Comments on: Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/ Home to freedom and prosperity, and free-market education for over 50 years Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:06:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: The American Conservative » Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-12478 The American Conservative » Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:52:15 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-12478 [...] My lastest TGIF column is here. [...] [...] My lastest TGIF column is here. [...]

]]> By: Proposed one-year moratorium on new Colorado insurance mandates | Independence Institute: Patient Power http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-12447 Proposed one-year moratorium on new Colorado insurance mandates | Independence Institute: Patient Power Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:26:04 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-12447 [...] heartening to know that Democrat legislators (not “lawmakers,” law differs from legislation) are planning to make yet more insurance plans illegal by requiring that legal plans cover certain [...] [...] heartening to know that Democrat legislators (not “lawmakers,” law differs from legislation) are planning to make yet more insurance plans illegal by requiring that legal plans cover certain [...]

]]> By: Henckels 2-pc. Twin Pro S Cutlery Set http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6976 Henckels 2-pc. Twin Pro S Cutlery Set Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:53:41 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6976 <strong>Henckels 2-pc. Twin Pro S Cutlery Set...</strong> The dreary Senate hearing on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court left [...]... Henckels 2-pc. Twin Pro S Cutlery Set…

The dreary Senate hearing on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court left [...]…

]]> By: Bill Grisham http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6863 Bill Grisham Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:40:36 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6863 So how does one deal with the reality that our local judges and procecutors use civil codes in a criminal proceeding? The Transportation Code has been a part of Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes since it was first codified by the Texas Legislature in the 1930s. When one is given a "ticket" for failure to follow the "statutes" which plainly refer to commercial traffic, the venue in the municipal courts is called "criminal." Even when you can point out that the statutes are civil in nature and do not directly apply to persons not in commercial traffic, the prosecutor ignores the plain languange of the Code and Black's Law Dictionary which are hereby listed: TRANPORTATION: The movement of goods or persons from one place to another, by a carrier.(Black's Law 6th Ed. p. 1499) TRAFFIC: Commerce; trade; sale or exchange of merchandise, bills, money, and the like. The passing or exchange of goods or commodities form one person to another for an equivalent in goods or money. The subjects of transportation on a route, as persons or goods; the passing to and fro of persons, animals, vehicles, or vessels, along a route of transportation, as along a street, highway, etc. (Black's Law 6th Ed. p. 1495) COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES: means any motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle or passenger car) designed or used primarily for the transportation of property, including any passenger car which has been reconstructed so as to be used, and which is being used, primarily for delivery purposes, with the exception of passenger cars used in the delivery of the United States mails. Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes 6675a [1][i] PASSENGER CAR: means any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, golf cart, or a bus, as defined in this Act, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons. Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes 6675a [1][j] In addition, case law establishes the differentiation between who can be regulated and who will fall under the Common Law standards: "The use of the highways for the purpose of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege, but a common and fundamental Right of which the public and the individual cannot be rightfully deprived." Chicago Motor Coach vs. Chicago, 169 NE 22; Ligare vs. Chicago, 28 NE 934; Boon vs. Clark, 214 SSW 607; 25 Am.Jur. (1st) Highways Sect.163 "The Right of the Citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by horse drawn carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which a city can prohibit or permit at will, but a common Right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Thompson vs. Smith, 154 SE 579 "... For while a Citizen has the Right to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, that Right does not extend to the use of the highways, either in whole or in part, as a place for private gain. For the latter purpose, no person has a vested right to use the highways of the state, but is a privilege or a license which the legislature may grant or withhold at its discretion." State vs. Johnson, 243 P. 1073; Cummins vs. Homes, 155 P. 171; Packard vs. Banton, 44 S.Ct. 256; Hadfield vs. Lundin, 98 Wash 516 "Heretofore the court has held, and we think correctly, that while a Citizen has the Right to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, that Right does not extend to the use of the highways, either in whole or in part, as a place of business for private gain." Willis vs. Buck, 263 P. l 982; Barney vs. Board of Railroad Commissioners, 17 P.2d 82 "The right of the citizen to travel upon the highway and to transport his property thereon, in the ordinary course of life and business, differs radically and obviously from that of one who makes the highway his place of business for private gain in the running of a stagecoach or omnibus." State vs. City of Spokane, 186 P. 864 "Personal liberty -- or the right to enjoyment of life and liberty -- is one of the fundamental or natural rights, which has been protected by its inclusion as a guarantee in the various constitutions, which is not derived from nor dependent on the U.S. Constitution. ... It is one of the most sacred and valuable rights [remember the words of Justice Tolman, supra.] as sacred as the right to private property ... and is regarded as inalienable." 16 C.J.S. Const. Law, Sect.202, Pg. 987 "First, it is well established law that the highways of the state are public property, and their primary and preferred use is for private purposes, and that their use for purposes of gain is special and extraordinary which, generally at least, the legislature may prohibit or condition as it sees fit." Stephenson vs. Rinford, 287 US 251; Pachard vs Banton, 264 US 140, and cases cited; Frost and F. Trucking Co. vs. Railroad Commission, 271 US 592; Railroad commission vs. Inter-City Forwarding Co., 57 SW.2d 290; Parlett Cooperative vs. Tidewater Lines, 164 A. 313 So how does one get a dishonest system to be honest about the law versus the statute? The municipal courts are set up to make a lot of money off of unsuspecting travelers and they do a good job of it. I have often heard that all politics is local, but the local courts are so corrupt about the only thing you can do with them is abolish them. So how does one deal with the reality that our local judges and procecutors use civil codes in a criminal proceeding? The Transportation Code has been a part of Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes since it was first codified by the Texas Legislature in the 1930s. When one is given a “ticket” for failure to follow the “statutes” which plainly refer to commercial traffic, the venue in the municipal courts is called “criminal.” Even when you can point out that the statutes are civil in nature and do not directly apply to persons not in commercial traffic, the prosecutor ignores the plain languange of the Code and Black’s Law Dictionary which are hereby listed:
TRANPORTATION: The movement of goods or persons from one place to another, by a carrier.(Black’s Law 6th Ed. p. 1499)
TRAFFIC: Commerce; trade; sale or exchange of merchandise, bills, money, and the like. The passing or exchange of goods or commodities form one person to another for an equivalent in goods or money. The subjects of transportation on a route, as persons or goods; the passing to and fro of persons, animals, vehicles, or vessels, along a route of transportation, as along a street, highway, etc. (Black’s Law 6th Ed. p. 1495)
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES: means any motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle or passenger car) designed or used primarily for the transportation of property, including any passenger car which has been reconstructed so as to be used, and which is being used, primarily for delivery purposes, with the exception of passenger cars used in the delivery of the United States mails. Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes 6675a [1][i]
PASSENGER CAR: means any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, golf cart, or a bus, as defined in this Act, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons. Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes 6675a [1][j]
In addition, case law establishes the differentiation between who can be regulated and who will fall under the Common Law standards:
“The use of the highways for the purpose of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege, but a common and fundamental Right of which the public and the individual cannot be rightfully deprived.” Chicago Motor Coach vs. Chicago, 169 NE 22; Ligare vs. Chicago, 28 NE 934; Boon vs. Clark, 214 SSW 607; 25 Am.Jur. (1st) Highways Sect.163
“The Right of the Citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by horse drawn carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which a city can prohibit or permit at will, but a common Right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thompson vs. Smith, 154 SE 579
“… For while a Citizen has the Right to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, that Right does not extend to the use of the highways, either in whole or in part, as a place for private gain. For the latter purpose, no person has a vested right to use the highways of the state, but is a privilege or a license which the legislature may grant or withhold at its discretion.” State vs. Johnson, 243 P. 1073; Cummins vs. Homes, 155 P. 171; Packard vs. Banton, 44 S.Ct. 256; Hadfield vs. Lundin, 98 Wash 516
“Heretofore the court has held, and we think correctly, that while a Citizen has the Right to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, that Right does not extend to the use of the highways, either in whole or in part, as a place of business for private gain.” Willis vs. Buck, 263 P. l 982; Barney vs. Board of Railroad Commissioners, 17 P.2d 82
“The right of the citizen to travel upon the highway and to transport his property thereon, in the ordinary course of life and business, differs radically and obviously from that of one who makes the highway his place of business for private gain in the running of a stagecoach or omnibus.” State vs. City of Spokane, 186 P. 864
“Personal liberty — or the right to enjoyment of life and liberty — is one of the fundamental or natural rights, which has been protected by its inclusion as a guarantee in the various constitutions, which is not derived from nor dependent on the U.S. Constitution. … It is one of the most sacred and valuable rights [remember the words of Justice Tolman, supra.] as sacred as the right to private property … and is regarded as inalienable.” 16 C.J.S. Const. Law, Sect.202, Pg. 987
“First, it is well established law that the highways of the state are public property, and their primary and preferred use is for private purposes, and that their use for purposes of gain is special and extraordinary which, generally at least, the legislature may prohibit or condition as it sees fit.” Stephenson vs. Rinford, 287 US 251; Pachard vs Banton, 264 US 140, and cases cited; Frost and F. Trucking Co. vs. Railroad Commission, 271 US 592; Railroad commission vs. Inter-City Forwarding Co., 57 SW.2d 290; Parlett Cooperative vs. Tidewater Lines, 164 A. 313

So how does one get a dishonest system to be honest about the law versus the statute? The municipal courts are set up to make a lot of money off of unsuspecting travelers and they do a good job of it.
I have often heard that all politics is local, but the local courts are so corrupt about the only thing you can do with them is abolish them.

]]> By: How I Lost 30 Pounds in 30 Days Without Dieting http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6848 How I Lost 30 Pounds in 30 Days Without Dieting Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:10:34 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6848 Thanks for posting, I really liked that post, wish you would post more Thanks for posting, I really liked that post, wish you would post more

]]> By: FEE http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6819 FEE Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:14:42 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6819 testing testing

]]> By: sibreztechru http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6798 sibreztechru Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:23:47 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6798 <a href="http://sibreztech.ru" rel="nofollow">Каждый</a> <a href="http://getok.ru" rel="nofollow">сам</a> <a href="get-ok.ru" rel="nofollow">готовит</a> <a href="http://altai-city.ru" rel="nofollow">себе</a> носки и <a href="http://sibreztech.ru" rel="nofollow">платья</a> или обувь. <a href="http://instrument-uragan.ru" rel="nofollow">Обычно</a> он <a href="http://mp3-rus.ru" rel="nofollow">это</a> <a href="http://eng-mp3.ru" rel="nofollow">использует</a> Каждый сам готовит себе носки и платья или обувь. Обычно он это использует

]]> By: Capt. A. http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6736 Capt. A. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:21:22 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6736 To: mack, You were educated in the American public school system. My good man, your parents failed to teach propriety and good manners as well ... it’s evident. It seeps through, dolt. As indicated when writing at the FEE site: “Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.” Think: Forty-one years, airline pilot = captain. Now, back to work slave! May the American government’s yoke grow heavier and the lash cut deep. It’s deserved in your case. Capt. A. Principaute de Monaco “Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith To: mack,

You were educated in the American public school system. My good man, your parents failed to teach propriety and good manners as well … it’s evident. It seeps through, dolt. As indicated when writing at the FEE site: “Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.”

Think: Forty-one years, airline pilot = captain.

Now, back to work slave! May the American government’s yoke grow heavier and the lash cut deep. It’s deserved in your case.

Capt. A.
Principaute de Monaco
“Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith

]]> By: mack http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6688 mack Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:51:42 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6688 What designated Capt A. to sign as Capt.? Surely he is not retired military who sucked at the tit for 20 or more years and now receives a check at my expense What designated Capt A. to sign as Capt.? Surely he is not retired military who sucked at the tit for 20 or more years and now receives a check at my expense

]]> By: Barry Loberfeld http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6686 Barry Loberfeld Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:27:08 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6686 What is crucial now is for all Americans of good will to come together to work out a common understanding of the Constitution by which <I>everyone's</I> legislation will be judged. No more of those ugly and embarrassing brawls between liberals and conservatives to get "their man" onto the Court. There cannot be anything more horrific than allowing the Constitution -- the palladium of our national unity -- to become anyone's weapon in the culture wars. From <a href="http://Abcdunlimited.com/ideas/supremecourt.html" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> What is crucial now is for all Americans of good will to come together to work out a common understanding of the Constitution by which everyone’s legislation will be judged. No more of those ugly and embarrassing brawls between liberals and conservatives to get “their man” onto the Court. There cannot be anything more horrific than allowing the Constitution — the palladium of our national unity — to become anyone’s weapon in the culture wars.

From HERE

]]> By: Darren http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6681 Darren Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:51:28 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6681 Capt A, Good for you that you found a nice place to live. I tried leaving the US, I went to Venezuela. All that got me was Hugo Chavez & his disaster socialism. I finally came back in early 2000. The point is that leaving doesn't always work, sometimes you have to make your stand where you are. Capt A,

Good for you that you found a nice place to live. I tried leaving the US, I went to Venezuela. All that got me was Hugo Chavez & his disaster socialism. I finally came back in early 2000.

The point is that leaving doesn’t always work, sometimes you have to make your stand where you are.

]]> By: irwynaldan http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6679 irwynaldan Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:23:58 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6679 issue 2050 compliance driven influence compared issue 2050 compliance driven influence compared

]]> By: seldenpoll http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6678 seldenpoll Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:23:16 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6678 shop expected temperatures sun revolution substantial allowing shop expected temperatures sun revolution substantial allowing

]]> By: Capt. A. http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6677 Capt. A. Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:28:32 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6677 To Mr. Russo, an others as well... Your insight is noted. Here’s an answer to people that ask me similar questions. First, some generally unknown facts: 1. Aprox. 24-26 percent of Americans have a passport. Do you have one? If not, why not? Therein lays a profound reason why “people” remain chained to the life they live, and as mentioned in my comment earlier—government schooling, and tribal inculcation, the hallmark of self-inflicted terminal stupidity. 2. Now, how about this: Aprox. 80-85 percent of Swiss citizens and EU citizens not only have passports—but they actually USE them and travel worldwide. See something here? Swiss schools also inculcate this. Yet the vast majority of Swiss education also focuses on the idea of getting “external education” via travel and learning existential truth about the world they live in. 3. The very idea of RECOUNCING ONE’S CITIZENSHIP should they find that his or her country lacks moral integrity is anathema to the hoi polloi, making this one of the most formidable “chains of the master.” Thought: “Freedom in America, is feeling “free and easy” in one’s harness—as long as the government maintains ABSOLUTE control of the reins!” Capisce? The idea that an individual would “choose” citizenship other than the one they may hold! Oy! And therein lays a great step (renouncement) toward true freedom and liberty. Breaking the chains! Got that? If you too, find this abhorrent, you stand little chance of ever living your life on your terms. Ever. So, back the truck up ... and give concerted thought to that. Governments do not give a damn whether you like steak or chicken, drive a Chevy, Ford, or Toyota. You are nothing more than a “resource” to be tapped through the “legalized system of theft.” As has been said ... “bread and circuses” to keep the VOTING booboisie from rumbling—to keep the steam pressure at an acceptable level. The “puking-dog democracy” is alive and well. (Chodorov) 4. Venues like Monaco, Switzerland, Campione d’Italia, San Marino et al., are places that do not engage in “legalized plunder.” It’s something worth considering if true freedom and liberty reside in your soul... Example: In Monaco, there are NO taxes, no welfare, no wiretapping, no renditions or torture of any kind. (Just that alone should compel one to “think and evaluate!”) In the constitutional monarchy here, Prince Albert II, basically believes in “live and let live” as did his father, Prince Rainier III. As with EVERY country on the face of the earth under rule, even Monaco has very minor quirks that might bother some. E.g., citizens of Monaco may NOT gamble in the casinos within Monaco! It’s allowed for citizens under other flags. Very minor intrusions on individual freedom and liberty do exist however. (The real problem: It’s VERY expensive to stay here. Again, the riff-raff does not come to Monaco! The same holds true for Campione. (Dinero habla, nadie anda = money talks, nobody walks!) That’s one way of the world. An excellent way actually! 5. Over my life, little has changed to make me believe that “things are moving toward true freedom, liberty or privacy etc. (That’s why I left!) My observations were similar to yours: diminishment. Now for the HARD part: ACTION! Only action will rectify complacency, HOPE, best intentions etc., which are time wasting. Most people dream away their lives with the illusion that everything would be perfect -- if only... Read that again! Consider this: Sometimes, TIME spent trying to CHANGE something—is “time” best spent looking for something you do not have to change. That too requires profound thought. If one tries to convince others on selected values they consider pertinent, they might or might not be successful. If YOU convince you, that your values and ideas reflect who you are, and refuse to compromise—chances rule favorably that you will succeed while saving “time.” The finite value of time cannot be overemphasized. You only have so much of it! Denial too is part of the human condition. You cannot survive living life without denial. What you absolutely must do is learn how to control the vacillation between engaging in “reality” and denial. That too is profound and directly bares on one’s perception of freedom and liberty. It becomes the rule to your true freedom and liberty. ONLY you can answer the question about what “freedom and liberty” represent to you. No one else can do this for you. Period. 6. Summing “action” to leave and “see the world” is the single greatest thing you can do for yourself. Don’t ask ... do it! By the way, actions to leave, renounce citizenship and seeking to live life elsewhere, contain and entail probably the greatest barriers placed by government. As of now you still possess that right to leave though. The State and the tribe will castigate and rebuke you for taking such actions. Screw them! Live the only life you will ever have on your terms, not the terms of others. It’s tough. 7. The iconoclast, breaking from tribal values, restrictions, force, fraud, coercion, and all that is necessary to “control’ you, reigns current! Even marriage is a subtle form of control. It stultifies the individual. That too is truth! Well, I could go on but I do think you are bright (by reading Richman’s writings as well) enough to see the equation, the BIG PICTURE. Yes, I did have trepidations, a barrel full when I decided to leave, but my lust to be free from the jackbooted thugatarians that are so prevalent throughout this world (America especially) wasn’t enough to prevent me from seeking to become one of “the disreputable minority” that Henry Mencken so eloquently observed in his life. It is truly a rare chance to live life on your terms. The individual is presented with the greatest formidable challenge of his or her life! It can be done though. Talking about freedom and liberty is OK—but acting is the solution. No one else can do it for you Mr. Russo. Therein resides truth too. I’ll leave you with one final thought when encountering the “masses of asses” who will try and counter what I’ve said and laid out for you. Remember it: "Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." ~ anonymous May you, Chuck Russo, discover the very best of good fortune. Don’t worry about the mule—just load the wagon! Leave. Liberty to you, Capt. A., SI Principaute de Monaco “Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith To Mr. Russo, an others as well…

Your insight is noted. Here’s an answer to people that ask me similar questions. First, some generally unknown facts:

1. Aprox. 24-26 percent of Americans have a passport. Do you have one? If not, why not? Therein lays a profound reason why “people” remain chained to the life they live, and as mentioned in my comment earlier—government schooling, and tribal inculcation, the hallmark of self-inflicted terminal stupidity.
2. Now, how about this: Aprox. 80-85 percent of Swiss citizens and EU citizens not only have passports—but they actually USE them and travel worldwide. See something here? Swiss schools also inculcate this. Yet the vast majority of Swiss education also focuses on the idea of getting “external education” via travel and learning existential truth about the world they live in.
3. The very idea of RECOUNCING ONE’S CITIZENSHIP should they find that his or her country lacks moral integrity is anathema to the hoi polloi, making this one of the most formidable “chains of the master.” Thought: “Freedom in America, is feeling “free and easy” in one’s harness—as long as the government maintains ABSOLUTE control of the reins!” Capisce? The idea that an individual would “choose” citizenship other than the one they may hold! Oy! And therein lays a great step (renouncement) toward true freedom and liberty. Breaking the chains! Got that? If you too, find this abhorrent, you stand little chance of ever living your life on your terms. Ever. So, back the truck up … and give concerted thought to that. Governments do not give a damn whether you like steak or chicken, drive a Chevy, Ford, or Toyota. You are nothing more than a “resource” to be tapped through the “legalized system of theft.” As has been said … “bread and circuses” to keep the VOTING booboisie from rumbling—to keep the steam pressure at an acceptable level. The “puking-dog democracy” is alive and well. (Chodorov)
4. Venues like Monaco, Switzerland, Campione d’Italia, San Marino et al., are places that do not engage in “legalized plunder.” It’s something worth considering if true freedom and liberty reside in your soul… Example: In Monaco, there are NO taxes, no welfare, no wiretapping, no renditions or torture of any kind. (Just that alone should compel one to “think and evaluate!”) In the constitutional monarchy here, Prince Albert II, basically believes in “live and let live” as did his father, Prince Rainier III. As with EVERY country on the face of the earth under rule, even Monaco has very minor quirks that might bother some. E.g., citizens of Monaco may NOT gamble in the casinos within Monaco! It’s allowed for citizens under other flags. Very minor intrusions on individual freedom and liberty do exist however. (The real problem: It’s VERY expensive to stay here. Again, the riff-raff does not come to Monaco! The same holds true for Campione. (Dinero habla, nadie anda = money talks, nobody walks!) That’s one way of the world. An excellent way actually!
5. Over my life, little has changed to make me believe that “things are moving toward true freedom, liberty or privacy etc. (That’s why I left!) My observations were similar to yours: diminishment. Now for the HARD part: ACTION! Only action will rectify complacency, HOPE, best intentions etc., which are time wasting. Most people dream away their lives with the illusion that everything would be perfect — if only… Read that again! Consider this: Sometimes, TIME spent trying to CHANGE something—is “time” best spent looking for something you do not have to change. That too requires profound thought. If one tries to convince others on selected values they consider pertinent, they might or might not be successful. If YOU convince you, that your values and ideas reflect who you are, and refuse to compromise—chances rule favorably that you will succeed while saving “time.” The finite value of time cannot be overemphasized. You only have so much of it! Denial too is part of the human condition. You cannot survive living life without denial. What you absolutely must do is learn how to control the vacillation between engaging in “reality” and denial. That too is profound and directly bares on one’s perception of freedom and liberty. It becomes the rule to your true freedom and liberty. ONLY you can answer the question about what “freedom and liberty” represent to you. No one else can do this for you. Period.
6. Summing “action” to leave and “see the world” is the single greatest thing you can do for yourself. Don’t ask … do it! By the way, actions to leave, renounce citizenship and seeking to live life elsewhere, contain and entail probably the greatest barriers placed by government. As of now you still possess that right to leave though. The State and the tribe will castigate and rebuke you for taking such actions. Screw them! Live the only life you will ever have on your terms, not the terms of others. It’s tough.
7. The iconoclast, breaking from tribal values, restrictions, force, fraud, coercion, and all that is necessary to “control’ you, reigns current! Even marriage is a subtle form of control. It stultifies the individual. That too is truth!

Well, I could go on but I do think you are bright (by reading Richman’s writings as well) enough to see the equation, the BIG PICTURE. Yes, I did have trepidations, a barrel full when I decided to leave, but my lust to be free from the jackbooted thugatarians that are so prevalent throughout this world (America especially) wasn’t enough to prevent me from seeking to become one of “the disreputable minority” that Henry Mencken so eloquently observed in his life. It is truly a rare chance to live life on your terms. The individual is presented with the greatest formidable challenge of his or her life! It can be done though. Talking about freedom and liberty is OK—but acting is the solution. No one else can do it for you Mr. Russo. Therein resides truth too.

I’ll leave you with one final thought when encountering the “masses of asses” who will try and counter what I’ve said and laid out for you. Remember it:

“Never argue with an idiot; they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” ~ anonymous

May you, Chuck Russo, discover the very best of good fortune. Don’t worry about the mule—just load the wagon! Leave.

Liberty to you,

Capt. A., SI
Principaute de Monaco
“Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith

]]> By: Sheldon Richman http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6673 Sheldon Richman Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:12:18 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6673 Capt. A, thanks for the Mencken quote. I can't help thinking that people's attitudes toward freedom are shaped from an early age by the so-called public schools. As I've long maintained, the schools haven't failed. The problem is they have succeeded all too well! Capt. A, thanks for the Mencken quote. I can’t help thinking that people’s attitudes toward freedom are shaped from an early age by the so-called public schools. As I’ve long maintained, the schools haven’t failed. The problem is they have succeeded all too well!

]]> By: Sheldon Richman http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6672 Sheldon Richman Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:09:08 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6672 Chris, which Founders? Hamilton would have a different answer from Jefferson, Paine, and Samuel Adams, don't you think? Chris, which Founders? Hamilton would have a different answer from Jefferson, Paine, and Samuel Adams, don’t you think?

]]> By: Chris Mason http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6666 Chris Mason Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:44:14 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6666 Mr. Richman, Excellent commentary as always...I wonder what the Founders would do today...a different "system" perhaps? Thoughts??? Regards, Chris Mr. Richman,

Excellent commentary as always…I wonder what the Founders would do today…a different “system” perhaps? Thoughts???

Regards,

Chris

]]> By: Chuck Russo http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6664 Chuck Russo Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:54:13 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6664 Capt.A., Interesting comments, but I'm curious - where the heck can one go to escape the accelerating loss of freedom that has been happening in America for decades? Unless one owns a tropical island, I don't see a lot of options... Chuck Capt.A.,

Interesting comments, but I’m curious – where the heck can one go to escape the accelerating loss of freedom that has been happening in America for decades? Unless one owns a tropical island, I don’t see a lot of options…

Chuck

]]> By: Capt. A. http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6662 Capt. A. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:54:27 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6662 Dear Sheldon, "Of the thirty-six ways to get out of trouble, the best way is to leave." ~ Chinese proverb You do in fact constantly make and contribute a significant degree of truth in your commentaries and articles. The deep-seated “truth” about the United States, its Constitution, the Bill of rights, etc., is the bona fide fact that America has always been—and is, a lamentable mammoth experiment gone awry. Truth? I just stated it. And yet ... the inexorable trek to bare the master’s yoke and bloody whip merely deepens as American “law” fetters freedom, liberty, privacy and private property rights. The rabid American government-controlled school system has been a raving success, au contraire to those that say otherwise. The American booboisie constantly prove this fact. Proof? As my long ago friend, the late Frank Chodorov said to me at lunch one day, “The addle pated dimwits just keep voting for an ever-increasing “puking-dog democracy!” That pretty much says it Sheldon. And yet, what could the “excuse” be for those individuals that understand fully well what is occurring in America, yet choose to stay in the country and spend the ONLY life they will ever have fettered in “the master’s chains?” Oh well, each to his or her chosen choice I guess. All flaps and no throttle.... It’s a seething disaster unfolding. I, now at age 75, (I left the U.S. nearly thirty-one years ago) I still relish the above mentioned “freedom, liberty, privacy and private property rights,” too much to live the only life I would ever have, living in servility. I left the ever-increasing stink of collectivism in America—by ACTION instigated to reclaim my individual sovereignty. I rarely write about it. I acted. I’ll mitigate this comment’s prolixity by recalling Henry L. Mencken’s quote: "The fact is that the average man's love of liberty is nine-tenths imaginary, exactly like his love of sense, justice and truth. He is not actually happy when free; he is uncomfortable, a bit alarmed, and intolerably lonely. Liberty is not a thing for the great masses of men. It is the exclusive possession of a small and disreputable minority, like knowledge, courage and honor. It takes a special sort of man to understand and enjoy liberty--and he is usually an outlaw in democratic societies." -- H.L. Mencken, Baltimore Evening Sun, Feb. 12, 1923 The real truth exudes from Mencken’s mind ... huh? Chodorov would agree. Regards, Capt. A. Principaute de Monaco “Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith Dear Sheldon,

“Of the thirty-six ways to get out of trouble, the best way is to leave.” ~ Chinese proverb

You do in fact constantly make and contribute a significant degree of truth in your commentaries and articles. The deep-seated “truth” about the United States, its Constitution, the Bill of rights, etc., is the bona fide fact that America has always been—and is, a lamentable mammoth experiment gone awry. Truth? I just stated it. And yet … the inexorable trek to bare the master’s yoke and bloody whip merely deepens as American “law” fetters freedom, liberty, privacy and private property rights. The rabid American government-controlled school system has been a raving success, au contraire to those that say otherwise. The American booboisie constantly prove this fact. Proof? As my long ago friend, the late Frank Chodorov said to me at lunch one day, “The addle pated dimwits just keep voting for an ever-increasing “puking-dog democracy!” That pretty much says it Sheldon. And yet, what could the “excuse” be for those individuals that understand fully well what is occurring in America, yet choose to stay in the country and spend the ONLY life they will ever have fettered in “the master’s chains?” Oh well, each to his or her chosen choice I guess. All flaps and no throttle…. It’s a seething disaster unfolding.

I, now at age 75, (I left the U.S. nearly thirty-one years ago) I still relish the above mentioned “freedom, liberty, privacy and private property rights,” too much to live the only life I would ever have, living in servility. I left the ever-increasing stink of collectivism in America—by ACTION instigated to reclaim my individual sovereignty. I rarely write about it. I acted. I’ll mitigate this comment’s prolixity by recalling Henry L. Mencken’s quote:

“The fact is that the average man’s love of liberty is nine-tenths imaginary, exactly like his love of sense, justice and truth. He is not actually happy when free; he is uncomfortable, a bit alarmed, and intolerably lonely. Liberty is not a thing for the great masses of men. It is the exclusive possession of a small and disreputable minority, like knowledge, courage and honor. It takes a special sort of man to understand and enjoy liberty–and he is usually an outlaw in democratic societies.” — H.L. Mencken, Baltimore Evening Sun, Feb. 12, 1923

The real truth exudes from Mencken’s mind … huh? Chodorov would agree.

Regards,

Capt. A.
Principaute de Monaco
“Anyone who needs to be persuaded to be free, doesn’t deserve to be.” ~ L. Neil Smith

]]> By: Credit Repair Identity Issue Solutions | Credit Card News http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6658 Credit Repair Identity Issue Solutions | Credit Card News Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:24:56 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6658 [...] Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law | Foundation for Economic Education [...] [...] Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law | Foundation for Economic Education [...]

]]> By: Sheldon Richman http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6655 Sheldon Richman Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:09:43 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6655 But the judge's decision only affects the parties, so the damage is contained. The losing party can appeal. Other judges, meanwhile, will see the error and not repeat it in future cases. The key here is competition. The early common law resulted from rivalry among many kinds of courts, including royal courts, church course, town courts, manor courts, and merchant courts. Judges' incomes depended on attracting litigants, so they strove for fairness and wisdom. Follow the Hasnas links I've provided. Remember, too, that we are comparing real-world institutional alternatives. Judges make mistakes, of course. But so do legislatures, and they make them in one fell swoop for everyone. It's a matter of going with the system likely to do the least amount of damage. See also Bruce Benson's book The Enterprise of Law. But the judge’s decision only affects the parties, so the damage is contained. The losing party can appeal. Other judges, meanwhile, will see the error and not repeat it in future cases. The key here is competition. The early common law resulted from rivalry among many kinds of courts, including royal courts, church course, town courts, manor courts, and merchant courts. Judges’ incomes depended on attracting litigants, so they strove for fairness and wisdom. Follow the Hasnas links I’ve provided.

Remember, too, that we are comparing real-world institutional alternatives. Judges make mistakes, of course. But so do legislatures, and they make them in one fell swoop for everyone. It’s a matter of going with the system likely to do the least amount of damage. See also Bruce Benson’s book The Enterprise of Law.

]]> By: JohnJ http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6654 JohnJ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:46:59 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6654 But how are judges to be held accountable for their decisions? Surely it must be recognized that judges will make wrong decisions from time to time. Is there a way to distinguish a wrong decision from a right one? But how are judges to be held accountable for their decisions? Surely it must be recognized that judges will make wrong decisions from time to time. Is there a way to distinguish a wrong decision from a right one?

]]> By: Sheldon Richman http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6653 Sheldon Richman Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:49:58 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6653 I don't know, but I seriously doubt they recorded it. I don’t know, but I seriously doubt they recorded it.

]]> By: Charles C. Johnson http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6652 Charles C. Johnson Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:12:29 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6652 As a student at Claremont McKenna (CMC), I thank you for pointing this out. Do you happen to know if there is video or audio or anything about Leoni's time there? Please let me know at chuckwalla1022@gmail.com. As a student at Claremont McKenna (CMC), I thank you for pointing this out.

Do you happen to know if there is video or audio or anything about Leoni’s time there?

Please let me know at chuckwalla1022@gmail.com.

]]> By: TGIF: Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law | Anything Peaceful http://fee.org/articles/tgif/sotomayor/comment-page-1/#comment-6649 TGIF: Sotomayor, Freedom, and the Law | Anything Peaceful Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:13:17 +0000 http://fee.org/?p=7811#comment-6649 [...] The rest of TGIF is here. [...] [...] The rest of TGIF is here. [...]

]]>