Mississippi state flag, latest controversy

It seems the Mississippi state flag will be again publicly discussed, and rightly so as overdue it is. The latest spark of controversy was a judge's removal last week of the state flag in a Clarksdale courtroom.

A bold move, a commendable move, but not a consistent move. For starters; the Stennis flag was surprisingly thus unfortunately preferred as the unofficial replacement by the judge. And of course, nothing said of the US flag and the (far more) monstrous atrocities symbolized still standing in the courtroom. More on this particular story later...

Meanwhile, I'm re-posting a "very related" blog (see link) I wrote in 2015; If not a FLAG and GOVERNMENT of PEACE, perhaps NO FLAG is the solution...

https://cafeperq.blogspot.com/2015/10/if-not-flag-and-government-of-peace.html

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

The disease-ridden heart of Democracy

Jordan B. Peterson, a psychology professor at University of Toronto recently and precisely wrote, “It is better, proverbially, to rule your own spirit than to rule a city." Yet we live in a society where every citizen determines each election cycle to rule others with full force of government by one's preference and vote. Upon election win, the voting majority care little to nothing for the losers, even gloat while arrogantly presuming a better society shaped by their mere preference. The voting minority are no better, for immediately there arises intense covetousness of the winners' newly acquired power, with the ardent intent to seize it the following election.

Such is the disease-ridden heart of Democracy, sickened by the carcinogenic isms (save one) hailed as cures per medicine-show charlatans otherwise revered as politicians, bureaucrats, judiciaries, generals, reverence enforced by well propagandized agents, soldiers, and police officers.

I recently, perhaps mistakenly aligned with a small polity, assuming a loftier alternative, but soon realized their intent to seize power, against the will and consent of the "losers", was inherently no better regardless the noble goal. Martin Luther King Jr., pastor, orator, activist and man of peace, was quite right when he eloquently articulated, "In the final analysis, means and ends must cohere because the end is preexistent in the means, and, ultimately, destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends." As he later concisely put it, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that."

Note(1):
Often I follow the word "isms" with the parenthesized "save one". It is assumed one is aware of my greater ongoing, seemingly endless thesis and emphasis on Individualism. Empirically, praxeologically it is simply, rightly defined by the consistent regard for the Singular Human Right to Consent or Not Consent on all matters, inseparably a constant respect for the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason. Other definitions have led to erroneous arguments and conclusions.

Note(2):
By some of these posts, you are reading drafts for my follow-up book; More Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, Singular Human Right to Consent & Other Neglected Matters.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

Quote by D.C. Quillan Stone

Quote by D.C. Quillan Stone

Quote by D.C. Quillan Stone

One coercion always makes another inevitable

"The more opportunities there are in a Society for some persons to live upon the toil of others, and the less those others may enjoy the fruits of their work themselves, the more is diligence killed, the former become insolent, the latter despairing, and both negligent... The exercise of one coercion always makes another inevitable."

Anders Chydenius (1729-1803)

Note:
Chydenius was a Finnish-Swedish priest, but more notably in Nordic culture, a pre-Mises champion of Classical Liberalism favoring of course (very) minimum government.

Classical Liberalism should be not be confused with modern references, for it is completely opposed to the quite similar cousins "left" Liberalism (i.e. Democrats) and "right" Conservatism (i.e. Republicans). It is important to note, the qualifiers "left" and "right" are politically as well conversationally useless terms, representing no distinctions other by name and emphasis. For both are quite hellbent on massive governing in all aspects of life for persons here and abroad, therefore both anti-Classical Liberalism, synonymously anti-Individualism.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

Cronyism's economies

Cronyism's economies, like United States, Canada, Britain, France, and others, are nothing more than playing board games of arbitrary rules centrally, arrogantly enforced towards arbitrary objectives centrally, presumptuously determined. That is to say, these same rules and objectives are often if not always contrary to individual reasoning thus individual preferences, consequently detrimental to individual well-being, of course preceding the inhumane disregard for the individual right to consent or dissent on all matters.

It follows, if one or more succeed at playing the board games as described, would it necessarily equate to succeeding economically, logically, ethically. Instead, would it be merely keen in managing and manipulating rules and objectives to benefit the fortunate one, few, many or most, regardless the perceived communal gain or social justice, consistently at the expense of the managed and manipulated unfortunate others. So goes all isms save one; Individualism.

Note:
By some of these posts, you are reading drafts for my follow-up book; More Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, Singular Human Right to Consent & Other Neglected Matters.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

Let's do something about it

“When people say 'let's do something about it', they mean 'let's get hold of the political machinery so that we can do something to somebody else.' And that somebody is invariably you."

Frank Chodorov (writer/lecturer, 1887-1966)

Works:
The Economics of Society, Government and State (1946)
One is a Crowd: Reflections of an Individualist (1952)
The Income Tax: Root of All Evil (1952)
The Rise & Fall of Society: An Essay on the Economic Forces That Underline Social Institutions (1959)
Flight to Russia (1959)
Out of Step: The Autobiography of an Individualist (1962)
Fugitive Essays (1980)

Moral Rights versus Moral Duties

It is popularly stated, to be fed, clothed, housed, (medically) treated and schooled are a person's moral rights, of course among other rights. If accepted as moral rights, then prerequisite are a person's moral duties to feed, clothe, house, (medically) treat and school, of course among other duties.

Immediately,there rises a logical, practical conflict, for the same person cannot claim moral rights while obligated with prerequisite moral duties. Can a person requiring to be fed, clothed, housed, treated and schooled, at the same time feed, clothe, house, treat and school another person? Of course not!. In order a person to feed, clothe, house, treat and school another person, the former must first feed, clothe, house, treat and school him/herself before doing the same for the latter.

Necessitating the uncomfortable clarification; the aforementioned moral rights cannot be claimed universally, just as the aforementioned moral duties cannot be obligated universally. To reiterate, these moral rights cannot be afforded to every person, while the prerequisite moral duties cannot be expected of every person. Consequently, these considerations require further questions; who have rights, who have duties, and who decides....(more to come).

Note:
By some of these posts, you are reading drafts for my follow-up book; More Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, Singular Human Right to Consent & Other Neglected Matters.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

Capitalism is a subset of Individualism

Capitalism is not Republican nor Democrat for their preferred ism is Cronyism, a close cousin to Fascism (see note). Since both major parties are equally pro-Cronyism, both are equally pro-Socialism and pro-Militarism, consequently, both are equally anti-Capitalism therefore anti-Individualism.

Capitalism is a subset of Individualism. To expand, it is the liberty to wholly maintain what you earn and barter, to freely consume or use as preferentially determined as well to freely invest (what is not consumed or used) in your own endeavors or the endeavors of others upon unanimous consent.

Capitalism is merely within the Singular Human Right to Consent or Not Consent on all matters; sexual or intimate, family, private, social, religious, public, political, and more, including economical that intertwines with all other activities.

Note(1):
First and foremost, Fascism as well Communism are political systems seeking 100% control of the economy from opposite directions. The former by "top-down" enforced control per taxation and regulation, the latter by bottom-up enforced control per confiscation thus nationalization. Thus death camps, holocausts, ethnic cleansing, mass executions, and more, are all possible outcomes or characteristics of tyrannical isms, not the foundational definition.

Note(1):
By some of these posts, you are reading drafts for my follow-up book; More Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, Singular Human Right to Consent & Other Neglected Matters.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

These wars are far worst than failed policies

There is enough criticism in this (typically soft) piece (link below) for the average supporter of US wars. But these wars are far worst than failed policies that could have been executed better. For if one sees these US wars (plural) as political, economic and military expansionism, then Bush, Obama and Trump are inhumane warmongering presidents, commanders-in-chief rightly responsible for 10s upon 100s of thousands of mostly civilian deaths, perhaps into the millions per some activist organizations.

Many in this country politically, conveniently wept for the children "detained thus temporarily separated" from their parents due to longstanding US immigration laws. There have NOT been similar public tears for the children "terminated thus permanently separated" from their parents due to longstanding US foreign/military policies.

No End In Sight by Krishnadev Calamur (The Atlantic)
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/09/9-11-us-troops-afghanistan/569803/?fbclid=IwAR0ps4ijSOCcQnNLtxvuSNhN5tCaghDmaQJnRmQB9exFRsU9c6wzmJXojxA

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

Taken from my 10th book 100 Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, Singular Human Right to Consent & Other Neglected Matters...

PROEM & POEM NO. 53

~ To Emote is Common and Constant / 5th Reprise ~

The arrogance (per No. 52) ignores the obvious complexity per unavoidable and rightful individuality, for not all are joyful with equal intensity per the same cause of the same magnitude, while some may even respond with boredom, agitation as well anger. The unrelentingly trend to categorize by political polls and academic statistics continue to encourage the presumptuously empowered, always with unintended consequences per restless or violent blowback thus unsustainable societies and economies. Similarly unrelenting yet ignored are the unethical dilemmas by such human-herd views hence policies, cattle-driving individuals with laws and regulations like stock prods, temptingly swaying individuals with subsidies, grants and cheap loans like scattered hay and salt blocks.

Yet where are the outcries against this inhumane governance. Instead, popular are the cries, shouts, demonstrations and riots for more, perversely codependent upon the political sadism and social masochism wildly perceived as mutually accommodating, flowing from a psychosis empirical, economical hence ethical, rooted ultimately and quite darkly in covetousness. It is the kind of lusted arrangement that can only begin and end by depravity of the mind, perhaps soul too, viciously manifested by feral disrespect and brutal disregard of the Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, inseparably the Singular Human Right to Consent or Not Consent.

---

Plenteous the horn as adorned by carnies and barkers

Ah the blarneys then markers, while eve creeps darker

Knee-deep in audacious ardor aft’ presumption’s shit

Posterior the national obit, anterior the fashionable fits

---

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

Since it is Columbus Day

One American colonial stood alone, upholding Indigenous right(s) over European presumption. In his book A Key into the Language of America (1643), Roger Williams (1603-1683), Puritan minister/theologian and Rhode Island fellow founder, observably wrote...

"The natives are very exact and punctual in the bounds of their lands, belonging to this or that prince or people, even to a river, brook, &c. And I have known them make bargain and sale amongst themselves for a small piece or quantity of ground; notwithstanding a sinful opinion amongst many, that Christians have right to heathen's lands."

Elsewhere in the same book, he wrote this stanza of a longer poem (what appears as misspelled are in fact original text)...

"Boast not proud English, of thy birth & blood,
Thy brother Indian is by birth as Good.
Of one blood God made Him, and Thee & All,
As wise, as faire, as strong, as personall..."

Because of Roger Williams and fellow colony founders, they established Rhode Island unique above other such North American establishments per two principles paramount; the recognition of Indigenous ownership ethically necessitating negotiation oppose to confiscation, and universal freedom of conscience whether religious, political or otherwise. However, it is he who is most ignored by colonial historians, professors, teachers, lecturers and buffs, in favor of other founders oft inclined towards the sword.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

Some of the strongest supporters of the war

"Some of the strongest supporters of the war declare that we are a Christian nation, yet use their religious beliefs to justify the war. They claim it is our Christian duty to remake the Middle East and attack the Muslim infidels. Evidently I have been reading from a different Bible."

Ron Paul (former congressman and pres. candidate)

King Solomon

Three centuries before Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu (see prior post), King Solomon observed a parallel between increased royalty (or bureaucrats), with increased immorality among the people; "for the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof" (Pr 28:2). Whether it is government perceiving an urgency to rule more aggressively a growing unruliness, or the people's growing covetousness petitioning government for more "free" goods and services, the parallel has been observed by others since antiquities, often the latter as the cause empirically.

Now, Solomon was no friend of Individualism, for he was a monarch thus propensities towards Despotism, Absolutism, per being raised most privileged socially to become most privileged politically. Yet quite interestingly, he made the parallel nevertheless while I'm sure he interpreted his observation as "an urgency to rule more aggressively a growing unruliness" via his monarchical distorted prism.

From promising a chicken in every pot, two cars in every garage to a house and American dream for every family, social retirement for every senior, as well jobs, cell phones, internet access, student loans, trigger warning signs, and now healthcare, tuition, basic income guarantee, and the endlessly idolatrous worship (of flags and heroes) per perpetually glorious wars, the US government steadily expanded it's princedom in parallel to popularly expanded envy even overt lust.

Note:
The painting is The Judgment of Solomon (1617) by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). And thanks to Chodorov's book of essays Out of Step, particularly one essay regarding Joseph of Biblical antiquities.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).

   

Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu

Lao-tzu (6th century BC), also known as Laozi, among the early few in written history to observe the unavoidable effects caused by an expanding government, when it's "laws and regulations (become) more numerous than the hairs of an ox, it should be more feared than fierce tigers." A proponent of Individualism, it could be favorably debated. Certainly critical of excessive governing per legislation exceeding "hairs of an ox", necessary for any form of Collectivism (all Isms save one).

Chuang-tzu (4th century BC) made the following insightful observation of government's inherent excess towards forceful control along with frivolous expenditures. He explains, "A thousand ounces of gold is indeed a great reward, and the office of chief minister is truly an elevated position. But have you, sir, not seen the sacrificial ox awaiting the sacrifices at the royal shrine of state? It is well cared for and fed for a few years, caparisoned with rich brocades, so that it will be ready to be led into the Great Temple. At that moment, even though it would gladly change places with any solitary pig, can it do so? So, quick and be off with you! Don't sully me, I would rather roam and idle about in a muddy ditch, at my own amusement, than to be put under the restraints that the ruler would impose. I will never take any official service, and thereby I will satisfy my own purposes." I think the parable (if you will) should be sufficiently self-evident empirically thus logically.

Note:
Photo is a fascinating stone sculpture of Lao-tzu at the foot of Mount Qingyuan, Fujian Province, China. And thanks to Rothbard's two-volume work An Austrian Perspective on the History of Economic Thought.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).