It isn’t “rogue government,” it is SOP for…

… government agencies to do things like this. Nor is it madness or just Wokeness or Progressivism or Conservativism. It is human government!

We could fill the pages of this webzine/commentary for years with examples of justice twisted, perverted, and denied. Kiriakou is just one of thousands of people who have suffered from injustice. Even when they were themselves part of the machine that ground them up and spit them out.

American military officers (at least most of them) and even some American politicians and government leaders once understood a basic principle. What? That men and women who stand up for the right, for liberty, for justice, for others, often have to pay a horrible price. It is understood by those who wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence, who realized that they were putting not just their lives and their fortunes on the line, but also their “sacred honor” – that they would be vilified, condemned, and considered “without honor” because they valued certain important matters more than the people around them.

Disobeying a direct order, breaking rules and regulations, revealing deep secrets (sometimes secrets you have sworn to protect) for the right reasons is going to be condemned and punished. It takes moral courage – and a lot of it – to do the right thing.

The following is a commentary by a correspondent, Bob Malone:

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Put not your trust…

A correspondent writes:

Interestingly, most people believe doctors such as Rebecca Shatsky, [a California oncologist specializing in breast cancer] because we have all been programmed from childhood to trust the good specialist with the white coat that works in a highly respected hospital.  Same with the teacher, the judge, the preacher and many other occupations where trust almost goes with the occupation. In older days it may have been real and justified, but after the collective behavior of all such professions, in response to COVID-19, how is it possible to trust them?

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Engineers and politicians

As some readers know, The Price of Liberty’s publishers and staff are also part of several other entities and enterprises. One of those is involved in the practice of engineering in various fields.

So we get a chuckle out of tee-shirts and posters like this one:

Though we hasten to point out that sometimes the idiots are engineers themselves. The statement above is an indication that we are deluded if we think that we can solve problems once and for all. And that “this time” we did it right. Thus, it is a never-ending struggle and takes place on multiple fronts. Idiotic engineers do not make things better. Indeed, they can make things worse. And often do.

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Republics, democracies, and the dangers of all human government

A correspondent shared this graphic with TPOL:

All four of these men make an important point about “democracy.”(And by the way, make Winston Churchill into the liar and propagandist he so often was, claiming that ‘Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’

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Follow me, boys!

A correspondent has shared a Prager U five-minute video from a few months back, which pretty accurately summarizes the successful attack on a once-ideal American institution, the former Boy Scouts of America. Please view it and share comments with us.

Prager U: The Girling of the Boy Scouts

We understand that some of our readers will object to our opinion regarding the BSA past and present. It was, in many ways, a direct child of British imperialism and nurtured (as the video points out) by the Progressive agenda of Teddy Roosevelt. But it rose far above those beginnings and overcame many of the faults: it not only made boys into men, it also molded American culture and society for the better.

Our own response to the correspondent who shared it with us is provided below. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated:

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Health ideas #2: “Safe and effective” – the new “science”-worshipping religion

This comes from Dr. Robert Malone, a maverick in medical circles, who has since been appointed by The Donald and RFKJr to be part of the review process for vaccines. Including the now known and proven to be deadly COVID-19 “vaccines”:

The dominant narrative, repeatedly reinforced via a wide range of channels, marketing, propaganda, and censorship – particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak- is that all vaccines, including the mRNA and adenovirus genetic therapy-based vaccines, are “safe and effective.” This typically unqualified but oft-repeated phrase has characteristics of a catechism of faith repeated by “true believers” of a vaccine-promoting cult of public health officers, academics dependent on the vaccine industry, industrial vaccinologists, the vast majority of specialist physician guilds (that universally accept funding from vaccine-manufacturing corporations), and their surrogates. Surrogates include corporate media, politicians, and academic journals that almost universally also accept significant direct or indirect funding from vaccine manufacturers. Any who question any aspect of this catechism are typically attacked, censored, and ostracized by cult members.

Call it the “Gospel of the Caduceus” – only the priesthood of qualified and anointed medical personnel and their holy drugs can save lives.

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The fist of tyranny – tighter and tighter?

Most readers are familiar with the saying (apparently attributed to Thomas Merton), The more you squeeze, the less you have.

When it comes to the Imperial regime of the District of Criminals, this certainly appears to be the case. The FedGov is no longer content with the enemies it claims to have long had: The Donald and his minions seem to be searching out for – and making – more.

Of course, American governments have long demonstrated a certain lack of finesse at both diplomacy and intelligence gathering and interpreting. And Congress has long demonstrated the old saying about the intelligence of a committee. But in recent months – even days! – this seems to be accelerating.

Externally: we seem to have long accepted that Russia must be an enemy, regardless of their political and economic system. Ditto for China. Of course we can smile at the antics of the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea), the rabid Satan-baiting of Iran (Persia), and a few other places.

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No King but God

The Price of Liberty makes no bones about it: we are lovers of liberty (libertarians) and anarchists (against mandatory human government) because we believe in God. In the Creator. He Who is three-in-one, who sent His Son to die for the sins of His creation, human beings. We do not see any other political philosophy (and not a single political party, including the US’s Libertarian Party) which is compatible with being a follower of the Messiah (Christ).

As such, we certainly believe in the idea of “No (Human) Kings.” And for that matter, no Presidents (except of book clubs, maybe). No governors (not even on engines). We have no problem with Mayors (as long as it is an honorary position with no power). So you’d think that we might support all these “No King” rallies.

Well…

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The free flow of information and liberty

The free flow of information, and free comment/critical/correction of that info, is essential for life and liberty.

Yesterday, we here at TPOL published the first of what we expect to be a series on ideas for better health and for dealing with (especially preventing!) illness and damage to our bodies. We can do this because the information is available widely and we have contacts – usually friends – who are able to find and share knowledge with us. Humans have long known what Jesus stated: “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” This applies as much to daily, secular life as it does to religious matters; to health and safety and every action we take each day. Ignorance breeds submission and slavery.

Unfortunately, all too often the loud voices of advertising and educators are not challenged, either because other views are suppressed or simply not able to be heard. The explosion of the internet in the past 35 years has been a blessing. But it has its downside: money still talks and the internet, while far FAR better than broadcast TV and radio and national newspapers and magazines, still allows the establishment to be heard more than the dissidents. 

As lovers of liberty, we need to understand and support the free flow of information. Including the ability to challenge false information. And demand evidence, if not proof, for what is claimed.

That is not easy.

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Health ideas #1: Usnea, a natural antibiotic

A powerful natural antibiotic:

Usnea, commonly known as “old man’s beard” due to its bushy, hair-like appearance, is a lichen with a long history of medicinal use. It thrives in cool, moist environments. If you don’t live in an area where Usnea grows wild, this is one of those things you’ll want to buy at a health food store and keep on hand.

Usnea is a lichen, meaning it’s a combination of algae and fungus that grows mostly on trees and sometimes rocks. It typically forms tangled, grayish-green to yellowish-green hair-like structures that can resemble a beard or moss hanging from tree branches. It is prevalent in forests along the Pacific Coast and in Alaska.

If you’ve ever been hiking in these areas, you’ve probably walked right by this stuff. It has a coral-like appearance with a white, string-like core that can be seen when the lichen is broken. This core is a key feature distinguishing it from other lichens. You don’t want to confuse Usnea with dried moss that hangs from trees.

Uses and properties:

Usnea has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties. Indigenous peoples in North America, Europe, and Asia have traditionally used usnea to treat a range of ailments.

The lichen has a broad range of medicinal uses because has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Usnea is really one of those multi-purpose natural medicines that has been touted as everything from a weight-loss aid to a cancer treatment.

Most importantly, it is used as an antibiotic to fight infection which is what makes it a valuable asset to your medicine chest. An infection can quickly go from something minor to something life-threatening.

Usnic acid is the key to Usnea’s effectiveness. It has been used to stop the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But that’s not all it does. It is the combination of medicinal properties that make it a top choice to have in your plant-based first aid kit.

1. Antimicrobial qualities: Usnea’s antimicrobial properties make it effective against a range of pathogens. It is a useful remedy for treating infections and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. This is the antibiotic effect.

2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Usnea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain externally and internally. A wound will often be inflamed which can make it more painful. An usnea poultice can treat the infection and the swelling. This also make usnea a good option for those suffering arthritis or sprains that cause swelling.

3. Immune support: In cold and flu season, usnea can help boost the immune system and fight off viruses.

4. Pain reliever: While it’s reducing swelling or fighting infection, it is also acting as an analgesic. It’s a natural ibuprofen.

5. Heart health: It has also been proven to help reduce atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries. It can also help regulate cholesterol and control high blood pressure issues.

6. Anti-fungal: Usnea is used to fight fungal issues like ringworm and yeast infections through a topical application.

7. Urinary Tract Infection treatment: A UTI is painful and dangerous if not treated. Usnea is an effective cure.

8. Cancer Preventer: As with every other plant high in antioxidants, it is believed usnea can help prevent some cancers by inhibiting cancer cell growth. There are several studies to back up these claims.

Preparation and uses:

Usnea can be prepared and used in various ways, depending on the condition being treated and personal preference. Here are some methods for preparing and using usnea:

  1. Tea: Usnea tea is a simple and effective way to get the medicinal properties internally.  You can also use tea to make a compress to apply to an injury. It can also be used to soothe a sore throat. Adding a little raw honey to sweeten the tea provides another dose of an antibacterial.
  2. Tincture: Tinctures are concentrated liquids made from extracting the qualities from the usnea. This article describes how to make your own tincture. Tinctures are great for temporary use to boost your immune system. If you can’t make your own, they are available online. Always look at the concentration of usnea in the tincture to determine dosage.
  3. Salve: Usnea salve is used topically for wounds, skin irritations, and infections. This is a great salve recipe made with usnea. You can make the salve ahead of time and keep it on hand to immediately treat injuries.
  4. Poultice: A poultice is generally nothing more than usnea, fresh or dry, ground into a fine powder with just enough water to make it a paste. A poultice can be applied to open or closed wounds. This article explains what a poultice is and how to use it.
  5. Powder: Keeping usnea powder on hand is your best option. If you can make your own, great, but if you can’t harvest fresh usnea, buy it in powder form to use in a poultice, tea or salve recipe.

As with all Western or plant-based medicines, you need to watch for side effects. High doses of usnea taken over a long period of time can cause liver problems. It’s not meant to be taken daily for weeks or months at a time. Some people might experience a rash when used topically.

Locations:

Usnea does grow in the Black Hills of South Dakota. While most sources highlight its prevalence in the Pacific Northwest and other moist, forested regions, usnea species are found worldwide and are known to grow on coniferous trees, which are abundant in the Black Hills.

The Lakota have a name for usnea: Chan wiziye, meaning “on the north side of the tree” or “Spirit of the north wind,” suggesting its presence in the region and its cultural significance.

Look for pale greenish-gray, bushy lichens hanging from pine or spruce branches—especially in shaded, moist areas. 

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