Monday, October 15, 2012

Still bugged about "wiretapping"


I know some continue to entertain serious doubts about the morality of certain government actions being justified under the "defense" clause of the Constitution. It remains a troubling issue, to discern whether it is worse to be under the "protection" of the US Government or to be subject to unannounced attacks by foreign powers.

I used to live in Aurora, Colorado, near Buckley AFB. Home of a major NSA installation for listening to the airwaves.  They had dozens of these big golf-ball domes that house sensitive radio equipment for monitoring who-knows-what.  And acres of computers to make sure the humans have little to do but turn out the lights at night.

The NSA is currently constructing  a much larger facility of similar function in northern Utah, near Salt Lake City.  The tinfoil-hat crowd is in hysterics over it, but it's really just more of the same, built bigger and better.

Here's the Wiki background discussion of issues:
NSA warrantless surveillance controversy

Several things about the news reporting of this story just drive me nuts, and I can't get past that exasperation.

The technology being used is not "eavesdropping", it is intercepting broadcast data.

This approach to gathering counterintelligence is not new. It has been in constant use since the advent of radio communications.

Publicly broadcast signals are not proprietary or private. Anyone with the appropriate communications equipment can listen to them.

Since the data being intercepted is a "wireless" broadcast over public radio waves, by definition there is no "wiretapping" involved.

In fact I have a radio set sitting right here beside me that can tune 800MHz cell phone bands. It is perfectly legal for me to tune in the broadcast signals from the public airwaves. I can't understand what anyone is saying because the signals are encrypted. If I knew the encryption key, I could decrypt the signals and hear everything the people are saying.

That I don't really care to do this seems entirely beside the point.

In any case there are obvious differences here between such a practice and the physical "wiretapping" and "eavesdropping" that media reports are so wont to associate. It is a false parallel.

In fact, there is far too much broadcast traffic for anyone to monitor. Imagine trying to scan the Internet continuously. Internet traffic is just a fraction of the data streaming on public broadcast medium. Nobody can monitor all of it, not even Google with their awesome data storage and throughput capability. Not even the NSA, with their antenna arrays and massively parallel data processing.

The fact is, nothing is much changed in this matter since it became a topic of public debate, other than the attention being paid by the media. How did this suddenly become an issue for concern? Just because now you think you know something about it?

I dunno. Maybe y'all have something to worry about. Personally, I've always laughed at the thought of someone monitoring my boring private conversations.

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Thursday, October 04, 2012

LDS Liberty; Justifying Anti-Government Practices?

 An interesting anti-government scheme is suggested by members of the LDS Liberty group.  Since their libertarian roots are supposedly offended by any form of socialism, some of them show their belief by refusing to obtain a social security number, which some of them refer to contemptuously as a "Socialist Security Number".  They soon discover that they supposedly need not file a US tax return without one, which has the effect of saving lots of money, and they cannot register for the draft, which they don't support anyway.  Here are some members of the group discussing the virtues of being an anti-government activist.


Rock Waterman says:
May 12, 2012 at 9:09 pm
It is not widely known that a person who does not have a social security number cannot be called up for the draft, just as they cannot be compelled to pay the federal income tax.
Your social security number is the means by which the government lays claim to your future earnings and your service to pay the obligations of the federal government, including your duty to act as cannon fodder if needed. When FDR effectively moved the United States into bankruptcy in 1933, he pledged the future earnings of the people as collateral on the debt. We were all tricked into obtaining social security numbers, believing it was mandatory to hold a job. It is not. But it is the nexus by which the government claims ownership of the people living within the states. It takes you out of the protection of the state and makes you a U.S. Citizen.
Of course, today it is extremely difficult to function without a social security number, but some manage. The rest of us are in pretty deep, I’m afraid. We’ve sold ourselves to the devil.
Reply
  • Christopher Hansen says:
    July 23, 2012 at 2:09 am
    You are correct. “We’ve sold ourselves to the devil.”
    You cannot be a faithful LDS and be a Socialist. The Prophets have said so since the 30s.
    If you want to send the 666 SSN back to them you need to use the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
    I have not filed a 1040 Return in over 34 years. I have letters from the IRS that I am not required to file a 1040. I know I am exempt and my lawyer tells me I am exempt. My children do not have SSNs. I sent the number that they assigned to me back long ago. Remember…SSN belong to the government. They are NEVER YOUR number. Read the instruction card if you don’t believe me. They OWN it…Not you.
    The Church supported the RFRA. Elder Oaks spoke to Congress telling them that the Church supported it. God allows those that seek liberty to find it but only if you REALLY want liberty enough to do anything to get it except be immoral or violent. No need for that God provides the way.
    With 31 USC Section 5112(e) and the RFRA every Latter-day Saint that wants to be free from the IRS and Social Security and other Federal entanglements can be free. But you have to WANT to be free and WORK to be free. Freedom is not free.
    Any man or woman that is not willing to risk what the Founding Fathers risked are not really worthy of liberty nor celestial glory IMHO.
    Mormons need not apply. Only Christian Latter-day Saints. (See 3rd Nephi Chapter 27)
    “Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world in which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the Unite States. If members of the Melchizedek Priesthood allow the U.S. Constitution to be destroyed, they not only forfeit their rights to the Priesthood, but to a place in this highest degree of glory as well.”
    (David O. McKay, The Instructor, Feb. 1956, p.34)
    Why be LDS and a Socialist with their card? You cannot serve two masters. Either liberate yourself or EXPECT to lose your priesthood.
    Reply
Christopher Hansen says:
July 23, 2012 at 1:56 am
Over ten years ago my sons became ALMOST eligible for the draft. I called the Draft Board or whatever they are called and told them that my sons were old enough to register but that they did not have Social Security Numbers and asked if my sons could register without them.
The nice guy told me how to get them Social Security Numbers.
I informed him that I had religious objections to such numbers and so did my sons and that they would NOT be applying for Social Security Numbers.
I was told that my sons COULD NOT register for the draft without Social Security Numbers. Naturally they never registered.
Did you know that without a Social Security Number that you cannot file a 1040 Tax Return either?
The Income tax is “voluntary” because you have to volunteer just like you have to volunteer to be drafted. The prophets and apostles have repeatedly told us to eschew Socialism. A Social Security Number is how you become a Socialist.
To him that has eye to read let him understand.
Reply

A few words of counsel from one of the Lord's anointed addresses the issues raised here.


 Dallin H. Oaks, Our Strengths can Become Our Weakness
 First, Elder Oaks refers to "one note hobbies":
 ...My first example concerns Satan's efforts to corrupt a person who has an unusual commitment to one particular doctrine or commandment of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This could be an unusual talent for family history work, an extraordinary commitment to constitutional government, a special gift in the acquisition of knowledge, or any other special talent or commitment.
In a memorable message given at the 1971 October conference, Elder Boyd K. Packer likened the fulness of the gospel to a piano keyboard. He reminded us that a person could be "attracted by a single key," such as a doctrine they want to hear "played over and over again." He explained:
Some members of the Church who should know better pick out a hobby key or two and tap them incessantly, to the irritation of those around them. They can dull their own spiritual sensitivities. They lose track that there is a fulness of the gospel, . . . [which they reject] in preference to a favorite note. This becomes exaggerated and distorted, leading them away into apostasy. [Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1975), p. 44] 

Next, he cites the example of one who favors certain isolated words from selected prophetic counsel:


 ...A related distortion is seen in the practice of those who select a few sentences from the teachings of a prophet and use these to support their political agenda or other personal purposes. In doing so, they typically ignore the contrary implications of other prophetic words, or even the clear example of the prophet's own actions. For example, I have corresponded with several Church members who sought to use something President Benson is quoted as saying as a basis for refusing to file an income-tax return or to pay income taxes. I have tried to persuade these persons that their interpretation cannot be what President Benson intended, because both he and his predecessors in that sacred office, and all of the General Authorities, have faithfully filed their income-tax returns and paid the taxes required by law. The servants of God are under the Master's commands to follow him and to be examples to the flock (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3). We should interpret their words in the light of their walk. To wrest the words of a prophet to support a private agenda, political or financial or otherwise, is to try to manipulate the prophet, not to follow him.

Lastly, he warns against those who takes too much pride in a particular individual strong point.  Note that he makes specific reference to spiritual gifts:
 ...A person who engages in self-congratulation over a supposed strength has lost the protection of humility and is vulnerable to Satan's using that strength to produce his or her downfall. In contrast, if we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his spirit, we can be guided. We can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan's efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall.
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General apostasy everywhere (except for US GOOD GUYS)

 
Here is another discussion typical of LDS Liberty.  Their belief is:
  • the general body of the church is in apostasy 
  • except themselves, of course.  
  • the only true church is apostate
  • except themselves, of course
  • Isaiah writes all about this
  • Avraham Gileadi is intimidated
  • he "reports" being an Isaiah expert
  • nobody should be concerned about being "cast out"
  • ELITES intimidate church authorities with the threat of murder
  • authorities and ELITES are "in cahotz"
  • Mormons are brainwashed and delusional
  • but she loves them
  • there is a curse on Ephraim
  • but it ended in 1996
  • we must study and learn these things on our own
  • church leaders are drunk and blind
  • Temple ceremonies are Masonic rites
  • it is a good thing to write letters to everyone
  • even though they ask her not to
  • the Jews are Israel, the covenant people
  • some mixed-up babbling  about the Sealed Book of Isaiah
  • revealed to her in an inspired podcast
  • who will teach these things if she doesn't
  • on and on, too many arbitrary things to mention
  • you get the gist...


Shoshan Rose
Good morning. Thomas and Leona are asking me for specifics about the LDS church and its apostasy.

Before I say anything, I would like to make it very clear that:

1] I believe the LDS church is the only true church on earth, with great truths and blessings, with the restored priesthood authority and that Isaiah writes about this church in particular as being apostate in the last days. Avraham Gileadi, who reports to be an Isaiah expert, does his best to highlight the issues, but refrains from making pointed remarks towards the LDS church, because he is afraid of being cast out again. But no one should be afraid of being cast out, as Brigham Young has already addressed this issue of latter day saints who know certain sins of the church speaking up and being cast out. Those saints do not lose their membership in the true Kingdom, but find themselves in a little boat with our Master Messiah, while the Old Ship Zion continues to go in the wrong direction, never making it to the celestial goal.

2] I believe there is a true Temple endowment ceremony, but that it has within it, masonic rites that originated in the basement of King Solomon's Temple and he got those from his Egyptian wives, of whom were not given to him. Scriptures state that Solomon sinned. I believe for everything holy, there is a counterfeit. I believe the ELITES in this world have power over the leaders of our church and if they speak up, they will be murdered. This is an absolute 100% surety. What the ELITES are afraid of is a rising number of saints dispersed throughout the world, who come to realize that the LDS church leadership is in cahotz with the ELITES, as they are under duress.

3] I love all Mormons. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the organization and framework of the church and have a high opinion of Mormons who work hard and are loyal. My complaint though, is that they are too loyal to their leaders, they use the church as more of a social club and they do not look past what their leaders tell them and have grown lazy. This is the majority of Mormons and not the minority. I think Mormons are brainwashed and delusional concerning many issues and are not thinkers, because they fear if they 'think' they will lose their salvation. So let me assure those who are afraid....a decision made by unrighteous dominion is NOT binding on earth or in heaven, as our Heavenly Father is NOT a liar. If we lean on our leaders in this 'good old boy' club for our direction, we will fall with them.

4] We must study on our own and learn truths that have been coming forth since 1996 due to the curse of 2730 years ending upon Ephraim. Our leaders have been unable to teach us, as they are drunk and blinded according to Isaiah. Here is a podcast, sharing these truths that we need to learn, while we continue to ingather as many Jews and Gentiles into the proper baptism for their salvation. The wheat are with the tares and we are not to leave the church, but lift our voices and if we are ex'd for doing so, we do not lose our salvation. But if we do not lift our voices when we know truth, we will be considered a wicked and lazy servant. When the end of the times of the Gentiles arrives, the times of the Jews will begin. I tell you the truth, there is a HUGE remnant of Jacob who know their Hebrew Roots, who began awakening to truths they had been without since 1996, and they will be unblinded to the role of Joseph at the END of the times of the Gentiles and they are going to trample upon Mormonism doctrines that are not accurate and build the New Jerusalem. They do not have 'one up' on Mormons, as Mormons have the true baptism and authority, but once their eyes are opened divinely in Isaiah 29's marvelous work and wonder, we all need to be warned, that they will arise in glory, as they are Israel, the covenant people who are about to be remembered.

http://judahandjosephnetwork.podomatic.com/entry/2011-10-08T14_26_55-07_00
· 2 hours ago

  • Jeremy Nicoll There is a lot of evidence that the Freemasons actually made it up themselves, since they probably originated somewhere around the 12th century.
  • Garrett Soelberg Interesting shoshan! these type conversations will continue to flourish and people will have to make some tough decisions. Decisions that will require personal inspiration and revelation.
  • Shoshan Rose @Garrett, agreed. How many times have we been told that a test a test a test is coming to the Lord's people. What is that test? It has to do with the words of Isaiah. Will we continue to listen to men who report to lead us in all truths, or will we think for ourselves. It is a line upon line process and we have not been taken line upon line, as another MASSIVE line came in 1996, which has been skipped over due to blindedness of the leaders. Yet a few in the church did awake and began to be confused and probably left the church. But there is no need to leave our Firstborn role, just because the leaders are blinded. In fact, we should ingather with all our might and speak up about the apostasy within the church until we are ex'd. I meet with my Bishop regularly, write to the Stake Presidency and First Presidency of the church in Utah. For this, I get told NOT to write them, NOT to teach things they do not teach, but I tell them, if I do not highlight the errors, who will? It is left up to the few.
  • Robin Leota I'm one of the blind, I'm sure. What was 1996?

If you can make any sense out of this, you're better than I.  Incredible.  Just beyond weird,  This is like "The TRUTH is OUT THERE" kind of stuff!
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Wednesday, October 03, 2012

12th Article of Faith: We believe (unless we don't)

Another revealing conversation from Facebook LDS Liberty.  More discussion about ignoring the 12th Article of Faith.

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Was it LDS Liberty that justified Plural Marriage?

 


More nonsense from LDS Liberty.  They recommend replacing the US Pledge of Allegiance with some pseudo-Religious propaganda instead.  The suggested "covenant" smacks of something that shouldn't be here at all.  I am ashamed to realize that such a poorly-considered idea comes from someone that I early on attempted to inculcate with the principles embodied in the Scout Oath.  I was apparently a poor teacher.  



 

I Pledge Allegiance to the Title of Liberty

Posted on June 29, 2012 by JC Bollers



We invite all who have entered the path toward eternal life to affirm their faithfulness to the covenant of liberty upon this land by pledging allegiance to the Title of Liberty that the blessings of liberty may rest upon our nation. We know that as we make only God our king take upon ourselves the name of Christ in all things both public and private and live his commandments in faith, that he will protect us, prosper us and number us among his covenant people. We proclaim that the understanding and performance of the very substance of this Title of Liberty will save this nation.
The following is an example of a covenant that we can make to affirm our allegiance to this standard:
“I covenant to sustain and establish the Title of Liberty and that I will not forsake God or be ashamed to take upon myself the name of Christ. And if I fall into transgression may the Lord rend me as I rend my garment.

 Then Connor goes on to explain why the Pledge is socialist propaganda, and he refuses to participate at all.

 Connor Boyack: Why I Do Not Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

Again this raises problems with the 12th Article of Faith and is inconsistent with established Church policy.

  We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

Reference to the 12th Article of Faith always brings up a specious question about Plural marriage, and the guys at LDS Liberty never miss that opportunity.



  • negates the 12th Article of Faith
  • Shiloh Logan The 8th Article of Faith actually vindicates and validates the 12th Article of Faith -- if you are honest and consistent to the message.
  • Charity Angel Do you know who is in this picture? Just curious because I know one of my ancestors was arrested and imprisoned for awhile for polygamy.
  • Spencer W. Morgan One of mine was too, in Idaho. I'll do some digging and see what I can find.
  • Spencer W. Morgan I found a few of the names:

    The photo caption reads:

    "Polygamists in striped prison uniforms, including George Q. Cannon (center with cane), William Gimbert Saunders (second from     right), and William Morley Black (right of Cannon with white beard). These men were also known as "Prisoners of Conscience."


    Just for the record, the 8th Article of Faith is in no way related to political ideology:
     We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

    Evidently, they derive something from the scripture that somehow justifies unlawful acts, as long as they feel good about it, or something like that.
    BTW, it is Wilford Woodruff that is featured in the center.
     It just so happens that I have a my own "Prisoner of Conscience" photo that features my own ancestor, Peter Barton, seated, in the center of the photo.  He served in the Utah State Senate for a term, and was the bishop of the Kaysville Ward for many years.  I don't think he is a particularly good poster child for the cause of rebellion.  He was the first polygamist to be pardoned by the Governor of Utah, for good behavior.  What is seldom considered is that the Lord instructed the church about the practice, when they were supposed to observe it, and when is was to cease.  The "Prisoners of Conscience" were all about obedience, not rebellion.  Too many overlook this point.


When it is the will of the Lord for church members to disobey the law of the land, the Lord will make it known through the Prophet, and none other.  This is not a principle of individualism, the noble one standing against Government oppression and tyranny.  It is the principle of obedience and sacrifice, of sacred covenants with God.  And to construe it as an example of rebellion and non-conformity for appearances is nothing more than mockery, of those faithful ones, and the Lord's laws.



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