Christine Smith's Blog

Independence Day?

Why celebrate the leaving of one empire for the making of another?
I invite you to view my 6 minute video on this subject.

Are libertarians hurting or helping the cause of freedom when trying to reform statist programs? (Video)

Are issues such as making income taxation “fairer,” medical marijuana, immigration control, and the federal “budget,” libertarian or statist causes? In the long run, will such efforts increase or decrease liberty? Should we focus on reforming or on abolishing government tyranny? Are “incremental” steps the way to liberty or do they backfire, ultimately maintaining or increasing government control?

I invite you to view my video for my perspective: Are libertarians hurting or helping the cause of freedom when trying to reform statist programs?

My Path to libertarian anarchism

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.

My rebuttal to Tom Woods’ blog “Why Even an Anarchist Should Vote for Ron Paul”

Tom Woods wrote a May 19, 2011 blog “Why Even an Anarchist Should Vote for Ron Paul.”

This is my video rebuttal to that.

(Note: since that video, I have received a number of questions about my stance on voting, my politics, and my evolution from being a minarchist to libertarian anarchist. I respond to those questions in my subsequent blog post: My Path to libertarian anarchism.)

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.

How To Be A Hero (with brief movie review of The Americanization of Emily)

It’s really very simple. Die. Well, not that simple, die “serving” in the U.S. military.

That’s it. At least according to our heads of state and the masses of Americans who steadfastly “support the troops.”

I used to think “hero” was bestowed upon those who had shown great valor, courage, compassion, or empathy for either another individual or a noble cause. It was a title of respect and honor given one who was willing to sacrifice their security for such a sake.Or, at least, that’s what we were led to believe and accept when the word “hero” was used.

I suppose there was a time when “hero” meant something – something extraordinary, above and beyond, in sacrificial courage for a noble respectable endeavor. I suppose, but I really don’t know, since for as long as I can recall (I’m 44) “hero” has become a word as adulterated as the word “love” – so many vague meanings many themselves contradicting one another.

That’s not to say I’m unaware of real heroes by my definition. I’ve read about them sometimes, and I’ve known a few. Fact is, I venture to say most true heroes are likely unsung…unknown to society at large, but heroes in the deepest sense of the word to those they’ve blessed. Be they those who risked their physical well-being or other personal asset for one or something they treasure which is noble, I respect. Those who took no thought but what the moment required in their unique situation where they could make a difference, I respect.

I count among such, those who have the courage today, as well as in the past, to defy authority of the state when it is committing evil. Whistle-blowers, those who refuse to obey unconstitutional orders or to commit any act they believe immoral, and those who boldly expose the realities of government – its liberty-killing regulations, laws, and taxes and its atrocities. Those truth-tellers now who unabashedly expose the big lies of this government are heroic…they are the true patriots. I admire them.

Each of us will have differing values and thus differing opinions as to what constitutes the moniker of “hero,” but I for one do not consider dying for an empire heroic. In fact, I so desire there never again be such “heroes,” for they are in reality simply those, for whatever reason, who have died for something less than life could have been. They are lives of individuals which could have truly been lived for themselves rather than being manipulated into dying in war.

I Do Not Support The Troops

By no stretch of the definition of the word “hero” do I count those in the U.S. military in times such as these past few decades.

I view those who die in such “service” with sadness – as lives needlessly lost – dying for nothing (I take that back – they died to buttress the U.S. military empire in its imperialistic agenda) – so I’ll say they died for nothing worthy, noble, or respectable.

I see nothing to be admired in a man who would risk his life in someone else’s war. To be part of the military at this time means you love it more than you love anyone else in your life. It means you love the U.S. government more than yourself, than your parents and siblings, more than your sweetheart or friends. Talk about having one’s priorities out of order.

To those who view it as serving the country, I’ll ask since when? Because the United States of America is not threatened, nor has it been threatened by any nation. There’s no invasion about to happen and none could even begin to occur. No one even has the ability to invade this nation (think oceans- a great physical deterrent). Yet the government keeps some 800-1000 military bases all over the world in some 100-130 countries approx. Protection? Not hardly. It’s more like control leading to provocation. One could easily view soldiers today as actually being part of adding a high security threat to this country- after all if not for their presence in places they do not belong, there’s be far less rage against this country. One cannot view what the military is usually used for as “defense,” but offense.

Thus, I certainly do not support people who for the sake of some monetary and educational benefits would give their service to such a corrupt military empire as this government has become.

People die every day, at work and in leisure pursuits, does that make them heroes? Well, I’d say they are more to be admired than those who die victimizing others in far away lands for compensation. I’d say your common man and woman living a happy life life, prospering as they are able to provide for themselves and their loves ones, is far more respectable. Honest work, harming no other, is respectable….as is living your life to its fullest in ways gratifying to oneself…as is sacrificing it out of love for another human being without thought of any return.

U.S. government military interventions abroad do not for noble deaths make. Deaths – yes – and many. Noble – no.

Yet it doesn’t appear most people’s minds need be stretch far to believe their losses are those of  fallen “heroes.” The alternative would be much more harder to accept. So most give no second thought to viewing the folded flags from the draping of the coffin as a lifelong symbol of the goodness of the deceased and of the justness of his cause. Truth is the deceased was basically a mercenary (Is not dying in another country supposedly for another country likened to serving in their military?  Never see it viewed that way though.), doing what he did for the advantage it would serve him, perhaps believing or not in the cause told him, but either way giving it not the deliberation deserved before using deadly force against other people-taking little thought for how despicable aggression is when done for anything other than direct self-defense. Commission of evil, whether by obedience to orders or not, is repulsive to one of conscience. But the lure of personal gain and perceived advantages of being in the military does the choosing between right and wrong for many. Indoctrination, of course, plays its part…but smart enough to serve, and to take pride in doing so, is smart enough to question.

Which brings me to a film I just viewed.

The Americanization of Emily

A real man is true to himself.

His priorities are not determined from fear, but of a strength which comes from a belief in love…love for himself (which leads to love of others). He cares not what public opinion is, what his peer group thinks, nor what may be considered cowardly or unpatriotic by others. On the contrary, his humility, combined with rightful thought, makes him a powerful force; often it is of those our true heroes will be found. His life, happiness, and caring for those he loves certainly takes precedence over and beyond any nationalistic calling.

His actions may even be deemed “cowardly” as they live not up to the conformists’ expectations, but in the final outcome and in truth, I believe his actions to be admirable and respectable.

Last night I viewed the 1964 film “The Americanization of Emily”  starring Julie Andrews and James Garner. It hit home the fact that for decades the U.S. government accomplishes its imperialism by craftily glorifying military service. Dated, of course, in dialogue, it nonetheless contained not only humorous scenes of levity amidst a most serious point in our history, but also some really fantastic powerful dialogue as to the reality of war and government.

One of the scenes that struck me particularly, was that of protagonist Lt. Commander Charlie Madison (played by Garner) visiting with his new love’s (Andrews) mother over tea. The old lady, having lost her husband and son in the war, lives a life of denial until this utterly powerful encounter with a man who rejects the big lie the government has ingrained in the populous. Here is a man who will gladly call himself a coward versus being a “hero” as defined by an unquestioning society. Later, this same woman, strongly proclaims that her household does not take pride in death. It was a realization I’ve seen only a few in our society, who have lost loved ones in government wars, come to…and yet to do so engenders both experience of greater pain, the burden of responsibility, and a courage to for once defy everyone around you who has accepted the lie of prideful heroic death in the U.S. military.

I liked this combination of satire, and romance, for it embodied a bit of everything found in people’s lives thus making its anti-war message powerfully delivered. A few laugh-out-loud scenes, along with some sweet and tender scenes, along with powerful dialogue made it enjoyable.

If you haven’t seen the movie, do so. I find humor to somehow be a most effective way to get across a point, and admire those who can turn a phrase of wry wit to make people think.

Viewing the film, made me wonder just how do people ignore the awareness, that gut feeling, that something is not right when people they care about are dead and dying all around them. Say for instance, the Vietnam War. How could anyone not be disturbed by the needless bloodshed? Even those in the service at the time would, it seems, have to question whether the war was correct or misguided. Of course, in that case, many did question it…but where is such questioning today?

Being lured into military service, drafted, or entering out of a sense of “serving one’s country,” all fall short as reasons for being deemed a hero upon death. Let’s face it: many entering the military are seeking a change in the direction of their lives and a security they do not posses, they want future possibilities – promises of skills learned, education, and pay right now entices them to toss any thought from conscience aside, as well as any thought of harm which may befall them. Thus time is not spent evaluating the rightfulness of what they’ll be ordered to do – time is spent solely on “How will it help me?” Many, too, enter on a real sense of “service”, a patriotic duty, perhaps in line with their father and his father before, to defend the great freedom and to bring said freedom to other suffering peoples worldwide. Here, pride takes the place of objectivity of looking at the situation now. And, even for those drafted, as in Vietnam, whether reporting in agreement or reluctantly, reporting to inflict aggression upon others whom have harmed you not bears a responsibility nonetheless – one even during conscription makes a choice to obey with that very first step.

Nation building, democracy sharing, acquirement of resources, world leaders “friendly” to U.S. interests – none of these justify a man of conscience giving his actions over to his government. Personal learning experiences, education, travel, college, salary and benefits – none of these justify a man of conscious giving his actions over to his government.

One, no matter their previous choices, can choose again. It need not matter what you believed or did yesterday or a moment ago – what matters is now. As soon as one realizes truth, experiences an epiphany of awareness and understanding, one must in good conscience change their behavior there and then, regardless of the consequences or judgment cast.

Strength is being willing to admit one was wrong. Strength is letting go of illusions once had.

Half-mast Flags

I consider this when the governor issues flags at half-mast on government buildings when a soldier from the state has died. It seems obvious his death had not to do with freedom of America when his body was slain in a far off land. Guess flags at half mast is actually appropriate, after all the soldier gave his life for government – not for his family, friends, and home.

I consider this when I view the veterans swelled with pompous pride in events in which they can appear in uniform with cheers from unquestioning audiences – is there not thought for those missing from those ranks? And, perhaps most of all, I consider all this when I view the photos and read the stories of the tragedies the people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, (and other regions) suffer, their misery, their death and maiming, their tortures…because it is those who join the U.S. military who are exerting the aggression.

Every soldier dying in these wars has died for nothing. Their death was meaningless for their “service” was not to anything noble in the least. They were instruments of aggression, who regardless of their reasons for making themselves available, became instruments of aggression upon other people who had never harmed them, their families, and posed no threat to America.

Interestingly, and sadly,  it is the families of those fallen in service, who frequently perpetuate the myth that their sons and daughters died as heroes. And the government makes it such an easy illusion, a tempting one, to believe, for to face the truth that their precious child was just a body sent to death for greedy agendas of politicians would add an enormous insult to the painful injury of loss they suffer already.

Think again before you encourage your young son or daughter to be part of the U.S. military…think again whether the cost of a college education and room and board being given them is worth risking their life or their suffering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds which may take most of their lifetime, if ever, to heal.

Think again before you consider entering a system that will punish you if you decide to question an order given you because your internal moral conscience and ethical beliefs make you pause. Think again of the pain, heartache, and misery for your self and those who care about you which may result from your entering the U.S. military.

Question what seems popular – for it is often the result of crafty propaganda meant to make you a willing pawn in a game which has nothing at all to do with the lives of those you care about and the country they live in. Words meant to confuse, to deceive, to appeal to glory and accomplishment are words of those who will never see battle, but whom are readily willing to send you off to die as simply another body to be used and discarded.

I feel for those who died, and their families, serving in the U.S. military, but do not view them as heroes. I view them as more often than not confused persons who took the easy way out, casting personal misgivings aside for acceptance, who are also unwilling to empathize with those they are told to kill or told to sanction such actions by their service in a system that is evil at its core. There really is no way in today’s age of technological communication not to be exposed to questioning of the wars, unless one chooses not to see or hear.

Awakened? Choose again and let others know

The first chance a man of conscience has to choose again – he should take it. Correcting such a mistake begins the moment you see that you’ve been duped one way or another. The past does not exist. But by your awareness once realized, you can protect other young men and women from making what may be one of the most serious mistakes of their lives – and one they, unlike you who has survived, may not have a chance to ever reconsider.

A parent, a spouse, a veteran old or young…let your voice be heard by others. If you reject as untrue thoughts and assumptions you once had about how the U.S. military is being used (misused and abused), share it. To do otherwise is to passively give consent and agreement to the strong indoctrination young minds are being subjected to – this is why your unique point of view, should you reject the way troops are being used, must be proclaimed in the opportunities brought to you to do so. Your voice may save a life…or lives.

Let us all share this truth, if it is our awareness, far and wide: empathy, compassion, and understanding for those who have served, are serving, and of those whose loved ones have been wantonly lost…coupled with courageous boldness to help others see such blind allegiance for the dire mistake it is. Let us save lives – American and foreign – and if impossible due to the mass disregard for truth, let us not condone it with our validation of the system of this government which makes it possible for a country to not be known for love but is now known for aggression worldwide. Let us question aloud.

Ironically, it seems those who are will be called “cowards” and “traitors” by the masses of weak Americans who are so insecure as to find their own worth in towing the government’s line, are they themselves our true heroes.

Let’s understand the power, goodness, and necessity of giving high praise and respect to those who do choose again and to those who unabashedly try to warn the American people of the evil of “their” government. They are our heroes, living amongst us now, and they – not the aggressors – are the ones deserving our support.

A man’s life is far more valuable than to be irreparably harmed by death or by emotional/mental/physical and spiritual trauma suffered because some politicians find value in their being somewhere to help U.S. government interests (because the government’s interest is not that of the American people or any other people’s for that matter.) It is a greedy selfish agenda paid for the blood of otherwise innocent Americans who believe there is something noble in “serving”…but “serving” what this government has become is a meaningless and detrimental task. Stand apart. Think for yourself. Be a hero to those you love by making your life your own – not risking it for politicians.

Make your voice one of strengthening individuals to create lives of happiness, abundance, and personal fulfillment. Lives creating peace and harmony, exploring adventures and making dreams come true, are paths to be emulated.

Become part of the solution, part of the light in this world.

Make it so. Be a real hero.

And, if you’ve never thought about things in this way, think, ponder and pray…and know you can choose again…Now.

Voting is Evil (Christine Smith Video-15 min.)

Christine Smith addresses the electoral process and common objections posed to those who reject voting for political offices because of a belief in non-aggression. (Talk was 22 min. Video edited to YouTube 15-min. length.)

View HERE.

Prayer

Only when I cease to be in prayer, do I experience the feelings and thoughts I reject as untrue in life. In prayer, unceasing, the continuity thereof, I find myself in joy, contentment, peace, happiness…and only then I am able to share such with others.

Praying the Rosary is one of the most fruitful blessings and spiritual practices for my life.

The deep meditative time I’ve spent on each Mystery has brought peace and understanding into areas of myself I needed help with to become stronger in understanding and in action. Those who have never prayed in this manner, but are thoughtful and seeking, will likely not understand my comments upon it, as you will view it only from a detached sense. But I can speak for myself, my life has been manifold enhanced by it.

It is for me one of the “forms” of prayer which has benefited me…thus I share my experience with you. But let me broaden my comment here, to speak of prayer, no matter the form it takes.

There is indeed a spiritual battle, a spiritual hunger and thirst resulting from the spiritual void in the world of man…being in this world, but not of it, requires contemplative prayer/meditation (of whatever faith or belief may resonate with you). For me, deep study and contemplation often upon the Mysteries of the Rosary has been most fruitful, strengthening, reassuring, encouraging and incredibly helpful in all manner of my life.

God is love. Love is of God.

It is not a matter of defining and limiting, but opening to this truth which brings swells of contentment and a peace not otherwise experienced.

At times prayer is in words, but it transforms into something beyond words as one meditates upon the teaching being given to one’s heart. Prayer of words begins the process, and the Holy Spirit takes over, and lessons and messages flow into my heart – sometimes still to my amazement. Then, at other times, prayer is not of words or even emanating from them necessarily from an earlier time, but is a spontaneous happening – a communication heard, received, and then only then, do I respond (my mind then putting words into affect). At such times, I sometimes refrain from words as well, for they are of my mind, and experience only occurs.

Prayer, then, isn’t merely a practice, but perhaps more so a training for an experience far beyond that which our minds grasp. It is at all times when light overcomes our own darkness within. It whisks us from time, from space, from all the mind and society would have distract us, and brings us the ultimate truth. It is not experience of emotionalism or pleading, but of humbly receiving that which you never knew before or needed to be reminded of as only God can reveal…your heart must be willing.

In my life, it is not an obligation or duty to perform, but a blessing, a delight, and a revelation of how much I do not know and need to evolve. When it is a prayer for another, it is my joining, only joining, with that which God would have for them as well – knowledge of Him, of grace, of Love. And my fervent desire, is that I maintain such love for all, and in all I do. (Though I fail at this-making mistakes whenever I at all let any degree of fear (lack of love) affect me-my endeavor is to identify such and return to truth, to love, to become stronger so as not to fall or lapse into fear-induced feelings at all.)

For me, I seek for my life to be a prayer.

I wish you well.

More from the Tyrant in Chief

Obama, the tyrant in chief, has now put himself even more so in the company of other tyrants worldwide in his supposedly “protecting” of America.

For Obama to even mouth or write (sign his name to) any text citing the “the laws of the United States of America” is abominable. Saying one operates in respect of the U.S. Constitution, the supreme law of the land, and doing are two very different things. But politicians in this country at any level need not concern themselves with the Constitution, all they need do is say they do, and the masses believe them…even in the midst of things like this:

Here is a link to the disgusting executive order Obama just implemented:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/Executive_Order_on_Periodic_Review.pdf

The executive order itself is in opposition to everything this country once stood for.

I found this sentence most amusing (in a sad way): “Detainees at Guantánamo have the constitutional privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, and nothing in this order is intended to affect the jurisdiction of Federal courts to determine the legality of their detention.” Oh, really? So tell me what definition of habeas corpus does the president use? Seems he just keep changing their detention period and making their detention (a nice word for incarceration at the hands of those I do not trust care about people’s civil liberties and humanity) subject to a review board. They must be detained if “if it is necessary to protect against a significant threat to the security of the United States” it says…handy way to keep people imprisoned without a trial.

And look at the “initial review,” is that something any American would call in the spirit of the American justice system? I laugh, too, at the section saying they can “call witnesses.” Yes, they certainly are in a great position to defend themselves while being regarded as guilty already it seems to me. The handy where it’s necessary to “protect national security” is in the document as well as a means to provide detainee representatives with but a summary in some situations a summary, “…The Secretary of Defense shall establish a secretariat to administer the PRB review and hearing process. The Director of National Intelligence shall assist in preparing the unclassified notice and the substitutes or summaries described above.”

Then, for the future, “…The continued detention of each detainee shall be subject to subsequent full reviews and hearings by the PRB on a triennial basis.”

Oh, but defenders of this tyrannical government will say, “We need to protect America,” and “They’ll be treated humanely.” Well, looking back on the history of detainee treatment, I’d say such people have their heads in the sand.

Detained, these people face injustice, and if ever determined to be let go, their fate seems uncertain to me, since humane transfer is to be ensured by “…The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall be responsible for obtaining appropriate security and humane treatment assurances regarding any detainee to be transferred to another country,” Their lives have been destroyed and their fate lies in the hands of those two (save for any others such as private lawyers/family who may be helping them). Save personal connections, I would find their fate to be of serious concern for any compassionate person to consider.

Those determined to be kept are subject to this: “Continuing Obligation of the Departments of Justice and Defense to Assess Feasibility of Prosecution
. As to each detainee whom the interagency review established by Executive Order 13492 has designated for continued law of war detention, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense shall continue to assess whether prosecution of the detainee is feasible and in the national security interests of the United States, and shall refer detainees for prosecution, as appropriate.” Not much hope there.

Nor in this, “If, at any time during the periodic review process established in this order, material information calls into question the legality of detention, the matter will be referred immediately to the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General for appropriate action.” That is, unless you trust the federal government, which I do not based on the false “War on Terror” to begin with – a mere fabrication, ever-ending, “war”, serving to cut civil liberties under the pretense of “security.”

If anyone still thinks such a detainee is receiving “justice” or Fairness” or respect of habeas corpus, you’re part of the reason this nation has devolved into such a military empire and tyranny.For anyone to accept this in the United States of America is to defy everything this nation once represented for good in this world.

The United States is not at war – but the U.S. government is and it’s a war against the American people and every ideal of freedom we have ever possessed. The greatest threat to the United States is its federal government itself. This executive order is just more proof of how far this country’s government has devolved into tyranny, and it comes with the signature of the tyrant in chief, Obama.

30-min. video – Christine Smith first USTREAM.TV show

I invite you to view the archive recording (30-min. video) of my first USTREAM.TV show recorded live Feb. 25.

Had a good live audience and lively chat during the show. I invite you to view the video if you missed the live show.

Click here.

Christine Smith USTREAM Show-Friday, Feb 25, 3:00 pm Eastern…

You’re invited to tune in: Friday, Feb. 25, 3:00 pm Eastern; 2:00 pm Central; 1:00 pm Mountain; 12:00 Noon Pacific.

Interactive 30-min.show.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/christine-smith

Live discussion during show available at:
http://smithchristine.chatango.com/

AUDIO-Radio interview-”Christine Smith on Liberty, Agorism and Voluntary Government”-the Rob McNealy Program

I invite you to listen to Rob McNealy’s excellent one-hour interview with me.

Sharing a few photos – snow, new eyeglasses – good day :)

Went to the city to pick up my glasses yesterday (brought firewood in before I left) and had a delicious meal at a restaurant (a friend recommended a new (to me) Tex/Mex place I hadn’t been before). Just sharing a photo after bringing wood in while I was out in the snow, and sharing a couple photos with my new glasses since so many of my friends and acquaintances provided suggestions to me as these are my first eyeglasses (and several of you sent emails saying I must post pictures).

I was amazed, yes amazed, when I was reading the menu, squinting a bit, then I opened my purse and slipped on my new glasses and –voila!– the menu was super clear. Yes, I felt like a child discovering something new, as this is my first time wearing corrective lenses. Have the premium progressive type, non-glare, scratch resistant, so that I can easily switch from the computer screen to my notebook when I’m taking notes, or from a reading a book to my notepad to computer screen with ease. I spend many hours reading books, researching online, and writing (typing or pen on paper)…so it was time to ease the eye strain. They are for work in my study requiring seeing text whether in a book or on my computer clearly – as I was having difficulty and eye fatigue and strain switching back and forth. Now, with these on, I realize my avid reading will now be much more agreeable.

A special thank you to those who friends who offered advice for choosing my eyeglasses. You suggestions on frame selection, type of lenses and coatings, etc., was most helpful!

Photos below: 1. Before leaving, brought in firewood, taken at my mountain cabin, it’s been cold!
2. Wearing my glasses for first time at the restaurant- helped me read the menu! Was hungry by this time of day, since I did much at home, including outside, and once arriving at the city, and all on a very light breakfast prior to leaving.

Christine’s New YouTube Channel

Christine’s YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChristineSmithCOL?feature=mhum