The Aftermath of State Sanctioned Intimidation

Your society can label me for speaking loudly about liberty and justice, but even your cage won't silence me--you just handed me a captive audience. 

Mental health dominates conversations these days, with everyone acknowledging the critical importance of well-being and the myriad factors that contribute to our collective struggles. Despite all the dialogue, it feels like we've missed the mark. If you think things are getting better, I have to wonder what you're really looking at. We talk about mental health in the abstract but rarely address the raw, unfiltered experiences of those living through trauma. And while trauma knows many faces, I can't speak to anyone else's experience. I can only give you mine—and that's probably why I had to go through this recent experience.

Right now, I could probably be labeled for many things depending on which government-funded agency you asked. No matter what labels make up the story of my past to others, I really want to address the things that have brought me to this state of mentality where I stand against corruption and for freedom—at any cost. After all, money is all they want, right?

Even as I write this, my heart feels like it's caught in a vice grip, crushed under the weight of every beat. A lump hangs in my throat, seemingly trying to suffocate me; the weird shot of emotionally-pained heart and unshed tears build up; my hands tremble uncontrollably; a light drizzle of sweat expands over my on-fire body as it attempts to lose control in an all-out panic. If I can keep it together, great! I'll make another day. But if I'm unsuccessful in minimizing my anxiety and stress, it's a war with myself I don't even want to describe.

But here's the thing—I’m not alone. This is the reality of countless individuals for many reasons, but all point to some form of PTSD. We’ve reserved this term largely for former military—whose indescribable experiences have left them more than battle-scarred—but the truth is trauma is derived from all stages of life and experiences we’d never consider. It's as if the whole world were walking on eggshells and didn’t even know it.

We’re conditioned to believe that state-funded medical care is a solution, but all it does is give corrupt governments a bigger hand in violating people, leveraging their authority to assign crippling labels that discredit and silence individuals. They don’t want us to have purpose—they want us pliable, controlled, and broken. Cognitive dissonance ought to fall under mental disorders, but then someone would have to acknowledge that we’ve built our world on a show of contradictions designed to replace the ancient sense of purpose—the stuff that made conquerors like Caesar formidable foes. Those who can’t be convoluted by overreaching governments are targeted by other means—drugs, alcohol, poverty—demands of the state meant to infringe upon their rights and manipulate them into submission.

Dusphemeo: A War on the Non-compliants

We’re not far from 1984. The Brave New World that threatens us preys on the weaknesses of mental health because now they’ve found another way to silence individuals—labels of disaccreditation and questionable states of mental being. Obviously, people like me who stand for constitutional freedoms are not mentally right. We're still fueled by purpose and mission. Whether you believe in it or not, this isn’t just my fight—it’s ours.

Government overreach disguised as protection and care has left me (and countless others) scarred in ways that words cannot convey in such a way that you will truly feel what I'm going through unless you've experienced it yourself.

Perhaps that's why this happened. I write so much about the experiences of others, that I may have become numb to the pains of my own past—considering others have experienced far worse than me. However, my PTSD isn’t just from a single event—it’s the result of a lifetime of interactions with a system that sees individuals like me as threats rather than citizens, a system that was designed to manipulate us into compliance.

When I say a lifetime, I truly mean since the young age of as far back as I can remember. Not only from those involving my dad but at 10 when a friend of mine built a fort in the only lot that had trees in south Florida. We had a campfire that was highly offensive to a passer-by who claimed to be a cop only after he chased us through the woods and then by car into a parking lot and started grabbing my friend and me--the story of my life encounters being simply that my 'accomplices' couldn't run fast enough. Such as that time when the neighbor kid and I decided to skip school and instead walked to Toys-R-us to buy marbles with our lunch money. Toys-R-Us was still closed at the time, and we were instead accosted by mall security who promptly called the police who took us to school. I don't know what punishment my rich neighbor kid paid, but I was grounded for '2 months' (which truly only lasted until my parents were tired of me in the house--not long).

From 11 to 18 years, I think I was relatively behaved and wrapped up in school and sports. Then I got my first car. I loved driving, and I loved driving fast. I probably got this (queue daddy's girl syndrome and eye-roll) from my dad. He used to take me for motorcycle rides when I was really young. I still carry a scar from his bike's muffler. 

My parents and their insurance carrier were probably pretty happy once I went about on my own, as those early years behind the wheel would be laced with multiple speeding violations and responses from police officers that would include everything from professionalism, dad lectures, police simply yelling and demeaning me for being a poor human being for driving fast, and even outright sexually violating me. The latter is why I was more than happy to leave Tallahassee. Maybe one day I'll grow the balls to tell that story, but right now it still cripples me to think I was ever so vulnerable and defenseless. 

These were hardly the last of interactions, just the early ones. I was the member of the family that took Dad up on not-really-a-challenge, but proving you could get more than one speeding ticket in a day. At any point, anyone could easily believe I'm the problem, but speed does not mean reckless--it just means faster than the number they put on a sign on the side of the road. I'm not the asshole zipping in between lanes, or the jerk cruising in the left lane under the speed limit preventing others from passing. Like many other laws that have come into existence under the umbrella of "for your safety," many traffic offenses are a means of extorting citizens, pushing control, and extending overreach of the state into our private lives to justify further execution of violations against our rights. 

Case in point matters with my parents that would ultimately end my utter hope for believing in our justice system and instill an understanding that if I wanted justice, I would have to get it on my own. 'Heroes' and henchmen walk a thin line and, at the end of the day, they sit at the same table to break bread together and make deals. They allow innocent people to become the victims of horrible crimes just to 'get their guy.' To make matters worse, the real 'bad guy' isn't even made to suffer for their crime. Instead, they get a slap on the wrist and are put back into the world to attempt murder on other innocent people who get in the way of their agenda--a real-life sin-city.

These encounters didn’t just leave physical scars; they rewired my brain. Every day is a battle between who I was before and the person I’ve had to become to survive. Trust is a word that no longer holds meaning for me. I see the world through a lens of suspicion, always bracing for the next attack, the next betrayal by those in power. It's exhausting, and the constant state of alertness drains the life out of even the most mundane tasks.

I wasn’t born with this fear. It was carefully curated through years of unfriendly encounters with the police, judges, and other figures in life that we're told to trust. Starting from an early age, each incident, each harsh word, and each moment of intimidation has added another layer to the anxiety I carry with me every day. Now, I can’t even relax in my own home. Even my daughter who witnessed the event has her own traumas she's now dealing with.

I hadn't been graced with custody of my daughter for the larger portion of my almost 10-years-ago divorce--despite multiple requests by multiple counties to investigate child neglect among other concerns. However, upon her coming to live with me in 2022, we were accosted with the demand for legal documents as a means to keep her out of school. Then after being kicked out of school for behavioral and paperwork reasons, the school's social worker had DFCS show up at my home to inspect what was in my fridge and question my kids on whether or not I was an abusive parent to them. Where did all of this come from when not a single thought was shed about their safety when I brought to light evidence of concern? 

In the two years of her living with me, my daughter has experienced events in which a call to the police as part of doing the right thing only turned into dismay at the lack of give-a-fuck by two counties of police. 

Now, my daughter, who witnessed police carry out their orders, and then read the report of events, now carries her own scars. I see the fear in her eyes when she hears the sound of a siren, or when a stranger knocks on the door. It breaks my heart to know that my fight has become her burden. Her childhood--meant to be filled with innocence and joy--is now tainted with a fear she should never have known.

Whenever a car’s reflection shines across my room, I’m jolted with panic, wondering what agency has pulled into my drive now? Who's coming for me now? My dogs bark, and my heart races because, whether it's a jogger up the sidewalk or six police cars pulling into the drive, their defense mode is triggered in the fashion of a bark that says whatever it is, it's unwanted.

Getting into my car just to get groceries is no longer about getting my adult chores done—it feels almost criminal and calculated in risk. I have to plan my route around cameras throughout the town because who knows if this will be another day a camera triggers an assault by heavily armed officers, ready to kidnap me under the guise of the law? The vulnerability of feeling like all I can do is take what they give me and succumb to their demands or be subjected to the flames of their accusations is a crushing weight. The idea that they win before the battle even begins is defeating. Corruption has brought this about. Nothing less.

This is not just my reality; it's the light version of everyday life for individuals targeted for pursuing a purpose that doesn't align with the Brave New World. My purpose is to expose the system designed to keep us in line, to keep us fearful, to keep us quiet. Fear won’t silence me. I'll walk into these flames alone, but I welcome you to join a witch.

Corruption, Broken Systems, and The Edge of Madness

Have you ever been at that moment when standing up for your rights feels like playing a high-stakes game of Russian roulette, where the chamber might be loaded with consequences while rolling over and complying seems like handing over the keys to the kingdom of injustice? Imagine a scenario where fighting back feels like you’re trying to win a chess match against a Grandmaster while blindfolded, and the simple act of compliance is like inviting the corrupt officials in for tea, only to find out they've brought their own brand of "justice" for sugar.

It’s a cruel joke that your constitutional rights are on paper but seem to vanish in practice. Take, for example, the Fourth Amendment, which is supposed to protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Sounds great, right? But in practice, it’s like telling someone not to enter your house, only for them to break in because they “felt like it was okay.” Or the Fifth Amendment’s promise of due process, which is often as elusive as a unicorn when you're up against corrupt officials who treat the rule of law like a buffet—picking and choosing what suits their needs. For example, the First Amendment—freedom of speech, except when your speech is inconvenient for those in power. At this point, you’re left wondering if your rights are real or just a figment of a bureaucrat’s imagination.

So, do you stand up for yourself and risk everything, or do you comply and hope you’re not just setting yourself up for a future where “justice” is as real as a three-dollar bill? It’s the ultimate catch-22, where defending your rights feels like a gamble, and compliance seems like an open invitation to a corrupt sausage party and everyone with a badge RSVP'd.

For those who have faced the harrowing reality of police misconduct, these questions are more than rhetorical—they're the grim backdrop to daily life. You might have felt that familiar pulse of anxiety when deciding whether to speak up or stay silent, knowing that either choice carries significant risks. How do you reconcile the need for justice with the fear of escalating an already volatile situation?

Like the psychological unraveling of Arthur Fleck, you can feel the shift from a marginalized individual to a figure of chaos embodying the extreme consequences of systemic neglect and personal trauma. Descending into the madness of your thoughts--driven by knowing your rights and the violations being carried out against you--offers a dark reflection of what you're capable of when the systems that should protect you instead work to push you further over the edge.

It's obvious societal pressures and injustices can warp an individual’s mindset, pushing them toward despair and radicalization. And it's used by our justice system as a tool of control. Arthur's story is not just a fictional narrative; it’s a cautionary tale that mirrors the real-life struggles faced by many who feel betrayed by the very institutions meant to safeguard them. The psychological toll of navigating a corrupt system—whether it’s enduring wrongful arrest, grappling with inadequate mental health support, or confronting the indifference of authorities—can drive anyone to the edge. And, when faced with such dilemmas, the edge of madness can seem tantalizingly close. The systemic failures and the crushing weight of feeling powerless against those in authority are designed to push people to the brink. 

Comply and endure, or fight and face the unknown. Imagine the deplorable environments in which the justice system often imprisons individuals—places where the lines between punishment and exploitation blur. Incarceration can become a tool not just for confinement but for extortion, where the threat of detainment is wielded to coerce compliance or silence dissent.  

Amidst this chaos, laws like the “Stand Your Ground” statutes offer a glimmer of hope. These laws are intended to protect individuals from unjust aggression, allowing them to defend themselves without fear of legal repercussions. Yet, the reality is that invoking such laws can have long-term repercussions, often dragging individuals into a prolonged battle with a justice system that may be more interested in securing convictions than ensuring fair outcomes.

The choice to stand your ground is not just a momentary decision but a weighty gamble with your future. It can set off a chain reaction of legal battles, public scrutiny, and personal upheaval. The prospect of defending your rights might seem like the only path to reclaiming justice, but it’s also fraught with risks that can reverberate far beyond the immediate conflict.

In the end, the decision to stand firm or to comply isn't merely about immediate safety or justice; it's a profound choice about navigating a system that often seems designed to punish those who dare to challenge it. Compliance may offer a semblance of safety and security, but it comes at the cost of surrendering to a system that often exploits those who choose to endure rather than fight. The danger lies in an overreaching, surveillance-driven society that operates on the premise of preemptive control, where individual freedoms are continuously eroded under the guise of security. This crossroads reveals a deeper truth: the very essence of our freedoms is tested in these moments of confrontation, and the real struggle lies in how we balance our principles against a backdrop of systemic resistance. It’s not just a choice between fight and flight—it’s a reflection of whether we will let our ideals be overshadowed by fear or confront the system's failings with the courage to seek true justice.

FLOCK You, and Your Cameras

In our Orwellian surveillance state, the deployment of FLOCK cameras by law enforcement agencies across the nation raises grave concerns about the violation of constitutional rights. These omnipresent vultures swooop in during the lack of presence of humans to prey on  individuals and their past lives, unjustly and without due regard under the guise of "safety." Imagine this: You’re cruising down the freeway, humming to your favorite tune, when suddenly, your car is flagged by a rogue AI that thinks your license plate is a national security threat. Next thing you know, your afternoon road trip turns into a nationwide manhunt. Welcome to the absurdity of modern surveillance, where privacy is just a conspiracy theory and due process is more of a "suggestion" than a right.

These automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are like digital parasites, leeching data from every vehicle that crosses their path 24/7, indiscriminately feasting on our privacy. Operating 24/7, these tools of the greatest mafia in the world indiscriminately capture and store data on every vehicle that passes by its big brotherly eye. The use of  FLOCK-intrusive devices has not only compromised our privacy but also justified the extortion levied by so-called protectors who utilize the data to morph their counties into cash cows-- fattening the coffers of local government officials' wallets at the expense of innocent individuals.

If you think FLOCK cameras are just another harmless tech gadget, think again. These Orwellian eyes in the sky do more than merely watch; they infringe on our fundamental rights, turning every driver into a potential suspect. Imagine a real-life version of Minority Report, where you're guilty until proven innocent, and your every move is preemptively scrutinized. As we delve deeper into this digital dystopia, it's crucial to expose how these devices trample on our constitutional freedoms. From unauthorized surveillance to unwarranted data collection, the true cost of these high-tech intruders is our liberty.

Fourth Amendment Erosion: Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is a bulwark against tyranny, designed to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. It explicitly states that warrants must be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. Yet, in our surveillance-happy society, FLOCK cameras flout these protections daily. These automated license plate readers (ALPRs) operate without warrants, probable cause, or any semblance of judicial oversight, capturing detailed records of our movements. This constant surveillance constitutes an unreasonable search, infringing on our right to privacy.

In stories buried deeper than Jimmy Hoffa, consider the case of Michael Carswell, a Georgia resident who was wrongfully detained after a FLOCK camera flagged his vehicle as connected to a crime he had zero involvement in. His vehicle was scanned, and the data stored, without his knowledge or consent. A baseless stop was a clear violation of his Fourth Amendment rights, as there was no warrant or probable cause for the surveillance and subsequent detention.

In another disturbing instance, a woman in California found herself repeatedly pulled over after her license plate was incorrectly flagged by ALPRs. Despite being completely innocent, her daily commute turned into a recurring nightmare of police harassment, all due to these faulty, unregulated surveillance tools.

These real-life examples highlight the dire consequences of unchecked mass data collection. The Fourth Amendment was crafted to prevent such overreach, yet FLOCK cameras blatantly violate the essence of these protections. They operate under the presumption that every driver is a suspect, thereby eroding the foundational principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

This mass surveillance isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a constitutional crisis. The Fourth Amendment is not a relic of the past; it is a vital safeguard against the encroachment of state power on individual freedoms. By allowing FLOCK cameras to continue operating without restraint, we are complicit in the erosion of our constitutional rights. 

Chilling Effect on Freedom of Association--A Threat to Your First Amendment 

The First Amendment guarantees our right to freely associate, yet the pervasive use of FLOCK cameras creates a chilling effect on this freedom. Knowing that their movements are being recorded, individuals may avoid attending protests, political rallies, or religious gatherings, fearing government scrutiny. This surveillance undermines our ability to associate freely without fear of repercussion.

A real-life example highlighting this issue is the case of Martin Petrosky in Gwinnett County. Petrosky, a local activist, noticed a significant drop in attendance at community protests after the installation of FLOCK cameras. People feared that their participation in these events could lead to unwanted attention or repercussions from law enforcement. This fear is not unfounded, as the cameras capture detailed records of every vehicle passing by, allowing authorities to monitor the movements of individuals attending such gatherings.

The experience of Gwinnett County further illustrates the point. Local officials installed nearly 800 FLOCK cameras, with plans to add more in "high crime" areas. However, State Rep. Donna McLeod raised concerns about the cameras disproportionately targeting Black neighborhoods, where residents felt their movements were being unfairly monitored and scrutinized. This led to an open records request to investigate the placement and use of these cameras, revealing that a significant percentage of arrests and citations were in predominantly Black areas​ (WSBTV)​​ (ajc)​.

These examples underscore how the deployment of FLOCK cameras not only infringes on our Fourth Amendment rights but also threatens our First Amendment freedoms. The fear of constant surveillance can deter individuals from exercising their right to freely associate, which is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society.

Due Process and Equal Protection are Not Just Fancy Legal Terms

The Fourteenth Amendment ensures due process and equal protection under the law. Before we dive into the dystopian mess that is FLOCK cameras, let’s revisit what the Fourteenth Amendment actually says. 

Passed in 1868, this glorious piece of legislation isn’t just for historical nerds. It’s the bedrock of American civil liberties, providing two key protections:

1. Due Process Clause: This little gem ensures that no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures. In other words, the government can’t just throw you under the bus without letting you defend yourself first.

2. Equal Protection Clause: This beauty guarantees that everyone gets a fair shake under the law, regardless of race, color, or creed. Think of it as the constitutional equivalent of a “No VIPs Allowed” sign for legal protection.

Now, enter FLOCK cameras—those delightful gadgets that make Big Brother look like a privacy enthusiast. FLOCK cameras are touted as the “ultimate” in surveillance, but they come with a side of constitutional chaos. Here’s why: 

Due Process? More Like Due Distress!FLOCK cameras don’t just snap photos; they create a digital dossier on every unsuspecting soul who passes by. If your data gets mixed up (because, obviously, the AI never makes mistakes), good luck trying to clear your name. The process to challenge erroneous data is about as smooth as a porcupine massage.

And Equal Protection? That’s a Laugh! FLOCK cameras are deployed with the precision of a toddler’s drawing—usually in minority and low-income neighborhoods. The result? A surveillance scheme that feels less like safety and more like a modern-day Scarlet Letter. These cameras don’t just track your car; they amplify existing inequalities by focusing law enforcement efforts disproportionately on certain communities.

In terms of your Fourteenth Amendment real-life violation tale; in New York City, a man found himself wrongfully tagged as a suspect due to a misidentified license plate. His entire life was turned upside down as he navigated a legal labyrinth to prove his innocence.  

In California, facial recognition technology has raised alarms about privacy invasion. Individuals have found themselves wrongly identified and scrutinized based on flawed facial recognition algorithms. The ACLU Report dives deep into these chilling examples of privacy violations.

Real-Life Stories: Innocent Lives Disrupted

When Your Face Is the Wrong Face: Robert Williams’ Surveillance Snafu

 Let’s dive into the riveting saga of Robert Williams, who discovered that being in the wrong place at the wrong time can also mean being misidentified by a rogue facial recognition system. In 2020, Detroit’s finest (or should we say, most technologically challenged) decided that Williams’ face was a dead ringer for a shoplifting suspect. What’s more, they didn’t bother to verify with any old-school methods—why double-check when you’ve got tech magic to rely on, right?

Williams, a model citizen (except for this unfortunate tech mishap), was scooped up by the cops and carted off to jail based on an algorithm that thought his face was the doppelgänger of a petty thief. It’s almost poetic how technology, which should be our friend, turned into a surveillance monster that had Williams fighting to prove he wasn’t a criminal. The case highlights how a blurry, glitch-ridden tech marvel can turn someone’s life upside down faster than you can say “wrong place, wrong time.” (Robert Williams' Face-Recognition Fiasco )

Silencing Sara Thompson 

A dedicated local activist who once rallied for neighborhood improvements with the enthusiasm of a civic superhero, Sara Thompson, took on local government. But when the city decided to deploy FLOCK cameras with the precision of a kid in a candy store, Sara’s activist spirit faced an unexpected chill.

Sara had been passionately organizing community events and protests to address local issues. However, when news broke that surveillance cameras were popping up everywhere—monitoring every street corner and park—Sara began to feel like she was starring in her very own thriller movie, minus the Hollywood glam. The idea of being constantly watched made her rethink her involvement. Would her face end up on a "Most Wanted" list for organizing a neighborhood cleanup?

Her fears weren’t unfounded. The extensive surveillance led to a palpable decline in community participation. Neighbors who once joined Sara’s initiatives now avoided them like they were trying to dodge a viral meme. The threat of being tracked and potentially targeted for their civic engagement led many to retreat into the safety of their homes, far from the prying eyes of the surveillance state.

Sara’s story illustrates a glaring issue: surveillance can stifle community involvement, turning vibrant activism into a shadow of its former self. The very technology meant to keep order can end up strangling the lifeblood of public participation and free expression.

Operation Southern Shake Down: Escalation of Constitutional Violations

Couple the strengths of this constitution-violating beast, with the annually re-named summer extortion program -- this year known aptly as Operation Southern Slow Down -- the latest in a series of grandiose governmental spectacles--this purported safety crusade turns the constitution into a full-blown circus. Operation Southern Slow Down. Running from July 15 to July 20, 2024, Operation Southern Slow Down --and each annual rendition of it--is equivocally the "Greatest Show on Earth," with a parade of speed cameras and ticket blitzkrieg to fuel the judicial economy. Ostensibly, this operation boasts about making our roads safer and cutting down on those pesky speed demons. In reality, it is less of a safety initiative and more of a “how can we extract as many fines as possible” extravaganza. 

The Great Speed Trap Spectacle: More Than Meets the Eye

Operation Southern Slow Down was advertised as a noble effort to curb speeding and make our roads as safe as a bubble-wrapped playground. But peel back the glittering veneer, and you’ll find a different story. The operation relied heavily on FLOCK cameras—those infamous digital tattletales that are less about catching criminals and more about catching every motorist in a speed trap.

Here’s where it gets really juicy: the use of these cameras during the operation was not just about ticketing; it was about setting up a surveillance network under the guise of road safety. With every snap of a camera, the FLOCK system wasn’t just recording speed; it was building a sprawling digital dossier of every driver’s movements. The catch? Motorists had no way of challenging these tickets or even knowing if the data collected was accurate.

The Constitutional Conundrum: Ticketing or Treading on Rights?

What makes Operation Southern Slow Down particularly troubling is its method of enforcement. Imagine a world where your every move on the road is tracked, recorded, and monetized—all in the name of public safety. The initiative didn’t just push the envelope; it shoved it through the shredder of constitutional rights.

With aggressive ticketing practices and the unconstitutional enforcement of traffic laws, this operation wasn’t just about slowing down traffic; it was about speeding up the erosion of privacy and due process. The heavy-handed approach turned a simple traffic initiative into a constitutional quagmire, where every speeding ticket was a reminder of how little control we have over our personal data.

Government Overreach on the Fast Track -- From Speed Traps to Document Dragnets

The operation highlighted the broader issue of the mandatory enforcement of licenses and other documents. As part of a larger, more insidious movement that’s transforming your right to move freely into a bureaucratic obstacle course, these requirements, often touted as necessary for public safety, can instead be viewed as tools for government overreach, encroaching on personal freedoms. Here’s where things get really spicy. The fundamental right to travel is enshrined in our Constitution, a principle that’s supposed to allow us to move about without undue interference. Yet, with every FLOCK camera flash and every document mandate, it feels like that right is being slowly strangled by the twin forces of surveillance and bureaucracy.

The cameras and the paperwork are sold as tools for public safety, but they raise serious constitutional concerns. When your freedom to travel becomes contingent on government-issued documents and the watchful eye of surveillance technology, it’s hard not to see a larger agenda at play. Are we really making our roads safer, or are we simply trading away our liberties for the illusion of security? The obligation to carry and present these documents under threat of penalty not only imposes a financial burden but also raises significant constitutional concerns. It's an ongoing battle between perceived safety measures and the preservation of individual liberties.

Financial Windfall for Counties: The Dark Side of Surveillance

The cumulative effect of these practices is a substantial revenue stream for local governments. By turning traffic enforcement into a lucrative business, authorities prioritize financial gain over genuine public safety. How delightful it must be for local governments to watch their bank accounts swell while pretending to champion public safety! Isn’t it fascinating how traffic enforcement has magically transformed into a cash cow? What better way to keep the lights on than by masking a revenue-generating scheme as a noble crusade against reckless driving?

These clever masterminds are milking the system under the pretense of protecting motorists. But let’s be real—if their primary concern was your well-being, wouldn’t they invest more in actual safety measures instead of just setting up elaborate traps? No, no, instead they’ve decided that a flashy photo-enforced fine is a far more lucrative option. Who needs road safety when you can have a fat stack of tickets filling the government coffers?

Demanding Accountability and Transparency

It's high time we told the authorities: FLOCK you and your cameras! It’s time to flip the script on these so-called “FLOCK” cameras and tell the authorities exactly where they can shove their surveillance schemes! If you’ve ever wondered why your privacy is treated like an afterthought while these camera systems are installed with all the finesse of a cheap magician’s trick, you’re not alone. Enough is enough.

Let’s be real—these cameras are not the shiny new gadgets of public safety; they’re the uninvited guests at the privacy party. Our personal freedoms are being auctioned off to the highest bidder while these FLOCK cameras rake in the dough. It’s like Black Friday, but instead of discounted TVs, it’s our civil liberties on clearance.  

• No more shadowy operations. We need to know who’s watching, how they’re watching, and why they’re so obsessed with your driving habits. 
• Enough of this “surveillance first, ask questions later” nonsense. We need a solid, Fourth Amendment-friendly reason before anyone gets a peek at our personal data.
• Made a mistake? Tough luck if you’re dealing with FLOCK’s data. Let’s get a system in place to fix their blunders before they cost us our rights.

In this bizarre dystopia where our rights are auctioned off and sold to the highest bidder, we must fight back against this invasion of our privacy and not let these cameras become the latest surveillance trend. It’s time to stop these invasions of our personal lives and demand a halt to the creeping encroachment on our freedoms.  

It's More Than Personal

It’s not just a matter of principle for this author; it’s deeply personal. In 2009, my father was the victim of a horrific motorcycle accident, but this was no ordinary crash. A group of individuals tied to the mafia deliberately ran him off the road, their intent clear—murder. The cameras were rolling, documenting every moment. Yet, despite the glaring evidence, the local police and the FBI, who were shockingly intertwined with the very mafia members involved, turned a blind eye.

The mafia boss behind this attack was Thomas Fiore, a figure whose influence was so pervasive that it shielded his cronies from justice. The details of that day are harrowing. As my father lay in critical condition, fighting for his life, the authorities, who were supposed to uphold the law, were actively obstructing it. They dismissed any evidence, claiming it didn’t exist, all while the cameras that could have provided crucial evidence were conveniently ignored.

Fiore's criminal operations were not just limited to this brutal assault on business owner John Jimenez. The case would further highlight the reach and power of organized crime in these corrupt agencies and departments which included extortion and money laundering. 

The details of the Jimenez assault are well-documented, exposing Fiore’s ruthless tactics and the systemic corruption that allowed such violence to go unchecked, despite the evidence to put him away being in the hands of 'justice.'

My father’s case, with its chilling reminder of how corruption can stifle justice, is a stark illustration of why we must fiercely protect our privacy and challenge invasive surveillance. The trauma of witnessing firsthand how the system can fail you due to deep-seated corruption fuels my relentless fight against these modern-day surveillance abuses. 

It’s not just about policy; it’s about justice, integrity, and ensuring that no one else suffers the same betrayal that my family did.

Heart & Soul-dier; the Longwinded Explanation why a Soldier will Shoot You When SHTF

When one reflects on the impending doom awaiting us at the end of any cycle—be it personal or worldly—it becomes a daunting reality as to how royally screwed we really are. Even as I write this (which at first is done by hand on paper), I condemn myself for my blessed curse. For why must words come so effortlessly when I sit with pen and paper, yet flee at the site of a computer screen? Every decent writer likely has the top-rated voice recognition software, I tell myself. Of course, I do too, but like losing weight—nothing is going to happen by nonuse and eating chocolate. Just owning the software and installing does not a page of words create.

But just as I’ve been blessed with the skill of words, it doesn’t extend beyond the paper. Being not the type for public speaking—or maybe just speaking my thoughts out loud—the idea of talking to my computer has not gone well, and therefore, I must continue to write by hand. This is great for so many reasons, and has very much to do with the past, present, and future traditions of our “great” nation, while breaking down the notion of whether or not our military will open fire on citizens. As the title suggests, it’s kinda longwinded. But you’ll understand, I don’t apologize for that.

So what could be so great about writing by hand? I mean, it takes longer, and the potential to forget what I was thinking before I get it written down is pretty high. On top of that, once I get it all jotted down fast enough, there’s the likely event that I can’t read half of what I wrote.

What’s so great is that, as with any art, it takes time and focus to write something amazing—not just a blog or book, but anything people take something from, like a life lesson, or something. How’s that for ‘great with words?’ The point is, it takes a lot of love to commit to our art—to anything—that in 

this fast-paced world will consume so much of our short time here. It’s the very reason why art is transforming into a digital monster, being used by industries such as marketing, film, and entertainment. We are able to mass-produce digital art quickly and without real thought or emotion, without knowing we’re really pushing out messages to the human mind. We push words out quickly to achieve a number of “likes” or “shares” and we don’t have a real concern for what the words say or mean. In most cases, we share things that we think are pretty awesome, pretty cute, pretty sexy, or pretty disturbing. And if it’s not that it’s advertising. By slowing down and focusing on a message, writing it down first is like my “think before I speak” moment. In the immediacy of updating Facebook and twitter of exactly what we’re thinking, or doing, at this exact moment, this filter has been lost—along with our ability to proofread. So guilty.

 

Whether we admit to it or not, it is a sort of desensitization to real-life scenarios—a screen, or veil we cast over ourselves that says “it’s okay to say this because the majority of people are saying it and a lot of people will like it.” An hour from now, you’ll either have sparked the daily Facebook piss-off that gets a lot of comments of varied ideas, or will have passed with little more than a few “amens.”

Often, the person who spends time focusing and putting love into their art reap the most beneficial experiences. It’s great that I can’t be bought into another product of the mass-producing agenda, because it gives me time to think and rethink. Is whatever I’m putting out expressing my full potential in whatever it is I do?

What about what you do? Are you among the vast majority who’s plugged into the digital revolution?

Many don’t like the word “revolution” which seems silly to me. The human race has terms to identify all kinds of things and then shies away from using those terms out of fear or offense. The truth is we label things because it’s easier than getting to know exactly what they are. It’s easier to formulate an idea with a label attached to it and simply identify things by that label. But let’s not go there just yet.

Not many are blessed with the ability to educate others (or know-how for that matter). After four years of homeschooling, I will say it hasn’t always been fun or easy, but most blessings never are. Anyway the opportunity has afforded me the chance to educate myself in areas I never would have again. For instance history; strangely, I love history, but it’s written so dully that I often fall asleep before I ever really absorb what I’m reading. Now that the world is going to hell and a hand basket and I have to teach my kids about history (because the public school system failed), it’s real easy to see where we went wrong. To make a long story longer, homeschooling demanded my love and focus on my kids and help me to identify a truth that every revolution—while seemingly good—has pulled us further and further away from what it appears (more and more every day) we are supposed to be.

From even the time when caveman began simplifying work, we have done nothing but find easier ways and solutions to everyday situations. We left the thinking up to inventors and enjoy the luxury of being able to sit back with our feet up for just a few minutes longer. The result of such movements has been the populace we have today, full of couch potatoes and keyboard warriors talking about the very revolution that they’ll not take part in, that is—unless upon a very specific set of terms, and on a weekend because they have work on Monday.

Effectively, we’ve exchanged the concept of “love for one’s country” to “love for status.” It’s that overwhelming sense of pride and loyalty one feels to his nation (as it has been so kind and rewarding to him) that inspires him to take arms against all enemies foreign and domestic, who would threaten the traditions and values we uphold most. Traditions as simple as the pen to the paper. But we don’t have a love for country.

We implemented, just as we did everywhere else—a system of hierarchy. At every level of the populace hierarchy based on value of one’s assets became the lay of the land. We appointed others to hold authority over us—we who were all created equal and free (wo)men-- as if vested with power from a higher being, these people somehow held the prerequisites to hold such authority over us. Were they gods? Cause gods are the only beings to which we give power over ourselves. They were not gods… but they lead us to believe only they could reach God.

And because property and material possessions determine the worth of a person, we have textiles beaming mass made art to display on your appearance exactly who you are and what you stand for. People and companies profit in the billions while the world swarms in a cesspool of vile thoughts and outlets to express them immediately and without thought and emotion. That’s a bit judgmental. Though, considering we have the freedom of speech, it could be written off as just a difference of opinion that doesn’t matter, because it really doesn’t hurt anyone.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your type) we have become too much of competitive nation for all the wrong reasons. We’ve made no advancements out of a loving, true desire to make a difference in anyone’s life, but our own. How often have we initiated something with the thinking that this is going to pay off? We’ve been conditioned to call pay raises, bonuses, and benefits motivators; but the reality is, they are simply distractions that pull us further away from the very things they don’t want us to see. When you start researching and seeking things on this level, you do so out of love, and you begin to pick up on a pattern of violations against the loving nature of our being since the dawn of man. You understand why they outlawed certain music, and why they promote sex versus love. As there has been no greater study than that of the behavior of man, it’s simply not surprising to see where we are and what we’re headed towards if we continue on this path.

No one wants to be told there being conditioned, but the reality is that it’s occurring every day and you don’t even realize it. Even the people who think themselves “awake” generally have no real

comprehension of just how deep the proverbial “matrix” goes. It’s when you get to this point that you see truth in the symbols left by our forefathers, lurking in holy texts, and great works by those who lived in a day where you either loved your country or you didn’t; because you either dropped what you were doing (whether you were a skilled soldier, a priest, or a farmer) and fought for what you believed in; or you carried on in hopes of escaping the fallout.

It’s when you follow these trails that you see, not only have you been believing in the illusion of truth, but that you’re still knowingly contributing to it; that you either get ready for the fight or you carry on. The fight or fight flight response is another conditioning strengthened by our competitive nature. For many, this factor is not tested very much because maybe you live a “simple” life. However, escalations such as the kind we witnessed at Bundy Ranch, where the Constitution literally hung by a thread, and the nation was unaware of the brink of chaos they were breaching; leave me wondering about similar events on a global scale that we are unaware of.

If you consider that the technology we see today is a technology that the military has had for undoubtedly 20 years already, you might understand that technology is way more advanced than your average person is aware of. Sorry to bust your bubble, but the engineers of the military don’t just have a spark of technological genius and then decide to share with the civilian population without extensive years of research. If were getting it, it’s likely because the military has mastered and learned to control with it. Why do you think a video simulation is such a useful tool in training? Think of how perfected video gaming graphics and even other sensory related gimmicks have been added to what at one point would’ve been kids playing baseball outside, but is now time spent killing each other on hack-em-up video games? Don’t get me wrong, I love these games and tend to conquer sometimes, but I’m pretty savvy on my inability to stand the sight of real blood without passing out to know the difference between video world and what I like to call “reality.”

However, even that is only because I’m a stay-at-home mom in the sweet heart of Georgia, who for the most part doesn’t experience a lot of gunfights or high-speed chases. Then again—you don’t see me playing games like the Sims or Second Life, either. Similar video games or simulations are used in training soldiers. Why do you suppose that is? Well since most of the past two generations have grown up on video games, training using video simulators make a big impact while effectively severing the emotional bond for people by conveniently labeling enemies.

For soldiers though, the video simulators become reality. The veil of the screen is lifted, and the mind has been conditioned to perform an action. Without a doubt a large contribution to PTSD is the fact

that most soldiers act out of trained response to a stimulus. Afterwards is when they’ll be taken out of that environment and left with their inner self to answer to. The faces of those they engaged tend to have a haunting affect to any who let their mind wander uncontrollably. Why do you think there is medication that affects brain chemicals? Because what you can’t create on your own, can be provided for you… at a cost. Your continued support of the American government.

The inner self can be a strong adversary to face. It’s when you start questioning if you really love what you did, or if you loved the status. It’s this thinking that leads me to wonder, what exactly do we have to worry about with our own soldiers, and police, FBI, etc.… We’ve already been exposed to some of their conditioning and we see some are very aware of love of the job and love of the money, but how many would still refrain from pulling the trigger when the simulation is in action and when you are nothing more than a conveniently labeled enemy?

Recently there’s a video floating around on Facebook of some alleged terrorist getting shot from a helicopter. See below.

Now, most of us are cheering and touting off with ‘Merica!’not really knowing what it is we’re seeing. While any amount of research could probably dig up the details behind this video and why it would be in the hands of civilians, there will be questions as to what the soldiers doing the shooting felt in regard. Again, don’t think I don’t support our military. I do. I just know how they are used.

Now, I swore I wouldn’t touch on the sniper movie—and I won’t. Haven’t seen it, and I won’t. I won’t see it because I won’t participate with the machines conditioning me for and against warfare and controlling my feelings for my fellow man. What I will say, I have seen the propaganda for and against Chris Kyle. I don’t question whether he is a hero or not because that’s not for me to judge. Much of my knowledge of the guy came from one video. See below.

Post by The Daily Share.

It got a lot of support while trying—I think—to be anti-Kyle. I wasn’t formulating an opinion on Kyle or the movie as much as I was attempting to get a general perception of military guys that could assassinate people—literally, look down the scope, possibly look into the eyes of their victim and pull the trigger. Most of my knowledge on this topic stems only from talking to former soldiers who’ve done these things. Most are suffering from PTSD, and some handle it better than others. They all have ways of dealing and talking or not talking about it, but every one of them will attest to doing it for the love of their country, for the people they knew or their children, and always for “America’s freedom.” Some of them are struggling with grasping the consequences of their “skill.” The ability to pull the trigger.

I don’t ask or push questions, I just let them talk. I listen without making judgment and mostly trying to decide if I should try to comfort or just listen. In the end, I always come to the question that many have asked more often than not in the recent years. These conversations led me to this understanding of what we’re really looking at when we ask ourselves if our own military will fire on us. Being no scientist or doctor of any credible nature, I can only offer opinions based on things I’ve seen and read. In particular, this video of Chris Kyle confirms my thoughts further when the interviewee explained that this soldier loved what he did and there was no target off-limits—woman, child—it did not matter. It is mentioned that he loved his terrifying nickname and attributed to the successful death of 160 “terrorists.”

To all of this I say, even the reaper didn’t “love” his job, because being the judge and executioner is a duty for no man. But it could be a job. And thanks to having a standing army… It is a job. The training for this job is simple—Kill the enemy. Do you think soldiers are trained to research why this is their enemy? When a bomber is called to coordinates, do you suppose the pilot has much to say about the inhabitants he’ll be unloading on? Does the gravity of the simulated event sink in, or has the emotion been trained out of these men and women?

Will a soldier pulled a trigger against Americans? Would it not depend on the government’s label of the American? If that label is “enemy” do you think you show up any differently on the screen than the white blobs getting into the truck? Do you think you’re faced  appears any different to your enemy when placed between the hairs of his scope? Well, if there’s people loving this job, then my guess is that it doesn’t. These guys don’t get paid to do research, they get paid to kill and kill well, and for the most part people like you and me will never hear of it. So enemies are killed (Go ‘Merica!) and life goes on unaware of whatever impending doom was going to happen.

As a nation losing more and more of our roots to the plague of damnation, I wonder what would spark America’s rising at this point? With a paid for military no one could truly grasp what it meant to fight for freedom. Until the expansion of the long-range missiles, the notion of a threat to our freedom relied on the enemy at least being on our soil. (There’s only one that I know of currently). How convenient that we created the very ability to build such devices. It’s even better that we have the ability to launch them with the push of a button, because kings don’t fight amongst themselves, they fight at the citizens. Much like the number of likes and shares you enjoy and compete for, so do the powers that sit on the throne at a desk with all kinds of buttons. The only difference is they get their numbers in casualties. And no one in the leading position on the screen is going to stop and ask why or what they are winning in the end, because it’s just a matter of who’s the best. So what happens when the enemy—the “terrorist” are us, and “love” exists only for the status?

It’s a difficult reality to linger on, but it makes me glad I write. I may not enjoy the research process for the time it consumes, but I love what I learned and what I can share with others. Although it takes time, it’s something I love to do and feel is worth investing my time in, although I don’t get paid. As writing is the skill I’ve been given to express my love, I go through the lengthy process of learning about my topic and the message that needs to be conveyed. In doing so, I’ve been exposed to a variety of material for and against every topic I addressed. For that, I gain knowledge and am capable of thinking circles around any boxes. The omni-perspective opens me to all kinds of insight.

More importantly, in a time where the digital revolution has already terminated cursive lessons in so
many schools, it’s only a matter of time before writing in general is not taught. We had a glimpse of the repercussions of that during the Trayvon Martin case when the girl couldn’t read the cursive letter.

What other traditions will be allowed to sink into the mortal abyss of unheeded warnings from history? I’m happy that I won’t let this one die. I don’t live in confusion of what “love” will drive us to do, and I don’t live in a delusional sense that it’s my duty to do anything, but love for my fellow man and give him what I can out of perfect love and trust. Since my words are all I have to give, I hope you will love them all the same, and if you will love them, take them to understand what they mean to you. Love for country or love for status? Which are you conditioned for? Just remember, all your material gains here can’t go with you when you die.

Will a US soldier pull the trigger against American enemy? Yes, and he’ll feel bad about it later. Time to untrain your mind, and stop living in the illusion that you mean anything to them. They don’t look at individual civilian casualties, they look at overall the damage, and you are just a number. In enemy in the crosshairs.

A Tattered History; We will Never Forget

Nothing pains me more than to be cliche; I prefer truth over trend, and a blank page over a template. It is both a curse and the most rewarding blessing. However, every once in a blue moon, even the most iconoclastic of individuals must conform to the ritualistic endeavors of trend. That being said, this particular post takes a slightly different turn. For as it is a time for most to bid farewell to the passing year and praise with cheer the coming of the new year, it is customary for us to reflect on the things we have experienced, the lessons we have learned, and the tragedies and blessings we have endured from the passing of time.

In not so much the orthodox fashion as others are inclined to write, Divine America will, too, comply with this New Year ritual in our own non-compliant way. Like so many others, Divine America entered into the alternative media arena with a vision of not only spreading truth, but inspiring community, unity, and solution to the everyday issues we were seeing in our nation. The hopes of not only raising awareness, but giving a clear definition to how to change it fueled our mission.

Well, as we sit staring at sixteen (16) denied requests for information from agencies including local and abroad police departments, the FBI, and SEC to name a few; one can't help but feel that we have failed at our mission.

Of course, this is not entirely true, and our habits for the melodramatics may be kicking in. Assured by the dozens of emails, messages, and comments left for us, we know that our purpose is serving many. However, the massive amount of evidence in the form of denied FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests reminds us of three things. First, the Obama administration is failing horrendously with it's green efforts, because we certainly don't require two pages of verbiage to tell us "no." We understood that in the digital formats, so please consider the trees being wasted. Second, and more importantly, freedom of information is apparently a freedom only granted to government agencies. And finally, the most concerning of all, we are reminded that the works of history are maintained by those in power.

Even the history of America--as tattered as it still stands--see rewrites scripted by those of biased views, and holding the highest seats of control within (and wearily enough, without) our nation. While alternative media outlets have been on the rise and strive to uncover truth, we have witnessed the blatant hand of those in power to prevail in evanescing that truth. In everything from false flags and cover-ups, to distractions for obvious cover-ups; the elite have conducted attacks on the citizens and those who would dare expose them. Essentially, what we blog, they block; what we stream, they steal to be spun in such ways to make us look bad; what we record, they corrupt. As there is no end to what they can and will do to thwart the exposure of truth, the list will go on.

Sadly, it is not us who will suffer on account of failed diligence. For it will not be in our time that the proverbial "shit" hits the fan--at least not enough for our generation to do something about it. However, the generation of our children and grandchildren are likely to be the recipients of the very turmoils of which most of us speak. Especially if children attend the indoctrination camps--uhh, public schools--in which history (including the words of the constitution) is twisted to convey compliance with and dependency on the government; our children and theirs will never know what it meant to stand for anything.

There is a solution to this that many have embraced the boldness to call for, yet more refuse to accept. Let's not beat around the bush; that solution is war. Both a horrifying and glorious truth, it has become quite clear that our leaders neither love us or fear us, thusly surmising us to this: we must make them do one of the other, and let's be honest--they are not going to love us if they can control us more effortlessly. Therefore, as it was the failed duty of our forefathers, the burden now falls upon us--the last generation that will stand and fight. That battle, however, relies on us finding unity. Not unity in our beliefs as individuals, but in the knowledge and awareness of what true freedom is, and how to conduct it within our communities.

The curse: divided we fall, has never been so evident as it is today. We see divide in all things. Such quarrels see a nation turning against itself and leaning closer into the path of destruction and chaos, and we are the only ones who can change that, as the "savior" lies within. That change only comes, though, when we realize we are not each others enemies, but rather brothers and sisters in a battle for our true freedom. To deny this is only to lie to oneself. See, as a white lower-middle class-man, I am not at war with my black brothers and sisters of even the lowest or highest classes. I am at war with those who have lead my brethren to believe they deserve or cannot amount to more than what is bestowed upon them. I am at war with those in the position of leaders who masterfully concoct destructive forces within the black community that keep them from prevailing, as opposed to building them up.

As a woman and mother, I am not at war with my brothers and sisters of the working or non-working class. I am at war with those who have forced the ideology of being a champion of parenting and full-time worker without concern for the imbalance it lends towards either duty. For these are the very seeds that sprout into a hostile, uneducated, and lackluster community and nation.

It makes me neither a racists, or anti-woman to say such things, unless one is uneducated enough to understand the truth behind these words. In the fight to end these divisive strategies, one must recognize the strategists behind them. While we should ultimately find blame within ourselves for allowing these elitists to rise to power, we must also acknowledge our power and responsibility to put an end to their rule. Unfortunately, with our voting system corrupted we can be sure there is only one option left, and we needn't fear it, only embrace it as truth as our ancestors once did.

In moving into the new year, let us be reminded of the tattered histories, which we will never forget, as they have brought us to this point. Let us embrace unity in such a way that it creates a bond between us that might never be broken again; so that we might conquer our enemies and restore the promises of our nation. We can have the Divine America that was intended for us. We need only to acknowledge the simple truth that it will not come easily, but if we are vigilant in our pursuit it will come, and our children and grandchildren will be better for it.

As we strive to awaken others, Divine America re-spawns into the new year with a stronger purpose and mission to redefine a United America; one which will never again fall to the persuasion of the corrupt elite. To our brothers and sisters, we can have what was promised to us, and as we enter this New Year let us never forget that.

“I Am”: The Cost of Liberty, the Exchange: Security?

 America has long been known as the “land of the free.” The cost of that freedom is often held in regard only by those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that freedom. Veiled in anonymity under a shadow of collectivized terms as: the military or soldiers, we forget the individuals behind that veil. We neglect the individual sacrifices they have made—whether it be their lives, time,  or money.

Sadly, this collectivism does not exist amongst civilians. Individuality plagues citizens so rampantly in our American culture that, by it, we’ve allowed liberty to come under fire through a failure to recognize it was ever being stolen. In fact, the collective citizens have become sheep herded by the law of man, rather than participants in the law of nature.

Bill after bill, we have complied with the passing of laws that gave man dominion over another man—and we did it under the guise of security and accountability. Once upon a time, people within a community worked to support each other. They exchanged goods and services, and communicated regularly. When war came upon a people, everyone who was able participated in the fight.  As we became less focused on the well-being of the whole, and more focused on the individual (fueled by greed and selfishness) needs, we began pulling away from this system. Largely on account of reducing our own personal responsibilities, people opted to pay taxes to support those who would fight in their stead.

While this ideology is archaic to say the least, the mentality has evolved and is the root of much destruction and chaos in our country (well, honestly the world, but let’s stayfocused on America).  As we’ve “progressed” our nation, and taken every action imaginable to deflect personal responsibility; individuality and the means to neglect ones environment have arisen and acted as direct contributions towards disunity, crime, and corruption.  As we’ve seen in past stories covered by Divine America, the collective people have sacrificed liberty in the pursuit of this hand-fed security. In our desire to retain as little responsibility as possible for our communities, it’s no wonder there is a presumption of a rising “police state.” Our failure in conducting the very checks and balances to prevent such a state is the reaping of the seeds we’ve sown.  You got what you paid for. Now, on account of  a couple of bad seeds and  an immensely, negatively-fueled media, there’s another line in the sand created by the elite, and crossed by the citizens; and it’s used to increase disharmony and paint a clear target on the backs of the very people we’ve paid to “protect” us. Did we forget that a uniform does not a hero make?

Having the displeasure of witnessing this shredding of the American culture and society, we can see the crippling of the hearts of the patriots, and a sense of immobility, despair, and defeat. And with the surmounting lines being drawn, a mentality is developed, and wars inspired. As a result, more people will be harmed by the fight or flight response that officers are forced to embrace when they encounter citizens. The people will then cry for more legislation and punishment towards officers. Every discharge of a weapon in response to criminal activity will come under question, and we will eventually not even have those few who will stand in our defense locally, because we’ve pitted the duty of the job against them, and sided with justice for the obvious criminal.

Regardless, the cry for further laws to keep us “safe” has been by far the most asinine measure we’ve taken in search of our individual happiness; and has ultimately been the largest cost the citizens have paid towards securing our own well-being. Of course, when blinded by the new concept of what well-being truly is--a state of finances--it should come as no surprise that we sit in the cesspool of corruption and greed.

As we reflect over the year we’ve had at Divine America, we are forced to recall these corruptions in action. Taken aback to our dear friend “Martin,” we see one man’s individual fight for a liberty that has been perverted by those who would use it to control and extort people. In his plea to the courts to be free of a mandated identity procured by a piece of paper and upheld by a plastic card, our dear friend sought to remind the people of the Lord’s words and warning. Not a far stretch from original pagan-man’s understanding of the power behind knowing another man’s name, “Martin” restates, “I AM THAT I AM,” a man with the right to travel freely with his property and without the threat of extortion from the henchmen of the state who blindly follow orders.

However, We The People saw fit to discard that liberty. In fact, we demanded identity be more than a term one is provided as a reference. And why? Accountability. There’s proof behind a document after all, and having that proof enables us to sue the pants off each other to achieve our financial well-being. Unfortunately, to get these papers one must commit to redefining their liberties by subjecting themselves to the laws of man—a series of rules and compliances one must live by in exchange for protection from the thugs of the state in addition to the thugs of the citizenry. Under these rules, personal responsibility is not required; and accountability becomes an effortless pursuit of fraudulence that allows for unconstitutional subjections to unwanted extortions.

How’s the exchange working out for you now? You know, now that you pay egads of dollars into auto insurance, medical insurance, home owners insurance, and so on.

Our dear friend is not alone in his fight for the restoration of liberty and it has not been without its setbacks, as even those among the “awakened” demand compliance with certain laws of man for that wonderful accountability. On account of those individuals and to update you on our dear friend’s situation; the Man alleged to be “Martin P-E-T-R-O-S-K-Y” (for the umpteenth time)—despite numerous attempts to pay restitution to the person known as “STATE”—has been found guilty of criminal activity, simply for driving without a tag. When considering the corrupt state of affairs being carried out by the Dekalb County Court , the lack of knowledge regarding their job description, the strategy utilized in trampling the first amendment, and—as Divine America hascome to learn in the latest interview with “Martin”—the apparent power of Judge Wong to act and speak for the defendant; it leaves little to the imagination as to how our dear friend will be sentenced. With initial settlements proffering time in jail (up to three years), probation, and fines surmounting thousands of dollars, it begs to question not only if people truly believe the lack of a piece of paper warrants such response, but if our dear friend’s family deserves to suffer as much as the court would like them to. “Martin” being the sole provider for his family would certainly witness the destruction of his family’s well-being.

Regardless of how you personally feel about compliance to the state mandates, many might at least agree that no one deserves to be violently ripped from their vehicle through a window and taken prisoner when no harm has been executed against another living being. But, despite having the acceptable forms of all those protections and accountabilities, a passive decision to stand against such extortions (just by not handing it over) ultimately contributed to our dear friend’s brutal attack, kidnapping, and imprisonment at the hands of thugs.  While some may consider his actions intolerable, our dear friend did this and stands by his consequences not for himself, but for the good of the people who would otherwise submit to these indignities. In hopes of enlightening people to the liberties we’ve allowed to slip away, “Martin” subjected himself to the dangers of disregarding the state’s rules of paperwork.

Now, as we throw around such terms of endearment as “crazy,” “anarchist,” and

“right-wing nut,” towards our dear friend, we ought to take a moment to recognize that it takes all kinds of kinds. People like our dear, crazy friend fighting for lost liberties of all natures, exist in many different arenas. Some people hold signs of protest on the streets, over bridges, and at local capitol buildings. Others like to voice themselves on social media. And then there’s some who give a shout out over a megaphone on White House gate at one in the morning.

While many have funny ways of drawing their lines in the sand of laws they willingly obey and those they won’t, we come across those who have stepped forth to bring about the awakening of the masses. Patriots such as former Oathkeeper member, Bill Looman—who has dedicated himself to the fight for liberty not only in his service as Marine, but as a loyal servant and spokesman of our Nation’s citizens—is one that has been met with ridicule and endured personal sacrifice on scales unimaginable to the average Joe.

Far from his first or last rodeo to spark awareness, Bill Looman has marched to the frontlines of our battlefield—the Nation’s capital—along with other such as Manny Vega and Blaine Cooper, to announce on their megaphone that We The People have had enough. It is apparent these efforts have fallen on deaf ears, but who even among the so-called three percent patriots has truly committed themselves in such ways? Who among us has already demonstrated the tuck-tail and turn-back strategy that elected leaders have come to expect and to which has contributed to the ridicule of which the patriot movement?

Effectively, the backlash by which the patriot movement has been reduced begs to have questions answered that not many are ready or willing to ask themselves. How much longer are you willing to stand by watching the nation destroyed by the elite who would define for us what actions are legal and illegal? Will you wait for it to come to your front door? Will you “bug out” to the woods and practice all that awesome primitive survival stuff you’ve working on?

It’s time for truth. What wars may come, will come. Most likely, not in our time—especially if we continue to sit and wait. Our children, though, and their children can count on the fight being entirely removed from their ideologies. They will be the bearers of the burdens to which we neglected to respond appropriately. So as you sit there, waiting for the so-called “shit to hit the fan” on your doorstep or in your backyard; know this:  that’s not going to happen.

However, as you continue to embrace and push for further legislation to keep you safe, realize you are only dooming the future of this country. You are just as guilty as those who would write such laws that will eventually see this nation crumble. Our failure now will be the consequence for which our children will suffer. And when the time comes and you are put before your creator, consider what your judgment will be for failing to do your part in preserving liberty. There is no cost greater than life, and it’s one only a few are willing to pay. Would you? We all have to die some time.