The German defense minister proves the old adage, the hit dog barks. That seems to be the case in Muenchen (Munich) last week, at the big “security conference.” When US VP Vance accused European nations of “destroying democracy” and feeding lies while denying truths, and taking away the liberties of their people – while expediting the invasion of those nations, Pistorius threw away his prepared speech to tell Vance “this is not acceptable.” Not the status of the European Union nations and others, but for Vance to speak out boldly against their perversions.

(To libertarians, including us here at TPOL, these are not “perversions” of course. At least not as far as the government ruilers: this is business as usual. Lies, tyranny, authoritarianism, denial of rights, and other actions are what governments do.)

The track record of governments in Europe and the Commonwealth in recent years is clear. We not only have the attempts to tear down the Alternativ fuer Deutschland (ADF: Alternative for Germany) party, even though it is now the #2 party in many if not all Lander. We have the Reform UK party in Britain (which now seems to be #1 in polls) scaring the old parties and powermongers so much that elections are being postponed for a year. Even in France, the situation seems to be nearly intolerable. Those looking for similar track records can go back and compare some of the most corrupt regimes of European nations and find modern rulers lacking.

Vance’s rhetoric demonstrates that The Donald’s regime in DC has a horrific effect on business and politics as usual. We think this is certainly preferable to what we’ve had in the States for four years, and what European and Asian nations have endured as long or longer. And do not get us started on Africa or Latin America.

We think that there is some possibility that we may actually be seeing some legitimate and real improvements – some benefits including the restoration of some liberties. Despite the screams of transnational progressives and even the run-of-the-mill socialists, communists, and their ilk.

Of course, Muenchen is not the only place the dogs are barking. Zelenskyy was screaming long before he got there. The old powers-that-be in Argentina are also howling. As are both the new Mexican president and the soon-to-be-gone premier of Canada.

But the loudest howls are right here in the States. Not just Democrats: old elite Republicans and RINOs are awfully vocal as well. But the really hit-hard dogs are the upper-level bureaucrats and those who support them (and benefit from their big paychecks and big powers). We include both the military and civilian dogs in this. And includes all the black-robed nobility – including at least some of the Nine Nazgul of SCOTUS.

But their screaming may be an indication that what is being done and proposed actually might be a change for the better. Not enough, of course, but perhaps a first stumbling step towards a restoration of liberty. So we rejoice in the squawking and the screaming, and the vile cries of tyranny and fascism and all the rest. Indications that something, at least, is happening.