By Paul Craig Roberts on September 30, 2011
In the past decade, Washington has killed, maimed, dislocated, and made widows and orphans millions of Muslims in six countries, all in the name of the “war on terror.” Washington’s attacks on the countries constitute naked aggression and impact primarily civilian populations and infrastructure and, thereby, constitute war crimes under law. Nazis were executed precisely for what Washington is doing today.
Moreover the wars and military attacks have cost American taxpayers in out-of-pocket and already-incurred future costs at least $4,000 billion dollars–one third of the accumulated public debt–resulting in a US deficit crisis that threatens the social safety net, the value of the US dollar and its reserve currency role, while enriching beyond all previous history the military/security complex and its apologists.
Perhaps the highest cost of Washington’s “war on terror” has been paid by the US Constitution and civil liberties. Any US citizen that Washington accuses is deprived of all legal and constitutional rights. The Bush-Cheney-Obama regimes have overturned humanity’s greatest achievement–the accountability of government to law.
Full story here: http://www.vdare.com/articles/is-the-war-on-terror-a-hoax
Driving vs. Flying – 12 Tips to for the Long Haul
Again we chose to pile into the miniature van drive 1200 miles one way for our family vacation this past week. Both coming and going from Houston to Myrtle Beach, SC we left at 9pm and arrived close to dinner time the next day.
It was so nice to have the car, to be able to come and go as we please without the pressure of getting to the airport early for ritual abuse. On the downside we had several close calls, one large truck tire in the middle of the road, one roof carrier in the road, one constructions zone deceleration challenge, 70mph to 0 mph in a screech and more than one 45mph driver in a 70mph traffic stream. There is literally nobody on the road after midnight in rural Alabama and Mississippi so the real challenge is to take enough breaks, stay awake and keep the speed reasonable. Twenty hours is a long time to drive straight through and there are a few tips for those of you who are considering taking up the challenge.
Drink a lot of water – a hydrated brain is a sharp brain and you need to stay awake and alert to make it to your destination safely and filling your bladder will remind you to take a break every two hours to stretch your legs and change your visual focus.
Minimize sugar – sugar makes you high for a few minute but it leads to a crash in your energy level. A smooth steady energy level is what you need to drive safely for a long period of time.
Coffee – lighten up on the coffee, see “Sugar” above. Caffeine is similar to sugar in the boost that you get but it is a spike and crash boost that you can’t afford.
Don’t stop to sit and eat – bring your own sandwiches or run in and run out and remember keep the sugar to a minimum. Driving is like exercise, once you get the moving a short break helps re-focus but a longer break make you want to quit! Keep it to 10 minutes and you won’t blow the schedule.
Engage your co-pilot – if you’re like me you don’t like to give up control try taking a nap while your spouse drives. Even a few hours of a long trip offline allows you to power through long distances.
Stop at the rest areas – if you don’t need gas most of the rest stops are conveniently set up in a pit stop configuration, drive in, drive out, usually they’re clean, well lit and you don’t have to get onto the surface roads and fight the traffic lights and locals for road space.
Keep the gas tank half full – remember, less stress is better. Driving through Kansas on empty at midnight with 10 miles between exits is stressful! Stopping every couple hundred miles to refill the tank is a great excuse for a break.
Gas stops – most rural gas stations are slow and quite in the middle of the night but be aware of your surroundings and keep your drive team in sight. I’ve been approached several times for cash at gas stations in the big city and it can be disconcerting. If things look strange, dimly lit or closed then try to find a truck stop. Truck stops are always open and provide consistent quality, semi-clean restrooms, snacks and gas at all hours
Entertainment – bring along entertainment for the kids, it’s a long trip. Ipod Touch, DVD player, etc. keep harmony in the cargo area.
Don’t speed – most of the speed limits are 70 mph on the interstates, 75 is more than enough, and you want to stay safe, save some cash and keep that stress level to a minimum, the blue light special is too stressful.
Stay alert – look out as far ahead as possible because at highway speeds danger comes up fast and you may not be as awake as you need to be. With slower reaction times you need a bigger time cushion for margin of error.
Big Cities – plan to pass through before or after peak traffic hours for example if you’re trying to get through Washington, DC don’t get there between 4 and 7pm.
Two trips for four people and a lap dog saved $4000 so far this year. No airport police state, robocop, radiation pornoscanner, feel your groin, jam yourself in a 12 inch seat abuse and no worse for wear. Feel and be FREE to eat what you please, stand up and stretch, go to the bathroom, turn up the radio, make inappropriate jokes all you want. If you still want to take your shoes off and pull your pants down go ahead! Just remember, driving is more dangerous than flying. Keep your wits about you! Take your time, pay attention, take breaks, get your family there safely, maintain your dignity and save a bundle.
Tim Flynn I think you make some good comments.
To add to what you wrote:
(1) Before a long road trip, make sure you vehicle is ready for travel. (oil, fluids, engine, brakes, etc.)
(2) Carrying a road map of your route (and possible alternate routes) is a good idea. Try to plan your route to avoid rush hour around cities and for smoother traffic flow. Internet can help with comparing different routes. I try to plan how far I will travel per day in advance and if needed, where I will stay for the night. A GPS is not bad either, but I find a good road map easier for seeing the big picture of my route.
(3) I like stopping at visitor rest areas. I can stretch my legs, use facilities, get state maps (usually at no cost), ask about potential traffic problems on my route.
(4) Your comment about fuel is important. At night, many gas stations are closed (especially in less populated areas). If you do not travel on major highways, be sure that you have enough fuel to get to the next gas station.
(5) Keep important numbers on hand in case you need to make a call. Make sure your phone is charged.
(6) When on the interstate, I tend to stay in the right (slower)
lanes of travel. I keep less than PSL+15 (usually < PSL+10)and look for potential trouble and revenue bears.
He didn’t mention my biggest rule:
Only travel through states that honor my CHP. Always have your “little friend” with you. Never leave home without it.
I subscribe to the prepper philosophy that 2 is 1 and 1 is none. So when I get close to a half a tank of gas (trip or not, never know when you may have to G.O.O.D.) I just view it as empty.
I concur on checking fluids, belts, tires and everything consumeable prior to departure. But beware, don’t make significant changes prior to a long trip. Three years ago we went back to Virginia in the summer. I thought it would be smart to flush the cooling system and replace the anti-freeze before we left. Wrong! It washed the deposits off the water pump shaft, the seal and bearing failed and I got a new water pump installed on the Explorer during the return trip in Illinois. The guys did a good job and treated me more than fairly, but it was certainly stressful.
As Eric pointed out, I view a defensive firearm in light of the old American Express ads: don’t leave home without it. I would also add a couple of good flashlights (remember 2 is 1), rain poncho(s), drinking water, at least 2 different methods to make fire, a good knife / multi-tool, handy wipes of some kind and a fire extenquisher (it can turn an engine fire into an incovenience rather than a new vehicle).
And finally, take along a Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer for each state you intend to visit. They are comprehensive enough that you could move over land on foot with one if forced to (oh yeah, you should have a good compass with you too).