David Codrea weighs in on the Washington action.
My decision to go to WA on Saturday continues to generate comments, not the least of which is from my good friend David Codrea:
From: David Codrea dcodrea@hotmail.com
To: Mike Vanderboegh georgemason1776@aol.com
Sent: Sun, Feb 1, 2015 8:23 am
Subject: Discussion of whether I should go to -- and get arrested in -- WA state.
I've stayed out of this so far, but wish you had talked with me before committing so I could at least have you listen to my concerns. I've not made a "public" statement because I've seen how insidiously demoralizing defeatist talk can be -- I equate it to a coward in the trenches wailing about how we're all gonna die, and think under desperate circumstances, the commander would be justified in taking extreme measures to stop the subversion and to make an example to the others of where it will lead.
OTOH, I see you have no shortage of outhouse lawyer comment posters telling everyone why this is needed for standing or some such bullshit, as if that's a magic key, and have to ask where they got their law degrees and where they're admitted to the bar. Oh they didn't and they haven't been? And they in fact, when it comes to planning legal strategy, don't know what they're talking about? And when you do get arrested, they won't do fuck-all to even help draw support to your side, let alone dig deep into their own pockets for bail money and legal fees? Why, I'm shocked.
But here's the crux of my concerns: An ideological leader -- that would be you -- bases his core message on four words: We will not disarm. If you let them arrest you, you will have been disarmed for all the world to see. If you don't, and plan to go out blazing, you'd best clear that with everybody in your group so they're going into this eyes wide open, that you're planning a mass suicide by cop operation.
I'm trying to see the "win" here. Maybe for the chatroom warrior selling "Complied or Died" t-shirts...
Mike, I think this entire operation is ill-conceived and will have adverse consequences that outweigh any galvanizing effect you're envisioning. I know you've thought this through as to the wider effects, the headlines, the gloating from the antis, the increased demand for pressure, the caving of the gunquislings, and the squeeze that will put on gun owners to obey or resist, but here's the one certainty I've learned in life: Stomp as we might, none of us has the ability to predict the catalyst that will start an avalanche. But we can be pretty damn sure that jumping in front of a bus will save the compromisers the trouble of throwing us under it.
Unless you do a better job of explaining why this is a necessary thing, I'm going to tell you something it is not easy, but necessary to tell a friend: I think you're wrong.
And no, I don't see a way to back out of this without losing face. That's one of the reasons I wish we'd talked before you committed. That said, I pray it's not pride that will be the downfall of not just you, but of more than we can know.
48 comments:
Honestly, I have to agree with his points..
One not need a law degree or be a member of the title of nobility class called the bar to understand HOW the "law" is being operated in this day and age. Corrupt as it is, it us what it is. The first hurdle to cross IS standing - it's a very simple concept that apparently David doesn't understand. Try looking at it this way - "standing" is kinda like probable cause. Without probable cause, no warrant shall issue. Without demonstrating "something" of substance to a judge, no warrant shall issue. Standing is much the same, though the other direction. In order for Any case to go forward - ya gotta jump the standing issue. Defense from a charge and prosecution does provide direct evidence of harm - and RIGHT to defense. Understand this - MANY cases with substance fail to be heard IN THE MERIT because "standing" hurdle isn't jump able until after the damage is done - by then it's too late. One need look to Obamacare suits dismissed because it hadn't had damaging mandates ACTUALLY applied "yet".
OTOH- David presents a fair point - being arrested does constitute being disarmed. See the intentional catch 22 the bar members have themselves created? See it? The choice is either stand together in numbers - refusing to comply and refusing to back up another inch OR talk about one day doing so. Personally, I think it important that things like the I will not comply rally are the only option we have left prior to open conflict (leaving us to endlessly begging while our rights are chipped away inch by inch). It's PROVEN that waiting for the "perfect case circumstances, perfect plaintiff, perfect place and perfect time has only served to cement the permission slip aspect of modern day gun control.
I offered a caution, which is what David does here, that in state folks participating is best, because it removes a variable the controllers can employ to muck up the issue trying to avoid answering the substance directly (kinda like they employ "standing".
David, you basically offer the fear card AS A REASON to just stand down, keep backing up and "let the professionals handle it". Well bro, the "professionals" (including those with law degrees and bar membership") HAVE BEEN HANDLING IT for ohhh 7 to 10 decades.... How much time do you portend we continue doing the same thing expecting a DIFFERENT result? No disrespect David, and I get it that you aim to protect a dear friend, but the I will not comply ATTITUDE is growing on its own and is going to keep doing so. It's truly a grassroots effort BECAUSE folks grow sick and tired of being told to stand down by "leadership". David, you border on becoming the leadership you have so chastised.
I agree care needs to be taken, I even agree that maybe Mike shouldn't risk arrest (which is different than him attending absent taking THAT risk) but even you gotta admit at some point that this action REALLY IS the last option before open conflict. That's the REAL risk, one Mike ESPECIALLY has tried to WARN a about!!! And of course avoid by making those educated warnings.
Hi Mike,
Reading David on this, I would have to concur Getting "Busted" ain't gonna' do you or us any good!!! All the "Good Guys" Got It At The Alamo. But if it wasn't for "Ol'Sam taking down the bad guys, the Alamo would probably be a small footnote in our history books. 'Don't need no Alamo again!!
Got Gunz??,
III%,
skybill-out
Cont-
We are picked off one by one every day. And it's done carefully and purposefully in order to craft a web of legalism tangles that nobody can navigate without getting stuck. That's why people "need" lawyers in a system that was DESIGNED to see the Citizen defend THEMSELVES in court. Like they have complicated gun "laws" in order to dissuade a simple Citizen from daring to exercise their Keep and bear rights, so too has the "legal system" been complicated to accomplish the same thing. It's WRONG and BOTH must be resisted - most specifically by calling it out and standing up to it in numbers - thus taking away their cherry picking effort of targeting us one by one (like WE are the "terrorists".
I get your concern and even share some of them. But at what point to AGAIN believe in the AUTHORITY of We the People by STANDING TOGETHER in open defiance? It's time David. And I think you know that.
In answer to your call out- I'll make you this deal. I'm man in much the same position financially as Mike. Worse off actually. If I could get there, my travel arrangements would already be made (though I've called for this type thing -just simple outdoors carry rather than in govt buildings- for YEARS here in my state. Interestingly, the NRA sang almost the EXACT song you sing today. I offered to BE a plaintiff - to dare to carry and take the arrest to create the standing. Not only did the NRA say I'd be in my own but WORSE their lobbyist said the NRA opposes daring to exercise rights in this way and would thus not only not help but actually be an opponent.
Time to ask openly why it is that the supposed friends fear exercising the very right they claim to be defending (if ya just send more dough to them....).
Offer the caution - it's your right. Indeed it's actually PROPER but please catch on to this fact - the natives grow restless with longstanding promises of "do it this way CUZ cuz cuz cuz any other way is "too dangerous" and "counterproductive" and "hurts the cause". To that I request this answer - dangerous to whom actually and how? Counterproductive to WHAT exactly? And it hurts WHICH "cause"?
That this is bubbling up this way shows folks are demanding these answers. Recalls in Colorado and even Bundy Ranch shows it. Folks are dead tired done with the same old same old "leadership" path.
There is no real way to mitigate the risk here BECAUSE no matter how much we back up trying to compromise - the controllers keep pushing forward (heck they even claim it "forward"!).
If standing together in simple exercise of enunerated rights "hurts the cause" and is "counterproductive" and too "risky" and bad strategy THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE WE FIGHTING FOR???? The permission from "leaders" to beg for permission slips from government" is that it??
People are finally willing to stand together openly (which is a huge success in and of itself) and nows the time to divide it? Sounds kinda like what Framce did when the US was actually ready to openly confront MUSLIM terrorists. Yeah, that's working out well. But I digress. To that point if call out - when this finally happens in my state -and it will as this grows- I'll be happy to join in even without financial means. What I won't do and what nobody should do is do so standing alone. THATS the danger. What does division cause? Oh yeah, folks who were willing to stand together end up standing less or alone because division "scares" some away. Now THATS truly counterproductive to the cause of rights - but it sure works out well for controllers - heck, that's doing their job for them.
Cont-
In closing, I again offer that I mean no disrespect by anything I say, sorry if things come across that way. Nutshelled- things they are a changing. People frustrated with endless "don't do that, just let us handle it, the professionals" are done sitting idle. That's not their fault - that's a result of a lack of success by those claiming to "know" the "best" strategy. I suggest those leading the way for a long time take notice - time to change.
Linda like this - endlessly, the GOPe tells us we gotta vote them or the vote is divided and "they" win hence. So we buy it, we compromise, we vote them and then wonder why they act like "them" after elections. Much the same thing happening to the Republican Party today applies to the gun rights community as well. Just as the last presidential election saw many simply refuse to hold their noses again, instead they stayed home. Pubbies keep making same old tired worn out promises and folks are turning away. That's ABSOLUTELY happening in this "party" (actually faction) as well. Citing risks isn't going to bring it together - not when its cited as the reason NOT to assemble, to speak out, to petition and yes even to do so bearing arms.
And a "crackdown" isnt backfire. It's PROOF that what we keep saying - that they want to infringe- is true!! See, that's one point of this new action.!!!! Force their hand, expose them, make them shit or get off the pot. Put them on the open and undeniable record.
Sorry David, but that's EXACTLY the "strategy" we must be applying. It's called honesty. What better way is their than open honesty? Than forcing those trying so hard to conceal it boiling frog style to pour gas on their own Fire?
I'll continue to exercise my rights - absent begging for permission- and stand willing to defend myself in all venues. I am not afraid. I do not bow to fear - not from criminal robbers or criminal government actors. I look forward to the time I am surround by people with the same liberty and honesty based mindset- all making their own individual choice to stand shoulder to shoulder with others doing no more than exercising the most basic of enumerated rights. Hopefully that day arrives sometimes soon.
Mike
III
Mike, your "un-arrested" voice is needed too much for you to go and be discredited by Liberals in a far away state. Bail out! I won't hold it against you. I'll praise you for seeing the light!
This just could be a trap, Mike. One of those cops could watch you reach for your cell phone, claim he thought you were reaching for a gun, shoot you dead and get away with it.
This is so overthought it's nearly funny. Nearly. David is a friend and he's offering you personal advice. That has to do with what you decide, Mike, not what's going on in Washington.
Plus, just as with F&F, the personal advice is easy IMO---you do what will cause you to judge yourself the best.
Or don't. That too is YOUR choice.
Everyone is getting that simplicity confused with supposedly "larger issues," just like any other American Collectivist. There are no larger issues for the individual himself.
And THAT'S the point. It's the same for the folk in Washington and it's the same for every soul on Earth. It doesn't matter if it's a good idea or not, nor does it matter how it'll affect "the movement," as if anyone can make rational guesses about that.
ALL that matters is that it's THEIR lives, THEIR choices, and in THIS country they have the absolute right to do it...no qualifications, no conditions, no exceptions.
That's the only "issue" there is for anyone who isn't directly involved, and anyone who says otherwise is assisting the forces of Tyranny that are taking over this country...whether they understand that or not, whether intentionally or not.
I mean sheesh...if a person can't even stand and SAY that it's their right to be armed on public property, then I can only imagine what it's going to look like if it gets to brass tacks. Actually I'd prefer not to think about that, quite yet.
Dear Mike, Since discovering your blog 2 years ago I have shared your unique insights and ability to frame the cause of freedom with all that I talk with.
Your ability to speak and mark the goals of freedom are like those of Thomas Paine and his ability to rouse the people.
I do not have the tactical training to know the best use of someone in an actual battle , but, years in businesses and the study of politics have shown me that I must allocate rather than waste an asset to succeed. Should you feel your best use is to be in jail or the defendants box in an out of state trial away from the Net and those inspired to defend freedom by you then so be it.
Those outside and against the cause of Liberty will write history and make the news to fit. They will frame the story. I ask that you reconsider physical arrest. Do the candid and clear reporting and exposing of those who would oppress us. It is a weapon that few are able to aptly handle with the skill you show.
You are daily in my prayers to ALmighty God and I pray for the protection and safety of our cause and its allies as you have stated it.
M in Indiana
Mike
I have not seen,so far,the implications of crossing state lines to commit a "crime".In the eyes of the DOJ that would bring you under the jurisdiction of the Federales del Muerto. Please remember the fact that Eric Holder was running the show after the OKC bombing.Also remember Kenneth Trentadue and the suicide in custody bullshit that occurred in that case.
Thank you David, you have made your case quite well and I agree. For some reason Mike does not see that he is important to this struggle. I have to wonder how his fragile health would handle rough treatment involved with some over zealous cop who wants to rough him up a little.
Those who would take offense to Mike not taking part in the "being arrested" are dumb asses and I don't give a damn who that might be. If you must go Mike ... please do not put yourself in a situation that can give you a set back with your health or perhaps kill you. As Bob so eloquently put it, a leader must sometimes do those things he would rather not. You are in my prayers.
Mike,
I'm with David. You're too valuable to be given up as a pawn.
Time to maneuver the knights and bishops, and check-mate the sorry SOB's a couple of moves down the road. Look at the long term.
DixieDennis
Once again, law enforcement and the law abiding American citizen are going to suffer INSTEAD of the bastards that passed the law. When are THEY going to suffer?
Only Mike can decide what he should do at this point. I cannot tell him to go or to stay home. Mike is the visionary here. I will support his decision. And I mean with a donation- no hat required- to be used for expenses or bail or whatever. I only wish that I could send more. Send a donation if you can. Mike is actually DOING something for the cause, not just wishing for good things to happen, like me and you. This is our chance to help.
God Bless you, Mike.
I'm offering no "fear card," anonymous, and that you offer bold advice while remaining so is telling in itself. Don't put words in my mouth. Your interpretation of what I offered Mike is as unqualified as your "legal" advice.
I'm telling no one to "stand down" from applied defiance. I'm saying if you're going to stand up, do it smart and do it to prevail, and don't do it because nameless "supporters" -- who risk nothing and will come up with even less to render aid -- are egging you on at no personal cost.
"I will not comply" is quite different from "I'm going to stick my face in this buzz saw."
Yeah, we all get the system is corrupt and the legal priestcraft has things screwed up. Thanks for the tip. But you want to dismiss what an actually competent lawyer might advise out of hand because of the way the game is rigged? Go for it--plenty of opportunities for you to stand on principle and show the rest of us how it's done. Wayne Fincher thought he could win on principle too, and the poor guy wasn't even allowed out on furlough to go to his wife's funeral. Some victory.
Tell you what, prove me wrong. I have a real simple way, if you want to step out of the shadows and actually do something besides posting blog comments. Set up a legal defense fund crowd funding paged, work it, publicize it and set the goal at a reasonable initial amount for the number of people who are going to have their lives destroyed if they do things your way-- maybe set it at $250K to start. At the end of the funding period, when it fails, let me know how many hundred dollars you've persuaded people to commit to.
Go ahead, do it. That's within anyone's capability if they really believe in what they're advocating. Everything else is just noise.
Now I've got work to do on something that won't ever come to light if I don't, and I just don't have time for comment debates I never engage in anyway. I gave my friend advice because I care about him and said "yeah" when he asked if he could post it. I'm not going to be back to argue with you, because I don't have time and candidly, don't really care if someone who has no idea what I'm really about wants to insinuate I'm becoming chastise-worthy. Go for it. Like I do this for approval. Step into the light and set up the legal funding and prove me wrong -- I'll even do what I can to publicize and promote it-- or continue arguing without me.
Beware the Ides of March!
Stacking arms in the foyer and leaving piquets to guard them may provide a greater media spectacle.
Just thinking outside the square ...
Kiwi III
There's a difference between not disarming voluntarily, and being disarmed by force or threat thereof. Like the difference between consensual sex and rape.
"The graveyards are full of necessary men."
MLK was arrested, but not silenced. He was killed, but not stopped. The defenders of the Alamo died, every last one of them, and inspired a nation.
If you, or David Codrea, or David Hardy, or anyone, is all that stands between the Right to Arms and tyranny, then tyranny will win, because patriots are few, but tyrants are many, and their minions legion.
You are an inspiration to all who love liberty. Your words are models of clarity. Your actions are models of integrity.
I do not want to lose you, or anyone who will stand and fight. But there will be loses. And pardon me for saying it, but better to die in prison or the street, fighting the good fight, than in the cardiac ward, or in a crumpled car.
I cannot say, go or stay. But I will pray that God works his will through you, whatever you decide; and that whatever your actions, liberty will be the stronger for it.
It is not the blood of tyrants alone that fertilizes the Tree.
Mike, Rep Honda introduced these:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/376
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/377
On top of his body armor bill. These might be worse.
Mike,
The enemy is waiting for you to make just one slip big enough to get you tossed into jail. Once they have you incarcerated, I would suspect a flood of more "evidence" will keep you in the gulag, along with insufficient "health care". Just long enough to where you will cease being a problem to them.
@Anon at 11:31 -- "This just could be a trap, Mike. One of those cops could ... shoot you dead..."
Of course, mate. Then it's on. I, for one, will be watching with great interest in what happens. If you're not ready, best get that way. We're all in a target-rich environment.
Wherever God leads you Mike; whatever is His will. Daniel, Paul, John, Peter.. good company.
All of these present 2A happenings may not seem so biblical in the great scheme of things to most people, but in all things, it is His will--just look at Jonah.
We make the choices, but are ultimately not the ones in control. Just go wherever He has led you. We support you either way, whether some of us agree with you going, or not.
God bless you, be safe.. prayers from me and mine, to you and yours. If this exact thing was happening down here on the gulf coast, my family and I would be right alongside you, no matter what you chose.
MS OK III Ta2warrior
"A risk is a chance you take; if it fails you can recover. A gamble is a chance taken; if it fails, recovery is impossible." Erwin Rommel
Mike,
In the fight which you have been trust, I see your role more as John Adams than as Sam Adams.
You could go and take a security detail with you...say...something equivalent to the security detail Nancy Pelosi takes when getting her nails done.
Go. Show the world you are in the fight. But have a security detail that sends the message that you are at risk for just being there exercising your rights. Make your security detail the "News".
I'm not going to offer any advice on what you should do. I will point out that your voice is valuable for inspiration and coordination.
For those who are saying that this whole thing is a bad idea, I will point out that most of what the civil rights movement did in the '60s that was effective was also illegal and disruptive. Martin Luther King's most famous letter was composed in jail. As long as we keep the moral high ground, I don't think we can go wrong.
Anything that doesn't scare the Fudds is probably pointless. It might even be counterproductive, like sending money to the NRA has proven to be.
Speaking of moral high ground, I said I wouldn't give advice, but I will ask whether this could lead to a Fort Sumpter. Mike, you have mentioned the 100 heads life insurance company. This has the potential to make them pay out on you. Is that payout going to lead where you would have wanted it to?
I believe that it is important that the right to carry is demonstrated IN THE LAWMAKING CHAMBERS where these petty tyrants conspire against us. If Mike cannot do it, someone will do it. I can't be there too but if 100 people sent $25 or if 50 of us sent $100 that would be a big help to Mike, who is DOING what I can't do.
Mike, sometimes the best insights and advice come from those closest to you, and only you are in a position to know who they are. What do Matt, Zoe, and most importantly, Rosey have to say?
All I can add is that you've shown good judgment in the past, and I expect and hope you will continue to do so. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll work it out to maximum advantage possible.
David is right. Period.
As for the ones who wish to urge you on, with "Go Mike Go! You da ONE, Yes You Can... now me, I *can't go because - blah blah blah bullshit bullshit bullshit....blah blah blah... but YOU go Mike YOU go!" - those are the cowards and the keyboard commando wannabes. Like brother David, I will stand with you, even if you do let yourself be manipulated into going.... but I think it is dangerous, and a great waste of time and resources.
Hi Mike,
I posted earlier yesterday when there was only one post logged. Since then mine and many more!! This post jars my memory to one you got several years ago now from the person who signed with that "group of numbers" that specifies the MOS for USMC "Scout Sniper" and as you said and showed a Souix "Coup Stick" As "I Recall" He stated that"If they take your head I will take 100 of theirs!" or something to that affect. As I recall you responded that,'Make sure you take the 'right' 100 heads!"
To say this "event" could be a "Trap" is an understatement!! I can only say, "Don't be the rat caught in the trap!!" Then You and all the rest of us are the ones who lose! To paraphrase a slogan from the old "Anti-war 60's "What if they set a trap and nobody came??" Remember, "It's the 'second Rat' that gets the cheese!!"
Maybe I'm out of my mind, but that's OK, I'm Old but remember,"Age and Treachery will always win out over 'youth and speed'!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Cocked, Locked and ready to Rock!!,
III%,
skybill-out
PS, Got my "100 Heads Life Insurance" hat and I wear it Proudly!!
PPS. Could you post the original"Scout sniper" post with the date stamp. 'Would love to read it again...... "It's Time!!"
Well, I can see that I visited your website again just as things are about to hit the fan. :D
As things go, Olympia, Wa is a dismal swampy little town. The fed goons and other nitwits on the government payroll have played around trying to infiltrate hippie anarchist circles there, and make mountains out of political molehills.
I suppose it would be kind of funny to see them freak out when they find out a mob of gun crazy "militia dudes" are heading into their town to rouse the rabble.
But then again, that's a bit of a stretch. February in Washington is a dismal dismal time. They might just let you dance and flail around out there for the entire day, just to see how long the damp chill took to do you in. Given that you're from Alabama and all, I'd give it about 40 minutes tops, unless you've got a stash of bacon on you, and maybe 10-15 of those chemical heat packs.
If you wake up in the back of a police MRAP, almost frozen to death, wrapped in thermal blankets, and being fed institutional grade coffee out of a beer funnel, don't say I didn't warn you. ;)
Who knows, for lulz them might even dump you off at the Portland rail yards, and tell the angry mob that they flew you to gitmo instead. Generating confusion like that gives em yucks. And it generally keeps the stoners and anarchists off balance.
Best of luck anyway, rally or no rally, going up to the Northwest in winter is probably a bad idea, a generally icky and frigid proposition, one that requires lethal amounts of coffee, and a general disregard for maintaining ones sanity in the gloom, rain, snow, and endless mud. That, and a hoodie, a winter jacket, and a rain poncho, gloves, umbrella, water resistant footware, and about 3 times as many changes of socks as you can imagine that you'll need.
All of this is predicated on the assumption that there WILL be arrests. What makes us so sure that the State will risk this spectacle? They didn't last time?
I'm just thinking out loud here.
I was torn on this one. On the one hand I was reading about Mike's trip and thinking, "YEAH! Stick it to `em and force their hand!" But David raises some good points, and now I hope if Mike goes to WA, he does not get arrested. Mike is way more effective continuing to be that thorn in their side, than a political prisoner that may never see the free light of day again.
Being 100% selfish, I want Mike alive and not in jail so he can come to AZ when he needs to :)
Mike, you plan to travel a long way to insert yourself in this Washington state protest. In my opinion, what's needed in Washington state are residents of that state continuing to take a strong stand. Sure, moral support is a good thing. But I fear if non-residents like you should be arrested, the resistance movement there will be begin to be shrugged off as something ginned up by "outside agitators." That said, if you believe you are called to move forward on this, give some effort to your planning your post-arrest action plan. Do you plan to ride things out in jail, if so have you researched your potential to keep communicating the cause? Will your significant medical needs be properly addressed? Is there an action plan to offer legal representation post-arrest? Is a fund established to post bail should that become necessary?
Is what you plan in Washington state worth the risk of Sipsey Street Irregulars blog going silent? And if the blog goes silent, what will that alone cost the cause?
Bohunk, listen to David. He's got everything under control. He knows all CUZ lawyers told him - uh huh.
You gotta fear that chance of arrest and concede your right willingly!! You cannot risk it! NOBODY can risk anything unless the journalists and the lawyers give you their educated permission!
Ignore the fact that arrests didn't happen last time. Ignore that arrests didn't take place at Bundys Ranch. Ignore ferguson and occupy too. Pretend that all those examples and many more never happened. Just listen to David and his LAWYER!
One by one they pick us off BECAUSE those among us try to stop and argue against plain truth examples. They con others into bowing to individual fear rather than trusting standing together.
One person going armed is unwise. Thousands overwhelms the pick off strategy! It DEFEATS IT.
SO THEN, why are "leaders" (most times those who gain FINANCIALLY) against this path? Do they truly fear for individuals or is it that they fear their own bread and butter being afftected because this path SUCCEEDS where theirs has for so long failed?
Yeah. Let's listen to lawyers and journalists. They have this country in too top shape don't they.
It's so sad to see folks become the very thing they have long claimed to oppose.
Mike, I would listen to Mr. Codrea . Even George Washington had his Nathaniel Greene that pulled him back from mistakes.
I am sure the gestapo would love to have you as a trophy. Don't play into their hands. Stay home and let your body mend. For many of us, the second thing we do in the morning is logging on and coming here. I'd hate to think of clicking on your link and finding a FBI Seizure Notice.
Mike, as a lifelong resident of the screwed up state of Washington, I would advise you to stay home, and for the PHS to reconsider.
The open carry display in the galleries had the effect of derailing Alan Gottlieb's strategy of give away rights in exchange for revocable privileges. It will cause SAF to have to put up or shut up on it's lawsuit against 594. Further action on that front is I believe, simply shooting the corpse.
On the moral/constitutional issues:
Washington needs to get worse, before it can get better. It needs to live under 594 and all it's defects. Innocents will get prosecuted, yes. The furor must rise from the inside out. Or, as an alternative, 594 needs to be proven a meaningless joke, unenforceable, and largely ignored. Or as an another alternative, found illegal in court.
To explain that you have to compare us to Connecticut, which is a hair away from a shooting conflict. Ultimately, politics fails. Then force decides the issue.
Thus Connecticut is closer to actual redemption than increasingly leftist/collectivist/money controlled Washington.
Most people in this state wouldn't recognize tyranny if if it were right in their face. The west end of this state is in effect, a lost cause as far as political remedies to tyranny go.
An arrest at the capitol, a perp walk, and a few days in the Thurston County lockup, might serve to harden the faithful,but trust me, the population of Western Washington is dead asleep, shallow and ignorant, selfish and greedy, on the whole.
In short, right now, we aren't worth your coming here to participate. No where nearly as worth it as those citizens of Connecticut, waiting for that knock on the door. Or Boot, or battering ram.
Right now, this is up to us, and you have no obligation, moral or otherwise to come all the way out here for this, as much as I appreciate you coming to speak.
And if you do, I would hope you limit your role to that of official spokesperson and representative to the press, for which I think you would be profoundly well suited.
This State is going the way of California, and the only ones who can stop it is our own. And it's our own fault. If gun owners had stuck together, 594 would never have seen the light of day. That's the sad, dirty little secret we hold here. Right now, even more are willing to compromise rights away in exchange for making 594 less onerous.
Asking you to come here even as we cut our own throats is grossly unfair to you, and all the localities where good people who aren't willing to cave in need the help.
I look at Mike V as being our modern day Paine so why not see what Thomas had to say;
"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.....
.... I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.....
.....It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death....."
Mike I will be standing with you on Saturday on the green of Olympia, I will have your back (I'm bringing some bail money too)!
Death before slavery!
Comrade X
@ "j"-I am not urging Mike to GO or NOT to go. I merely stated that I will support him with a donation, which is what anyone who cares enough to read and support this blog should be free to do, in my opinion.
BTW, if you want to bitch at me directly for being a keyboard commando, you can do so at my blog which is at http://heardoverthewire.blogspot.com/
I am a little MORE than a keyboard commando- I am a keyboard and real life patriot.
As the guy who suggested "Sipsey Street Irregulars" to you all those years ago over at David's place, I think I'll weigh in.
Despite the danger, the threat to both your liberty and life, I believe you should go.
I completely understand the objections posed by both David Codrea and Bob Wright, and they have merit.
However, there is a time to inspire the troops, a time to stay in an overwatch position so one can see the big picture, and a time to lead from the front. This would seem to be that time. This does not mean that you unsheathe your katana, scream Banzai and charge headlong into the fray: David's suggestion of having an attorney on speed-dial is a sound one. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
In closing, it would be funny, you know, if OPFOR accepted the screechings of our so-called brothers in III and dismissed you as nothing more than a keyboard commando and left you alone despite your worries and concerns. It would be foolish to rely on that, but the irony sure would be delicious.
Go with God, Mike
Peter/thedweeze
where's the line in the sand David?
next time.....next time....next time.....oh wait...the time after this one...I promise.....
You have to do what you think is right Mike. Your the one who has to answer at the pearly gates for what kind of man you are.
For what it is worth you have my support and prayers regardless what you do. No need to prove your virtue or qualify your principles with me. I believe in you.
I hope you dont get killed, the world would be lesser of a place without you. If I was in your place, I wouldn't carry a rifle,and pray that 100 Head Casualty & Life Insurance policy is still in effect.
All things considered, you, like many of us who understand what we and our liberty is about, this day that try's our spirit is to come to us. If you go, you go for all of us, and our dignity as freemen.
Remember your own wisdoms about unintended consequences, they are a two way street. Remember too, in the larger scope of things, those who ignore the past take the dirt nap first.
God bless and God speed Mike.
I wish I could go too. If you do, you wont be alone, as this thing is going to come to us all eventually who care about such things.
Sounds like a whole lot of hot air to me, I don't think you really intended to go in the first place.
I am an old retired deputy sheriff from Fla.
Do not go. Do not get arrested. You will be reported to have died from a heart attack.
There are more communist in Washington state than any place else in America. They are in positions of power there.
LOOG MOOG - unwad the panties, bro, the comment was not for you or I would have named you. Primarily the whole effing flock of 'Anony" mice who have the balls to tell him to go and then not only fear to use a name or an ID of any kind, but have all their excuses lined up. And i stand by that. YOU signed your post with a handle and that is more than most of the do-nuthin's do.
John Adams once wrote that the Revolution happened in the minds of the people long before it took form on the battle line. I sense the same thing beginning to happen here, now, in our time. The call to serve, to stand, needs to be loud, clear, and continuous, Mike, and I do not believe that is served if you are silenced. The decision is yours entirely, but I believe you should not go.
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