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.

Georgia on a Witchhunt? Shocking Gwinnett Arrest Proves Georgia Targeting Moms

Hall Co. Buford, GA -- July 29, 2024. I have never been one to be kept in line. So when the sobering reminder that we must always be on guard showed up at my door on this Monday night--4-6 Gwinnett county police cruisers (no lights-no sirens) and a state patrol car parked in my driveway)--I didn't exactly show up ready for the foreshadowed fight ahead. Quite frankly, I left the gun in the nightstand, and my phone/camera on the kitchen table.  

A lot has changed for this writer since I last picked up the pen against the brutality of the police state. I divorced my then-husband,  rode the roller coaster of custody battles and dealt with DFCS (Dept of Family & Children), public schools, and courts for a variety of reasons -- but the most obvious and apparent of them being simply that I'm a good person. Georgia doesn't think so and has gone to great lengths with the employ of all the agencies at their disposal to try and prove it. Unfortunately, each time, they end up with egg on their face. They will again, but this is just the beginning of that chapter. 

Age and Wisdom be Damned! If Karma Doesn't Punch You in the Face, Know I Want to!

As a mother of three, my first and foremost duty is to protect my children from harm or peril. Most mothers understand this intense maternal instinct—an unspoken, relentless drive that compels us to shield our families from harm, no matter the sacrifice. It's a force that unites and empowers us all and can be used to keep us in line.

As a witch, the first dedication to my charge is to be a custodian of balance and harmony, using my knowledge and abilities to protect, heal, and promote positive energy. That may include rituals, spells, and other gestures of power and energy that some would consider ineffective--and we can debate that another time. 

In my thirty years as a practicing witch, embracing the wisdom and strength that come with this path can be rewarding and uplifting; but it can also be challenging. The label of "witch" carries the weight of misunderstanding and prejudice. Despite the love and protection I offer my family, society sometimes sees me through a lens tainted by ancient fears and modern ignorance. That's fine. To each their own. 

However, this is where the challenge comes in, because although I am recognized for my commitment to my path, I am constantly under fire, as if the forces that be want to test my dedication. Of course, as any logical person would do, the scale of response will generally take over to ensure confrontations are minimized to more necessary times. Like a bee protective of its stinger, I know what picking up the battle sword means for my well-being.

Unfortunately, it also lends to the misinterpretation of what exact measures I might take to defend my person, my beliefs, and my family. Let me be clear. I live in a stand-your-ground state, and when prompted by necessity, I will stand my ground. 

Single-mom-hood aside, the natural condition of any woman pushed to the edge by a society that has forgotten the true meaning of justice is one I couldn't think anyone would want to FAFO about. But queue Gwinnett County Police--it's not the first time they have been the subject matter of my content, and by the looks of it, this will not be the last.  

Echoes of the Past? The Matrix Says Corruption 

Flashback to fall 2016. I got a speeding ticket in Gwinnett County and was subjected to going to court about it. The judge must've had a vendetta against Caucasians, cops, speeders, or all of the above because he very biasedly accused the police of profiling an African American kid who was charged with some random traffic offense and additionally blasting "Fuck the police" through his stereo system. That kid was made to feel like a hero of the day, as the judge promised to get him wrapped up quickly. 

After emptying the courtroom of other victims of the state, I was finally called to stand. There was no mercy extended, no suggestion that the police were profiling me. No, in fact, I was instantly accused of being a negligent person who travels at triple digits everywhere I have to go and the judge had 'something for me' indicating a punishment so severe it begged for an explanation, but never got one. I paid a hefty fine, was "sentenced" to pick up trash on the side of the road for community service, and was required to attend driving school. I complied. I did everything they demanded and walked the paperwork right up the clerk windows for handoff once completed. Case closed, right? Wrong. Let's get back to Monday night, 2024. 

Do you remember that scene from The Matrix when Neo sees the deja vu of the cat, and everyone instantly knows something about the Matrix has been changed? Turns out there was a traitor among the heroes, and that's kind of how this was.

It had already been a long day. I'm a single mom working six jobs and I'm heading to the local grocery store at 6:17p.m. I have an easily triggered spite for driving in traffic, so I take some backroads that go by a prison. I would also take this road home to avoid the traffic trying to turn left onto the highway I live on from the typical, people-filled road. Little did I know, this simple act would trigger a series of events straight out of an Orwellian nightmare.

I get home, get groceries put away, and I'm about 5 minutes and a dog walk away from calling it a day when my otherwise quiet evening was shattered by the pounding of fists at my front door. I'm not expecting company and anyone I would expect knows to come to the back door (I have a silly phobia of front door interactions due to the facing the highway, so when the lock broke in the locked position years ago, I never bothered fixing it). A glance out the window showed five Gwinnett County Police cars, a Georgia State Patrol car,  and 3-4 cops surrounding my house. I'm immediately thinking: What the fuck is this? These fuckers are either lost or looking for a fight tonight.

Becoming Public Enemy Number One.

As noted earlier, I did not grab proper protection when I met them outside the backdoor. That's as much as I can equate to trying to keep my cool because I was not nice from the start when they questioned who I was. As many fights as I've picked and uncomfortable stops I've endured, this was by far the most excessive show of force directed at me that I've ever experienced. To say it was a bit overwhelming is an understatement. After a short squabble with Officer NSync about names, he tells me the whole unit is there to arrest me. 

Nope. I'm already triggered. More cops are swarming in and surrounding me. Those are not words you want to use around me, especially when I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is NO reason for Gwinnett to have a warrant for my arrest. In the most convoluted cop-jargon-filled way possible, the officer explains that my car tag was scanned on a FLOCK camera, and I popped up for a warrant. I take a seat on the stoup while I feel the clench in my chest, thoughts flood in every direction, and I have no clue what the heck the cop is going on about. A warrant? For what? Illegally scanned my tags? Why is Gwinnett in Hall County? Where's Hall County Sheriff on this? When did I go to Gwinnett today?

With four police in front of me, they tell me my 2016 speeding ticket that I had long put behind me wasn't satisfying enough on their end. They lost proof that I completed driving school. 8 years ago. Of course, they'll not confess they lost anything and it's my problem to deal with, now... eight years later, with not so much as a mailed letter from the county in all those years to say "hey, we don't have this." Is it any coincidence that I did a mass cleaning of documents and computer files at the beginning of this year due to storage capacity and verifying that all my stately contracts were fulfilled? When you get this far down their rabbit hole, you'd be surprised what you'll believe when it just lines up.

Everything I Need to Know About Police, I Learned From Police

Cops are the lowest forms of criminals on earth. They do everything criminals do, but they get away with it because there's an entire system built on extorting citizens that backs up these henchmen. There's only one truth about police, and that is: if their lips are moving, you can bet your ass you're being lied to. 

No warrant was shown. Officer Pedo-looking-motherfucker looking like he stepped right out of the 80s with his mustache and gut hanging over is to the side making threats about my need to cooperate, while Office Latin-Leguizamo is on the phone, "confirming" the warrant. "If it's confirmed, you're going to jail," he says as if he's doing me a favor for double-checking, or something? Where is a black cop to fill out this DEI convention?!

 I told them exactly what I thought about their overreach of authority, especially over a piece of paper from eight years ago. They didn't like my attitude. Surprise. And whatever authority was around at that hour of the evening signing off on warrants apparently didn't either and decided I was going to jail, or that's what Officer Latin-Leguizamo promised as he hung up his cellular device. 

The supposed confirmation came through, but I know it's beyond bullshit, and I'm counting the ways in my head when they moved to arrest me. The law states I have a right to stand my ground and defend myself against wrongful arrest. I'm outnumbered in this pickle, though, and these guys can simply go fuck themselves in my mind if they're not going to listen to why they're wrong. I get up and turn to go back inside. They charge at me, taze me in the back, and tackle me down, now inside the doorway over my home. Yes, you read that right. They tased me over a piece of paper from 8 years ago. I presume my adrenaline is up because I only feel a pinch. 

As we're all on the ground, and me possibly sitting on other cops in my doorway (I really don't recall because I became fixated on one of them), I hear my daughter and dogs behind us in the kitchen. Compliance is not an option at this point. The matrix just changed to give these agents the upper hand. One of the officers has me by the forearm, and that's the only one I'm focused on. 'Get out of my house, don't scare my dogs, I'll comply.' He doesn't get up. Cops don't like being told what to do, go figure. I make it clear he's a threat to my dogs (one is a protective pitbull). I tell my daughter to take the dogs to her room and lock the door and I can't see her, but I presume she has the dogs by the collar. 

We sit there still on the floor inside my doorway--A/C freely cooling the outer world like I'm made of money and these kids were born in a barn. I repeat to the cop to not scare my dogs, and that I'll comply if we go back outside--him saying things like "don't resist" although there's absolutely no resistance. We're all literally there trying to figure out how to maneuver out of this position without losing our hand of advantage. There's none for me with four cops grappling me. 

We get up and I'm pushed outside while they cuff me too tightly. They have no clue about dealing with someone who has anxiety and panic attacks, but I'm trying at this point to keep my mental together. It's pissing off Officer Latin-Leguizamo that I won't just sit on his hood. I want to pummel every one of them for their ignorance and lies and the jeopardy it was putting me in. For the past crimes carried out under the umbrella of protection police walk with--the blue code of justice. And what was my crime? Whose vendetta was this really? 

No female officer present. No Miranda rights read. No Hall County Sheriff presence. No warrant present--because no warrant ever existed. 

EMS came and checked me over despite my refusal. A protocol because the officer shot me in the back with a taser. I guess I should be grateful he pulled the non-lethal weapon considering the stories I have covered. Another officer also caught taser. Literally, he caught it in the finger. Karma, if you ask me, and I hope he had to write a long report. 

I was put into the backseat of a cruiser and carted off to Gwinnett County Jail.

But Wait! There's More!

It was going to be a long night, and it would begin with the quietest car ride to jail.  And not to breeze over the facilities and friends I made, but my cash bond was set for $400. Yep, cash bond. More paper for them to lose. My parents, bless them, arrived with cash at 2:15 AM to bail me out. But because the police found me "a bit mouthy" on arrival, they made my parents wait over two hours before releasing me. I made sure everyone was aware of the reason I was locked up. I wanted that to stew in their minds about how they locked up a single mother over a certificate of completion for driving school from 8 years ago. The wheels were spinning in some of them, but the point was not making it through. They took my money and released me around 4:20a.m.  

The next day is hell after having been up for 30 hours straight. We realize I never received any details about my court date, so we call Gwinnett to find out more. "Renee" informs me that I didn't pay a bond at all, I actually paid a fee, and there is no court date.  What fuckery is this? Now it's just a fine?! After a thorough reflection of eight years of police interaction (more than a dozen stops for random infractions from speeding to the pink lights that can't be on my car), including multiple background checks, involvement with another county search and rescue team where my background and discovery for any warrants was conducted; AND an investigation by DFCS, there's no way a warrant on my record went undiscovered for 8 years. It outright didn't exist before Monday night, and the police didn't just decide after 8 years to come knock on my door about it. I have been living at this address the entire time. It's not like they couldn't have come before 8 years. I had driven up the local road many times before, and never had a FLOCK camera pop my tag. 

Contacting a lawyer was enlightening as one of them told me the warrant was still open. I could be arrested again at any time for the SAME unreal warrant. He provided the information for contacting the Clerk of Courts who further tried to milk me for more money by suggesting I could go back to driving school, or come down and talk to the judge (drive through the gauntlet of Gwinnett for round 2? I'm good, thanks!). I also contacted the school I attended who informed me that they don't keep records past five years. So to add fuel to this fire, the county falsified a warrant to come after me for a crime that THEY had no way of proving against me. I guess they also forgot that the burden of proof is on them, and I have two witnesses who can testify to my having completed the sentencing issued by our racial judge. 

This brings us to day 2 of the ticking clock in which Gwinnett and Hall County have left to respond to my open records request. I am, stressed beyond explanation. Anxious. Terrified to leave my house. My likeness can be tracked on cameras across the state. My car tag could be scanned by cameras and cops for no reason, and I could be kidnapped by the police and extorted all over again. 

Legally, I could fight back--to the death. As a mom, though, my first duty is to protect my family. And that means complying with these henchmen, even when I know they're wrong despite my right to stand my ground in the State of Georgia. This is also the reality of living in a surveillance state--a brewing war between real good and evil. Where your every move can be tracked, and a simple trip to the store can turn into a nightmare and lifelong trauma. This is the future, folks. This is Big Brother right at our doorstep. This mother witch knows that the fight against such insidious evil requires both mystical and practical action. I stand ready to challenge the system, to confront injustice with not only the power of my will but also the strength of my voice and unwavering resolve. 

Are you ready for this? For your sake, I hope all your past tickets are in order. 

More to come as this story develops.

Where Liberty Stands: When Enough is Enough

What does liberty stand for in a time when the defining symbols of the word have been leveraged for a sense of presumed “tolerance” and security; distorted by politicians for a vote; and commercialized by the very companies supporting all sides of war, hierarchies, and control? What is liberty but a word whose meaning has been contorted over the centuries of misplaced anger and dependence-stricken societies to mean anything but what it once stood for? As a tool it has been used to inspire events such as the burning times, and synonymously with the concepts of terrorism.

Is terrorism the look of liberty to those who’ve never set a foot out of their comfort zone to stand for something they believe in? Regrettably, it is the charge of freedom to demand a people face these ridicules if they wish to live unmastered by an overextended government. Though we would identify as anything, but terrorists; the truth of our story will not be discovered until long after our passing and after years of demonization by those who control the masses. Our story will be told by people who are labeled conspiracy theorists, non-conformists, and tin-foil hat wearers. People like our good friend “Martin”- whose resolve has left

him behind bars; confined to house confinement for a year following his sentence; and extensively extorted for good measure – suffer for our incompetence in seeing a problem with being locked away for driving without the proper state-approved permission slips on your vehicle. People like yours truly, who one day forgot to take their daily dose of compliance elixir before being accosted by Atlanta’s finest, simply for taking too long to load at the airport. The people who’ve simply decided they’ve had enough bending to the rule of the state for the sake of keeping order and generating revenue for a corrupt system.

The truth is We never win. Too many – even amidst the wolves – fail to see the honor in our effort, because they are still compelled to cling to the rule of man, for a false sense of security that will never be theirs, lest they become willing to take it with their own hands, and at the risk of their own flesh and blood. This level of awareness is rare, but growing, as it requires a way of thinking that expounds beyond the confining rationale of human thought and etiquette to accept that which it cannot fathom as a possibility without trapping the seeker to believing firmly one way or another. So damning are the anti-qualities of these ideals, because they serve only one purpose: fueling fear – through which arises anger and hatred.

Many will look upon these individuals in detest, cursing their actions as senseless, and even anarchist. First, it’s necessary to acknowledge that not all of these instances involving defiance against the state are part of an elaborate move to make asses out of police or civilians. Equivocally, we can concede that some are indeed poor cries for attention. Regardless, the ones that hold a firm ground in truth and reality ought to serve – even to the newly awakening mind – as a tool of learning and growth; whether it be what to do or what not to do. As liberty’s call waits for no one to be ready, no one can simply say they will never be in a position to take such a stand. This comes from experience, as once upon a time – and even as the writer for such events – I never suspected I would be the one defying the overstepping of law up close and personal. It was clear to me that I had people for that, and I was just the writer. But as my mentors in freedom have discovered for themselves and as I did for myself, you don’t get to pick your battle. The battle picks you. Unfortunately, that’s something that you will likely never understand, until it happens to you. Hopefully whatever straw breaks your back, and demands your action will not see you dragged across the coal. While my own consequences have yet to be decided, our dear friend has already undergone tremendous tortures for his actions. Daniel Crumpton put it eloquently, but here’s my summary of his words: If you’re not prepared to accept the burden of the consequences, it’s safer to avoid committing the stand. Some battles come with little fines and community service. Other opportunities mean prison time. Your willingness to tangle with those real serious consequences should ultimately affect your actions.

 “When citizens stop complying with laws, the legitimacy of government comes into question, especially in nondemocratic states -- or so goes a prominent strand of political thinking. But what if citizens are doing something subtler, such as disobeying in order to enact smaller, more incremental changes?”

In the meantime, others condemn individuals of such rebellious behaviors as terrorists, non-conformists, extremists, anarchists, witches… So readily we commit them to the charges that come with these labels simple because we do not understand the point they are trying to make. For the most part, humans enjoy law and order (not just the hit TV show either). They take comfort in the knowledge that someone can always be held accountable. This kind of thinking leads to the exact mess we are in today. Sadly, not many have experienced their final straw, their breaking point, or their “liberty-calling.” Many more never will. Doomed are we who see a future un-ruled by dictators with armies and henchmen, but rather, communities of people doing what people ought to do for one another; because we are before our time – we are the betas.

Until more are faced with their enough-is-enough circumstance, and liberty - in all her glory - is sitting on their shoulder whispering that it’s time to say “no;” the few of us who have stood and will continue to do so will be found locked away for later burning at the stake. That’s where Liberty stands.

The time is quickly approaching where people in mass will be faced with Liberty’s calling, demanding them to fight or comply. The question is: when your label alone condemns you to the flame – will you go peacefully, or taking as many down with you?  Eventually this movement will call for patriots to stop convicting one another and start showing compassion even for the positions we may not fully comprehend. In going forward, I can only hope that when your personal calling to fight presents itself, you respond with grace and refined sense; and remember patriots – freedom responsibly.

“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. 

Does my First Amendment Scare You?

No doubt when great writers, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, were writing their inspirational masterpieces regarding our future, they missed this generation’s coming. With all fairness, Mr. Huxley still has 526 years to make prophecy out of his Brave New World. However, perhaps their work serves more of a warning than our English teacher professed to know, or care.

Though, 1984 had some interesting events to write home about, we didn’t see exactly what Mr. Orwell was trying to show us. Of course, we may have been too distracted by our war with Syria and Lebanon. But I digress.

One of the things that came about during 1984 included the expansion of the personal computer with the first graphical user interface. Although, similar means of distractions, like the television, were already in existence, the personal computer was the doorway into getting into peoples’ minds; and thus advanced the capabilities of brainwashing programs. We don’t call them by that, though, we call it good marketing. So let’s give Mr. Orwell credit where credit is due-he really nailed it.

Our demise was not served as promised in 1984, but perhaps somehow the date still marks significant leads into the escalated version we see today. With the scale tipped in favor of our oppressors, we see a government label on everything; a grab for personal weapons; eyes in our business; hands in our health records (despite a proven track for incompetence time and time again); and our rights slowly being stripped away. The result has led the majority to comply in hopes of avoiding conflicts with the state—which in and of itself is rather a humorous concept that indicates, when the state feels violated (even if the violation is none at all), it may violate you back. Here’s the thing, the state gets a ton of representatives to literally and figuratively kick your ass (as my dear friend learned the hard way). But again, stay focused.

Here’s an example: you receive a ticket for not wearing your seat belt (well, hellloooo officer). Now,you didn’t harm anyone by not wearing your seat belt. But according to the ticket, you harmed the state. Literally, the state feels violated by your decision, and the only way to make the state feel better is with some of your hard earned dollars.

So why comply? Because it’s easier. You don’t have to miss work to go to court; they have an online feature so you can pay with your credit card; and let’s be honest, you knew the “law” and you broke it, so might as well, bend over and grab your ankles, right?

So what happens when you follow all the rules, you comply with the demands, and the desired result is still not achieved? When the code generators and their enforcers decide that the liberties are no longer extended to you, even though you did everything right, you are faced with a decision. You have to decide if you will sit down, shut up, and take whatever they give you; or, if you will remain vigilant and say “no, I’m not complying with this.”

As you may be aware (that is, if you listened to the phone conversation between staff of the Dekalb County Courthouse in Georgia – it’s provided below if you missed it), I was recently faced with this decision when I was denied my first amendment in Dekalb. Despite following the rules and submitting a request to exercise this liberty, members of the Dekalb county courthouse staff ignored my request. When I called to find out what was taking so long, i was first told,  such a request was never received.  After that it was made clear that no one knew what their job was and they never had to perform it before. The end result was that the request was flat out denied.

Well, I complied. I did not record the case. In fact, I didn’t even go. Actually, I got caught at home nursing the sick baby, but that’s trivial. With plenty of time to reflect on what had occurred, it came to this… We (as citizens) are told if we are not doing anything wrong, we have nothing to hide—to which many citizens abide by and even coerce others to comply with in an effort to dispel security threats and aid in creating a puppies and kittens utopia. These are the people Mr. Orwell and Mr. Huxley were warning us about.

Fortunately, we heeded their warnings; and, just as we knew big brother would be used against us, we have learned to use it for us. Just as we have been convinced to comply with rules that depreciate our privacy, on account of security; our constitution holds that our public servants are always under the scrutiny of the people. We are private citizens until we enter the courtroom; why is it that the proceedings within are forbidden from the eyes of outsiders, unless provided by the court’s reporter? While every citizen should be upset with this notion, we’re far from done.

Though I gave my best effort in getting the news out there that this courthouse doesn’t believe in the first amendment and did not wish recording to take place; someone did not get the message. Unfortunately for him, the judge was not pleased, and the proverbially hammer began its descent as the fearful court gave an immediate response of charges, detainment, and confiscation of the gentleman’s property.

I am at a loss to understand why these folks are so terrified of the first amendment. If they’re not doing anything wrong in the public courtroom, they should have nothing hide. Of course, based on our research, it’s more likely they are afraid of being caught not knowing what their job is.

The good news is,  some footage did come out of the courtroom before the broadcast was cut off. Here's one of the highlights. 

It's our understanding that felony charges were threatened for further filming, but that didn't stop Divine America from getting an exclusive; and if you think the fun stops there, it actually gets better.

Although, I couldn’t make the date in person, I’m happy to say that my imposter had no conflict in schedule. If you’re confused, imagine how the innocent women sitting beside my dear friend felt when the judge accused her of being me. While I am completely flattered by the judge’s assumption that I could be credited with coordinating some effort to disrupt his court; I am more blown away by the judge’s acknowledgment of receiving my request, and his desire to point an identifying finger at some unsuspecting woman in order to hold someone accountable. I hope she let the judge know that, too.

Especially in this case, where I have painted the actions as relevant to the mark of the beast; I’m going to charter us into new waters and ask: what is the power of the court?

Last time I addressed you from a biblical sense. This time, I’m taking a different approach and teaching you a little something about me. As many of you know, I’m a witch. I do not hide this fact, and I hope it doesn’t scare or offend any of you (cause it doesn’t change). With that out of the way, let’s get back on track.

When in fear, the mighty will point an accusing finger—one we’ve seen throughout history that has led to the torture, imprisonment, burning, hanging, drowning, and beheading of many—simply for being different in the eyes of their beholder.

Now, one of the many symbols recognized by most withes is the power of the pointed finger—a tool capable of transference of energy and power unto an object or person of choosing. The natural tool-the finger- may be replaced or represented by a variety of other objects such as the wand, or athame (that’s like a small knife for those of you who are unfamiliar). In court, the judge’s gavel is that very tool—transferring judgment upon its victim. So when the judge makes a judgment and points the conceptual finger at someone—accusing them of an identity—it becomes clearly evident the extent to which these courts will go in order to hold someone accountable for holding them accountable. Whew, that was a mouthful.

So, you still comfortable with being accused of being the non-compliant witch in that courtroom? Ha! Me neither!

More and more our rights—especially our first amendment—are being distorted and violated by authorities who feel it should be contained in “First Amendment Zones.” In some cases, rights are completely prohibited. If not for people like Mr. Santelli, these zones would be all we knew. Then it would be only a matter of time before we are required to sign waivers to participate in even the so-called free-speech zones. I suppose, as long as you don’t exercise you first amendment beyond those boundaries, you’ll stay out of jail, or in this case prison. Or you could stop doing nothing, and play by their rules by sending in your own request to record at the next court date (which is tentatively scheduled for October 10). If that’s not your cup of tea, simply being present is enough to show your support of our rights. It’s when we amass in support of one that we decide to stand against wrongful abuse of all. When we stop the courts from violating the constitution, we stop them from violating citizens and communities. 

Abnormal Norms Among Police: The Blue Code of Silence

Morals and ethics exist in us all. However, the influence of these morals and ethics may be based upon religious beliefs, law, common sense, culture, or the personal opinions of others. This variety of influence is what leads to the rise of ethical relativism: a theory which indicates that the rules of morals and ethics are virtually undefined. Instead, the concepts of ethical relativism reason that the variances of morals from culture to culture and person to person are based on the majority rule and what is considered to be normal within the society.

We've talked about this before in terms of mob rule laws and personal responsibility. To further demonstrate this theory in terms that may matter more to this audience, I will use the current corrupted state of affairs among police officers.

A few stories have already been highlighted by Divine America with regards to the unjust privileges bestowed upon those who wear the badge. At this time, the idea of law enforcement is synonymous with corruption. More and more, we are witnessing not singular acts by individual police, but a trend in the job description whereby the majority of all officers are either guilty of the action, or guilty of inaction. Quite surprisingly, police corruption is wide spread- not  only through America - but among foreign nations as well. It goes without saying that the majority of civilian people expect corruption of all sorts from authority figures.

While this is the norm for police officials in many foreign nations, I would point out that so is civilian brutality of the police. Yea, in other countries, people police their police. Some countries. Not all. See for yourself.

Police departments of America have a subculture of their own in which a secret code known as the Blue Code of Silence defines the normalcy of this renegade behavior. The Blue Code of Silence is the unwritten rule among police that prohibits officers from reporting the wrong doings of fellow officers. This code forgives an officer’s looking the other way while behavior unbecoming of a police officer is conducted (Meade, 2011). 

Arguably, the “Blue Shield,” to which it is also commonly referred, was secretly designed to allow officers to carry out “justice” without risk. In most cases, officers would knowingly support false testimony, induce false confessions, or cover up brutality in order to convict known felons, convey the appearance of justice, or avoid demerit (Raab, 1993).  While this apparently typical behavior is not one in which the civilian public may agree with, it is certainly proven to be the accepted behavior among a multitude of police departments across America. In fact, several police chiefs across the nation have been found guilty of hiring officers based on the likeliness of their condoning and partaking in this behavior (Raab, 1993).

Depending on who you ask, the idea of the normality of this immoral act is one which is both encouraged and chastised. Those who accept this behavior as normal and acceptable are generally those who expect justice at any cost. In fact, these people would rather see someone punished for a crime over no one. In most cases, these people may not care for the truth in the case so much as they care for the appearance of a solved case. After all, a solved crime means fewer criminals on the street. These are the very people who will argue that the police have a difficult job.

Well, people don't like being extorted. Imagine, if police didn't extort people, how much easier their job would be. Imagine, if police actually "served" and "protected" instead of just enforced the [unconstitutional] laws, how much less dangerous their job would be. So yes, their job is dangerous, but it doesn't have to be as dangerous as it is.

Others feel as though police officers should exemplify the most moral, ethical, and integral people of a society; in which case, the waiving of their integrity is shameful no matter what it accomplishes (Ezeikiel, 2007). Interestingly enough, these officers are intended to be servants of the people - essentially hired for the people by....not the people? I don't know about you, but I've never had the opportunity to interview any of the officers that sought a position protecting me. Perhaps we the people should be part of that. It would give us the opportunity to inquire exactly how the individual intends to uphold the constitution.

But, that's all responsibility. And when we fail to take it, we get officers with mindsets, like this fine upstanding and protected officer of law, who thinks people mad over a murder makes them the animals. And I digress. Sorry. 

Unfortunately, more and more we are seeing the Blue Code of Silence used to protect officers while taking part in crimes that are only a means of benefit to themselves. Without a doubt, there is a certain heightened ability to “get away” with crime when you are on the staff of those who are intended to "war against" crime. When police officers use their authoritative position to engage in drug deals and protection scandals there ceases to be any appearances of justice (Ezeikiel, 2007).

Because the nature of their corruption can put "bad guys" where they belong and be used to satisfy personal gains, corruption in police officers can be viewed as bad and good. There is no simple good or bad answer, which is the same idea behind ethical relativism: what is moral to some is immoral to others (Rosenstand, 2011). The fortunate knowledge in this case is that the majority will always believe that corruption in police is unacceptable. However, when the corrupt behavior serves its intended purpose of locking up bad guys, it is more readily accepted or overlooked even by the majority society.

In America, ethical relativism makes great impacts on law, voting, education, and much more within a community. For instance, since the inception of the United States people from various countries have flocked here. With them they brought many things, but more importantly, brought their cultural morals. For this reason, America has had to establish a standard of ethical living, and in most cases, a law to protect the majority opinion of morals and ethics.

 For example, in cultures outside of America, the act of honor-killing is perceived as the right of a family to kill another family member who has brought dishonor to the family (Shingledecker, 2012). There exists today a large amount of stories in American news like the one of Noor al-Maleki, whose father ran her down in his jeep, killing her as a means of restoring honor to his family. Though this behavior was acceptable to his Muslim community, it was not acceptable by American cultural standard, and Faleh al-Maleki, father of the victim was sentenced to life in prison (Labi, 2011).

However, as we see more and more foreign movement to America, these very standards are being threatened. I would say this is a digression of our topic, but seeing as how those with a badge are already getting away with such crimes, I wonder how truly close we are to the society controlled entirely by vicious killers with the manpower (and artillery) to accomplish their mission.

Unfortunately, ethical relativism still demands that people formulate a side of moral standards to which they should adhere. I think most of this audience would agree that officers of the state at all levels should be held accountable for their actions, just as any citizen would. After all, not even someone wearing a badge is above the law.

Sites such as PoliceWatch.us and CopBlock on Facebook, are designed to bring attention to the corrupt activities of police; but are quickly shut down and what information they put out still provides no means of preventing the behavior.

In order to stop the rise of the police state, the citizens must take action to get these officers in line. It is our duty to remind them what taking an oath is about. Acting in a legally protected manner to bring attention to the inappropriate conduct of law enforcement officers, the people can bring justice where it needs to be placed - even if that means arresting an officer of the law. When we stop turning a blind eye to the problems, they might actually get fixed, and our nation is in great need of repair these days.

The ideas of ethical relativism provide an easy excuse for people to ignore moral issues that may not immediately affect them. In America, we may ignore immoral actions if they do not break the law, or if they do not directly involve ourselves. Ethical relativism is not a solution to limiting or preventing unethical behavior. It is a validation for turning a blind eye to behavior that is considered inappropriate by those who have slightly more integrity. However, silence is just an unforgiving. As long as officers of the law are responsible for policing their own actions, and protected by the shield, they will remain the largest known organization of crime; and we the people will continue to be extorted for whatever reasons they deem worthy.

"Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?" Will you say, "No, thank you," and risk life and limb for what you believe in? Or, will you uphold the traditions of servitude?

Ezeikiel. (2007). The Fraternity that is "The Blue Wall." Police Watch. Retrieved from http://policewatch.us/system/page.php?id=331

Labi, N. (2011). An American Honor Killing: One Victim's Story. Time US. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2055445,00.html

Meade, T. (2011). NYPD’s “Blue Code of Silence” Screams Injustice & Prejudice. HBC Buzz. Retrieved from http://hbcubuzz.com/nypds-blue-code-of-silence-screams-injustice-prejudice/

Raab, S. (1993). The Dark Blue Code of Silence. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/02/08/home/15700.html

Rosenstand, N. (2011). The Moral of the Story. San Diego Mesa College. The McGraw Hill Companies