Rubicon in the Rear-View

There is widespread but very mistaken view that only those on the political left are concerned about freedom and civil liberties. William Norman Grigg is a very conservative Bible-believing Christian. His blog, Pro Libertate, contains some of the most hard hitting, even courageous, examinations of the threat posed to our country by the national security mindset.

He has written a series of three essays which standout among the many other clear-eyed and important expositions he has posted on his site, unfortunately unread by any but the wacko, nutbag fringe of which I am proud to name myself a member.

Rubicon in the Rear-View, Part I: Militarizing the Police


The future of law enforcement: The 193rd Military Police Battalion, Colorado National Guard, trains at Ft. Carson last July 12 in preparation for deployment as part of JTF-DNC -- the military component of security arrangements for the Democratic Convention in Denver.

There are those who still think they are holding the pass against a revolution that may be coming up the road. But they are gazing in the wrong direction. The revolution is behind them. ~ Garet Garrett, The Revolution Was (1938)

Rubicon in the Rear-View, Part II: Perpetual War, Here and Abroad


Two missions that should never intersect are those of the military and of the civilian police, respectively. The logic of empire ultimately demands that which our rulers have now provided: A militarized apparatus of coercion in which military and police roles are inextricably blended.

Rubicon in the Rear-View, Part III: En Route to Military Rule

The military occupation of New Orleans, post-Katrina.

Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to its dictates. The violent destruction of life and property incident to war, the continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of continual danger, will compel nations the most attached to liberty to resort for repose and security to institutions which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights. To be more safe, they at length become willing to run the risk of being less free. ~ Alexander Hamilton (of all people) Federalist Paper No. 8

When it all comes down to it, given the choice, whom would you prefer to look up and find by your side?

These guys...


...or him?


It's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.