Christine Smith's Blog

My recommendation/review of The Future of Freedom Foundation and its Founder/President Jacob G. Hornberger

My recommendation/review of The Future of Freedom Foundation and its Founder/President Jacob G. Hornberger

Frequently I am asked by inquisitive libertarians or libertarian-leaning individuals of what organization I recommend, and my answer is always the same: The Future of Freedom Foundation. Thus, below I share three pieces I wrote during 2007 and 2008 as my recommendation of the FFF to anyone who values truth. I share this compilation in April 2012 – and after all these years, it is still Hornberger’s years of work which I find to be the most the most valuable educational resource to recommend.

After many years deeply involved in electoral politics and years as a Constitutionally-based libertarian minarchist, over a year ago I came to reject government completely as I realized not only the futility of electoral politics but most importantly its inconsistency with my belief in non-aggression and my trust in freedom. I am a freedom-based anarchist.

Thus, while I no longer want to try and restore the Republic, I do believe that the greater awareness and raising of consciousness of the American people is completely related to the knowledge, history, and understanding of how freedom is always the moral and ethical answer to any crisis/issue/interaction/controversy in society. Although Hornberger promotes “limited government,” and I do not, I think his website, journal, and talks/lectures educate about freedom and its application to almost every issue you seek information about (use his search engine or visit his archives) are better than any other one resource. Whether you are a libertarian or not, a minarchist or anarchist, if you seek truth, and seek to understand how the principle of freedom applies to society’s toughest problems, I highly recommend the Future of Foundation. Below are three recommendatons I wrote in 2007 and 2008 which I share with you

The first time I ever heard Jacob Hornberger speak was in October 2007. It was at a LP convention in Illinois, and when I returned home, I wrote the following piece which is just as true now as it was then:

For me, the highlight of the Illinois Convention was Jacob Hornberger’s Keynote Speech.

Founder and President of The Future of Freedom Foundation, whose mission is to “advance freedom by providing an uncompromising moral and economic case for individual liberty, free markets, private property, and limited government,” Mr. Hornberger indeed fulfilled that mission in his eloquent powerful Keynote Speech at the Illinois LP Convention Saturday (Oct.13, 2007) in Rockford, IL.

I have read and listened to a lot of libertarians, but none more moving than Jacob Hornberger.

His is a voice for liberty which is uncompromising…and it is this I most respect, admire and appreciate. For a voice such as his, I believe, can open many more people’s eyes to the benefits of liberty than numerous other forms of outreach/literature/various publicity campaigns the LP could ever do.

Never having met the man prior to the Illinois LP Convention, I consider it a blessing to have now become aware of this man’s devotion to sharing the message of liberty, as I know I will continue to learn much from his writings.

I am already aware of the positive influence and clarification on political matters his writings have meant for me – strengthening and clarifying my strong libertarianism–and his courage and boldness as evinced in his work inspires and encourages me.

Though I had only a relatively brief opportunity to speak with him (due to Convention activities/schedule), his humility and openness were refreshing.

Then came his Keynote Speech…uplifting…with parts of it nearly evoking tears as he discussed the plight of suffering, misery, deprivation and needless deaths people have suffered at the hands of the U.S. government–all because of our immoral unjust illegal wars, military interventions, embargoes, and regime changes.

His talk was far more moving than any other libertarian speaker I have heard…and as I analyze why this was so…I come to only one conclusion: Mr. Hornberger speaks of liberty from his mind AND his heart. It’s more than an intellectual discussion for him, it’s a moral one…an ethical one…and he uses his mind to articulate what is within his heart.

I think some of the strongest points that afternoon (and within his writings) regard U.S. foreign policy (empire vs. republic/eloquently exposing our government’s long history of empire building), immigration (open borders/free enterprise), habeas corpus, and rejection of the welfare state (he advocates abolishment of every federal department and agency involved in the distribution of welfare, subsidies, old-age assistance, medical care, grants, and other so-called charitable causes currently funded by American taxpapyers’ money-and replacing it with as it should be: voluntary giving.) He does this, as I said, by buttressing his points both with facts as well as with a call to our conscience, to our core moral and ethical beliefs. This approach, at least for someone like myself, is extremely powerful…for it is my belief in love, and viewing all as brothers and sisters, that has led to me to the understanding of liberty and libertarianism I now possess.

Upon my return to Colorado, I have spent literally hours and hours reading from the extensive archives at his foundation’s website, and reading/listening to online interviews with him. It is striking to hear a man with such consistency over many years; his love and understanding of liberty (and expression thereof) is consistent no matter what issue is addressed.

Frankly, had I been exposed to Mr. Hornberger’s writings earlier in my life, I believe I would have more quickly realized that libertarianism provides the best solutions to a freer America. For years, I was someone who rejected, to a large degree, the intrusions of the federal government into our lives. But like many, my compassion led me to falsely think that there were exceptions–I had good intentions, but as the adage says “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”…Years ago I thought there were legitimate uses of government to help people (of course, I now know full well that government is always the problem and I fully grasp first how wrong, how unethical it is, to use force to extort money from some people to give to other people–that’s thievery plain and simple—and, of course, as we all know it always fails, it actually hurts those who it says it’s helping be it the insane “wars” on drugs, poverty, literacy, hunger, terrorism, etc). It took years before I fully understood how destructive statism is…and to realize that drastically reducing the size of government in every area–no exceptions is the answer…I truly believe had I read Hornberger’s articles many years ago, that the change, awareness and understanding I have experienced in just the last 5 years of my life would have happened much sooner for me.

Thus, I now wish to share his work with as many people as possible, and urge you to share his writings with those you know…his are powerful persuasive declarations of libertarianism…without exception, I have found all the articles I’ve read by him to consistently advocate liberty and freedom…and they are done so with an eloquence and passion that far surpasses most other writers of libertarian thought.

If one chooses to be a libertarian, and truly believes in our principles, there can never be any wavering or compromise of those principles…there can never be even a slight deviation…for to do so is to hypocritically denounce our principles for some supposed “gain, ” to do so poisons and irrevocably damages and destroys the good of the LP. The end does not justify the means in any area of life–and this principle is one every true libertarian must hold dear and practice unyieldingly if our party is to affect change in America.

Truth is my priority. Based upon all I have now read written by Mr. Hornberger, I believe truth is, too, his highest priority. I know it requires courage to boldly speak for liberty when so many, even within our own party, abandon principles and attack those who will not compromise. I respect Mr. Hornberger, and feel he is not only one of the best voices of libertarianism we have, but is an example to each of us on how we can choose to live in truth and honor.

I will never compromise my libertarian principles, and I have met so many other Libertarians who share this commitment. You are not alone. And I believe that reading powerful libertarian views expressed eloquently as Jacob Hornberger does can help each of us be that much stronger in our dedication and ability to share liberty…to share true libertarianism.

I regard my opportunity in Illinois to hear him as a blessing in my life as a human being and as a libertarian. He is a rare individual…a man of integrity and character…whom I can and will continue to learn much from; I am glad he makes his writings available on his website, for they are a treasure trove of libertarianism.

If you ever have an opportunity to hear Jacob Hornberger speak in-person…do so.

And, most certainly begin reading his articles–for they will help you be a far more effective libertarian spokesperson in your life. I highly recommend my readers visit his foundation’s website, where you can read many of his articles…if you like what you read, share them with your friends. We must reach as many people as possible with the benefits of liberty, and I believe Jacob Hornberger’s communications (written & spoken) to be powerful effective tools for every libertarian to use to share the vision of a truly free America.

There are many articles from over the years written by Mr. Hornberger on his website, but these are a few I wish to particularly point out to my readers:
It Can’t Happen Here : http://www.fff.org/comment/com0703c.asp
Socialism and Empire, Not Immigration, Are Destroying America: http://www.fff.org/comment/com0505e.asp
Libertarian Paternalism: http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0706a.asp
The White Rose: A Lesson in Dissent: http://www.fff.org/freedom/0196a.asp
The War on Afghanistan Was Wrong, Too: http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0707a.asp
The Ten Commandments Controversy: http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0311a.asp
Homepage for Hornberger’s Future of Freedom Foundation: http://www.fff.org/
Hornberger’s Blog: http://www.fff.org/blog/index.asp

Thank you, Jacob Hornberger, for sharing your beautiful speech with us at the Illinois LP Convention…you inspire me.

Christine Smith

From that point in 2007 on, the Future of Freedom Foundation, Hornberger’s writings, and his other excellent writers (such as Jim Bovard, Sheldon Richman, Laurence Vance, etc.) became instrumental to my learning. They still are. I can easily wholeheartedly say I learned more from the FFF’s archives which elucidated my understanding of freedom as it relates to current issues than from any other source (and I am an avid reader). Their daily email and their monthly journal I highly recommend to you.

I then attended the FFF’s superb Conference in 2008:. Here is the review I wrote of it in my blog entitled ‘The Spirit of Liberty is Alive and Well’ (with my reviews of Hornberger’s speech and other speakers, and notes I wrote while still in Reston, VA,  following the event about how the conference affected me …”I have found a peace within and my strength and resolve to work for all that I believe has been increased manifold…this renewal is the direct result of attending the most wonderful gathering of principled individuals and learning so much!” –please note that Hornberger has placed the videos/audio/transcripts of his guests on the FFF website)– My review of the FFF Conference, speakers, etc. written June 11, 2008: http://christinesmith.us/wordpress/2008/06/11/the-spirit-of-liberty-is-alive-well/

And, finally, my recommendation to all that if you want to give a gift for freedom, I recommend you give to the FFF, “Now I’ve got other charitable causes I contribute to, as I’m sure you may as well. And I am very selective in whom I give to. But never have I asked people to contribute to any of those because I figure we all have certain causes which we particularly wish to support for reasons personal to ourselves. “But the Future of Freedom Foundation is the exception because I believe the FFF accomplishes far more for the advancement of liberty and the libertarian philosophy in this country than any other organization (even those which are much larger). This is due to its uncompromising commitment to freedom – on every issue – no exceptions.” Visit this blog entry to read why I think giving to the FFF is one of the the most important actions you can take for liberty. My blog: http://christinesmith.us/wordpress/2008/12/19/give-a-gift-for-freedom-this-christmas/

I highly recommend the Future of Freedom Foundation to anyone who values truth.

Index of topics at the FFF: http://fff.org/issues/index.asp
and FFF homepage: http://fff.org

True Freedom

Peace be unto you.

I can think of no greater blessing year-round to give another. It is my wish for you.

Consider the moment of those words: The tomb was empty, our Risen Christ is before his disciples, Jesus says “… Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (The Bible, John 20:21, King James Version)

He spoke these words when they must have been perplexed, stunned, likely frightened, suffering from grief and lack of understanding. When you have these same and similar thoughts and feelings, He speaks the same words to you. He doesn’t want you filled with anxiety, running around desperately as if your circumstances depend on your figuring out how to manipulate life to get what you want, plagued with questions of “Why this…why not this…” in your life. Most of you behave no different than the rest of the world without God – thinking the important matters of life are up to you to shape using your mind – thus you often feel anything but peaceful.

Jesus had peace, thus he could give it…you must first have something, obviously, before you can give it. He was free. Only in freedom do we experience peace, yet many who say they have this spiritual freedom do not feel at peace in their personal lives. To the degree you cease trusting God to bring blessings into your life and instead begin trusting your own mind to bring things into your life you will make life much worse. This happens whenever you say no to true freedom, which is trust in God, because you can’t see how it will all work out unless you intervene.

Meditation upon our Lord’s Passion can bring an awareness of His love, ever-present, despite the world around us. But this wisdom of the message escapes most since they mistakenly believe themselves incapable of being the channel God would have them be of peace.

Stop Trying to MAKE Relationships or anything else important happen

I see most of my fellow believers in Christ grasping but a small piece of the message. Rather than trusting God for all they desire and need, they behave no differently than non-believers as they desperately seek in others the answers to voids they perceive in their life.

Examples are numerous. Due to lack of faith, lack of trusting God, some decide to try and make important relationships happen, rationalizing that they are merely making opportunities, but it is not who they are and it is not what they should be doing and they know inside themselves it is not how God would have them proceed – for their actions are coming from fear – fear that they will not have something or someone in life unless they compromise their trust in God and instead do it themselves.

Many behave this way in regards to even the most personal matter of meeting their mate or life partner (as in going out there to meet another in hopes of finding the right one through dating services, blind dates, attending social functions one would otherwise not attend, etc.). How faithless one must be to advertise themselves as if they are merchandise in hopes of attracting another to them. This is the surest way to meet the wrong one.

Such activity is not exemplifying the peace of Christ. Worrying about imagined scenarios financially, professionally, and personally…the list goes on, is not of God. Some join groups of people one does not appreciate for perceived benefits to one’s career/reputation/etc. Going against your very nature of trusting God to provide to obtain anything in life  is the incorrect way – it strays you from the path God has for you.

The Holy Spirit Knows Your Desires

Don’t you realize that the Holy Spirit already knows of your heart’s desires and needs? To use your mind to try and make relationships with other people happen is saying to God that you know better when, how and who should be in your life. It means you are not trusting the Holy Spirit to provide for you that which is perfect – at the perfect time – and in the perfect way. Once you start trying to make things happen, you lose the ability to even see what He has for, you lose the ability to be grateful for the gifts He has given you, and I believe you can even close (or severely delay) the beautiful blessings God wants to give you. And for what? A lot of pain. God’s plan for you is perfect happiness, but you can get in the way of it if you cease trusting Him.

Trying to make things happen on your terms, in your limited perception, will not bring you the end you desire, and the means employed will trouble you; you will feel the warning. You can choose  to trust the Holy Spirit in all things or you can use your free will to try to do it on your own. Behaving as if some matters are just too big for God alone will ultimately bring heartache and deeper despair. Do you really think God doesn’t know what is good for you, do you really think He doesn’t know where you live, your activities and interests, your values and beliefs, and how to bring in anyone or anything that would be a blessing for you? Cease trying to MAKE things happen, and let God work in your life in His perfect plan. All things and all persons who would be a blessing for your life, be it from the professional contacts who would wish to assist you in your work to the one individual you could share your life with, manifest when you are as Paul advised walking “by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, KJV)

True Freedom Is of The Spirit

I write this for those whose love of freedom is not merely pragmatic but predicated upon a spiritual awareness. Don’t you see that the gift of freedom you so well understand relative to politics, for example, is also applicable to your personal inner peace? You may speak of the peace and abundance freedom brings a people/society, but have you really let His gift of true freedom bring you the peace and abundance into your personal life?

Only in a few of those espousing love of freedom do I witness peace predominately in their countenance and demeanor. Only in those few do I see happiness and joyful enthusiasm as they share what they have learned about how freedom transforms situations to everyone’s benefit. Only a few have developed spiritually to the degree to recognize true freedom. They are the exceptions. In the libertarian/freedom movement I see many who express much anxiety, worry, and heightened tension over what they see happening in the world around them. For them, the world of man is it – the end all and be all…but to me it is essentially meaningless as it believes love is not possible, thus it looks to only to the human mind to solve problems political or personal – when the answer is spiritual. Those who are aware are the most passionate educators about political/societal freedom, but even they succumb to anxiety and worry in their personal lives when/if they stray from the spiritual path and begin to make decisions and change their behavior out of fear.

Think of all the crises the world harbors on day in and day out, arguments, affronts on liberty, people raging over what other people do and assuming a prerogative to force them to comply to their way of life or else…they use the force of government to make them. I see no love in such debate, only egos clashing. You see this, too, I bet.

Anxiety Means You Are Making a Mistake and Ignoring our Risen Christ’s Love

But, sadly and unfortunately, I often also see those who have accepted the atonement clashing their spirit against their own ego (false personality). Do you experience a sense of lack in your life despite your belief? If you feel anxious about anything, you have gotten of the path of truth and strayed from His freedom from such worries as others have.

The risen Christ’s love is not something to be set aside only for Lent, Easter, Christmas, or any other day of recognition, His love and the peace of the freedom given us is to be experienced day in day out.

To trust in Him means abandoning the common prideful behavior of most human beings to take control of their lives – to make things happen – to be a self-made man – to obtain that which you may sincerely desire through means of your mind alone sets you up to exacerbate the very feelings of lack, loneliness, discontent, frustration, despair you are trying to quash.

To believe in Christ means you have cast aside the doubt and arrogance your mind alone develops, and rather it means you have chosen to supplicate your life to our Lord. Yes, you may ponder and wonder, but if you ever choose to take it upon yourself to force and make important things occur on your timeframe, you will suffer even more.Don’t you accept what Jesus said, “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”? (Matthew 6:32, KJV) He continued, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34, KJV).

And, yet, you are going beyond simple wise provision and use of the resources given you, you are worrying about important matters as if your worry and listening to non-believer’s advice on how to attain your deepest longings – and each time you do so you will find only more strife, disappointment, and pain.

Abandon Contrived Activities and Behavior Inconsistent with Who You Are – Always Be You

The key to staying on the path of personal freedom and experiencing His peace is abandoning contrived actions and behavior (which contradict your inner knowing, personality, temperament, and values )of which you expect to receive some benefit. Transcend what society tells you is the way, for it appeals but to your false self, and choose God’s way by relinquishing the mental need to know and simply accept that if you are living as best you can in God’s will that all the things to desire will be given you at the right time. You must choose to live now, in the present moment, to fully experience freedom and its fruits of gratitude, mercy, and peace.

The happiness we can receive from Christ, the Christ consciousness, is to be experienced year-round. Release your perceived need to control your life and let the still small voice of the Holy Spirit guide you to perfect peace. Anything you do to the contrary will not bring you the peace you seek, but heartache.

Interestingly, the more developed intellectually you are (a good thing), the greater the temptation, however, to trust in your mind rather than God. This is why I think so many in the libertarian/freedom/anarchist thought find it difficult to express matters of faith – even if they privately possess a spiritual basis of their life. They fear what others may think of them, so they do not teach from their heart, but only their mind.

Jesus taught. He did not force his teaching upon anyone, he simply shared.

So should we teach. This means not withholding part of our belief in God in our teaching of others. Your holiness, and interestingly enough, your spiritual development and understanding, is enhanced as you teach it which means being who you truly are at all times – not hiding it or reserving it to share only with others who already believe as you do. Believing in the risen Son of God means believing love is possible in a world which strives to make you doubt it. It means realizing this love is the answer to every problem in life – every perplexity in your life. As you do this, you will become a shining light reaching the hearts of others who are also aware that there’s more to this life than meets the eye.

I encourage fellow believers in Christ and His message of love to become more comfortable and expressive in sharing right along with their practical knowledge. Our personal choice on what we belief spiritually and how it guides the way we live, including its basis in our understanding of what is righteous, moral and ethical, in the realm of politics and society as a whole, can be a powerfully important element in our teaching and helping of others in their life path.

You never know how simply sharing who you are may positively affect another. Never doubt the power of you simply being and sharing who you are. People will naturally want to know more about where your understanding and devotion to freedom emanates, where your happiness emanates, and may either inquire or simply pay close attention to that which you write, say and do. You don’t force what you believe into any conversation, you just are willing to share it when pertinent to whatever is being discussed. We’re advised in Matthew 5:16, KJV, to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Remember, the mind is but a tool to implement the values we placed in our heart. It should not take over your actions; it cannot be trusted. It is a tool but the heart is through which our Heavenly Father’s love is present to guide our mind. To worry about one’s personal and professional life, to disturb the peace God gave you, is to say no to his gift of freedom – freedom from the worry and strife man without God suffers from. Remember, he said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) To be aware of what occurs in the world around us is wise, but to ever think for one moment that our well-being is dependent on what man without God devises and suggests is to lose oneself in utter worry – a state God would never have you be.

“Peace is the serenity of the soul, the tranquillity of the mind, the simplicity of the heart, the bond of love, and the union of charity.” – St. Austin (from The Manual of The Holy Catholic Church – Embracing Light from the Altar, James J. McGovern, D.D. (Copr. 1906 by James J. McGovern, Copr. 1920 by Joseph R. Gay) This is the peace He gives us and it is the peace we can share with others by being ourselves at all times, by not allowing anxiety to make us be something we are not.

I have no concern for what tomorrow will bring, I live in the present moment, with gratitude that my life is guided, if I listen, by God’s loving hand in all I do. I listen, learn, and focus on living life to the fullest, hindered not by worries many engage and suffer in. I feel the abilities I have to share the beauty of freedom as the answer to man’s crises and perplexities on how to relate to one another in society stem from my acceptance of the greatest gift of freedom, of love, of peace given from God. Love is of God, and freedom is of love. Choosing to embrace freedom, to live it, teach it, and respect the freedom of every other, has brought a peace in my life beyond compare. Unlike many others, my peace is not disturbed by what happens out there, but remains constant and perfectly unaffected despite the crises, personal and political, others fret over. In this state of being, I can be both a teacher to and learner from every other individual God has me encounter.

Accept and claim the freedom He gave you, freedom from all anxiety, be who you are – not what you think others expect you to be, at all times…change not who you are to obtain something which you know you can and must trust God to provide. Whenever you feel a lack of that peace, you have mistakenly strayed from the path of faith and you will likely take wrong actions leading to greater strife.

Freedom is the Key to Life’s Short Journey a piece by Jacob Hornberger I highly recommend

Finally, I direct you to a beautiful piece entitled “Freedom is the Key to Life’s Short Journey,” a piece written by Jacob Hornberger in 1999…when I first read it years ago, I felt such a rapport with it – for it expresses precisely the thoughts, pondering, and beliefs I hold. I have shared its link on my blog on past Easter’s as well, as I shall do again now- I highly recommend it to you: Freedom is the Key to Life’s Short Journey.

In solitude, in silence, ponder these things, so that you may experience true freedom in life to enter and remain in the “…the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” (Phil. 4:7, KJV)

Peace be unto you.

Christine Smith

Brain-Eating Amoeba can be found in Various Water (Wells, Hot Springs, Rivers, Lakes, Tap and more)

Warm weather and everywhere people flock to the water – for swimming, splashing, diving, tubing, water-skiing, etc – but for those who look to fresh waters such as hot springs, rivers, lakes, ponds, untreated pools, and even their own tap water for example, as spots for recreation – the knowledge of a deadly amoeba potentially/possibly in the water you play in – is cause to think about whether you let that water into your nasal passages.

The amoeba is almost always deadly if it infects someone and seems relatively prevalent in freshwater enough so that I’m changing my behavior…and the thing is, I never even thought about it till now. Never would I have considered avoiding getting water in/up my nose when recreating or for personal hygiene.

Thus, I am sharing what I’ve learned with others in this blog. I consider knowledge to be power – and being informed as I now am will affect whether/when etc. I will accept freshwater entering my nasal passages.

For me, I’ve changed hygiene habits of previously using water from my tap (well) in the nose/sinuses for cleansing, and I’m going to give thought to where I’ll recreate in water and whether I allow said water in my nose as in swimming/splashing/etc. in freshwater which is untreated.

Frankly, for myself, I have decided I am not going to swim/submerge my nose into warm untreated freshwater knowing what I know now. And I will never use my tap water for any type of nasal/sinus irrigation or cleansing or dunk my head into/under my bath water nor will I cup water into my nose at the sink anymore. (Ocean beaches/ocean water and properly maintained/treated/chlorinated properly pools sound safer to me – so that’s where I’d now play in water to the degree I’d get water in/up my nose.)

After hearing the news story about the two people who died from using water for nasal/sinus hygiene irrigation in a neti pot, I recently looked up the story and learned it was due to the Naegleria fowleri amoeba/protozoa. I then wondered about whether that amoeba can be present in other types water – when, where, and under what circumstances could it infect someone.

After reading on the subject, I learned that the brain eating amoeba can be found in fresh water including well water, hot springs, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.

As many of us enjoy recreating in water (and some of us, such as myself, use well water for all home uses including bathing, of course), I thought I’d share some of the links for those of you who aren’t familiar with this risk.

From these articles, I learned that people have died contracting the amoeba from activities such as bathing, swimming, and nasal/sinus irrigation. Those who dive into water was particularly mentioned as the force sends the water into the nose. I read of children dying from the water they bathed in. Whatever the variables affecting why some are infected, I find it worthy of thoughtful consideration.

I share these links for those unfamiliar with this subject. These articles share of deaths caused by it, tips to lower the risks-different links below mention variety of suggestions/tips….
like nose clips are mentioned and other tips to keep such water from being propelled up the nose or not disturbing sediment/soil, months of greater increased risks, types of waters it’s been found in, occurrence in wells, etc. Each of the articles provided interesting and informative details, so I share all the links I read from for those interested in learning more (I d recommend clicking each link if you are someone who uses such water in your home or if you recreate in it elsewhere-as at each link I learned much more):

Informative link–lots of quick information – learn much quickly here-highly recommend reading this:
http://waterbornepathogens.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=61

and then these links were informative, interesting, and answered questions I had in mind:

Family Warns Swimmers About Brain-Eating Amoeba http://www.livescience.com/15645-brain-eating-amoeba.html

Brain-eating amoebas blamed in three deaths http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/17/amoeba.kids.deaths/index.html

Naegleria Fowleri -warm freshwater lakes and rivers
http://abouthealt-h.com/naegleria-fowleri-2

Neti pot danger? Two die from amoeba infection http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/20/news/la-heb-neti-pot-amoeba-20111220

Brain-Eating Amoeba FAQ http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20110818/brain-eating-amoeba-faq

Harmful Water-Based Amoeba in the News Again By Kelly A. Reynolds, MSPH, Ph.D.–
This is a very informative article including info on child deaths from tap bathtub water cases–http://www.wcponline.com/pdf/0711On_Tap.pdf

Naegleria fowleri in Well Water http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2603111/

Brain-Eating Amoeba Thrives in Warm, Fresh Water -The dangerous amoeba has killed three people this summer. Here’s what you should know about it.
http://news.discovery.com/human/brain-eating-amoeba-110818.html

Brain-Eating Amoeba Strikes in Summer-Six Deaths in 2007 From Amoeba in Warm Fresh Water http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20080529/brain-eating-amoeba-strikes-in-summer?page=2

How to Avoid the Brain-Eating Amoeba
http://www.ehow.com/how_4996663_avoid-brain-eating-amoeba.html

Naegleria fowleri- From Wikipedia-lots of information and many links (and to articles about deaths nationwide) pertaining to this topic are here at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri

Brain-eating amoeba parasite spreads to tap water
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/healthquest/brain-eating-amoeba-parasite-spreads-to-tap-water

Warning to South Floridians: Deadly Amoeba Risk in Poorly Maintained Swimming Pools…& Health officials: Avoid swimming in lakes because of deadly amoeba
http://www.yourswimmingspace.com/warning-to-south-floridians-deadly-amoeba-risk-in-poorly-maintained-swimming-pools.html

Teen in Florida dies from Naegleria ameba infection http://pediatrics.about.com/b/2011/08/14/teen-in-florida-dies-from-naegleria-ameba-infection.htm

Brain Eating Amoeba: Naegleria fowleri http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_eating_amoeba_symptoms_naegleria_fowleri/views.htm

CDC- Naegleria FAQs http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html

Can you get Naegleria Fowleri via your ear?
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110902061547AAwL94w

Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis — Arizona, Florida, and Texas, 2007 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5721a1.htm

A short message to minarchists

To my minarchist friends: There will never be an end to the functions of government you so adamantly reject and call illegitimate – because the government relies upon them all to appease different segments of the people.

This is because the state, being a violent authority which assumes the prerogative to force you to comply to its whims, whether you consent or not, is illegitimate itself. There is no legitimacy in violent aggression against peaceful people, therefore there will never be legitimacy in any function it provides (whether you want that service or not).

Minarchist who desire any service, must realize, that to ask an illegitimate power to provide said service, immediately makes that service as illegitimate a function as any of those you do not seek.

Seeking to eliminate some of the services you deem not proper functions of government, while wanting other services you consider legitimate, simply places you into the group of all the other people who have their favorite government programs to which they cling.

Thoughts/Review/Recommendation of “An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story”

Photography has always fascinated me: to see what another saw, to have a moment frozen from hereafter for people decades later to view, to share another place-time-experience as if I were there. This is the world of film. This is humanity at its rawest.

Thus, it was with great interest I viewed the documentary “An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story.” (I watched it in its entirety on Netflix streaming.) Much more than an overview of Adam’s fascinating career, it was a lesson of love of humanity through and through, and a lesson of the individual who in pursuit of his own passion becomes a teacher to many.

That focus of an individual living his life, doing what he wants to do, and in the process becoming significant beyond what he may ever have imagined and in ways far beyond the career itself is one for all to remember. That aspect alone, to me, is what makes a documentary of an individual such as Adams intriguing and inspiring. From the life of one doing as he pleases, from the humor of situations one is placed in to the tragedy, from making a career but endeavoring to do it on your terms, from the feeling down to feeling on top of the world, comprises a life of what I consider true greatness. It has less to do with other people and more to do with the individual. This is why I appreciate biographical documentaries.

Not only in the interviews with friends, family and associates who spoke of his personality, but in the segments with Adams himself, I found his candor and spontaneity most impressive. (I appreciate those who just say it like they see it. Such honesty is rare.) His career in all its variety from war coverage, to doing photo shoots for Penthouse and Parade, to his Bathhouse Studio in NYC (what a transformation of that building!) and the workshops he made available, is covered from his perspective, and in interviews with co-workers, friends and family (including his son and his wife).

I really only knew of Adams’ incredible work from the Vietnam War including foremost that Pulitzer winning image ‘General Nguyen Ngoc Loan executing a Viet Cong prisoner in Saigon’. Some images as that one, or the one taken by Nik Ut of the naked little girl running down the street to escape a South Vietnamese napalm attack and bombing, remain etched in one’s memory indelibly.

It is this I found most poignant of Adams’ career – his was a life of depicting the lives of those you and I would never have otherwise witnessed. And it is this which, to me, makes photographers as he, willing to go where most of us never have and never will go, more a historian in my eyes than simply a photo journalist.

I am 45. The Vietnam War began before my birth and ended while I was yet a young child. During my early teens, it became important to me to learn of this war which never in all my years of government school (until one lone mention in an AP high-school literature class) was covered in the least. I remember taking the history books and finding this tragic horrific chapter of American history conveniently omitted. So my research and learning was self-taught from the writings and the photos and film of those who were there. I believe it (and my reading of Gore Vidal) during those early years of my life began formulating my distrust of the federal government.

Photos such as those from Adams, of which you’ll view many in this excellent documentary, are powerful…powerful tools for peace. We learn that Adams has covered 13 wars, 6 American presidents, and numerous celebrities for over 50 years – but those mere words, colorful as they sound, achromatize upon becoming engrossed in this documentary. For Adam’s work is human with a capital “H” in all its tragedy, misery, sadness, depression, and in all its promise, delight and joy. In this film everything from war coverage to unique photography of celebrities is covered, but there is a far greater message here than only appreciating an art form – for it is not art which is the focus – it is the human experience.

For me, the point which the documentary most communicated was of love. For me, the images, the interviews and remembrances, the changes in governmental policy and societal judgments you’ll learn about as an apparent result of being exposed to a truth only an image can sear into your mind, all come down to love. Only in viewing each and every human being as like us do we relinquish focusing on the differences and rather focus on what we share – which is so much more.

This was poignantly discussed by Kim Phuc ( she was the little girl burned badly and seen running in the Nik Ut photo as she tried to escape a South Vietnamese napalm attack and then to escape bombing). This lady’s interview touched me deeply, for despite the horror she suffered, hers is a message of love and forgiveness – a message which as she says in so many words would – if adopted by all – stop war.

I learned much watching this documentary, not only for the good I derive in learning the story of another, or reminder of the inhumanity of man and the humanity, but also I was expressly reminded of the power for life, for good, for love which conveyance of the truth can create.

Within the tyranny Americans now find themselves in, each of us has tremendous power, often not realized fully by each of us, to affect the world for the better. Far beyond that which we might (if we attempted to) imagine the results of our actions and endeavors, we can change lives, inspire action, and decrease suffering. We may not even realize it at the time.

I recall Adam’s decision to board a small boat of Vietnamese refugees being turned away…his recollection of this moment was one of the most interesting to me. Here was a man who just made that decision, a decision very few would make, not knowing what would happen – but he did it. He even bought fuel and rice for them as he joined them. The outcome: photos which apparently made such a mark on those in the U.S. government that the refusal of Vietnamese refugees was reversed.

Photos do that. They turn lots of words, no matter how eloquent, into a reality the mind and heart cannot escape from. And, in that, is the power of the lens.

It is to that I turn as what I think is one of the strongest lessons you and I might learn: that we record everything that hits us in the gut, that we report it, share it, to tell what we have learned and what we have seen…that we share it in whatever means we have to do so.

These days, even on the streets of our cities, a camera in the hands of an individual can be a necessity to depict the truth – and sadly more and more a necessity to do so against gunned government thugs whose arrogance we’ve all witnessed in so many infamous YouTube videos. And when it comes to today’s imperialistic wars the U.S. government wages, one can not trust the sanitized versions provided by those who are doing the aggression. Regardless of the situation, overseas or domestically, people need to see and hear the truth. The government cares only about suppressing the truth be it back in Vietnam or now. I view all government – at any level – as having as one of its chief goals: suppression of the truth, making truth telling in all its forms vital. The evils and subsequent human suffering resulting from what government does at all levels must be reported boldly and courageously.

It is said the pen is mightier than the sword, and that a picture is worth a thousand words. These are not mere cliches, but have become commonly used because they really do express a truth. A truth found in a man’s work as Adams’ and those like him, and a truth found in all the works of those who cast aside fear in pursuit of something they aspire to.

Adams expressed something which made me think of a personal belief I hold when he recounted how he felt safe behind the lens. It is, to me, one of the most interesting aspects of his work that he shares (when one realizes the numerous dangerous situations this man has put himself into.) (It is my belief that spiritual forces come to work with us, even shielding us from harm in the midst of danger, when we place truth as our priority.) Such fearlessness is of love.

The last point I wish to make in my review and recommendation of this documentary is that those who say they want peace must not shelter themselves from human suffering. I’ve known several people over the years who identified themselves deeply with working for peace, and each of them refused to view film footage, films, or photos which showed violence. It didn’t matter if it was about Vietnam or Nazi Germany, for example, if it showed such pain they refused to view it saying they chose to focus on peace and love not the results of fear and violence and its hatred.

But I say that each of us, to the degree we really love, must not shelter ourselves from at least viewing such materials (even if we never witness personally such horrific misery). I speculate that one who wants to remove themselves from even the slightest degree experiencing that pain from man’s inhumanity to one another, is letting fear make the incorrect decision for them. I frankly doubt that one who will not even view an image will likely be of much real use in bringing peace, comfort, and relief to those in need should that situation arise, for fear has already made a decision, and their words of peace merely obfuscate their lack of courage within.

I highly recommend “An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story” to all…and most especially to those who have chosen to be an individual who seeks to ease suffering in all its forms, to oppose war, and who chooses to bring peace into this world as much as they can during their path.

My Recording of “The Woman in Me” at Red Karoake

My first recording at Red Karaoke. I invite you to listen.

The Woman in me – Vote for my rendition!

Christmas Eve Day, 2011, video at my home

Sharing my Colorado Rocky Mountain paradise with you. Merry Christmas! Approx. 6 min. video (YouTube) I made at my home on the morning of Dec. 24, 2011. CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

Christmas Greeting from Father and me

Christmas Greeting from father and me – Click here.

Christmas Wreath, Father and me

Put up our Christmas wreath which I made – it is always Christmas in our home. I took my father’s photo, then he took mine, then I made this photo collage. (November 22, 2011)

Father and me (photos, Nov. 15, 2011)

My first KARAOKE Channel video-singing “What Made You Say That”

Sharing my first KARAOKE Channel recording. After a long day’s work, thought I’d try this and sing a song:

CHRISTINE SMITH sings WHAT MADE YOU SAY THAT in the style of SHANIA TWAIN

Lethal Injustice – My libertarian perspective regarding capital punishment

My article examining capital punishment from my libertarian perspective, “Lethal Injustice,” is published at The Future of Freedom website.

I have received several emails and calls expressing appreciation for it, asking thoughtful questions, and readers sharing with me of their ambivalence on the matter. Thank you.

Also, a number of people have questioned whether people should be forced by the state to pay for life sentences of those convicted as well as questioning my reference(s) to “legitimate role of government” and “limited government.” As a libertarian anarchist I reject all coercive government, thus all legalized theft (taxation)  regardless of the cause/reason it is to be used for in society. I wrote this article about 2 1/2 years ago when I was still a libertarian minarchist; the Future of Freedom Foundation acquired it then, but did not publish it till now (August 16, 2011). Thus, the references to government do not reflect my stance now; but my opposition to the death penalty in today’s society stands.

My Path to libertarian anarchism

Addition to post below. First I recommend my video “The Difference Between (libertarian) Minarchists and Anarchists.”

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I am in receipt of a number of questions which I am unable to answer individually due to volume, so provide this information for those curious about my path to libertarian anarchism.

These questions are being sent in response to my recent video rebuttal to Tom Woods’ blog “Why Even an Anarchist Should Vote for Ron Paul.”

After many years involved in electoral politics, I have now rejected the electoral process entirely and have evolved from being a minarchist to a libertarian anarchist.

My previous minarchism, I came to realize, was inconsistent with my belief in freedom and in the non-aggression principle.

I share about this in my video recorded in March 2011: Voting is Evil.

Also, my previous political activities and subsequent rejection of the electoral process and all political parties are available in a brief bio and article.  (This piece was written as I evolved from minarchist to anarchist but while I was still a minarchist; the video “Voting is Evil” and some of the interviews/recordings in link below after becoming a libertarian anarchist).

Interviews with me about a variety of issues, including recent shows regarding my transition to voluntarism/agorism/libertarian anarchy, and other recordings (audio and video) are available here.

I think most of the answers to questions posed to me can be found in the above links.

Two Horrible Deaths in Colorado – these are tragedies

A 56 year old man is dead. A 27 year old woman is dead.

 I need not write much at all about either of these tragic stories of two individuals whose deaths are horrible and sad.

The news story links (with videos) speak for themselves.

(I recommend that when you view the videos associated with each story, that you click and make them full screen size.)

The inmates had no one speaking for them at the moment of their deaths.  But I believe it is essential to view the last moments of both of these individuals’ lives while in custody – if we are ever to prevent such occurrences.

Is this part of government protecting society? Are we supposed to accept this as being part of a process called the criminal “justice” system?
To me, this is evil.

From thedenverchannel.com news – their headlines for each story – click each thedenverchannel.com news headline to visit that story on their website:

 “Dying Inmate Accused Of Faking Seizures, Health Problems
27-Year-Old Woman Dies From Dehydration Connected To Heroin Withdrawal
Tom Burke and Tony Kovaleski , CALL7 Investigators”

“No Discipline For 5 Deputies Involved In Jail Death
Homeless Preacher Marvin Booker Died While Being Restrained In Denver Jail
Alan Gathright, 7NEWS Content Producer”

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Easter 2011, Gratitude, Love, Grace, Freedom

Spiritually, this time is a commemoration and a celebration of the ultimate freedom, given to us by grace.

Jesus died in His love for us, and taught us to love one another. All that we do in life, all that we teach through our interactions with others, if out of love, will bring beauty and joy. I share a few thoughts below with you this Easter 2011.

For me, this is a blessed time, both being Good Friday and Easter this Sunday, and a time in my life when my endeavoring to love others is paramount, my devotion to freedom and to sharing its truth at a height, and my joy overflowing. I am abundantly blessed, and for all in my life, from my loving father, my home in the mountains, to all the abundance I have been given, I thank God the Father, his Son Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Mother Mary for an example of virtue I treasure.

An Easter Message (I wrote March 23, 2008) which I wish to share again with my friends is below – it includes a link to a beautiful piece written by Jacob G. Hornberger from 1999. This is followed by what I believe, The Catholic Apostles Creed, and a few favorite scriptures from the book of John.
A Blessed Easter to my friends.  — Christine Smith

Think about it–everything we espouse as libertarians–comes down to essentially respecting the free will, the sovereignty, of the individual…of individual rights. To me, that is at the heart of what love is.

On this Easter, a time of reflection and contemplation for me, I simply want to share a belief I hold and endeavor to live/practice as it is fundamental to how I wish to relate to others and fundamental to my adherence to libertarian principles. I believe we should live teaching only love through all we do, for love is what we are.

We, as libertarians, as individuals, come from many different backgrounds including the religious or spiritual beliefs we may hold or perhaps once held…we are diverse…but the common denominator we all share is our commitment to advancing liberty.  There are often many a practical, logical, pragmatic and therefore powerful argument for each libertarian solution we offer to share with others – and it is they I focus upon most often – but for me, and a few others I’ve had the blessing of meeting, there is also a deep commitment to liberty based upon the ethical, the spiritual, and the moral.  It’s not often something we necessarily have oft the opportunity to share, but today I decided I wanted to share a few personal beliefs.

To me, nothing is more loving to my brothers and sisters than wanting to achieve and working for liberty.  Using their free will, each individual chooses for themselves how they wish to live, with the only qualification that it not initiate force (harm) against another.  Think about it–everything we espouse as libertarians–comes down to essentially respecting the free will, the sovereignty, of the individual…of individual rights.  To me, that is at the heart of what love is.  Love is not conditional; it is not about control; it is neither hungry for power or greedy.  Love, too, is strong, bold and courageous.  Love, for me, is the fundamental basis of my libertarianism.  Libertarian principles illumine what is otherwise a very dark arena – politics.  It is such principles this nation was founded upon, and to which we must fight to return.

Sure, I’m proficient (and always learning) at sharing the many aspects (statistics, facts) we have as libertarians at our disposal to support our principles and solutions, but, again, on this Easter morning I would like to share another aspect, a personal aspect of my beliefs, with you…and I would like to do so by simply directing you to a beautiful piece entitled “Freedom is the Key to Life’s Short Journey,” a piece written by Jacob Hornberger in 1999…when I first read it, I felt such a rapport with it – for it expresses precisely the thoughts, pondering, and beliefs I hold.  Thus, I share it with you:

Freedom is the Key to Life’s Short Journey
by Jacob G. Hornberger, May 1999

Peace,
Christine Smith

What I Believe:
The Catholic Apostles Creed

biblical selections from the Book of John, King James Version:

John Chapter 3:16-21:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John Chapter 6
37-38: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
47-48: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.
51: I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

John Chapter 7
37-38: In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John Chapter 10
27-30: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

John Chapter 11
25-27: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

John Chapter 12
26: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
46: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

John Chapter 14
1-4: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
21: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John Chapter 15
11-14: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John Chapter 16
33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.