There is an alarming, disturbing, and growing trend of what I'll call "worship of authority" by many well meaning people today on both the left and the right. The worship of police and military by the socially conservative right is reactionary against leftist anti-war protestors and those deemed "subversive" to traditional values. Leftists, on the other hand, are currently propping up state bureaucrats, officials, politicians, and friendly academics as "authorities" and vanguards of what ought to be proper thought. What amazes me about both sides is that they seem oblivious to the fact that both facets of authority worship work in tandem to destroy or erode our natural, Constitutional rights. After all, the police and military are simply the violent enforcement arm of those who make the laws.
In terms of a "just law" I mean any law that doesn't run contrary to our natural or Constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. I would invite you to also read the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution for a quick review. Here is a quick list though:
1) Religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, redress of grievances against the State
2) Keep and bear arms, organize into militias to protect the people from tyranny
3) Protection against quartering soldiers
4) Security of persons, property, papers, and effects against unlawful search and seizure except by a court-issued warrant based on probable cause
5) Right to a jury trial, protection against double jeopardy, protection against seizure of property except by eminent domain with just compensation
6) Right to a fair and speedy trial and to face one's accusor
7) Right to have common law courts review common law suits
8) Protection against cruel and unusual punishment as well as excessive bail
9) Statement that the rights listen in the Constitution are not the only rights guaranteed to the people by the natural law
10) Statement that the rights not expressly delegated to the Federal Government are reserved to the States as well as the PEOPLE.
To summarize what I have laid out so far is that people have many rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution as well as rights that exist outside of it (see amendments nine and ten.) Laws that run contrary to this fact are inherently unjust and ought to be overturned either implicitly or explicitly. By implicitly, I mean that citizens should ignore and nullify unjust laws that run contrary to their rights. By explicitly, I mean that these laws should also be overturned by courts and legislators. Agents or law enforcement officers that prosecute individuals under unjust laws and not acting in accordance to their sworn oath to obey and uphold the US Constitution.
As sovereign citizens of the US, should not simply obey or accept laws because they are administered or enforced by people with guns and badges or any other ridiculous costume. Second, we shouldn't obey laws because they were written by elected "officials" or thought up by intellectuals. Laws ought to be followed based on whether or not they are just and laws aren't de facto considered just simply because they came about in a democratic system. Keep in mind that democracy can also be a form of tyranny, that is why there are so many Constitutional provisions to separate and limit government power and to protect minority interests.
So why is any of this important? Because at the end of the day, all laws are based on the threat of the use of violent force or the actual initiation of force. You might think it is personally disrespectful for someone to burn an American flag or utter an obscene word, but can you justify using violence to stop that person? Forget having a police officer do it for you, would you, as an individual, tackle someone to the ground, hold them down, pull their hands behind their back, and handcuff them for such behavior? If you answered "no", then how can you morally justify the use of this violence when conducted by a person wearing a badge? Contrast this to a scenario in which murder, theft, rape, etc. was involved. These are examples in which is it morally acceptable to use the threat or use of violence to stop an individual from physically harming another. From now on let's focus on the respect of the natural law and of the Constitution and less on respect for authority.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I'M BACK!
5-25-11 (RM, France)
I apologize for the length of time that has elapsed since my last blog post. Life and school have become pretty mundane so I haven't really been inspired to write anything recently. Here is an update on life in France:
1) I met up with my old intern and her husband tonight at Sacre Coeur. They were married a while ago but they are now taking their European honeymoon. It was nice to see Emma and Ted and it sounds like they are going to have a nice trip through various parts of Europe.
2) School is in full gear and I have many papers to write. Some are interesting, some aren't. My current paper on industrial side energy demand is pretty damn boring and I don't enjoy it at all. Things should pick up when I get to write about alternative energies (which I am going to run through the gauntlet) and when I get to write about gold and silver markets.
3) I'm f---ing sick of not having a full size kitchen. Seriously, is it too much to ask for a full-sized fridge and an oven? I'm looking forward to being home and cooking decent meals again.
4) My allergies have been going bat shit crazy as of late. I've never had allergies like this in my whole life. Yesterday I had burning eyes, cough, wheezing, clogged nasal passages, and itchy skin. I couldn't sleep all night but luckily I didn't have class this morning and was able to sleep in.
5) I "met" someone "special"! By "met" I mean re-connected with and by "special" I mean that she will probably be my girlfriend when I get back home to the US. Lindsey was in OU Senate with me and she is getting her PhD in Political Communications. She is brilliant and beautiful. I admit to noticing her while I was in Senate but I was very loyal to my ex at the time and I pretty much ignored her. Turns out that we have a ton of things in common and she is a great gal all around. It is pretty much one of the most unexpected things to have happened to me so far while being in France. I'm definitely excited about visiting her upon my return.
6) I took part in a go-kart race last night. Although my team didn't place that high, I had fun driving. It was a pretty intense track (1.2 km long) and there were a ton of wipe outs and accidents. The only times I spun out were when I was trying to avoid other people that had crashed in front of me. Good times were had. Our team placed 14th out of 26. Not great, but not terrible.
I apologize for the length of time that has elapsed since my last blog post. Life and school have become pretty mundane so I haven't really been inspired to write anything recently. Here is an update on life in France:
1) I met up with my old intern and her husband tonight at Sacre Coeur. They were married a while ago but they are now taking their European honeymoon. It was nice to see Emma and Ted and it sounds like they are going to have a nice trip through various parts of Europe.
2) School is in full gear and I have many papers to write. Some are interesting, some aren't. My current paper on industrial side energy demand is pretty damn boring and I don't enjoy it at all. Things should pick up when I get to write about alternative energies (which I am going to run through the gauntlet) and when I get to write about gold and silver markets.
3) I'm f---ing sick of not having a full size kitchen. Seriously, is it too much to ask for a full-sized fridge and an oven? I'm looking forward to being home and cooking decent meals again.
4) My allergies have been going bat shit crazy as of late. I've never had allergies like this in my whole life. Yesterday I had burning eyes, cough, wheezing, clogged nasal passages, and itchy skin. I couldn't sleep all night but luckily I didn't have class this morning and was able to sleep in.
5) I "met" someone "special"! By "met" I mean re-connected with and by "special" I mean that she will probably be my girlfriend when I get back home to the US. Lindsey was in OU Senate with me and she is getting her PhD in Political Communications. She is brilliant and beautiful. I admit to noticing her while I was in Senate but I was very loyal to my ex at the time and I pretty much ignored her. Turns out that we have a ton of things in common and she is a great gal all around. It is pretty much one of the most unexpected things to have happened to me so far while being in France. I'm definitely excited about visiting her upon my return.
6) I took part in a go-kart race last night. Although my team didn't place that high, I had fun driving. It was a pretty intense track (1.2 km long) and there were a ton of wipe outs and accidents. The only times I spun out were when I was trying to avoid other people that had crashed in front of me. Good times were had. Our team placed 14th out of 26. Not great, but not terrible.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Walking Day in Rueil
4-16-11 (RM, France)
I decided to take a walk around Rueil today near the Seine River with a weighted backpack. Here are some random pics!
I decided to take a walk around Rueil today near the Seine River with a weighted backpack. Here are some random pics!
Flowing Water Fountain
Archway Path
Fountain
Another Flowing Water Fountain
Flower Garden with Old Anchor
View of the Seine River
Small Dock and Seine River View
A Pay Toilet
Claude Monet School
Corporate Park and Freeway
Friday, April 15, 2011
Summary of my Fantastic Irish Vacation
4-16-11 (Dublin, Ireland)
Friday April 8th
Arrived in Dublin in the afternoon and briefly walked around the area by O'Connell Street. I found my way over to my first hostel and then set out to explore the northeast area of Dublin. I had a nice plate of fish and chips for dinner and enjoyed two pints. While attempting to leave the pub, I was stopped my an elderly gentleman that wanted someone to share a pint with at the bar. Being an agreeable person and respectful of my elders, I agreed. I believe his name was Danny McBride. Danny was extremely friendly and he seemed lonely for someone to talk to so I lent him my ear for a few hours that night. He was definitely charming with all the women at the pub and told about every young girl in there that she was the "finest lass in all of Ireland." I would then apologize for his brash ways and strike up a conversation with the girls. He was an awesome wingman and we both got thoroughly drunk. He showed me his famous "whiskey walking on water" trick which involved getting whiskey to float on top of a glass of water.
Saturday April 9th
My brother Michael arrived in the mid afternoon from Texas. I met him on the street after having enjoyed a nice Japanese bento lunch down on South Great Geroge's Street. We then went to find Michael some food down at a small local cafe called The Crunch Cafe. The sandwiches were really good, the coffee was strong, and the waitress was a gorgeous redhead with an amazing figure. Life in Dublin is good.
I then took Michael over to Saint Steven's Green park. Eager to try freshly brewed Guinness, we stopped at a local pub near our hostel and drank some of the black stuff. We then headed north and found our way to the Temple Bar and listened to some live Irish folk music.
Sunday April 10th
I was worried that there wouldn't be any Guinness tours on Sunday since Ireland is a fairly religious place but I should have known better! Michael and I made our way into west Dublin and took the Guinness Storehouse tour. The storehouse is originally where the yeast was added to the beer to start fermentation. It was a really spectacular place and extremely stylized. Guinness uses over half of the barely grown in Ireland every year to make their famous beer. Michael and I enjoyed our free pint at the 7th floor Gravity Bar where you are able to see a 360 degree view of the entire city.
Later that evening we decided to go out and try to find an interesting pub and listen to music. We headed south down Aungier Street and found the Bleeding Horse Pub where they were hosting an amateur musician night. All of the participants were talented and I especially enjoyed an artist named Tara Stewart. Not only was she beautiful, but she had an amazing voice and sang some unique tunes. I also enjoyed another artist that sang about seasonal depressive disorder and some emo heart break issues. I remember laughing at the tragic familiarity of his themes.
Monday April 11th
On Monday, Michael and I decided to take the Jameson Distillery tour. Neither of us are huge whiskey drinkers, but it seemed only fitting since we were in Dublin. I have to say, I am really glad I took this tour. Call me old fashioned, but I think every man should no something about whiskey and all of the various derivations of it. The tour was extremely informative and I was glad to learn a little more about the complexities of this drink. Jameson is a triple distilled whiskey that is blended together from three different casks. They use barrels from the US, Portugal, and Spain to create the final flavor. If you want to try a surprisingly good whiskey cocktail use Jameson, ginger ale, and a lime with ice. Good stuff!
We had met some girls from England earlier in the day so we tried to meet back up with them later at Temple Bar for drinks and music. I hadn't really felt like going too crazy that night but after a few pints in me I was ready to go nuts and dance to the Irish folk songs. A few short-term friends we met on the street commented that they liked my jig. I tried to dance with the girl from Dublin, but she was very strict on the rules of Irish dancing and doing in the proper way. The bar was crowded and I was confused as to which direction I was supposed to be spinning her. She also taught me how to do some river dance type stuff where I would keep my upper body stiff and upright while only moving my legs and feet. I had a blast that night.
Tuesday April 12th
Although I could stay in Dublin forever, we decided to take a day-tour to the west coast area of Ireland. Our first bus stopped in Galway and we transferred to another tour bus that took us down south to the Cliffs of Moher. Although we had to spend a lot of time on the bus that day, seeing the cliffs was worth the journey.
Before we arrived at the cliffs, we also stopped at a working family farm where they raise cattle and sheep. I actually chose to go with this particular company's tour because they offered the chance to see baby sheep on the farm. They were pretty cute.
Wednesday April 13th
Pub crawl night, enough said? Pints, shots, beer pong, pitchers, girls, dancing, awesomeness.
Thursday April 14th
My departure was in the late afternoon so Michael and I didn't really have anything planned for the day except for walking around the Temple Bar area and checking into his hotel. We had a lovely Irish breakfast with eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, pudding, beans, and coffee. Later that day we ate soup and sandwiches at a place called "Alamo." I didn't realize until after we were inside that it was a Texas themed restaurant. It was a sight for sore eyes to be sure.
Thank you Dublin and thanks to all the wonderful Paddy's! I had a wonderful vacation "in Dublin's fair city
where the girls are so pretty" (lyrics to Molly Malone)
Friday April 8th
Arrived in Dublin in the afternoon and briefly walked around the area by O'Connell Street. I found my way over to my first hostel and then set out to explore the northeast area of Dublin. I had a nice plate of fish and chips for dinner and enjoyed two pints. While attempting to leave the pub, I was stopped my an elderly gentleman that wanted someone to share a pint with at the bar. Being an agreeable person and respectful of my elders, I agreed. I believe his name was Danny McBride. Danny was extremely friendly and he seemed lonely for someone to talk to so I lent him my ear for a few hours that night. He was definitely charming with all the women at the pub and told about every young girl in there that she was the "finest lass in all of Ireland." I would then apologize for his brash ways and strike up a conversation with the girls. He was an awesome wingman and we both got thoroughly drunk. He showed me his famous "whiskey walking on water" trick which involved getting whiskey to float on top of a glass of water.
Saturday April 9th
My brother Michael arrived in the mid afternoon from Texas. I met him on the street after having enjoyed a nice Japanese bento lunch down on South Great Geroge's Street. We then went to find Michael some food down at a small local cafe called The Crunch Cafe. The sandwiches were really good, the coffee was strong, and the waitress was a gorgeous redhead with an amazing figure. Life in Dublin is good.
I then took Michael over to Saint Steven's Green park. Eager to try freshly brewed Guinness, we stopped at a local pub near our hostel and drank some of the black stuff. We then headed north and found our way to the Temple Bar and listened to some live Irish folk music.
Sunday April 10th
I was worried that there wouldn't be any Guinness tours on Sunday since Ireland is a fairly religious place but I should have known better! Michael and I made our way into west Dublin and took the Guinness Storehouse tour. The storehouse is originally where the yeast was added to the beer to start fermentation. It was a really spectacular place and extremely stylized. Guinness uses over half of the barely grown in Ireland every year to make their famous beer. Michael and I enjoyed our free pint at the 7th floor Gravity Bar where you are able to see a 360 degree view of the entire city.
Later that evening we decided to go out and try to find an interesting pub and listen to music. We headed south down Aungier Street and found the Bleeding Horse Pub where they were hosting an amateur musician night. All of the participants were talented and I especially enjoyed an artist named Tara Stewart. Not only was she beautiful, but she had an amazing voice and sang some unique tunes. I also enjoyed another artist that sang about seasonal depressive disorder and some emo heart break issues. I remember laughing at the tragic familiarity of his themes.
Monday April 11th
On Monday, Michael and I decided to take the Jameson Distillery tour. Neither of us are huge whiskey drinkers, but it seemed only fitting since we were in Dublin. I have to say, I am really glad I took this tour. Call me old fashioned, but I think every man should no something about whiskey and all of the various derivations of it. The tour was extremely informative and I was glad to learn a little more about the complexities of this drink. Jameson is a triple distilled whiskey that is blended together from three different casks. They use barrels from the US, Portugal, and Spain to create the final flavor. If you want to try a surprisingly good whiskey cocktail use Jameson, ginger ale, and a lime with ice. Good stuff!
We had met some girls from England earlier in the day so we tried to meet back up with them later at Temple Bar for drinks and music. I hadn't really felt like going too crazy that night but after a few pints in me I was ready to go nuts and dance to the Irish folk songs. A few short-term friends we met on the street commented that they liked my jig. I tried to dance with the girl from Dublin, but she was very strict on the rules of Irish dancing and doing in the proper way. The bar was crowded and I was confused as to which direction I was supposed to be spinning her. She also taught me how to do some river dance type stuff where I would keep my upper body stiff and upright while only moving my legs and feet. I had a blast that night.
Tuesday April 12th
Although I could stay in Dublin forever, we decided to take a day-tour to the west coast area of Ireland. Our first bus stopped in Galway and we transferred to another tour bus that took us down south to the Cliffs of Moher. Although we had to spend a lot of time on the bus that day, seeing the cliffs was worth the journey.
Before we arrived at the cliffs, we also stopped at a working family farm where they raise cattle and sheep. I actually chose to go with this particular company's tour because they offered the chance to see baby sheep on the farm. They were pretty cute.
Wednesday April 13th
Pub crawl night, enough said? Pints, shots, beer pong, pitchers, girls, dancing, awesomeness.
Thursday April 14th
My departure was in the late afternoon so Michael and I didn't really have anything planned for the day except for walking around the Temple Bar area and checking into his hotel. We had a lovely Irish breakfast with eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, pudding, beans, and coffee. Later that day we ate soup and sandwiches at a place called "Alamo." I didn't realize until after we were inside that it was a Texas themed restaurant. It was a sight for sore eyes to be sure.
Thank you Dublin and thanks to all the wonderful Paddy's! I had a wonderful vacation "in Dublin's fair city
where the girls are so pretty" (lyrics to Molly Malone)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dublin Tomorrow!
4-7-11 (RM, France)
A fairly brief and somewhat meaningless post. Just wanted to let everyone know I'll be leaving for Dublin, Ireland tomorrow in the early afternoon. I am meeting my brother there and he is bringing my digital camera. I will finally be able to take lots more pictures! Pub life is going to be sweet.
A fairly brief and somewhat meaningless post. Just wanted to let everyone know I'll be leaving for Dublin, Ireland tomorrow in the early afternoon. I am meeting my brother there and he is bringing my digital camera. I will finally be able to take lots more pictures! Pub life is going to be sweet.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Weekend Trip to the Netherlands was Dang Fun!
3-28-11 (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
My friends and I decided to take advantage of our four-day weekend and travel to Amsterdam. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking it would be too seedy or dirty, but I must say that my attitude has been completely changed. First off, Amsterdam is one of the most unique and beautiful cities I have ever visited. The slanted buildings, unique architecture, and endless canals give this city a charm that is simply unbeatable. Second, the Dutch are amazing, happy, and tolerant people. They have excellent customer service and go out of their way to make you feel welcome as an outsider. Everyone spoke good English and there was never any struggles of overcoming a language barrier. As a consumer-based city, the competition between the bars, restaurants, and shops made it really fun. Owners would come outside to help draw you in, show you pictures of their menu items, etc.
I know the subject on everyone's mind is about how I felt about the Red Light district so I'll describe it now. Most surprising to me was how relaxed I felt in this area despite the traditional vices like drugs and prostitution being very, VERY, prevalent. It is amazing how one's attitude can change just by acknowledging the fact that these things are legal. Competition between store owners and between the prostitutes has made everything feel "cleaner" some way. I think it is because none of it comes from off the street. People know what they are buying or getting into. These businesses are market-regulated as well as state-regulated.
Prostitutes: Red Light prostitutes are, for the most part, pretty attractive in that trashy way only whores can pull off. There were definitely girls there that would qualify as being a 10/10 in terms of looks. I'm glad I was traveling with one female friend because it made walking down in the red light seem less perverse. In fact, I'll admit to even having fun seeing all the girls and how all the people down there conduct business. In case you are wondering, no, I didn't engage in any "services."
Drugs: Marijuana, mushrooms, peyote, and some other plant-based drugs and things are available in coffee shops in Amsterdam and they are not all confined to one area. People would smoke pot outside, in the streets, in bars, in coffee shops, in the park, etc. Ill effect on society? I didn't see any. Most everyone was really friendly, relaxed, and happy. The weather was nice and you just got the feeling that people were just trying to chill, forget their problems for a while, and have fun. Nothing wrong with that.
Absinthe: This was probably the highlight of my trip to Amsterdam. I love herbal/anise flavored liquor so I was definitely excited about drinking some legit absinthe. The whole ordeal of lighting the sugar, lighting the drink, mixing it, watching the flames, and adding the water is super cool. I like that there is a drink that takes some effort and theatrics to enjoy. I drank the 140 proof absinthe and it pretty much just tasted like strong pastis/ricard/raki/ouzo. Very good though! Nice , relaxing feeling were enjoyed thoroughly.
In summary, Amsterdam is a beautiful city with lovely and unique architecture and sights. The canals are charming and the people are warm. While the red light district is what comes to mind when people think of Amsterdam, the city has much more to offer than just sex and drugs. It is a fun place, a tolerant place, and should be a model to other cities in terms of drug and sex laws. Crime was minimal and I felt genuinely safe walking around different parts of the city. Lesson learned from this visit? Just chill.
My friends and I decided to take advantage of our four-day weekend and travel to Amsterdam. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking it would be too seedy or dirty, but I must say that my attitude has been completely changed. First off, Amsterdam is one of the most unique and beautiful cities I have ever visited. The slanted buildings, unique architecture, and endless canals give this city a charm that is simply unbeatable. Second, the Dutch are amazing, happy, and tolerant people. They have excellent customer service and go out of their way to make you feel welcome as an outsider. Everyone spoke good English and there was never any struggles of overcoming a language barrier. As a consumer-based city, the competition between the bars, restaurants, and shops made it really fun. Owners would come outside to help draw you in, show you pictures of their menu items, etc.
I know the subject on everyone's mind is about how I felt about the Red Light district so I'll describe it now. Most surprising to me was how relaxed I felt in this area despite the traditional vices like drugs and prostitution being very, VERY, prevalent. It is amazing how one's attitude can change just by acknowledging the fact that these things are legal. Competition between store owners and between the prostitutes has made everything feel "cleaner" some way. I think it is because none of it comes from off the street. People know what they are buying or getting into. These businesses are market-regulated as well as state-regulated.
Prostitutes: Red Light prostitutes are, for the most part, pretty attractive in that trashy way only whores can pull off. There were definitely girls there that would qualify as being a 10/10 in terms of looks. I'm glad I was traveling with one female friend because it made walking down in the red light seem less perverse. In fact, I'll admit to even having fun seeing all the girls and how all the people down there conduct business. In case you are wondering, no, I didn't engage in any "services."
Drugs: Marijuana, mushrooms, peyote, and some other plant-based drugs and things are available in coffee shops in Amsterdam and they are not all confined to one area. People would smoke pot outside, in the streets, in bars, in coffee shops, in the park, etc. Ill effect on society? I didn't see any. Most everyone was really friendly, relaxed, and happy. The weather was nice and you just got the feeling that people were just trying to chill, forget their problems for a while, and have fun. Nothing wrong with that.
Absinthe: This was probably the highlight of my trip to Amsterdam. I love herbal/anise flavored liquor so I was definitely excited about drinking some legit absinthe. The whole ordeal of lighting the sugar, lighting the drink, mixing it, watching the flames, and adding the water is super cool. I like that there is a drink that takes some effort and theatrics to enjoy. I drank the 140 proof absinthe and it pretty much just tasted like strong pastis/ricard/raki/ouzo. Very good though! Nice , relaxing feeling were enjoyed thoroughly.
In summary, Amsterdam is a beautiful city with lovely and unique architecture and sights. The canals are charming and the people are warm. While the red light district is what comes to mind when people think of Amsterdam, the city has much more to offer than just sex and drugs. It is a fun place, a tolerant place, and should be a model to other cities in terms of drug and sex laws. Crime was minimal and I felt genuinely safe walking around different parts of the city. Lesson learned from this visit? Just chill.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Cool Concert in Paris
4-15-11 (Paris, France)
Went to the Espace B venue tonight to see a band from Portland, Oregon called Blind Pilot. Definitely some very chill music with a lineup that included a trumpet player. I would say that over half the crowd were Americans or other English speakers. It was really nice to be surrounded by US culture and music for an evening. It kind of reminded me of seeing live music back in Austin, Texas. I also met a nice couple from the Northeast part of the US (Vermont and Philadelphia). Good times were had by all and there were some very nice looking American girls to boot ;)
3 Rounds and a Sound by Blind Pilot
Went to the Espace B venue tonight to see a band from Portland, Oregon called Blind Pilot. Definitely some very chill music with a lineup that included a trumpet player. I would say that over half the crowd were Americans or other English speakers. It was really nice to be surrounded by US culture and music for an evening. It kind of reminded me of seeing live music back in Austin, Texas. I also met a nice couple from the Northeast part of the US (Vermont and Philadelphia). Good times were had by all and there were some very nice looking American girls to boot ;)
3 Rounds and a Sound by Blind Pilot
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