Cheapseats,
I understand your resentment towards those "officials" within the geographic State of Jefferson, but I want you to understand just how large an area we are dealing with.
By transcending into and out of the State of Jefferson, as though it is a tangible location, we eventually realize that it is our own specific, physical location.
When enough Liberty minded people occupy that state of mind, then that collective mindset of Jeffersonian (Paulian) individuals takes root and the State of Jefferson enlarges it's borders from within.
I currently dwell in the State of California, but wherever I go, the State of Jefferson travels with me, and that is the state in which I live.
Via STRATIOTES does your reputation precede you. 'Nuf said, yes? I speak with respect.
I also dwell-more-like-skulk-around in the State of California. On my way BACK into California, where I have lived since 1966 -- coming from Reno, not Russia -- I was obliged to stop at a checkpoint.
It was early evening. There were other cars. It said Agricultural Inspection. The man with the uniform and the gun (also the orange vest, Safety First!) was nice enough. But I was also relaxed enough. I wouldn't have been so relaxed if I had just bought a gun at a pawn shop, I can tell you that. I wouldn't have been so relaxed if I had been carrying the marijuana that it is lawful for me to smoke in one state but not in another, though they can't pour liquor fast enough in either.
I'll have to dip into my Recovery Arsenal, and do some practice Acting As If. Don't wanna get swooped up just 'cuz I was acting like I was AFRAID of the guy who is twice my size and armed, and who will have legal backing and official cover for whatever he takes it into his head or hands to do. 'Cuz, God knows, he didn't ask me whether I was transporting any plants or foodstuffs.
He asked where I was coming from. I was so not expecting that question (see above re: Agricultural Inspection).
Whaddya mean by FROM, right?
"I'm going BACK to where I live in California after driving TO Reno."
"Have a nice night."
You bet, sleep tight.
Being Prepared, and all that it implies -- skillz, resourcefulness, strength, comrades, WEAPONS -- renders the Prepared eminently better able and, well, equipped to live in their own little worlds-within-a-world, slowly but steadily radiating out The Word. Swell. Good on you. But y'all better start inviting some people into the fort, or come out blazing, or pat yourselves on the backs for your own Survival while the Many go under. It must be owned that the Prepared DO count among their numbers some who, for different reasons, are as content as neocons to let the unwashed masses perish. But I advise Big Money and Bearing Arms alike, the world won't be half the fun they think it will be without a broad Middle Class. That's the Clydesdale Class, where the lion's share of the work gets done.
Actually, it's more of a Worker Bee class right now . . . emasculated and anemic. But it COULD be broad and strong again. We do not have to SETTLE for mediocrity, spiced up with getting around the Rules and getting past the Guards.
I can do Ohhm/Peace/Love with the best of 'em -- I LONG to return to that path. Give me a covered porch, a good man, a high-speed internet connection and a perspective-restoring view and, I dunno, I never used to think that would be enough but now it sounds like the proverbial slice of Heaven On Earth. If it's Every Man For Himself, I only need someone to give me the word.
But first I implore you and other Peaceful Warriors to consider that, libertarian and patriotic flourishes notwithstanding, you're still whistling Kum-Bay-Ya.
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