when you put it that way… ” I do put it that way .
Because that ’ s the way it is .
All the laudatory verbiage about the unparalleled success of vaccines in the Third World is just more illusion , more cover story , more diversion .
The invaders are the same people and the same groups who are going to try to inject every human on Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust them , right ?
And you won ’ t resist them , right ?
The Best of Jon Rappoport

“A great wave of missionaries brings a fairy tale to the Third World. These outsiders are the priests in white coats. They offer medical treatments for problems they can’t possibly solve. The self-generated delusions of the doctors about their ‘success’ are stupendous.” (The Underground, Jon Rappoport)
Vaccination is the prow, the leading edge of the invasion.
Convincing nations that vaccines are absolutely essential opens the way for all the other practices of Western medicine. Especially mass drugging.
In recent years (think Swine Flu, SARS and other fake epidemics — including COVID-19), the World Health Organization has played a major role in insisting—with threats of sanctions and quarantines and travel advisories—that nations vaccinate their citizens to the hilt, in order to protect the world against “the deadly spread of viruses.”
The WHO wields significant power in this regard. It is a pharmaceutical enforcer. The Three Apologies of... Chesterton, G.K. Best Price: $18.88 Buy New $19.63 (as of 04:28 UTC - Details)
There is a hidden aspect of the vaccination-invasion: the local political leaders of “backward” nations stand to gain from the vaccine ruse.
Instead of having to admit they are causing widespread death and devastation by maintaining poverty, hunger, starvation, unsanitary overcrowded living conditions, and contaminated water supplies—all of this on purpose, in order to keep their populations weak and under control—the leaders in those countries can say:
“Our people are suffering from specific diseases, over which we have no control. We are afflicted with viruses. We must take steps. We must upgrade our medical care programs. The first step is instituting widespread vaccination against viruses.”
This con lets them off the hook. This con is a cover story that obscures what these leaders are actually doing to their own people. This con obscures the fact that, when living conditions are execrable and miserable, disease arises independent of what particular germs are circulating. The imposed conditions of life destroy immune systems, period.
Vaccination, as a “bonus” for repressive leaders, actually makes things much worse for populations. It pushes already weakened immune systems (and healthy systems, too) over the edge.
Consider also how mega-corporations benefit.
After making deals with local dictators to set up shop, hire workers for pennies a day, steal land and resources—keeping populations weak, sick, debilitated, and therefore less able to rebel against the outright theft of their countries—these corporations also have a built-in cover story:
“It’s shame what’s happening to the people here, all this disease. Therefore, we wholly support bringing in medical aid, to stem the tide…”
As if doctors and drugs and vaccines could cure the destruction wrought by abject poverty and starvation.
The degree of brainwashing propaganda about the miracle of medicine is extraordinary.
People watch/read news stories about doctors and medical supplies going to impoverished countries, and casually assume there is some connection between that and bringing health to millions of people.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Yes, I see you’ve been hungry for 20 years. Here is a drug. And roll up your tattered sleeve for 10 vaccines.” In Defense of Sainty: ... Chesterton, G.K. Best Price: $10.00 Buy New $13.99 (as of 04:28 UTC - Details)
Any doctor worth his salt understands these things. He knows. He knows he is being used as a prop in a fantasy stage production of The Cure: A Great Deception.
The man in the white coat comes to dinner, but there is no dinner.
“Hello. I represent a few mega-corporations who, in conjunction with your leaders, have stolen your country from you, taken the best farm land, the richest minerals, and put you to work at starvation wages. Therefore, you’re sick. So now I’m going to help you with a shot in the arm that will do nothing to raise your level of health. But I’ll pretend it will.”
Many years ago, in my college bulletin, a young doctor wrote a piece about his experiences in Africa. He grasped a fraction of the truth. He mentioned that severe dehydration/diarrhea was a leading cause of death there, but the medical people refused to give out simple packs that would at least, for the moment, rehydrate the sufferers. Instead, they insisted on administering antibiotics—which of course made the problem worse by killing off beneficial gut bacteria.
Thirty years later, while I was writing my first book, AIDS INC., I got a call from a doctor who had set up a small AIDS clinic in Uganda. He simply gave his patients clean rooms and nutritious food, and helped them start a little farm, where they grew beans and sold them. That’s all.
He said to me, “All their AIDS symptoms went away. What do I do now?”
The first thing he could do was realize that HIV was a stupendous cover story to explain “why so many people in Africa were sick.”
He was something close to a healer, and he had done his job well. But because of his indoctrination, he didn’t know it.
When experts rattle on about how vaccination has wiped out many diseases in the Third World, what they really mean is: vaccines have suppressed the visible symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of these diseases. But new symptoms will arise, and they will be called other disease-names. It’s a shell game.
I challenge anyone to show me large, correctly done studies that track people in the Third World who have received the usual batches of vaccines. Show me that the overall health level of these people has improved over time.
In other words, show me that people who are chronically affected by hunger, starvation, contaminated water, and unsanitary overcrowded living conditions are somehow enjoying improved health because they were given shots in the arm. The Abolition of Man Lewis, C. S. Best Price: $3.15 Buy New $6.30 (as of 12:15 UTC - Details)
“Well, when you put it that way…”
I do put it that way. Because that’s the way it is.
All the laudatory verbiage about the unparalleled success of vaccines in the Third World is just more illusion, more cover story, more diversion.
The invasion is ongoing.
The invaders are the same people and the same groups who are going to try to inject every human on Earth with a COVID-19 vaccine.
So you trust them, right? And you won’t resist them, right?
RIGHT?
Reprinted with permission from Jon Rappoport’s blog.
The Best of Jon Rappoport


lewrockwell--2020-06-09--Governments Have Crippled the World’s Economies. Revolution May Soon Follow.

The world seems to be on fire .
A couple of months ago , the economic upswing was still firmly established , production expanded , and unemployment was declining .
It all changed with the advent of the coronavirus or , to be precise : things turned really sour with the politically dictated lockdowns .
As a reaction to the spread of the virus , governments in many countries ordered shops and firms to shut down and people to stay home .
The inevitable result was a close to complete breakdown of the economic system .
Hundreds of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in India alone 120 million workers lost their jobs in April 2020 .
The economic collapse sent the unbacked paper money system into a tailspin .
Borrowers were unable to service their debt , and banks unwilling to roll over maturing loans , let alone extend new funds to struggling debtors .
The entire credit pyramid was about to come crashing down .
To prevent this from happening , governments and their central banks went “ all in , ” providing huge amounts of money to pay for people ’ s lost incomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , governments do not have the money that they have promised to spend .
AIDS Inc. Rappoport , Jon Best Price : $ 33.29 Buy New $ 18.89 Central banks have started running the electronic printing presses , issuing great amounts of newly created money into the banking and financial sector and also injecting new balances into people ’ s accounts held with banks .
In other words : as production contracts heavily , the quantity of money is rising strongly .
This is , no doubt , an inflationary policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be understood as an increase in the quantity of money .
One possible outcome of a policy of increasing the quantity of money is price inflation : the increase in the money prices of goods and services .
Another result of a rise in the money stock is a redistribution of income and wealth among people .
Not all people will get a share of the newly created money at the same time , as there will be early receivers and late receivers .
The former can buy goods and services at unchanged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose out : they can only purchase vendible items at already elevated prices .
As a result , the early receivers of the new money get richer compared to the late receivers .
The money injection , therefore , amounts to a redistribution of income and wealth .
The vast amounts of money that central banks are issuing to fend off the symptoms of the crisis will create winners and losers .
It will make some richer , and it will make many others poorer .
It does not create a win-win situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big business , and governments , as well as their entourages and close beneficiaries , can be expected to be on the winning side .
In contrast , medium and small business , the average employee , and pensioners can be expected to be on the losing end .
If anything , the printing of ever greater amounts of money increases economic inequality .
It is no longer hard work , ingenuity , frugality , and consumer orientation on the part of the individual that determines his economic fate , but closeness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press and meeting the requirements for receiving government favors .
In times of economic expansion , opposition and protest against the social injustice that comes with money printing are subdued—most people see their slice of the cake increasing at least to some extent .
A recession , however , changes that : it lays the foundation for outright opposition and rebellion .
Opposition and rebellion against what ?
Vitamin D3 , Zinc and M ... Jeffers , Nancy Best Price : null Buy New $ 6.98 Most people these days blame the loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on capitalism—the economic system in which the means of production are in private hands .
They argue that capitalism makes the rich even richer and the poor even poorer and that capitalism is inherently unstable and causes recurring economic and financial crises .
However , this is an entirely false interpretation .
First and foremost , neither in the US , Europe , Asia , nor Latin America do we find capitalism in the pure sense of the word .
Economic systems around the world represent the interventionist system .
Governments have greatly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces through taxes , directives , laws , and regulations .
Wherever you look , what little is left of the capitalist order is under siege and gets eliminated further .
A rather obvious point is the monetary system : money production has been monopolized by government-sponsored central banks , which hand out licences to privately held banks to participate in money creation that is not backed by any real savings .
Sound economic theory teaches us that such a monetary system causes great trouble : it is inflationary , causes boom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into overindebtedness , and allows the state to become ever greater , transforming itself into the deep state .
Indeed , there should be little doubt that without an unbacked paper money system , today ’ s governments could not have become as big , encroaching , and suppressive as they are .
The unbacked paper money system is , so to speak , the elixir for creating a tyrannical government .
Unfortunately , those blaming capitalism are barking up the wrong tree .
For all their critique of inflationary money , economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of governments ’ successful war against capitalism , which has been replaced by a system of interventions .
The free market system was replaced by a system of decrees and prohibitions , all of which are incompatible with capitalism in the true sense .
Against this backdrop , the question arises : How come people put all the blame on capitalism rather than interventionism-socialism ?
Of course , there is this thing called the “ anticapitalist mentality.
” Many people do not like capitalism , because under capitalism , those who serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a profit is the result of having produced something that others want to buy .
Those who are less eager to serve their fellow man must settle for lower incomes .
This inevitable truth is the breeding ground for resentment , envy , and malevolence .
And these emotions can be instrumentalized quite easily by demagogues .
Plague of Corruption : ... Mikovits , Judy Buy New $ 16.51 This is exactly where the socialist ideology comes in .
It appeals and caters to people ’ s resentments .
Capitalism is declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their dissatisfaction .
In that sense , capitalism becomes a kind of “ hate screen ” against which people are encouraged to direct all their resentments .
Most importantly , anticapitalist policies , the program of socialism , are praised and promoted as beneficial for the dissatisfied , to clamp down on the rich and to ensure a more even distribution of income and wealth .
No doubt the current income and wealth distribution has been brought about by interventionism-socialism rather than pure capitalism .
One strategy to remedy it is to channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction—to make it clear that calling for less interventionism , less socialist policies , and the deconstruction of the state ( as we know it today ) is the way forward , not pushing the free market system off the cliff and allowing the deep state to become even bigger .
No doubt this amounts to a gigantic educational task .
Much depends on making progress on this issue , as it would be a recipe for disaster if capitalism continued to be held responsible for the economic , social , and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by a system that can perhaps best be characterized as anticapitalism .
By bidding farewell to capitalism people put peace and prosperity in severe danger , jeopardizing the existential future of the great majority of human lives around the globe .
That said , safeguarding capitalism from its destructive enemies is of utmost importance .
Virus Mania : How the M ... Kennedy , Robert Best Price : $ 23.32 Buy New $ 18.31 This is not only a time of economic crisis .
In hindsight , it may also appear as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push further toward socialism and those trying move back toward capitalism , and perhaps also as a time of social revolution .
Hopefully a revolution against the encroaching socialism in the form of ever bigger and even more powerful governments .
Hopefully a revolution in which people seek to regain control over their lives , putting an end to left-leaning ideologies , be it political globalism , interventionism , or outright socialism .
Ludwig von Mises , Socialism : An Economic and Sociological Analysis , trans .
J. Kahane ( New Haven , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , p. 486 .
Note : The views expressed on Mises.org are not necessarily those of the Mises Institute .
The Best of Thorsten Polleit

The world seems to be on fire. A couple of months ago, the economic upswing was still firmly established, production expanded, and unemployment was declining. It all changed with the advent of the coronavirus or, to be precise: things turned really sour with the politically dictated lockdowns. As a reaction to the spread of the virus, governments in many countries ordered shops and firms to shut down and people to stay home. The inevitable result was a close to complete breakdown of the economic system. Hundreds of millions of people were thrown into outright despair; in India alone 120 million workers lost their jobs in April 2020.
The economic collapse sent the unbacked paper money system into a tailspin. Borrowers were unable to service their debt, and banks unwilling to roll over maturing loans, let alone extend new funds to struggling debtors. The entire credit pyramid was about to come crashing down. To prevent this from happening, governments and their central banks went “all in,” providing huge amounts of money to pay for people’s lost incomes and firms’ evaporating profits. Of course, governments do not have the money that they have promised to spend.
AIDS Inc. Rappoport, Jon Best Price: $33.29 Buy New $18.89 (as of 03:34 UTC - Details) Central banks have started running the electronic printing presses, issuing great amounts of newly created money into the banking and financial sector and also injecting new balances into people’s accounts held with banks. In other words: as production contracts heavily, the quantity of money is rising strongly. This is, no doubt, an inflationary policy, for, if anything, inflation must be understood as an increase in the quantity of money. One possible outcome of a policy of increasing the quantity of money is price inflation: the increase in the money prices of goods and services.
Another result of a rise in the money stock is a redistribution of income and wealth among people. Not all people will get a share of the newly created money at the same time, as there will be early receivers and late receivers. The former can buy goods and services at unchanged prices. The latter, however, lose out: they can only purchase vendible items at already elevated prices. As a result, the early receivers of the new money get richer compared to the late receivers. The money injection, therefore, amounts to a redistribution of income and wealth.
The vast amounts of money that central banks are issuing to fend off the symptoms of the crisis will create winners and losers. It will make some richer, and it will make many others poorer. It does not create a win-win situation. Banks, the financial industry, big business, and governments, as well as their entourages and close beneficiaries, can be expected to be on the winning side. In contrast, medium and small business, the average employee, and pensioners can be expected to be on the losing end. If anything, the printing of ever greater amounts of money increases economic inequality.
It is no longer hard work, ingenuity, frugality, and consumer orientation on the part of the individual that determines his economic fate, but closeness to the central bank’s money printing press and meeting the requirements for receiving government favors. In times of economic expansion, opposition and protest against the social injustice that comes with money printing are subdued—most people see their slice of the cake increasing at least to some extent. A recession, however, changes that: it lays the foundation for outright opposition and rebellion.
As Ludwig von Mises (1881–1973) noted perceptively:
Permanent mass unemployment destroys the moral foundations of the social order. The young people who, having finished their training for work, are forced to remain idle, are the ferment out of which the most radical political movements are formed. In their ranks the soldiers of the coming revolutions are recruited.
Opposition and rebellion against what? Vitamin D3, Zinc and M... Jeffers, Nancy Buy New $6.98 (as of 03:40 UTC - Details)
Most people these days blame the loss of jobs and the dire income situation on capitalism—the economic system in which the means of production are in private hands. They argue that capitalism makes the rich even richer and the poor even poorer and that capitalism is inherently unstable and causes recurring economic and financial crises. However, this is an entirely false interpretation. First and foremost, neither in the US, Europe, Asia, nor Latin America do we find capitalism in the pure sense of the word.
Economic systems around the world represent the interventionist system. Governments have greatly restricted the workings of the free market forces through taxes, directives, laws, and regulations. Wherever you look, what little is left of the capitalist order is under siege and gets eliminated further. A rather obvious point is the monetary system: money production has been monopolized by government-sponsored central banks, which hand out licences to privately held banks to participate in money creation that is not backed by any real savings.
Sound economic theory teaches us that such a monetary system causes great trouble: it is inflationary, causes boom and bust cycles, makes the economy run into overindebtedness, and allows the state to become ever greater, transforming itself into the deep state. Indeed, there should be little doubt that without an unbacked paper money system, today’s governments could not have become as big, encroaching, and suppressive as they are. The unbacked paper money system is, so to speak, the elixir for creating a tyrannical government.
Unfortunately, those blaming capitalism are barking up the wrong tree. For all their critique of inflationary money, economic hardship and rising inequality are the direct results of governments’ successful war against capitalism, which has been replaced by a system of interventions. The free market system was replaced by a system of decrees and prohibitions, all of which are incompatible with capitalism in the true sense. Against this backdrop, the question arises: How come people put all the blame on capitalism rather than interventionism-socialism?
Of course, there is this thing called the “anticapitalist mentality.” Many people do not like capitalism, because under capitalism, those who serve consumer demand best are economically rewarded: making a profit is the result of having produced something that others want to buy. Those who are less eager to serve their fellow man must settle for lower incomes. This inevitable truth is the breeding ground for resentment, envy, and malevolence. And these emotions can be instrumentalized quite easily by demagogues. Plague of Corruption: ... Mikovits, Judy Buy New $16.51 (as of 02:59 UTC - Details)
This is exactly where the socialist ideology comes in. It appeals and caters to people’s resentments. Capitalism is declared the bad guy, the culprit of their dissatisfaction. In that sense, capitalism becomes a kind of “hate screen” against which people are encouraged to direct all their resentments. Most importantly, anticapitalist policies, the program of socialism, are praised and promoted as beneficial for the dissatisfied, to clamp down on the rich and to ensure a more even distribution of income and wealth.
No doubt the current income and wealth distribution has been brought about by interventionism-socialism rather than pure capitalism. One strategy to remedy it is to channel people’s dissatisfaction in the right direction—to make it clear that calling for less interventionism, less socialist policies, and the deconstruction of the state (as we know it today) is the way forward, not pushing the free market system off the cliff and allowing the deep state to become even bigger. No doubt this amounts to a gigantic educational task.
Much depends on making progress on this issue, as it would be a recipe for disaster if capitalism continued to be held responsible for the economic, social, and political problems that are, in fact, caused by a system that can perhaps best be characterized as anticapitalism. By bidding farewell to capitalism people put peace and prosperity in severe danger, jeopardizing the existential future of the great majority of human lives around the globe. That said, safeguarding capitalism from its destructive enemies is of utmost importance. Virus Mania: How the M... Kennedy, Robert Best Price: $23.32 Buy New $18.31 (as of 03:58 UTC - Details)
This is not only a time of economic crisis. In hindsight, it may also appear as a standoff between those forces wanting to push further toward socialism and those trying move back toward capitalism, and perhaps also as a time of social revolution. Hopefully a revolution against the encroaching socialism in the form of ever bigger and even more powerful governments. Hopefully a revolution in which people seek to regain control over their lives, putting an end to left-leaning ideologies, be it political globalism, interventionism, or outright socialism.
—
Ludwig von Mises, Socialism: An Economic and Sociological Analysis, trans. J. Kahane (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1959), p. 486.
Note: The views expressed on Mises.org are not necessarily those of the Mises Institute.
The Best of Thorsten Polleit