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.

Letter to (Y)our President

Hello Divine readers! I know it's been a hiatus, and not for a lack of unexposed truth and enlightenment to be told. That is not the basis of this article, though, and I will not begin to explain that story now. I will eventually update my bio and if you're interested you can read there.Regarding this topic, I will prelude with where you are and from where this piece’s motivation derives. 

           Divine America has always attempted to expose the violations of humanity that are

destructive to our inherent future--that is, the generations to come. Our foundations for discussion at Divine America also recognizes in that violations occur on all sides of all peoples’ coins. As such, there's no recognition within the Divine America of law and governance, you could say, a bit anarchy. There is only respect for natural law, compassion, and blunt freedom (though, I do try to keep my terms of a PG rating, F-bombs are very prominent in the discussion of freedom). That said—Divine America does not seek to align itself with compliance to man-made laws, and further, selecting a “leader” out of a pool of secret society sinisters. There is no support to be found here for the henchman of the state who enforce the mafia-style tactics of extortionist governments. There will be no censorship to protect you from the offenses of my two cents, and my two cents shall be unmerciful. What that means is you're likely be offended at some point here, no matter what side of any coin you fall on. Freedom does not concern itself with sensitivity, just as peace does not find itself without weapons. Words are our weapons which cannot be taken effortlessly (for now).

Status tends to determine how impacting those words can be, as we've seen in so many presidencies already. That is what we are here to expose. That is why the following is dictated to (Y)our President. No part was taken, or written, to acknowledge the running candidates, or to sway readers as a means of demonstrating our favor towards one side over the other. We have identified actions of the candidates that exemplify condemnation and prohibition of freedom, a task in which more worldly leaders are interested than we care to acknowledge. However, if the rest of the country wants to participate in the illusive games put on for them by the elected leaders, then so be it...knock yourselves out. I’m just going to quietly write about it, as is my freedom to do so. Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes of a Letter to (Y)our President…

Dear Mr. Trump,

I have remained an observer throughout the progression of your role as president. From candidate to elect, you certainly reached the hearts and minds of many. Some would even go so far as to credit you the answer to their prayers and a messiah of sorts. Considering how many said the same of Mr. Obama, I’m sure that does not impress you to know. After all, who was really impressed with any of Obama’s accomplishments? Those who were are questionably still free to expand their misguided views of what is good and right for America. Like the remaining chip that brought the Terminator back, Obamanites are with us now and forever, threatening to reign down a plague of new age communism shrouded in rainbows and leather and screaming about equality for the emerging 23 sexes they’re questioning themselves to be.

Mr. Trump, your own zombies are no better, and (although criticism is steadily amassing against) you are of the status influential enough to have steered that herd in a direction that has not made America great... at all (not that it ever was, despite what the slogan implies). America has never been great for everyone. She could be. There are certainly examples throughout the few hundred years of her existence in which multitudes of the cultures that make up our country have found common ground in our coexistence and made life rewarding to explore. To say, though, that we have ever been great enough to take our nation back to a time in which you feel it was would be immensely limiting to our potential as a growing leader among nations. Unfortunately to the globe, we stand poised like a pit bull ready for a fight. While I dislike using such a reference as I have an affection for the poorly reputed pups, it's fitting, because much like the behaviors of an angry pit bull, it's directly influenced by poor upbringing. Poor 'Merica here was raised on blood shed, tears, and deceit. 

But America is still young when compared to other countries across the globe, and currently we are the spitting image of the spoiled only-child of rich folks. It’s not just the snowflakes crying over every little thing that offends them, or the self-absorbed capitalists and republicans (who are so far out of touch with the citizens it's amazing they took office). It’s the lack of compassion our country has been able to discover since inception that prohibits us from becoming the truly great America we were meant to be. Like a plague, this cruel nature has been adopted by the majority of Americans. To have compassion does not mean to let the world walk all over us. It means to have the world respect our nation and take example from us to make their own country better. It is unfathomable to comprehend how we are so many “leaders” into the growth of America, and we have yet to realize the secret sauce to inspiring our nation and the world.

You are clearly a person of great influence--that is obvious. I would dare you to acknowledge, though, that your current influence will not contribute to Greater America. There have been great strides in developing Global Peace--let's not discredit that; but it pleads to know how vested you truly are in peace, when the attitude towards our nearest neighbors is “stay out or else!” The backlash of certain images has thankfully put a halt on separating families, which is what inspired this letter. Unfortunately, the damages are done to those who have already endured so much. Actions such as these beg to question if we all truly understand the founding of this nation, and if so, why we have not progressed from our poor tactics in immigration matters.

I would jest that the Great Wall of China was not exactly built under optimal conditions or funding, and they got it done; but quite frankly, isn’t it about time that we stop acting like this earth is ours to encapsulate in imaginary borders and lines of ownership. What’s more perplexing is why we have not one-upped the Great Wall with a Great Opportunity. Supposing it’s because we have fixated on keeping our southern friends out, we will never come to resolve that pesky border situation, because clearly, they want in.

            In acknowledging that our existence on this floating (very round) rock is one shared together, despite what we think are our differences; we might begin to see a vision similar in nobility to that of Martin Luther King’s (except in which people are not barred by territorial walls--physical or imagined). The Earth was not made so vast in order to prohibit her creatures from exploring it, but to encourage the migration of inhabitants to gain experiences. Sorrowfully, the travels of some are inspired by negative circumstances; something in which most Americans do not have a fresh take. Divine America is not oblivious to this fact.

            Instead of becoming a true answer to the prayers of people, and a nation to be respected, we find further ways to indignify them and embarrass ourselves. Of course, it makes sense to know and identify the people coming into the country (and more specifically, what they may be carrying into the country with them) as a means of “keeping our country safe” (this is what compromise looks like). What does not seem so compromising is the lack of finally establishing a permanent solution to the flux of incoming people at our southern border. Supposing on this side of the border, we’ve forgotten that we are dealing with people. It has been a time since any native-born Americans have had to endure the kind of hardships that would force them to flee their country. Sure, the Trump-testers with their public squalling would have outsiders believe otherwise, but the reality is that most Americans have it cushy enough not to want to leave the country (even over an undesirable in the white house, but I think it's safe to say we have all experienced that).

            In the effort of world peace, one would think “leaders” by now would recognize the importance of not closing doors per se. In fact, why have we not tried building doors?

There’s a claim that many Americans are in need of work. Great! Sounds like there’s an opportunity for building housing facilities along the borders for accommodating large numbers of displaced people. Sounds like there is an opportunity for processors, data entry specialists, analysts, and educators to begin processing the people coming in. Whether it takes a year, or ten, these facilities should be a self-maintained community, equipped to assist these families in finding their place appropriately within our country, as well as to funnel out the threats.

Naturally, extending opportunities to those with a mutual interest in progressively changing their lives and the lives of their children, will result in a eagerness to cooperate with our processes and even adopt some of our American traditions. More so, our borders become more protected, and resourceful to our entire country as the inhabitants can secure and farm the land, contributing in many ways to our economic growth, and international relations.

Such work-entry compromises would satisfy all parties, yet America acts like this is alien education. Unlike the snowflakes who arrive to the table with all-whining complaints and no real solutions, Divine America does not pretend the world is all puppies and kittens, and we come with real solutions. Such a feat is not as simple as waving a magic wand, except for you with a magic pen. Clearly, you are a smart man, but I fear not at all in touch with compassion for people. You have the ability to make peace through force, but you have yet to realize the solutions to the issues at the border. Perhaps it’s because like most, you are not seeing the real issue. This world is so small. As such, one would imagine the common goal of any leader upon her to be that of good-for-all. We are all susceptible to the same tragedies. Eventually, there will be one that comes to remind us the Earth was never ours to claim or conquer, and that we are merely a guest upon her. Just as any other inhabitant before us, we can fall at her whim. 

                                    Sincerely,                                           

Divine America                                  

On the Thread of Liberty: The Real Team America Stands

The Thread by which the constitution hangs is threatened more and more every day.  As politicians, left-wing liberals, and tyrannical Presidents contract behind closed doors to pass bills diminishing the rights of citizens and thwarting the ability to protect themselves, it is not a far stretch of any imagination the truth behind the plot of our very own government. Coupled with their the expanding interest in supporting “radical Muslim” actions and moving Syrian “refugees” into our nation, it’s even less of a stretch to say the elected leaders of America are siding up for something— and it’s not the American side they’ve chosen.

Unfortunately, the resolve of the American populace in response to these actions has fallen on deaf ears. In fact, despite growing effort of the awakening citizens and outcries for change across social media, the words have made no impact. The marches and protests have all failed to do what they set out to accomplish. It has consistently, and perhaps by design, been the action of proud patriots that has provided the greatest impact. Among the greatest victories of the modern patriot movement in which actions have proven to be the only effective means of response was during the Bundy Ranch standoff. The event saw true patriots come together in support of a common goal: keeping the government at bay and under control of the people as it was always intended to be.

However and since then, the people of our once great nation have fallen back into a slumber— one in which griping on social media has sufficed a stand in the minds of would-be patriots crying for someone to do something. Now, we stand here again on the brink of a standoff with the same entities attempting to starve Americans of their rights and rape them of their property. While some have risen to accept the duty of keeping the factions of the government at bay, many among the Patriot movement have elected to withhold support. Worse, they have gone as far as to demonize the group of citizens who have placed themselves in the line of fire for a fellow American;  claiming the tactics to be equally as terroristic as those which brought our country to its current state of weakness and divide.

Deemed The Real Team America, a select group of leaders: Ryan Payne, Blaine Cooper, Jason Patrick, and Jon Ritzheimer, have occupied Malhuer Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Oregon— a property owned by the people and for the people, yet failing to uphold its respective place in honoring the rights of the people it was intended to protect. Rather, this distinct group of the country’s BLM henchmen have once again made the move to push people from the property in an effort to expand their own interests. In these interests the Hammonds of Harmon County have been victimized by our government-- dragged through rigorous torturers for an accident that left 139 acres of burn region burned and snuffed out by the creators. Essentially a self-serving incident that saved the BLM time and money while supplying them with leverage to force the family from their lands.

The boots of The Real Team America stepped up in defense of the Hammond family. They did something that had been begged for by thousands of awakened minds. Though their actions have been painted and misconstrued in the most violent of pictures, the truth is they simply walked into an empty and unlocked building, and stayed. Not exactly the grand relay the public received from left-wing media. Yet as we face the potential of another Bundy Ranch standoff, we have to ask where the Patriots stand. The Real Team America stands on the threshold of liberty, dangerously close to breaking the final threads holding our

Constitution together, but not by their doing. Instead it will be at the first shot of the henchmen and the would-be three percenters failure in supporting the very action they cried for. That leaves us at this, Patriots: on the grounds of liberty, where do you stand? If you believe this to be of little to no consequence you, allow me to propose this: whether you own property or not, the government has its hand in all of your transactions. They stand in line right above the banks. Do you truly believe that there will never come a time when the government wants what’s yours and will send its henchmen to take it from you? If you really believe it will never happen, by all means keep griping on social media— because words are really powerful.  Or you can realize now, that the threat of martial law is not even feasible, and would serve the government no leg to stand on against the citizens. You can realize now, that it doesn’t benefit the BLM, DHS, or the FBI to turn the Malhuer Wildlife center into the Ruby Ridge or Waco Texas that everyone believes it will be.  Rather, it’s time to stand up and recognize the power you hold as a citizen of America to rise against tyranny and redress your grievances.  We the People are the strength of this nation. But we only stand that way when we stand
united.

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.