"Preaching To The Choir" and "Wrestling With Pigs"

It is of course far from a news-flash that millions of Americans share a deep concern about the continuing chip, chip, chipping-away at our nation’s “crucial foundation blocks” — our U.S. Constitution, borders, common-language English, and common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values. By an array of very real and ever-spreading threats to our liberty and freedom, some of which are noted at the end of this posting.

Millions of us likewise share an unrelenting craving for ways and means to somehow meaningfully contribute to a successful struggle against such threats. To in some way help ensure that we pass on to our nation’s children, grandchildren, and future generations of Americans, the nature of precious liberty and freedom earlier availed to us for our responsible handling. 

As a seemingly growing number of us have at times included, and continue to include, Social Media among our ways of expressing our related hopes and concerns. 

Social media—a “communications experience” that continues to offer millions of us reminders of mixed intent about some of life’s often overlooked realities. Such as:

(1.) Presenting an argument or opinion to people who already agree with it is, as they say, “Preaching to the Choir”;

(2.) Attempting to share facts, logic, common-sense, and historically-founded experience and wisdom, etc., with those of a closed-mind, is a futile or otherwise impossible activity best described by the adage, “Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig”;

(3.) And, before undertaking the impossible task of meaningfully-communicating with those hell-bent to blatantly defy facts, logic, common-sense, and historically-founded experience and wisdom, etc., one should well heed the caution flagged by another old saying, “Never wrestle with a pig; you both get dirty and the pig likes it.”

Therefore, in the face of the above realities, it would seem that regardless of how positively (or negatively) intended, much of any efforts to influence the thinking of others likely falls in the sack of “exercises in utter futility.” Especially when it comes to matters regarding deeply ingrained attitudes regarding politics, religion, etc.

However, and as evidenced by the ever growing efforts to intimidate, shout-down, and otherwise muzzle any “freedom of speech” other than that defined and expressed by the radical political-left, . . . it is indisputably clear and crucial that “liberty and freedom” defending voices also continue to be heard throughout America and elsewhere. Even if doing so, risks (so-to-speak) “preaching to the choir”; “getting soiled while wrestling with pigs”; and “enduring the frustration of never being able to teach pigs to sing.”

And, for myself and others who can benefit from a crucial memory-jog regarding “why put forth the effort” — summarized below are some randomly-listed examples of the wide-spreading threats facing present and future generations of Americans. Individually and collectively entailing a most daunting challenge that one day will fall upon the shoulders of our now nation’s youth. Many of whom have been conditioned to believe that “life is (or should be) fair.” And consumed with the delusion that there actually exists something that is “free” (not ultimately paid by someone)—including our too often abused and taken-for-granted “liberty and freedom.”

[“A Not All-inclusive Reminder List” of Threats to Our Liberty, Freedom, and Ultimate Survival: Socialism; communism; radical/militant Islam; Sharia law; a growing and unsustainable $22 trillion National Debt; a dysfunctional and self-perpetuating U.S. Congress; entrenched politically-biased “deep state” of unelected government bureaucrats; politically-biased news media; efforts to disarm law-abiding citizens; uncontrolled U.S. borders; lack of merit-based immigration policy; racism propaganda and other divide-and-conquer agendas; politically-liberal biased administrations embedded throughout much of our schools, colleges, and universities; efforts to silence any “freedom of speech” other than that of the radical political-left; political correctness (denial of truth, fact, reality); uncontrolled voter-registration and illegal-balloting; and a self-destructive base of non-participating legal U.S. voters, as well as active voters consumed with ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fears.]     —William James Moore 

Confronting Self-Inflicted "BS"

When associated with human behavior, the transitive verb “bullshitting” (or possibly more gentle, softer, less-offensive abbreviation—“BS”) is commonly associated with that which is nonsense, misleading, deceptive, etc.

Now, in all honesty, if I were ever so inclined to search long and hard enough, there is a trace of possibility that I just might stumble upon something I know very little about (smile). However, not at all so when it comes to “bullshitting”—for therein rests an area I know more than just a bit about.

Throughout my life (as a child, teenager, and so-called adult), self-inflicted “BS” has often been used to self-explain or otherwise excuse why various aims and opportunities were and remain beyond realization by the likes of me. When reality might have been, or might yet be, much otherwise—given more confident thinking and an enhanced level of effort on my part.

Then, there was that self-inflicted “prior to” marriage “BS.” Which, for example, held that when once married I would never make the mistakes experienced by my parents and countless other married couples. This of course being a grossly-naïve view on my part, and long-ago disproved by a continuing history of personal shortfalls, many once believed beyond any consideration by the once self-perceived me.

Followed of course by a massive dose of self-inflicted “prior to” parenthood “BS.” Which likewise held that if I ever were a dad I would never be guilty of the child-rearing mistakes experienced by my parents and countless others. This of course being yet another long-ago unachieved aim—more aptly a not met crucial responsibility—contributed to in no small measure by many painfully-regretful failings on my part.

And now—in the rapidly-diminishing years of my too-often taken for granted gift-of-life journey; as our U.S. constitution, borders, common-language English, and common-culture based on Judeo-Christian values, etc., are being threatened and destroyed before our eyes—I continue to “BS” myself. This time with the lofty notion that somehow I (or anyone) can make a difference; that somehow I (or anyone) can help salvage for ourselves, and preserve for our children and grandchildren, the precious liberty and freedom being threatened by an ever growing number and nature of present and ancient-rooted evils.

Nevertheless, each time the feelings of hopelessness reach the “throw-in-the-towel” (so to speak) tipping point, a sobering thought comes to mind. That being, if they were given the opportunity to ponder—those who have already lost or have never experienced liberty and freedom, would likely consider it to be grossly-irresponsible and self-destructive “BS” to not at least try! Yes, using whatever ways and means one has available, at least try to not let the forces of evil deny the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

And of course ranking high on the “BS” list would be any thinking that the experiences and concerns expressed above are somehow unique to, and alone shared by, the likes of me. 

                                                      

                                                           —William James Moore  

                                                   = = =


“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” —Helen Keller (1880-1968), American author, political activist and lecturer, and first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.


“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." ―Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), 16th U.S. President.


“To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last – but eat you he will.” —Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), 40th U.S. President


“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American Jewish writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American Jewish writer; professor.


“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), American Baptist minister; 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient; First President of Southern Christian Leadership Conference; activist; most visible spokesperson and leader in civil rights movement from 1954 until his assassination in 1968.

Socialism: A Warning from the Dead!

STRONGLY SUGGESTED VIEWING: “Socialism: A Warning from the Dead.” A FREE BlazeTV/Glen Beck special, originally steamed live Wednesday, May 01, 2019, at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on YouTube, Facebook, and BlazeTV.  

Presenting a LIVE in-depth look at the top-down and bottom-up tactics used in the past to flip free-market nations to socialist or communist regimes. Liberty/freedom-destroying tactics many of which are being mimicked in American politics today.   ---William James Moore.

(Access through below link)
https://www.facebook.com/GlennBeck/videos/420889248701568/UzpfSTEwMDAyMjU4Mzg1NzEyNzo0MzI5MzQwODc0NjkzODM/

Life's Inescapable "Rules for Survival"

Not so very, very long ago—only about 150 years or so—daily life included “no”: electrical power, refrigerators, air conditioners, Internet, computers, smartphones, TV, antibiotics, 911 emergency services, superhighways, automobiles, airplanes, GPS, Walmart, fast food services, U.S. Social Security Program, anxiety-counselor staffed “Safe Spaces” in colleges/universities, etc., and no Facebook, Twitter, or other of today’s social media platforms. Still, our ancestors survived and got things done—or else we wouldn’t be here to face the “survival challenges” of today.

And while the past and present (and no doubt future) entail an array of both old and new “challenges”—the basic “Rules for Survival” remain the same. That is, we and other life forms must be willing and able to: (1.) “recognize” that which threatens our survival; (2.) “have” effective defenses against such threats; and (3.) “execute” effective responses against any and all such threats.

It has been long stressed, and likely still widely-accepted by many, that “survival” is (if not “the”) at least high among our most powerful drives. An extremely strong self-preserving behavior that we so-called superior humans, along with other life forms, appear to be naturally hard-wired with. Views seemingly withstanding the test of time—that is, until “along came the Internet”!

Yes, now enabled more and more by the Internet, our ancient-rooted universal “urge to belong” seems to be the ever-growing “defining need” of our times—often detracting much needed attention away from the aforementioned basic “Rules for Survival.” Of course such thought can appear to be consumed with absurdity. That is, until one considers that, for example, Facebook alone already harvests and sells the attention of at least 1.4 billion of us every day (so far about a fifth of the world’s population)!

This expression of recognized unsolicited opinion is not shared in ignorance of the fact that we humans are social animals. For, “attention”—our ancient-rooted “craving to belong”—is indisputably among the most valuable contributors to our existence. Since “attention” is basically other people thinking about us, and we about others, if once there were humans that lacked this survival-based need—they likely soon became extinct.

Rather, this is to hopefully constructively re-enforce that the “rules fo survival” do not apply to “life” alone. For, it is also to the peril of the liberty and freedom of present and future generations of Americans, if we let the “look at me” feeding frenzy afforded by today’s social media technology self-destructively detract us. And in so doing, that we fail to responsibly “recognize” and “defend against” the ever-growing threats to not only our inalienable (God-given) rights to life—but also those of liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Very real, present, and unrelenting threats, such as (to cite but a few of a growing many): (1.) A Dysfunctional U.S. Congress; (2.) Open (unsecured) U.S. borders; (3.) Lack of merit-based immigration laws; (4.) Out-of-control U.S. National Debt; (5.) Politically-biased activists posing as so-called news media; (6.) Politically-biased “deep state” embedded throughout various aspects of U.S. government; (7.) Radically-liberal biased educational institutions; (8.) Failure to officially declare and support English as “the” U.S. common-language; (9.) Failure to protect and preserve U.S. common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values; (10.) Failure to protect and preserve our U.S. Constitution; (11.) Failure to purge any and all traces of Sharia law from within our U.S. borders; (12.) Politically-biased algorithms used by various Internet-based Social Media platforms; and, (13.) Failure of countless “legal” U.S. citizens to do their sincere best to routinely be informed, active, and otherwise responsible voters in all elections.

Many if not most of us may often have limited control over what happens to us. However, those of us yet blessed with liberty and freedom still have a crucial measure of control over how we respond. None the least, by way of our votes, the products we purchase, the activities we support, our social media posts, and the corporate ratings we contribute to by way of the TV and radio stations we tune to, etc.

                                                        —William James Moore

                                              = = =

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” —Helen Keller (1880-1968), American author, political activist and lecturer, and first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

“To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last—but eat you he will.” —Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), 40th President of the United States.

“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American Jewish writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor, and author of 57 books, including one titled “Night,” a work based on his experiences as a prisoner in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps).

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016),

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Building 920: Much, much more than just "Really unfortunate"! (Updated, 03/26/2019)

The March 6 edition of our local newspaper, the Parsons Sun, included an eye-opening, front-page color photo-supported article titled, “Blaze hits Great Plains building.” A very important reminder of fire’s destructive potential and the special challenges faced by firefighters during freezing temperatures.

As reported, half of Building 920, an approximately 50,000 square foot facility at Great Plains east of Parsons, was a total loss from an accidental fire the evening of March 4. As a matter of perspective, Bob Wood, Great Plains board chairman, reportedly stressed, “It was one of the best buildings that we had at the plant. It’s really unfortunate that we’ve lost it. It’s a big loss.” Mr. Wood also noted that the lessee of Building 920, Parsons Fertilizer, “wants to continue work with Great Plains”; “we have other buildings”; and “the board will continue to support the company.”

Respectfully—the reported loss of half of the relatively massive Building 920 facility is much, much more than just “really unfortunate.” For what has been lost, as reportedly the result of an accidental human-caused fire, is a structure left standing after years upon years of prior Kansas Army Ammunition Plant operations. An array of heavily human-intensive operations that once supported World War II; the Korean War; Vietnam War; Gulf War; and more recent Global War on Terrorism; etc. A Building 920 facility that after some 77 years was, until the evening of March 4, 2019, still available to support important job-creating efforts for Parsons and surrounding area.

Therefore, before the file is closed on this matter, those having a vested and/or otherwise community interest in the activities of Great Plains are clearly due further review and public reporting that, as a minimum, addresses the following concerns:

(1.) In keeping with the reality that “accidents don’t just happen, they are caused”—what corrective and preventative safety measures have been taken to ensure, for example, that other “best buildings at Great Plains” are not hereafter destroyed by other accidental fires?

(2.) The source of funds used in past and future-planned Great Plains Board support of Parsons Fertilizer?

(3.) Further public explanation of the reported “loss”—e.g., regarding the monetary value, insurance coverage, ownership status of the Building 920 facility, and specifically “to whom” does the experienced fire damage and related expenses ultimately represent a “monetary loss”?

Related Follow-up Notes:

(1.) On March 08, 2019 the above narrative was submitted as a Public Mind article to our local newspaper, the Parsons Sun, but not published. Thereafter, above narrative was put in formal letter format and, on 03/16/2019, U.S. mailed to Mr. Bob Wood, Great Plains Board Chairman, with copies to Labette County Commission and Parsons City Commission.

(2.) The March 19, 2019 edition of the Parsons Sun included a related article titled, “Company hasn’t submitted financial info,” reporting in part that, “Parsons Fertilizer LLC has yet to provide financial information needed to continue its property tax abatement with the State Board of Tax Appeals . . . .”

(3.) The March 26, 2019 edition of the Parsons Sun included a related article titled, “County gets more details about Great Plains fire,” reporting in part that: (a.) the fire was caused when “A worker was pouring fuel in a generator and spilled it, . . .”; (b.) Parsons Fertilizer leased 48,539 square feet of space in areas 903, 904, and 920 . . . as was reported by the Sun in 2017 when the lease was announced; (c.) Parsons Fertilizer received a 10-year property tax exemption and was to file paperwork with the county to start the second year of that exemption but the paperwork was not completed; (d.) feedback from March 11 inspection of site by a Kansas Fire Marshal and Sheriff’s Deputy is still pending; (e.) as the result of the fire, the site is now contaminated with friable asbestos, a health hazard for those who would work at the site; (f.) Great Plains Property Manager has sent out Requests for Proposal, due April 4, for site clean-up; (g.) regarding liability insurance coverage, Mr. Bob Wood, Great Plains Board Chairman, reported that Parsons Fertilizer “was supposed to have it,” but “He didn’t have it.”; (h.) Commissioner Mr. Doug Allen suggested a lawsuit to help recoup cleanup cost; Mr. Wood asked that issue be discussed in closed session; but, since third-parties could not attend a closed-session, Mr. Wood said he could call Mr. Allen and discuss issue with him; (i.) “For now, Great Plains will pay for the cleanup.”

=    =    = 

A question that seems worth asking:  When Great Plains pays for the clean-up . . . who's money is being spent?

    —William James Moore     03/19/2019  (Updated 03/26/2019)

"Why Grandpa Carries a Gun" and "A Little Gun History" . . . lest we ever foget!

This is a “Two-Part” Must Read by all who value Liberty and Freedom:

(1.) “Why Grandpa Carries a Gun; followed by (2.) “A Little Gun History.”

Please take the time to read both, and pay particular attention to “A Little Gun History” which is more aptly a crucial “World History Lesson” . . . lest we ever forget.

= = = = = =

(1.) WHY GRANDPA CARRIES A GUN:

A world history lesson . . . lest we forget; and perfect reason why Grandpa carries a gun. Please take time to read this and pay particular attention to "A Little Gun History" which follows.

Why Carry a Gun?

My old Grandpa said to me, "Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and usually it's when he becomes too old to take a whipping.

I don't carry a gun to kill people; I carry a gun to keep from being killed.

I don't carry a gun because I'm evil; I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the World.

I don't carry a gun because I hate the government; I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.

I don't carry a gun because I'm angry; I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.

I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone; I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.

I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man; I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.

I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate; I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.

I don't carry a gun because I love it; I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.

Police protection is an oxymoron: Free citizens must protect themselves because police do not protect you from crime; they just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.

Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take a whoopin'!

= = = = = =

(2.) A LITTLE GUN HISTORY:

PLEASE DON'T THINK FOR A MOMENT, THAT THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN IN OUR COUNTRY ALSO!!!

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In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control: From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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In 1911, Turkey established gun control: From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Germany established gun control in 1938: From 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

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China established gun control in 1935: From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Guatemala established gun control in 1964: From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Uganda established gun control in 1970: From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Cambodia established gun control in 1956: From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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56 million defenseless people were rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control.

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You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun control laws adversely affect only the law abiding citizens.

With guns, we are 'citizens'; without them, we are 'subjects'.

During WW II, the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!

Gun owners in the USA are the largest armed forces in the World!

If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either.

SWITZERLAND ISSUES A GUN TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD!

SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT ISSUES AND TRAINS EVERY ADULT IN THE USE OF A RIFLE.

SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!

IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL law abiding CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.

I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment!

If you are too, please forward this. If you're not a believer, please reconsider based on these and other facts and not on emotional anti-Second Amendment agenda untruths and distortions of reality.

This is factual history; not the anti-Second Amendment propaganda being shown on TV and shamefully sanctioned by our illustrious delusional so-called “servants of the people” in Washington.

= = = = = =

--- William James Moore (Courtesy of Jim & Helen Lorenz, JD’s Gun Shop, Parsons, Kansas)

The Ever-Growing Arsenal of the Radical Political-Left

The Radical-Left’s U.S./liberty-destroying arsenal continues to be ever-growing. Among their latest sought after weapons—a voting age lowered to 16.

You know . . . that once assumed “impervious” and “knowing-it-all” age, when I (and likely a sizable number of others) were actually consumed with terminal cluelessness and an overabundance of often publicly revealed irresponsibility. That exceptionally hormone-driven stage of youth; “five-years-younger-than” the golden age of 21, which state after state and city after city still today declare to be the mature enough age to then purchase tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or a rifle or pistol, etc. And, even two years younger than the age permitted to join the military without parental consent.

Yes, in keeping with the Radical-Left’s unrelenting battle for “votes” to preserve positions of self-serving power, influence, and control—we must now add the “Voting Age of 16” to their already over bloated vote-assuring arsenal.

A Radical-Left sustaining arsenal already including such weapons as, to cite but a few: open borders, uncontrolled immigration, illegal alien drivers permits, political correctness (denial of truth), racist-labeling, victimhood, deserving, entitlement without contribution, income inequality, climate change, socialism/communism, un-inclusiveness, counselor staffed safe-spaces for offended youth, taxpayer funded pet puppies/kittens for over-anxious students, liberal-biased educational institutions, liberal-biased news media, liberal-biased “deep state” of Washington DC career bureaucrats, and the anti-conservative policies and blocking algorithms of Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Not to mention the host of taxpayer funded “Freebees,” such as: food, clothing, housing, healthcare, transportation, smartphones, Internet access, legal representation, etc.

Therefore, ranking most high on the scale of delusion and irresponsibility would be any move on the part of America’s so-called adults in the room, to turn the fate of our country over to our nation’s immature youth, by way of our nation’s elections or otherwise.

Generations of youth who, for example, in unsettling numbers, actively engage in shouting down the free speech and rightful expression of others who they disagree with. As many have been led to believe that the preservation of their liberty and freedom rests with fascism, socialism, and communism. While growing numbers march in the streets demanding delusional protection from “climate change”—as in ignorance they turn their heads away from the real threats posed by nuclear weapons, radical-militant Islam, Sharia law, female genital mutilation, socialism, communism, the anti-U.S. governments of Iran and North Korea, corruption in our U.S. government, and liberal-biased educational institutions that fail to help prepare America’s youth for the realities of life.

Realities including, for example, the fact that criminals, terrorists, and others hell-bent to do harm to others could care less about laws, gun-free zone signs, or about offending someone. As well as other inescapable realities, such as, nothing is ever truly “Free”—because someone, somewhere, somehow, at some point in time, must ultimately do the “paying” . . . even for one’s precious liberty and freedom, now too often abused and dangerously taken for granted.

It seems Abraham Lincoln was unsettlingly prophetic when reportedly stating, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

                                                 —William James Moore 

Personal Responsibilty---at what age?

The March 05, 2019 edition of our local newspaper, the Parsons Sun, included an informative front page article titled, “City makes tobacco 21 more restrictive.” In which it was explained that on March 04 the Parsons City Commissioners voted 3-1 to eliminate exemptions in an ordinance that made it illegal for most people under 21 to buy tobacco or vaping liquid.

Adding but another chapter, so-to-speak, to the city’s seemingly never ending struggle to define to the satisfaction of all, the “age of personal responsibility” within the city limits. A no doubt well-intentioned struggle by all concerned, that none the less appears to have to date unduly discounted or minimized some meaningful perspectives, such as:

(1.) Within referenced Parsons Sun article is one City Commissioner’s acknowledgement that “. . . adulthood starts at 18 and the city shouldn’t take away an adult’s rights.”

(2.) The Twenty-sixth Amendment prohibits the federal government from using age as a reason for denying law-abiding citizens, at least 18 years old, their right to vote;

(3.) Our nation (including the city of Parsons) permits our law-abiding youth to join the military at age 18 (and at age 17 with parental consent);

(4.) The State of Kansas, for example, allows our youth, after reaching age 15 and having held an instruction permit at least one year, to apply for a restricted driver’s license; and at age 16 and a half to be issued a full license; and without parental consent take on the responsibilities of marriage at age 18.

Some seem to find logic and peace of mind in our law-abiding youth being “old enough” to drive a potentially deadly vehicle; vote in our nation’s elections; be put in harm’s way in our military; and get married—but not “old enough” to purchase and/or possess, for example, a hand gun, rifle, alcoholic drinks, or tobacco products.

Some feel otherwise. Some continue to ponder if it is truly age 21 (or ever), when many among us become able and willing to demonstrate good judgement regarding use of tobacco products, or in making other of life’s many choices, especially those affecting not only one’s self, but also others.

Personally, I have found that most if not all of my most poorly executed judgements were not carried out when I was 15, 17, 18, etc.—but after reaching so-called adulthood. And, looking around, it seems clear that my experience is by no measure uncommon.

Somewhere in our quest to control human behavior, is an often muted cry for common sense to prevail. 

                                                            —William James Moore

"They alone"---Are Not the Problem or Solution

Few would likely dispute that the “blame game” is enjoying ever growing popularity far beyond that of serious “solution seeking.” Especially in the often brutal world of “politics.” And with our country’s next general elections now being some twenty months away, ample time seems available to sharpen one’s fault-assigning skills.

Yes, our country’s next general elections will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020. At that time, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives; 34 of the 100 U.S. Senate seats; the office of U.S. President; 13 state and territorial governorships; and numerous other state and local positions of political power and influence will be contested.

Many will try hard to be responsible voters. Others through ignorance or intent will permit propaganda, irrational thinking, etc., cloud their judgement. While, sadly, some will not participate at all—as millions of enslaved or otherwise oppressed people, worldwide, are denied same crucial liberty-preserving opportunity.

As long-typical of each election cycle—much news reporting, social media chatter, and talk-show broadcasts will be flooded with a mix of critiques. Often emotionally-charged views about both the holders and seekers of political positons. Critiques, some founded in truth and fact; others rooted in agenda driven falsehoods, distortions, and ignorance. Critiques that communications technology helps spread ever faster to millions—many of whom are ill prepared to determine legitimacy and/or how to responsibly handle.

Critiques of “They alone” too often failing to acknowledge a most basic and crucial consideration. That being, the political figures often blamed or praised for everything that (so-to-speak) walks, flies, and breaths—are not elevated to positions of political power and influence by the “tooth fairy.” But, rather, by “votes”—whether rational, irrational, informed, uninformed, legal, illegal, or otherwise. Votes that reflect the good, bad, or indifferent mindset of those who cast them. Votes having both short-term and long-term consequences.

Consequences such as our now out-of-control and rapidly growing $22 trillion National Debt. A liberty threatening menace not alone created by self-serving power-seekers and others chosen to represent us within the various branches of our government. But also by the self-destructive apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fears of many among us—often rooted in the age-old lust for so-called “free stuff” to be paid for by “someone else.”

World history is cluttered with examples where, to their peril, some generations for too long took liberty and freedom for granted. Lest we succumb to similar fate, we must not “too late” grasp that the source of our nation’s real and perceived troubles rests not with “They alone”—but more so within the attitudes and behaviors of “we the people.” As do also our nation’s many examples of past, present, and further sought greatness.

At ultimate risk of our willingness to embrace reality: nothing less than the opportunity for present and future generations of Americans to continue to experience the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

                                                          —William James Moore

“Fear knocked at the door. 

Faith answered. 
And lo, no one was there.”

—Anonymous           

Pelosi, Schumer, Tlaib, Omar, & Cortez---Are "Not alone" the Problem!

“No”—age 78 Pelosi, age 68 Schumer, age 42 Tlaib, age 37 Omar, & age 29 Cortez—are “Not alone” the problem.

“No”—the present U.S. Speaker of The House NANCY PELOSI, who has been in the Congress for some 32 years; U.S. Senator “CHUCK” SCHUMER, on a political payroll for at least 44 years (essentially his entire after-law-school life); U.S. Representative RASHIDA TLAIB, the oldest of her parents 14 children, and one of two Muslim women now seated in our U.S. Congress (as of 2019); U.S. Representative ILHAN ABDULLAHI OMAR, the youngest of her parents 7 children, and the other of the two Muslim women now seated in our U.S. Congress (as of 2019); and, U.S. Representative ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ (as of 2019), the so-called origin of the recent democrat-sponsored “Green New Deal” (designed to rid the U.S. of air travel, cows, billionaires, and other causes of “Global Warming,” etc.)—are “Not alone” the problem.

“The Problem is even more so”—the nation-destructive mindset of those who have, through ignorance and/or intent, and by way of their votes, elevated these and like-minded others into positions of power and influence within our U.S. Government! And, here’s a clue—such votes were not cast by the “Tooth Fairy,” “Russia,” or some “Centuries-old Trump Conspiracy,” etc.

So, all the well-intentioned cries for “impeachment,” “term limits,” or other riddance measures regarding Pelosi, Schumer, Tlaib, Omar, Cortez, and likeminded others—will not likely alone change the anti-America, socialist/communist mindset of their supporters, or the future voting behavior of their supporters.

Nor, will the alone purging of our U.S. Congress of these particular despicables, at this late date, reverse the already-cat-out-of-the-bag effects of past/present failed U.S. immigration policies, and past/present/future birth rates disparity. All of which have long ago set in place projections that, for example, strongly suggest that the U.S. Muslim population will grow much faster than the U.S. Jewish population. With, by 2040, Muslims replacing Jews as the second-largest religious group in the U.S. after Christians. And by 2050, the U.S. Muslim population projected to reach 8.1 million, or 2.1% of the total U.S. population — nearly twice the share of today.

Furthermore, it doesn’t take a mathematical genius to grasp the ultimate “long-term” effects of one group of people multiplying much faster than another group of people—as each struggle to control what “at least for now” still stands as a the first and yet only one of its kind Constitutional Republic named the “United States of America.” Where the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are still acknowledged, and an unrelenting effort to protect and preserve such yet exists.

So, keep those U.S. borders "open" to the unrestrained invasion by all who wish! And, continue to accept and tolerate within our U.S. borders, those who are committed to never assimilating our U.S. Constitution, common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values, and common-language English!

And, while at it, we might also extend a heart-felt apology to our nation’s young children, grandchildren, and Americans not yet born—for the undeniable threats to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness being passed to their shoulders to be one day suffered and unthinkably dealt with.                                                                                                                               —William James Moore

An Epitome of Hypocrisy---The News Media's Wilful Neglect of "Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C)"

At the slightest hint of “racism” or “discrimination” or "uncaringness" or “non-inclusiveness”; etc., the so-called mainstream U.S. news media and radical-liberal talk-show circus, will rise up in outrage!  And, regardless of whether such claim is real, imagined, mistaken, contrived, or just outright non-existent, these pompous elements of our society will often unrelentingly overwhelm us with 24/7 politically-biased and ratings-lusted propaganda.  Until someone has been, as a minimum, branded as an unforgivably despicable social outcast!

However, the same self-declared “epitomes of caring” continue to selectively ignore some of our World’s undeniably real and ongoing tragedies.  Such as, the millions of past and present women and girls Worldwide who are shamefully subjected to “female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C).”  More specifically, subjected to the horrific and ancient-rooted practice of piercing, cutting, removing, or sewing closed all or part of a woman’s or girl’s external genitals for no medical reason.  A truly barbaric practice that researchers estimate more than 500,000 girls and women in the United States have experienced or are at risk of being subjected to.

And “why” the continued avoidance of this longstanding and continuing tragedy?  Because FGM/C doesn’t fit the liberty/nation-destructive narrative!  Yes, FGM/C doesn’t serve those who are otherwise preoccupied with more lucrative vote-seeking and/or ratings-craving endeavors.  Such as, spinning their agenda-driven pretense about their deep concern for humankind.  Especially, for example, regarding the welfare of illegal aliens and the children used to aid their self-serving illegal invasion of our country.

According to Public Health Reports / March-April 2016/ Volume 131: In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed legislation making female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) illegal in the United States.  Nonetheless, Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates revealed approximately 513,000 women and girls in the U.S. were at risk for FGM/C or its consequences in YR 2012, which was more than three times higher than earlier estimates based on 1990 data.  And, the increase in the number of women and girls younger than 18 years of age at risk for FGM/C was more than four times that of previous estimates.

The CDC conclusion being, this estimated increase was wholly a result of the rapid growth in the number of immigrants from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States and not from increases in FGM/C prevalence in those countries.

On July 20, 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health (OWH), announced more than $6 million in grant awards over a 3-year period to cities across the nation.  Eight sites covering thirteen cities were selected to address the gaps and problems in FGC-related health care services for women and girls living in the U.S. who experienced FGC.  The funds were to be used to prevent FGC of women and girls living in the U.S. who are at risk for having the procedure conducted here or in another country.

Yes, in excess of a half-million women and young girls now in the United States are at risk of being subjected to FGM/C within our U.S. borders, or temporally taken abroad for this hideous procedure!  A shameful practice brought to U.S. soil as the result of immigration to the U.S. from African and Middle Eastern countries and elsewhere. From societies where FGM/C is entrenched in barbaric cultural tradition.

Brought to U.S. soil by individuals having no plans, or U.S.-enforced incentive, to discontinue this truly cruel and most-inhumane procedure, and otherwise “assimilate” U.S. culture and abide by U.S. constitutional law.   As the yet untouched among us, through innocent-ignorance or intent, turn our so-called civilized heads away, in favor of countless less-challenging and more self-absorbed causes and distractions.

While, in this the 21st century, millions of women and young girls Worldwide continue to suffer deathblows to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, at the unspeakably-cruel hand of ancient-rooted FGM/C.

                                                     —William James Moore 

“So here I stand, one girl among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard.  Those who have fought for their rights.  Their right to live in peace.  Their right to be treated with dignity.  Their right to equality of opportunity.  Their right to be educated.” —Malala Yousafzai (1997- )

“However, some things must be said, and there are times when silence becomes an accomplice to injustice.” —Ayaan Hirsi Ali (1969-), a Dutch-American activist; author; former politician of Samali origin; a leading opponent of female genital mutilation; proponent for a reformation of Islam; supporter of women’s rights; an atheist; and founder of the AHA Foundation.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” —Maya Angelou (1928-2014), American poet, author, memoirist, civil rights activist.

Roots of "Taken for Granted Liberty" & "Coveted E-Devices": Reality Check-101

What is of course not a newsflash to the right-minded among us—the smartphone, iPad, E-Tablet, PC, laptop, wide-screen TV, Xbox, and countless supporting apps, etc., did not originate in dictator-ruled North Korea; or communist China, Russia, and Cuba; or Islam-ruled Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia; war-torn Syria; or an radical-Islamic caliphate, nor the now before-our-eyes self-destructing Venezuela or long list of other socialist-failed nations; etc.

Nor, did an exceptionally generous tooth fairy leave us with these seemingly “now-can’t-do-without” devices—these now essentially “additional body-parts”—these now entrenched “means of communications and entertainment”—these in many cases increasingly business and government “essential technologies.”

No, very much to the contrary. Instead, such technology came about through people having the opportunity to express and pursue their creativity and for-profit economic endeavors. People fortunate to live in a unique Constitutional Republic (the USA) that embraces the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Not a guarantee against failure, but the right to seek one’s understanding of personal fulfillment.

Rights acknowledged by a first and yet one of its kind U.S. Constitution. A “crucial-to-individual-liberty” constitution originated long ago by exceptionally wise individuals. Persons who not only escaped tyranny and courageously fought for and achieved liberty, but also were determined to preserve it. By putting in place a government “of, by, and for” the people.

A most precious Republic offering a lasting constitutional barrier to the return of tyranny or other oppressive rule over its citizens—a barrier that must, however, be ultimately defended and preserved by “each generation” of Americans.

A Constitutional Republic that is now not only facing an array of new and long-standing “foreign threats,” but also that of wide-spread “enemies from within”! Serious “domestic threats” that, most sadly, includes growing numbers within more recent generations of Americans. Individuals who are ignorant of, or have lost-touch with, our country’s roots.

Individuals who fail to grasp that our nation, and too-often taken for granted liberty, cannot survive without protecting and preserving our U.S. Constitution; borders, common-language English; and common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values. 

Individuals who by way of their votes and/or other nation-destructive behaviors, are now filling seats within our local, state, and federal government with persons openly or covertly aligned with socialism, communism, radical-Islam, Sharia-law, or other anti-American ideology. 

Liberty-threatening, nation-destructive individuals who are being enabled by other Americans who are consumed with ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fear.  Fueled, distracted, and manipulated by corrupt and politically biased individuals imbedded throughout our education system, news media, and government bureaucracy.  

Among life’s inescapable realities is our ultimate demise! Should we, through ignorance or intent, continue to choose or otherwise tolerate to be represented, governed, or otherwise controlled by, those who have not assimilated our country’s roots and refuse to embrace our U.S. Constitution.

It seems that Abraham Lincoln was unsettlingly prophetic when reportedly stating, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”                                                    —William James Moore

An "Open Letter" to Our U.S. Congress

To: All members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

Subject: “Violations of the Public Trust”

While the numbers from an array of surveys often vary, the bottom-line indicates a growing public distrust and disapproval of both our U.S. Congress and the news media in general.

“Even more alarming”:

(1.) Both the congress and news media continue to demonstrate a lack of willingness, competency, and wisdom to correct their shameful violations of the public trust;

(2.) A truly worrisome number of survey respondents reportedly hold the view that both the congress and news media are doing OK;

(3.) It is of course votes (not the tooth fairy) that fill the seats of congress—and enable the incompetent to remain there again and again. And, it is not the tooth fairy who continues to purchase the newspapers and select the TV and other media broadcasts, regardless of distrustful content.

The criticisms included and referenced herein, are of course not aimed at the members of congress and the news media who unrelentingly strive to do what is right for our country. Much to the contrary, such are directed at those who in any manner constitute, support, and enable our country’s foreign and domestic enemies. Those with aims to destroy the very “foundation blocks” of our Constitutional Republic—(i.e., our U.S. Constitution; borders, common-language English; and common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values).

A long and ongoing destruction through, for example: an unsustainable national debt; unsecured borders; lack of an enforced merit-based immigration system; accommodation of immigrants who refuse to assimilate our country’s common-language and common-culture; attempts to disarm law-abiding citizens; infiltration of our education institutions with those who refuse to teach unbiased, fact-based World and American History—as such institutions and others strive to silence the free speech of their students and other Americans; etc.

Of course, posting of this “open-letter” is not done with any delusions that any of those to whom it is aimed will ever see, read, or demonstrate any constructive response to the citizen-concerns it raises.

Concerns that have time and again been elaborated upon in numerous other communications (e.g., other postings on FB and at personal web page http://threats-to-our-liberty-and-survival.blogspot.com ; as well as a number of e-mails, formal letters, etc., to various members of congress over the years).

Concerns that are the same or very similar to those shared and expressed in various ways by millions of other Americans. Serious, reality-based U.S. citizen concerns being expressed by individual Americans who—in the face of an irresponsible government and nation-destructive news media—find encouragement in the wisdom reflected by reality-based quotations such as those inserted below. 

                                                             —William James Moore

                                              =    =    =

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” —Helen Keller (1880-1968), American author, political activist and lecturer, and first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.” —Samuel Adams (1722-1803)

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing.” —Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” —Plato (428/427 or 424/423BC – 348/347 BC)

“To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last—but eat you he will.” —Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)

"Nation-Destructive Distractions"

Many things are going uniquely good, great, and outstanding in our country. In this the first and yet only one of its kind Constitutional Republic. One that embraces the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness—in a manner that is the envy of much if not most of the World.

Our great nation also faces a number of challenges, ranging from relatively nuisance issues to those truly representing matters of crisis (“elephants in the room”—so to speak).

For example, a U.S. border that is not safely secured against the invasion of illegal aliens, drugs, criminals, terrorists, and other threats to U.S. citizens, ranks as an “elephant in the room”! A very real and present threat created by an inexcusably dysfunctional U.S. Congress. 

More specifically, by radical-left democrats “and” radical/rhino-republicans who put self-serving political agendas above the best interest of our nation! A U.S. Congress that, as of this writing, has shamefully not yet responsibly dealt with this growing crisis. An inexcusably-irresponsible U.S. Congress elected and still tolerated by many voters basking in ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fears!

On the other hand, and regardless of the “nation-destructive distractions” of dysfunctional politicians, supported by irresponsible news/social media and likeminded others:

(1.) “Non-Essential” government employees being sent home to do nothing but wait a few weeks or more for pay they are certain to eventually receive for doing nothing, should not be viewed as an “elephant in the room” national issue. But, more aptly, a long-past-due time to ask serious questions such as, “Why do U.S. taxpayers tolerate having “non-essential” employees on the U.S. taxpayers’ payroll in the first place?”

(2.) The temporary disruption of pay for our active/reserve/retired U.S. Military personnel, and U.S. government employees temporarily furloughed and/or required to work during so-called partial government shut-downs, should not be viewed as an “elephant in the room” national issue. But, rather, long-past due time for some serious questions such as: 

(a.) “Why do U.S. Congress members continue to receive their pay and perks during such disruptions—that they cause, mandate, and use to their self-serving benefit?”

(b.) “Why don’t people of reasonably sound mind who receive pay and benefits well above that of many of their private citizen (non-government/non-military) peers, live within their means and put some savings dollars away for, at least, basic necessities—especially for disruptions as predictable as recurring U.S. Congress created government partial shut-downs?”

(c.) “Why should any among us who are receiving essentially “eventually-assured” funds or other benefits from the public treasury, consider that we should be immune to the uncertainties and other life-challenges endured by countless Americans in the civilian work force—as their employment is often disrupted by temporary and permanent layoffs resulting from ever changing technology or other economic considerations?” 

(d.) “And, why as result of such self-proclaimed immunity from life’s challenges, and our irresponsible budgeting, should an irresponsible news/social media portray us as innocent and helpless victims deserving special treatment at the expense of others?”

It is truly to our country’s demise that we lose sight of the fact that our almost $22 trillion-in-debt “public treasury,” is funded in critical measure by every-day self-employed/small business/private industry working Americans.

A U.S. public treasury funded by people who never hear these words from their respective company/corporate employers, or from themselves as small business owners or otherwise self-employed: “Go home for several weeks or more and do nothing for your place of work.” “And, soon you will be called back to work and paid-in-full for the all of the work and other benefits you have missed while away.”

                                                        —William James Moore 

A Few More Words about "So-Called Freebies" for Illegal Aliens

As reported by Nevada Sheriff Departments, on January 9 or 10, 2019, 56-year-old Connie Koontz was found shot to death at her home in the Gardnerville Ranchos, Nevada. 

About a mile away and four days later, on January 13, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was also found shot to death in her home. 

Then about 50 miles away and three days later, on January 16, the bodies of 81-year-old Gerald David and his wife, 80-year-old Sharon David, were found dead in their home on La Guardia Lane in south Reno; also shot to death. 

Three days later and about 31 miles away from Reno, on January19, 2019, 19-year-old illegal alien Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman was arrested on an immigration charge after being rammed by deputies in a Carson City, Nevada Mall parking lot. 

District Attorneys from Washoe and Douglas Counties, Nevada have said there is enough evidence to support charging Martinez-Guzman with the afore-cited murders. Reportedly, the suspect has lived in the Carson City area about a year.

If and when this illegal alien suspect is proven guilty, what will likely never receive due news coverage will be the fact that he did not have to “walk” the above noted miles to, from, and between these four murders. Because, Nevada is among at least twelve states having laws that allow undocumented immigrants (illegal aliens) to obtain a driver's license or some type of driving permit.

However, the “so-called Freebies” for illegal aliens of course doesn’t end with driver’s licenses and driving permits. Because, for example, we also have at least twenty states that allow unauthorized immigrants (illegal aliens) to attend a public college at the same in-state tuition rate that legal residents and American citizens pay. And, a few, like California, even allow those immigrants to apply for financial aid. 

Not to mention, of course, the ever-growing push by various factions of the radical-left to openly and lawfully permit illegal aliens to vote in U.S. elections (a practice likely being carried out “illegally” nation-wide to a dangerous extent that “should be” most alarming and action-prompting to any rational U.S. citizen).

So, you see folks, when you cut to the chase it really isn’t about “those immigrants”; “that President Trump”; or the “otherwise them”—it’s about “us”! Because, “we the people” have for years, through our elected government representatives, been giving our country away largely for the sake of “democrat-craved votes” and both “democrat and republican craved cheap labor.” As we legal citizens have basked, and continue to bask, in our sometimes innocent and often times intentional ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fears.

And why the herein use of the term “so-called Freebies”? Because, of course, nothing is truly “free”. Someone, somewhere, somehow—ultimately pays.

It seems President Abraham Lincoln was unsettlingly prophetic when reportedly stating, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
                                                       —William James Moore

"Once Upon A Time"

“Once upon a time” some very wise and courageous men and women fled a county of tyranny, and in another land established an envy-of-the-world constitutional republic of unequaled liberty and opportunity (our USA), after at heavy sacrifice first defeating the military of their once cruel and oppressive king. That time was long ago.

“Once upon a time” people legally immigrated to this best hope for humankind; proudly took the initiative to become lawful U.S. citizens; learned and used its common-language English; assimilated its common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values; worked hard to make it an even better place for their children and grandchildren; and successfully defended it time and again against threats foreign and domestic. That time still exists for millions of people who respect America’s constitution, laws, borders, language, and culture.

“Once upon a time” illegal aliens began: invading this best hope for humankind; seeking out sanctuary states and cities where U.S. citizenship is not needed in order to pillage the public treasury; refusing to learn and use our common-language English; refusing to assimilate our common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values; disrespecting our U.S. Flag and the constitutional republic it represents; and, rather than working to help build upon America’s many successes, choosing to contaminate our country with anti-American cultures, crime, corruption, and otherwise liberty-destroying social decay, in likeness to the failed nations from which they came. That time began many years ago, still exists, and continues to worsen.

“Once upon a time” generations of relatively spoiled and world/U.S. history-ignorant citizens, consumed with self-destructive apathy, complacency, denial, and greed, found that they could get so-called “free stuff” from the public treasury, by electing representatives who would accommodate their self-serving desires. As corrupt and power-craving politicians likewise found their positions self-serving indulgence could be seemingly life-time secured by promising their constituents endless outpourings of so-called “free stuff” from the public treasury. Even if doing so required running our nation into unsustainable, liberty-destroying debt. That time began years ago, still exist, and is rapidly worsening at a critical rate.

“Once upon a time” our country’s foreign and domestic enemies realized that they could eventually destroy this best hope for humankind without firing a shot (so to speak). By infiltrating our news media, and administration of our schools/colleges/universities, and our government, with those who unrelentingly support, through intent or ignorance, anti-American/anti-U.S. Constitution ideology. That time was long ago, still exists, and is rapidly worsening at a critical pace. And has and continues to contaminate an ever-growing critical mass of legal and illegal voters who have loaded, and continue to load, the elected and appointed positions of power within our government with individuals having radical-left, socialist, communist, radical-Islamic, and other anti-American/anti-U.S. Constitution aims.

And, we so-called adults in the room had damn well better wake up, and by way of our votes and other respective ways and means, start openly and constructively confronting and combatting the nation-destructive insanity taking place all around us! Otherwise, there will shamefully be another “once upon a time” when our children and grandchildren will suffer unthinkable life and liberty threatening hardship! As they, at great sacrifice, are called upon to strive, struggle, and fight to salvage the precious liberty that we let others chip, chip, chip away and ultimately destroy before our eyes. As we and others before us have irresponsibly basked in self-destructive apathy, complacency, denial, greed. And have likewise wallowed in the lunacy-founded, counter-productive “fear of offending” those who, through intent or ignorance, have been and continue to be hell-bent to deny us and others our inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

                                                      —William James Moore

"Free Ain't Free"---And---"A Cloud Ain't Necessarily a Cloud"

On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, a federal judge in New York blocked the Trump administration from asking about citizenship in the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census, supposedly finding that asking whether one is or is not a U.S. citizen would “violate the public trust.”

So, now, according to radical-left ideology, it is not only “immoral” to secure our U.S. borders against the invasion of illegal aliens, it now also “violates the public trust” to even try to determine how many “non-citizens” are within our borders. And, as we ponder that bit of self-destructive lunacy a moment, possibly something within the following babbling is also worthy of our consideration amidst the many distractions we are smothered with.

Many if not most of us blessed to hang around for a while on this gift-of-life journey, sooner or later grasp that “nothing is truly free”—because, someone at some time in some way ultimately pays. An inescapable reality many of us tend to especially ignore as we partake of the so-called “freebies” offered by the Facebooks, Googles, and other Internet-based companies.

For example, Facebook, Google, etc., obviously spend untold billions upon billions of dollars maintaining, processing, and storing billions upon billions of text/audio/photo/etc. files (data), and making a selective amount of it available to millions of people. Including people like me who have to date not purchased a single item as the result of their advertising, nor have otherwise directly paid them a cent by way of cash, check, or other medium of monetary exchange.

However, for the privilege of using their so-called “freebies,” I and millions of others have knowingly or unknowingly provided the Facebooks, Googles, etc., with access to a magnitude of our “personal information,” such as, our contacts list; phone/text records; photo files; Internet search history; likes and dislikes; political leanings; purchase history; age; gender; marital status; address; etc., etc., etc. And, as a result, the Facebooks, Googles, etc., wind up knowing more about us than our U.S. Federal Government does! That is, unless our U.S. Federal Government is among those who pay or “hack” the Facebooks, Googles, etc., for the massive “data” they collect and store (in the “the cloud,” of course).

But, we are savvy enough to know that the increasingly-massive amount of “personal and otherwise data” collected by the Facebooks, Googles, etc., isn’t actually stored in an innocent and illusive “cloud.” Rather, it is maintained (in essence forever) in ever-growing numbers of on-the-Earth “servers” (computers that provide data to other computers) owned by the Facebooks, Googles, etc. Mindboggling reservoirs of data available for “sale” and/or “otherwise use” by the Facebooks, Googles, etc.—or those who have the capability to illegally “hack” such systems.

An absolutely inconceivable amount and nature of data (including personal information)! Of which the collection and use of certainly seems to far outweigh the aforementioned New York federal judge’s concerns—his so-called worry about a U.S. Constitution-permitted census attempting to determine how many U.S. citizens, and otherwise occupants, are residing within our country’s borders. Questions that the Facebooks, Googles, etc., likely already have the answers to—tucked away in their “clouds.”

And, in closing, one can’t help but wonder if the owners of the Facebooks, Googles, etc.—in addition to pursuing their understood craving to make a business dollar or two—have by the slimmest of chance (smile), ever tripped over bits of historical insight and wisdom such as emphasized by the following quotation:

“The control of information is something the elite always does, particularly in a despotic form of government. Information, knowledge, is power. If you can control information, you can control people.” —Tom Clancy (1947-2013), American novelist.

As the Facebooks, Googles, etc., assume that we-the-people will, through ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, and greed, forever self-destructively ignore the following also long ago uttered reality:

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” —James Madison (1751–1836), 4th U.S. President; hailed as “Father of the Constitution” for his key role in drafting the U.S. Constitution & the Bill of Rights.

                                                       —William James Moore

"Parenting Without a License"

America, as well as most other so-called civilized countries, is awash with licensing requirements. Documented permits granting authorization to do something. Based on some form of demonstrated evidence that one not only has the “desire” and “capability” to perform specific functions, but also is “qualified” to do so in accordance with certain society-established requirements.

Yes, whether one is, for example, running a donut shop; teaching school; practicing medicine; performing work as a certified mechanic, welder, or electrician, etc.; driving an automobile; or getting married—to do so legally often requires a license. Evidence of being capable and qualified to do so.

However, of course not so when it comes to among the (if not the) most important functions and responsibilities on the planet—human reproduction and parenting! No “beforehand mandated evidence” attesting to parenting desire, willingness, capability, and qualifications—as an estimated average of about 353,000 children are born around the world each day. Nothing to ensure a parenting environment that, for example:

* Includes a capable, qualified, and loving mother and father;

* Encourages belief in a loving and forgiving God of their personal understanding;

* Instills self-confidence and self-esteem, as opposed to insecurity and self-pity;

* Distinguishes right, truth, and reality, from wrong, falsehood, and fantasy;

* Protects against parental unrealistic expectations; abandonment; abuse; etc.;

* Cautions against treating life’s blessings, challenges, and realities, with self-destructive apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and fear;

* Applies constructive as opposed to destructive discipline;

* Promotes good work ethic and attitudes of responsibility; earned-achievement, independence, and self-sufficiency, as opposed to mindsets rooted in deserving, dependence, and victimhood;

* Encourages self-respect, due respect for others, caring, and self-sacrifice, as opposed to self-loathing, undue disrespect of others, uncaringness, and greed;

* Instills an understanding that humankind’s rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are inalienable (God-given), and not derived from other humankind. And that such rights must be protected, defended, and never abused or taken for granted;

* Stresses the importance of seeking the Serenity to accept the things one cannot change, Courage to change the things one can, and Wisdom to know the difference.

= = =

I, and likely many others, will forever regret not long, long ago having and demonstrating a much more responsible grasp of the parenting needs summarized above. That which we now understand as being so truly crucial. A failure we and our loved ones will long suffer in various ways. However, life does not come with a “reverse gear.” So, we are left each in our own ways with the importance of embracing our gift-of-life journey. With the understanding that, while as children and adults we often have little to no control of what happens to us, at least as adults, those of us blessed with the opportunity to exercise our free-will can, much if not most of the time, choose how "we respond" to life’s ups and downs.

As some of we adults and our children and grandchildren, are raised by capable, qualified, and loving parents; and some experience otherwise.

While even those born into and raised by way of the most ideal and enviable of circumstances, none the less likely follow an often not openly acknowledged, ages-old, well-traveled path fittingly described by the following quotation:

“Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.” –Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

As I, and likely countless other blessed to be parents ponder more with age—how will we be judged; and if we will be forgiven?

                                            —William James Moore

"To Run or Not to Run for U.S. President"

Our 2020 U.S. Presidential Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020—a little more than about 22 months from now! Seems every day we hear of someone announcing, or getting ready to announce their candidacy. The one to beat, President Trump, will by then be age 74. If meant for me to still be around at that time, I won’t be “all that much older than he.” So, have been giving some thought about possibly making a run myself. Driven by—you know—an unequaled craving to “serve the people.” As well as, the fact that after years of effort and planning, I have come up with a for certain “sure win” six-point campaign platform that just must not go to waste.

However, at this point, I’m already running into some potentially show-stopping “funding issues.” According to a reporting by The Washington Post, the final price tag for the 2016 election was about $6.5 billion, for the presidential and congressional elections combined. The presidential contest—primaries and all—accounted for some $2.4 billion of that total. From which, Clinton’s unsuccessful campaign ($768 million in spending) outspent Trump’s successful one (of $398 million) by nearly 2 to 1. So, any way I dice and slice it, history and logic says I’m presently short somewhere between about $400 million to $800 million. A daunting challenge to say the least!

But, back to my earlier mentioned “sure win” campaign platform, as summarized below:

(1.) Convincingly promise “more free stuff” from the public treasury than promised by President Trump and all other candidates combined;

(2.) Convincingly demonstrate that I hate President Trump and America “much more than” the combined hatred of all other presidential candidates;

(3.) Convincingly swear that I am not a “traditional Democrat,” but rather, a “much more” dyed-in-the-wool progressively-savvy “socialist-democrat” than all other candidates combined. Without ever explaining or admitting, of course, that world history shows that “socialism” is a stepping stone to “communism”;

(4.) Convincingly promise to, on day one of my presidency, issue an Executive Order establishing the U.S. as a “Sanctuary Nation,” with open (not effectively secured/controlled) borders, for all illegal aliens who: still hold allegiance to their failed homeland of origin; refuse to learn “and use” the U.S. common-language English; refuse to assimilate the U.S. common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values; overwhelm U.S. schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and other infrastructure; abuse and bankrupt the U.S. welfare system; etc., etc.—and, most importantly, always faithfully and consistently vote for all socialist-democrat candidates.

(5.) With as-needed fist-pounding, screaming, screeching, shouting, and verbal utterances of the “F” word and other profanity, convincingly make a commitment to purge the U.S. of “all” legal-citizen-owned weapons, as well as “all” persons determined through democrat-socialist party opinion and/or prime time news media coverage, to be racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic, and/or other-phobic, in addition to those inclined to “offend” others, be not politically correct, and/or be seekers and respecters of truth, fact, and reality;

(6.) And, last but not least, convincingly promise to, within the first 100 days of defeating the Trump Presidency, purge all aspects of the federal government of any and all traces of the prior Trump Administration. This being an especially popular commitment, especially with the “Deep State” which will ultimately be willfully instrumental in swiftly carrying it out. 

                                         =   =   =

And as a growing many of the competition strives to “copycat” the above truly original platform elements, it’s now back to pondering the aforementioned campaign “funding issues.” Not for sure why, but as the pressure mounts to make a decision whether to go for it or not, the potential need to one day have to consider “colluding” keeps coming to mind, along with other random terms and names, such as, the Clinton Foundation, George Soros, etc.

Oh well, at least by identifying as a democrat-socialist, fair and balanced media coverage won’t be an issue. Nor, will a “personal background check” be needed or of any importance—which would in my case otherwise be a for certain political nail-in-the-coffin show-stopper, so-to-speak!

But, again, after it is all said and done, the bottom line is that it’s all about “serving the people”!

---William James Moore   01/13/2019

Footnote: It is assumed that any clear thinking attentive reader will recognize that satire has been intentionally used in the above posting in an effort to draw constructive attention to very serious concerns.

An Open Letter To U.S. House Of Representatives Ethics Committee

[Foreword: Signed Original of below letter was mailed 01/06/2019]

January 06, 2019

Subject: “Citizen-Request” for House Ethics Committee Action

Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks,
House Ethics Committee Chairwoman
1015 Longworth House Office Building (LHOB)
Washington DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Brooks,

There is of course much good in this world; all of which being worthy of our recognition and gratitude. However, there is also much that is not right—none the least that which prompts this very sincere and otherwise fitting letter and herein request for your timely and responsible attention.

As you are aware: Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) were recently sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress, joining the Legislature as the first two Muslim congresswomen. Both breaking U.S. tradition by wearing Islamic hijab on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, as long-standing rules were changed to allow “religious” head coverings; as both were sworn-in, not on a Judeo-Christian Bible, but on an Islamic Koran. And, within hours of being sworn-in, Representative Rashida Tlaib further dishonored the office she now holds and the country now sworn to serve, by expressing the words “We’re gonna impeach the mother*****r” in public speeches referring to President Trump. As another new arrival, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), has publically defended Representative Tlaib for use of such profanity in referring to President Trump.

By any measure of basic common sense, logic, political decorum, human decency, and due respect for our country’s founding principles, the above cited behavior of these three U.S. Representatives signals the nation-deteriorating path our country is on. Furthermore, such reprehensible conduct is likewise clearly in conflict with, as a minimum, U.S. House of Representatives Rule XXIII - Code Of Official Conduct, Item 1., which, as you well know, states: “A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.” And, for such disgraceful behavior to be considered as “reflecting creditably” on our U.S. House of Representatives—or on our country to which the House is sworn to serve—would clearly be in blatant defiance of any resemblance of sanity.

Therefore, it is most fittingly requested that each of the above cited House Members—and other House Members now or in the future displaying same and/or other behavior in violation of any/all House Rules or U.S. Constitutional Law—be timely investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable to the fullest extent allowed by our U.S. Constitution.

Furthermore, should it be determined that this U.S. citizen-request is beyond the scope of authority of the House Ethics Committee, it is requested this letter be timely, officially, and faithfully forwarded to the branch of our federal government that is ultimately constitutionally-responsible for the follow-up requested herein.

Sincerely,

William James Moore

= = =

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing.”  —Edmund Burke (1729-1797)