Father Narc Update

Thursday, July 19th,House OKs Faith Initiative 233 to 198. more

Oh my Stars and Garters!

They're at it again!

Salon.com Politics | House to vote on flag protection amendment

The proposed amendment, sponsored by Reps. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., and John Murtha, D-Pa., states simply: "Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

First, the nit-picking. May I draw your attention the the phrase physical desecration of the flag? Yes? Thank you.

How, pray tell, can you desecrate that which is not sacred to begin with? If there is a religion which regards the flag of the United States as sacred, then the flag is already protected by the First Amendment. Well, at least regarding the flag as sacred is protected, just as the act of burning the flag is protected. Ironic, isn't it?

Thus endth the nit-picking.

So, what makes this piece of cloth so special? Some people tell me it's because men die for it. A piece of cloth? Why? Because of what it represents. Ah-ha! Now, we're getting somewhere. What does it represent? Oh, uh ... Liberty, Freedom, Democracy ... all that stuff. Well! I'll certainly lay my life on the line for Liberty! But, exactly which part of the flag is Liberty, and which part is Democracy? Uh ... that's stupid!

No, it's not stupid, I'm just making a point: the meaning of a symbol (in this case, a flag) is derived from its context, it is not intrinsic to the symbol itself.

Sorry to break it to you like this, but to some people, burning the flag of the United States is the symbolic destruction of tyranny, and act of Liberty. To some people, "desecrating" the flag of the United States is the Democratic voicing of an opinion. Support Liberty! Desecrate a flag today!

Tenant Rights

Tenant Activists Win Market Street Building, Media Yawns, by Randy Shaw

A Declaration of Independence

For what purpose does society exist if not for the individuals composing it? If it is not for the individual, then he should withdraw from it. If society refuses to look out for his welfare, then he should oppose it. The reason for society is that it gives the individual some advantage that he does not possess alone. But when those advantages cease, then his relation with it should cease.
—Charles T. Sprading, Freedom and its Fundamentals

As a human being, I have certain elements of being which serve to define my temporal existence.

1. I have a mind, capable of rational thought, for the most part.
2. I have a body, hindered by only a few infirmities, capable of performing labor.

These definitive elements are inseparable from my self, a human being. It follows then, that my thoughts and my labor are themselves inseparable from my self.

As a human being, I find it in my best interest to keep these aforementioned elements in some functional state. This requires me to meet certain needs:

1. I need food, essential for the functioning of mind and body.
2. I need shelter, useful as protection from the elements and to promote healthy sleeping habits.
3. I need companionship, social interaction to keep my thoughts rational.

To meet these needs I choose a strategy of cooperation, I am willing to use the labor of my mind and body to produce items and services for others in exchange for items and services of equal value.

Now comes the nasty part.

When I present myself to make this exchange, I am forbidden to present myself as myself. The labor of my mind and body, inseparable from my self, is treated as a thing, separate from my self, available to be bought and sold like any other thing. This is "business as usual." It is also an insult to me as a human being.

This constant insistence that I be a thing and forego nearly half my earnings in the form of "taxes" for the privilege, is intolerable. I further contend that the constant grinding pressure of this system that demands that human beings are things is the source of the moral erosion and sudden violence in these United States.

Therefore, while my mind is still demonstratively rational, I withdraw my mental and physical labor from the system, and encourage all rational people to do the same.

BTW: Happy X-Day!

Dole vs. Bush

(That's Elizabeth vs. Jenna!)

So, what happens when the "three strikes law" collides with the president’s daughter? One more margarita for Jenna and we'll find out. Economist.com takes a good look at the fires being lit for a new American witch-hunt.

(But then again, who cares about the drinking habits of a third-generation spoiled little rich kid anyway?)

Tools of Satan!

In honor of July 3rd, Decriminalization Day, I've added a link to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund to my sidebar.

Warning! This site contains tales that will shock and terrify you! Shudder with revulsion as you witness:

• A Texas store clerk arrested for selling adult comics to ... adults!
• Florida artist Mike Diana sent to jail for ... drawing pictures!
• An Oklahoma store owner hounded into submission for selling adult comics to adult ... policemen!

These are not tales for the faint of heart!

And absolutely not for children!